VIETNAM: VNeID Eligibility Extended to a Wider Group of Foreign Nationals

Vietnam has expanded eligibility for personal VNeID accounts, allowing any foreign national who has legally entered or is legally residing in the country to apply. The change, enacted by Decree No. 320/2026/ND‑CP on 13 August 2026 and effective 28 September 2026, removes the previous requirement that applicants hold a Permanent Residence Card (PRC) or Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

Expanded eligibility

• Previous rule: Only holders of a PRC or TRC could obtain a personal VNeID account.
• New rule: All foreign nationals who are lawfully present in Vietnam—whether on a visa, work permit, or other permitted status—may apply for a VNeID.

Account levels and application process

• Level 1: Available to eligible individuals without the need for biometric verification.
• Level 2: Required for corporate purposes (e.g., registering a Business VNeID). Applicants aged 6 or older must:
  1. Book an in‑person appointment with the competent immigration authority (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City).
  2. Provide biometric data (facial image and fingerprints).
  3. Submit the application through the immigration authority.

A legal representative of a Vietnamese‑registered organization must hold a personal Level 2 VNeID before a Business VNeID can be created.

Impact on employers

• Since 1 June 2026, all organizations registered in Vietnam must use a Business VNeID to access the National Public Service Portal and the Ministry of Public Security portal.
• Previously, foreign legal representatives without a PRC or TRC could not obtain a personal VNeID, preventing the registration of a Business VNeID and blocking immigration filings.
• The eligibility expansion eliminates this bottleneck, allowing foreign‑national representatives to obtain the required Level 2 VNeID and complete filings.

Practical steps for employers

1. Verify the current Business VNeID status of the organization.
2. Confirm that the legal representative’s details are correctly registered.
3. Arrange the biometric appointment for a Level 2 personal VNeID if needed.
4. Anticipate possible implementation delays and allow additional lead time for filings through Q4 2026.
5. Monitor guidance issued by the immigration authorities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for any updates.

Additional Vietnam regulatory updates (summary)

• Foreign work permit handling reverted to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOHA).
• Business VNeID made mandatory for online immigration and administrative portals.
• Foreign worker application process updated.
• Consular legalization to be replaced by an apostille system.
• Decree 219 introduces new obligations for employers of foreign workers.

This information is provided for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice.

Source article: newlandchase.com