From September 28, 2026, regulations on electronic identification accounts for foreigners in Vietnam have many notable changes. According to Decree 320/2026/ND-CP dated August 13, 2026 of the Government, foreigners who legally enter Vietnam or are legally residing in Vietnam can be granted electronic identification accounts when needed.
This is a notable change compared to previous regulations, and also expands the ability to use digital utilities and electronic documents for foreigners who are studying, working, investing, traveling or living legally in Vietnam. Decree 320/2026/ND-CP takes effect from September 28, 2026.
Which foreigners are issued electronic identification accounts?
According to new regulations, foreigners who legally enter Vietnam or legally reside in Vietnam are granted electronic identification accounts when needed. Notably, the new regulations no longer limit subjects according to whether they have been granted a temporary residence card or a permanent residence card as previously prescribed.
This has practical implications for many groups of foreigners who are legally present in Vietnam, for example:
- Foreigners coming to Vietnam for tourism;
- Foreigners studying in Vietnam;
- Foreigners working in Vietnam;
- Investors and foreigners conducting business activities in Vietnam;
- Foreigners legally residing in Vietnam.
Electronic identity accounts of foreigners are also no longer divided into levels 1 and 2 as before.
How do foreigners register for an electronic identity account?
Foreigners who want to register for an electronic identification account must carry out the procedures at the Provincial Police Immigration Management Agency.
When carrying out the procedure, the registrant needs to:
- Present passport or valid international travel document;
- Declare information according to the form and instructions of the receiving agency;
- Provide the original mobile subscriber number;
- Provide email address if available;
- Take a photo of your face;
- Provide fingerprint to authenticate information.
The receiving agency will enter information into the electronic identification and authentication system, collect biometric data and guide foreigners to install and use the National Identification Application.
In case of foreigners under 14 years old
For foreigners under 14 years old, guardians or representative, the procedure is carried out with the representative or guardian according to regulations. The representative or guardian will use his or her original mobile subscription number to declare and register an account according to regulations.
How long does it take to issue electronic identification accounts to foreigners?
A notable point of Decree 320/2026/ND-CP is shortening the settlement period for foreigners.
Specifically:
| Biometric data status | Maximum processing time |
|---|---|
| There are already facial and fingerprint photos in the National Immigration Database | 02 working days |
| There are no facial and fingerprint photos in the National Immigration Database yet | 05 working days job |
Time limit is calculated according to regulations after the competent authority receives all valid documents. Compared to previous regulations, the processing time for foreigners’ electronic identification accounts is reduced from 03 days to 02 days in cases where biometric data is available, and from 07 days to 05 days in cases where biometric data is not available.
How are registration results announced?
Once verification and account issuance are completed, results can be communicated through:
- National Identification Application;
- Original registered mobile subscriber number;
- Email address provided.
Therefore, foreigners when registering should provide accurate contact information and regularly check the registered contact method to receive notifications.
What documents can foreigners integrate into the national identification application?
Decree 320/2026/ND-CP also expands the list of documents that can be updated and integrated on the National Identification Application.
For immigration, some notable documents include:
- Ordinary passport;
- Visa;
- Visa exemption certificate;
- Temporary residence card;
- Permanent residence card.
Integrating these types of documents helps increase the ability to exploit electronic information in the process of carrying out administrative procedures and transactions according to regulations.
Since documents have been integrated into the application, do I still have to present paper copies?
This is one of the notable changes of Decree 320/2026/ND-CP. According to the new regulations, when information or documents have been integrated on the National Identification Application, agencies, organizations and individuals when receiving and handling administrative procedures, public services, civil transactions and other activities are not required to submit or present originals or copies of the integrated papers and documents, according to the regulations.
This can help reduce the need to carry and present multiple documents in cases where electronic information has been integrated and can be exploited according to regulations.
Will eID accounts replace immigration and residence regulations?
No. Being granted an electronic identity account does not mean that foreigners are exempt from obligations related to immigration, residence and temporary residence declaration.
Foreigners must still comply with current legal regulations on:
- Passport and travel documents;
- Visa or residence documents;
- Permitted period in Vietnam;
- Declare temporary residence;
- Other regulations related to immigration and residence.
An electronic identity account is a tool for identification, authentication and transactions in the electronic environment, and does not automatically replace documents or legal conditions on immigration and residence.
When will the new regulations officially take effect?
Decree 320/2026/ND-CP was issued by the Government on August 13, 2026 and takes effect from September 28, 2026. The Decree amends and supplements a number of provisions of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP on electronic identification and authentication.
Therefore, foreigners who are or are planning to enter, study, work, invest or reside legally in Vietnam should pay attention to the date September 28, 2026 to apply the new regulations.
Points foreigners need to note from September 28, 2026
Important changes can be summarized as follows:
First, expand the subjects eligible for accounts.
Foreigners who enter legally or reside legally in Vietnam can register for an electronic identity account when needed.
Second, there is no longer classification of foreigners’ accounts according to level 1 and level 2.
Third, the resolution time is shortened.
Up to 02 working days if facial image and fingerprint data are available; Maximum 05 working days if biometric data is not available.
Fourth, expand the ability to integrate documents.
Some documents related to immigration such as passports, visas, visa exemption papers, temporary residence cards and permanent residence cards can be integrated and updated on the National Identification Application.
Fifth, increase the ability to use electronic documents in procedures and transactions.
Once documents have been integrated, agencies, organizations and individuals are not required to re-present the original or copy of that document in cases within the scope of regulations.
From September 28, 2026, foreigners entering or legally residing in Vietnam will have more options to use electronic identity accounts to authenticate their identities and access utilities in the digital environment.
Most notable is the expansion of subjects eligible for accounts, shortening the processing time to a maximum of 02 or 05 working days depending on the status of biometric data, and increasing the ability to integrate immigration-related documents on the National Identification Application.
However, an electronic identity account does not replace regulations on visa, residence, temporary residence declaration and entry and exit conditions. Foreigners still need to ensure legal entry and residence status during their stay in Vietnam.
