Vietnam Launches Level 2 Electronic ID For Foreigners
Vietnam has officially launched the issuance of Level 2 Electronic Identification (E-ID) accounts for foreigners residing in the country, effective July 1, 2025. This significant policy, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Security, is set to transform the administrative experience for foreign nationals, making it more convenient, secure, and user-friendly, while simultaneously enhancing state management efficiency.
Why Level 2 E-ID for Foreigners?
As Vietnam rapidly integrates globally, the number of foreigners residing, studying, working, and traveling in the country continues to grow. This has increased the demand for convenient, transparent, and secure access to public administrative services, particularly those related to immigration and residence.
- Benefits for Foreigners:
- Simplified Procedures: Enables easy online completion of administrative procedures, reducing time, paperwork, and the need for direct contact.
- Authenticity & Protection: Ensures authenticity in transactions and safeguards legal rights during their stay in Vietnam.
- Digital Utilities: Facilitates use of various digital conveniences:
- Verifying information for bank transactions.
- Registering rental accommodation.
- Using public services.
- Storing electronic residence cards and other legal documents on the VNeID application.
- Benefits for Management Agencies:
- Unified Digital Profiles: Creates consistent and comprehensive “digital dossiers” for each foreign individual.
Enhanced Efficiency: Improves the effectiveness of verification, authentication, residence management, and helps prevent/handle violations.
Eligibility and Application Process
The issuance of Level 2 E-ID accounts for foreigners is based on Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP (effective July 1, 2024) and Decision No. 5349/QD-BCA-C06 (issued July 19, 2024) by the Ministry of Public Security.
- Eligibility: Foreigners who have been granted permanent residence cards or temporary residence cards in Vietnam.
- Implementing Agencies: Primarily the Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) and the Administrative Management Police Department for Social Order (Cục Cảnh sát Quản lý hành chính về trật tự xã hội) under the Ministry of Public Security.
- Required Data: Personal information, passport/international travel document number, permanent/temporary residence card, portrait photo, and biometric data (fingerprints).
5-Step Application Procedure:
Step 1: Visit Authority: Foreigner goes to an Immigration Management Agency under the Ministry of Public Security (Central or Provincial level).
Step 2: Present Documents & Provide Info: Present passport/international travel document. Provide complete and accurate information on the E-ID Account Request Form (TK01), including official mobile number, email (if any), and other details for VNeID integration.
Step 3: Biometric Capture: The receiving officer inputs information, captures facial photos and fingerprints, verifies them against the National Immigration Database, and confirms consent for E-ID registration.
Step 4: Request Submission: The Immigration Management Agency sends the E-ID request to the E-ID and Authentication Management Agency.
Step 5: Result Notification: The E-ID and Authentication Management Agency notifies the result via the VNeID application, registered mobile number, or email.
- Processing Time:
- Up to 3 working days: If facial photo and fingerprint information already exist in the National Immigration Database.
- Up to 7 working days: If facial photo and fingerprint information are NOT yet in the database.
- Working Hours: Administrative hours, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Strategic Importance and Implementation Efforts
- Pilot Program Success: Prior to July 1, the Immigration Department conducted a pilot program, processing 333 applications smoothly, demonstrating the system’s readiness.
- 50-Day Campaign: A special 50-day campaign for E-ID issuance to foreigners is running from July 1 to August 19, 2025, aimed at raising awareness and facilitating applications.
- Enhanced State Management: This initiative is a crucial step in administrative procedure reform and national digital transformation. It will improve state management efficiency, protect foreigners’ legal rights, and promote Vietnam’s image as a transparent, secure, and friendly digital nation.
This move aligns with Vietnam’s broader digital transformation goals, creating a more seamless and secure environment for foreigners living, working, and visiting the country.
How Henrison Law Can Assist
The introduction of Level 2 Electronic ID for foreigners is a significant development with implications for how foreign nationals will interact with administrative and financial services in Vietnam. Understanding this new system and its requirements is essential for ensuring smooth residency and operations.
Henrison Law provides expert legal guidance and practical assistance to foreigners and businesses employing foreign staff on these new regulations:
- Comprehensive Application Support: We can accompany you or your employees to the Immigration Management Agency and provide hands-on assistance throughout the entire 5-step E-ID application process, ensuring all forms are correctly filled, documents are properly presented, and procedures are smoothly executed.
- E-ID Application Guidance: We offer clear guidance on the eligibility criteria and step-by-step process for obtaining your Level 2 E-ID.
- Residence & Immigration Law: Advising on the interrelation between E-ID and temporary/permanent residence cards, and overall immigration compliance.
- Digital Administrative Procedures: Guidance on leveraging the VNeID application for various public services and transactions once the E-ID is obtained.
- Data Privacy & Security: Advising on the legal aspects of data collection and usage related to E-ID for foreigners.
- Corporate Compliance for Employers: Assisting companies with foreign employees in understanding how these E-ID requirements impact their workforce management and compliance.
Ensure a smooth transition and full compliance with Vietnam’s evolving digital administrative landscape. Contact Henrison Law today for tailored legal advice and direct, on-the-ground support to take care of the entire E-ID procedure for you or your team.
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