On August 13, 2026, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 320/2026/ND-CP, amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP on electronic identification and authentication. The new regulations will take effect on September 28, 2026.
One of the most significant changes is the expansion of eligibility for electronic identification accounts among foreigners in Vietnam.
Expanded Eligibility for Foreigners
From September 28, 2026, foreigners who legally enter Vietnam or legally reside in Vietnam may apply for an electronic identification account when needed.
Under the new regulations, holding a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card (PRC) is no longer a prerequisite for eligibility. This change allows a broader group of foreigners to access Vietnam’s electronic identification system.
Application Procedure
Foreigners must apply in person at the Immigration Management Authority of the provincial-level Police.
Applicants are required to:
- Present a valid passport or an international travel document;
- Complete the application form for an electronic identification account (Form TK01);
- Provide accurate personal information, including a registered mobile phone number and an email address, if available;
- Have their facial image and fingerprints collected for verification against the National Immigration Database; and
- Install and complete the required information on Vietnam’s national electronic identification application under the authority’s instructions.
For foreign applicants under 14 years old or those under guardianship or legal representation, the applicant must attend with their legal representative or guardian.
The application result will be delivered through the national electronic identification application, the applicant’s registered mobile phone number or email address.
Processing Time
The processing time for an electronic identification account is:
- No more than two working days if the applicant’s facial image and fingerprint information is already available in the National Immigration Database; or
- No more than five working days if this biometric information is not yet available.
Potential Benefits of Electronic Identification
An electronic identification account may help foreigners in Vietnam:
- Complete administrative procedures and access online public services;
- Conduct eligible transactions electronically;
- Store, integrate and use permitted information and documents through the national electronic identification application; and
- Receive notifications and communicate with competent government authorities through the application.
When information or documents have already been integrated into the national electronic identification application, authorities and relevant organizations generally must use the available electronic data instead of requesting the same original documents or copies again, subject to applicable law.
What Foreigners Should Do
Foreigners who are living, working or conducting business in Vietnam should review the new requirements and prepare the necessary documents before applying.
Applicants should ensure that their passport or international travel document remains valid and that the mobile phone number provided during registration is registered under their own name.
Legal reference: Decree No. 320/2026/ND-CP dated August 13, 2026, effective from September 28, 2026, amending Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP on electronic identification and authentication.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures and implementation requirements may be subject to further guidance from competent authorities.