Vietnam has taken a significant step toward digital governance, and foreigners residing in the country are now officially included in this transformation.
According to Decree 59/2024/NĐ-CP, starting July 1, 2025, all foreign nationals who are legally residing in Vietnam must obtain a Level 2 VNeID (Vietnam Electronic Identification) to carry out key legal, administrative, and digital transactions. This is not just a convenience it is a legal requirement.
Why This Matters
The VNeID app, developed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, is a critical tool in the country’s national digital ID system. While Vietnamese citizens have already been using it for some time, foreigners were only formally included in mid-2024, with full enforcement set for 2025.
What makes this update urgent is that foreigners will not be able to access a wide range of services without Level 2 VNeID, including but not limited to:
- Extending visa or residence card
- Registering temporary residence
- Tax filing and customs declaration
- Opening bank accounts
- Registering mobile SIM cards
- Performing official business transactions, especially for FDI enterprises
Without a valid Level 2 VNeID, foreigners may face legal limitations, service rejections, and administrative delays.
Who Is Affected?
The regulation applies to:
- Foreigners aged 6 and above who are living in Vietnam
- Individuals holding temporary or permanent residence cards
- International legal representatives of FDI companies operating in Vietnam
The inclusion of foreign business representatives is particularly important. Digital services such as tax declarations or enterprise-level registration now require authentication through verified digital IDs, and in the case of foreign-owned companies, that identity must be tied to the company’s legal rep.
How to Register for Level 2 VNeID
Foreigners can follow this two-step process to get their Level 2 VNeID:
Step 1: Create a Level 1 VNeID Account
- Download the VNeID app (available on iOS and Android)
- Submit your passport number, personal info, and facial image
- Receive Level 1 approval via the app
Step 2: Upgrade to Level 2
- Visit your local Public Security Office (Immigration Division)
- Bring:
- Provide biometric data (fingerprint and facial scan)
- Processing time: 3–7 working days
After successful verification, your Level 2 VNeID account will be activated, giving you access to all required services.
Timeline & Enforcement
While the policy takes effect from July 1, 2025, authorities have announced a nationwide campaign from June 16 to August 19, 2025, to accelerate registration for foreigners. Enterprises are encouraged to ensure their foreign representatives complete registration during this window.
After this grace period, failure to comply may result in legal penalties, inability to submit declarations, or interruptions in essential services.
What This Means for FDI Enterprises
If your company is a foreign-invested enterprise (FDI) in Vietnam and your legal representative is a foreign national, their Level 2 VNeID is now a business-critical requirement.
Without it, the company cannot legally perform tasks such as:
- Submitting digital tax reports
- Processing customs documentation
- Accessing public service portals
- Handling online legal transactions
In short, your business operations could be disrupted.
Recommendations
- Foreign individuals should begin the process as early as possible to avoid long queues or delays during the enforcement phase.
- Companies with foreign legal representatives should:
- Professional support services are available to help guide foreigners through the process.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam is moving toward a fully digital administrative ecosystem, and Level 2 VNeID is the key to participation—for both individuals and enterprises.
Whether you’re a long-term expat, digital nomad, or managing an FDI business, now is the time to act.
Deadline: July 1, 2025 Action: Register and verify your Level 2 VNeID Impact: Unlock seamless access to all official services in Vietnam
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