Level 2 Electronic ID for Foreigners in Vietnam: Complete 2025 Guide

Level 2 Electronic ID for foreigners in Vietnam is a mandatory digital identification system that provides foreign residents with banking access, online government services, and electronic document storage through the VNeID app—equivalent to passport validity for official transactions and required for all residents with temporary or permanent residence cards.

From July 1, 2025, Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security launched a comprehensive 50-day campaign to issue Level 2 electronic identification (eID) accounts to all foreign nationals holding valid residence permits. This nationwide initiative runs until August 19, 2025, and represents a significant step in Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy.

For foreign residents in Vietnam, this digital identification system offers immediate benefits: streamlined banking transactions, simplified rental agreements, faster access to public services, and secure storage of official documents. The Level 2 eID serves as a digital equivalent to your passport for most administrative procedures, eliminating the need to carry physical documents for many transactions.

This comprehensive guide covers eligibility requirements, the complete 5-step application process, required documents, processing timelines, and practical benefits that make the Level 2 eID essential for modern life in Vietnam.

What is Level 2 Electronic ID and Why Do Foreigners Need It in Vietnam?

Level 2 Electronic ID is a government-issued digital identification system that stores your personal information, biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition), and official documents in a secure national database accessible through the VNeID mobile application—providing legal equivalent status to physical passports for official transactions.

Under Decree 69/2024/ND-CP, effective July 1, 2024, Level 2 eID accounts contain comprehensive personal information including passport details, residence card information, facial images, and fingerprint biometrics. Unlike Level 1 accounts that only provide basic identification, Level 2 accounts offer full authentication capabilities for financial and legal transactions.

Key Differences Between Level 1 and Level 2 Electronic ID

Level 1 eID:

• Basic personal information only
• Self-registration through VNeID app
• Used for accessing limited government services and basic identity verification
• No biometric authentication required

Level 2 eID:

• Complete personal profile with fingerprint biometrics
• In-person registration at immigration offices required
• Legally equivalent to passport for official transactions
• Full access to banking, rental, and government services

Essential Benefits for Foreign Residents

The Level 2 eID transforms daily life for foreign residents by providing:

Financial Services Access:

• Bank account opening and verification without physical passport
• Online banking authentication and transaction approvals
• Investment account setup and management
• Insurance policy applications and claims

Real Estate and Housing:

• Simplified rental agreement registration
• Property viewing and lease negotiations
• Utility service connections
• Address registration with local authorities

Government Services:

• Streamlined administrative procedures with reduced paperwork
• Tax filing and compliance management
• Work permit and visa extension processes
• Healthcare service access and insurance claims

Digital Document Storage:

• Electronic residence card storage within VNeID app
• Official document backup and verification
• Secure access to personal records
• Emergency document replacement facilitation

Who is Eligible for Level 2 Electronic ID in Vietnam?

All foreign nationals aged 6 years and older who hold valid permanent residence cards or temporary residence cards issued by Vietnamese authorities are eligible to apply for Level 2 electronic ID accounts, with applications processed through designated immigration offices under the Ministry of Public Security.

Primary Eligibility Requirements

According to Article 7.2 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP, the following categories of foreigners are eligible for Level 2 eID accounts:

Permanent Residents:

• Foreigners holding valid permanent residence cards (thẻ thường trú)
• Long-term residents with established community ties
• Retirees and long-term investors in Vietnam

Temporary Residents:

• Foreigners with temporary residence cards (thẻ tạm trú)
• Work permit holders and their dependents
• Students enrolled in Vietnamese educational institutions
• Spouses of Vietnamese citizens

Business Representatives:

• Legal representatives of Vietnamese companies requiring corporate eID registration
• Foreign investors and business owners
• Directors and authorized signatories

Special Considerations for Minors

Children Under 6 Years:

• Foreign children under 6 years old are eligible for Level 1 eID accounts only
• Registration must be completed through parent or guardian accounts
• Limited service access compared to Level 2 accounts

Children 6-14 Years:

• Must be accompanied by guardian or legal representative during registration
• Require separate mobile phone number not linked to any existing eID account
• Guardian must use verified mobile number for application completion

Ineligible Categories

Temporary Visitors:

• Tourists and short-term visitors
• Business travelers without residence permits
• Transit passengers and temporary entrants

Pending Applications:

• Individuals with residence card applications under review
• Those with expired residence permits awaiting renewal
• Foreign nationals with legal status issues

How to Apply for Level 2 Electronic ID: Complete 5-Step Process

The Level 2 eID application requires in-person visits to designated immigration offices, typically taking 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on queue length, with a standardized 5-step process that includes document verification, biometric collection, and system registration completed within 3-7 working days.

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents and Information

Before visiting the immigration office, ensure you have:

Mandatory Documents:

• Valid passport or international travel document
• Current temporary residence card or permanent residence card
• Completed Form TK01 as specified in Decree 69/2024/ND-CP

Essential Information:

• Active Vietnamese mobile phone number registered under your name
• Email address (optional but recommended)
• Current residential address in Vietnam
• Emergency contact information

Important Note: Company-provided or unregistered mobile numbers will not be accepted—you must have a personal mobile number active on your device to receive OTP verification.

Step 2: Visit Designated Immigration Office

Office Locations:

• Immigration Department under Ministry of Public Security (central level)
• Provincial-level Public Security Department immigration offices
• Note: Vietnam reorganized from 63 to 34 provinces—verify your correct jurisdiction before visiting

Timing and Preparation:

• Arrive early to secure queue number—no appointment system currently available
• Processing time: 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on queue length
• Bring Vietnamese-speaking interpreter if needed for complex questions
• Allow for potential second visit if office is extremely busy

Step 3: Document Verification and Form Submission

Immigration officers will verify your passport and residence card authenticity, then guide you through completing Form TK01 with accurate personal information, mobile phone number, and email address.

Verification Process:

• Document authenticity checks against national databases
• Residence status confirmation and validity verification
• Personal information cross-referencing
• Mobile number ownership verification through OTP

Form TK01 Completion:

• Form available in both Vietnamese and English
• Personal details matching passport and residence card exactly
• Contact information for result notifications
• Additional services integration requests (optional)

Step 4: Biometric Data Collection

Photography Requirements:

• Professional portrait photo taken on-site using designated cameras
• Facial recognition system integration
• Quality standards for database matching

Fingerprint Collection:

• Complete fingerprint set collected by trained officers
• Biometric verification against National Immigration Database
• Quality assurance for future authentication

Consent Confirmation:

• Explicit consent required for eID account creation and data processing
• Privacy rights acknowledgment
• Data usage agreement acceptance

Step 5: Application Submission and Result Notification

The immigration office submits your completed application to the electronic identification and authentication management authority, with results delivered via VNeID app, registered mobile number, or email address.

Processing Timeline:

• 3 working days if biometric data already exists in national database
• 7 working days if new biometric data collection required
• Additional verification may extend timeline in complex cases

Result Delivery Methods:

• VNeID mobile application notification
• SMS to registered mobile number
• Email notification to provided address
• Account activation credentials including Level 2 eID code, password, and OTP information

Required Documents and Preparation Checklist

All applicants must present original documents with current validity status—photocopies are not accepted for initial verification, and missing any mandatory document will result in application rejection requiring a return visit to the immigration office.

Mandatory Documentation

Primary Identity Documents:

• Valid Passport: Must have minimum 6 months remaining validity
• International Travel Document: For stateless individuals or special circumstances
• Current Residence Card: Temporary or permanent residence card in good standing

Supplementary Requirements:

• Form TK01: Official application form per Decree 69/2024/ND-CP specifications
• Mobile Phone Verification: Active Vietnamese SIM card registered under applicant’s name
• Contact Information: Email address for notifications (recommended)

Document Preparation Tips

Validity Verification:

• Check passport expiration dates and page availability
• Verify residence card authenticity and current status
• Ensure mobile number is active and accessible during application

Language Considerations:

• Form TK01 available in Vietnamese and English versions
• Prepare translation assistance for complex requirements
• Bring Vietnamese-speaking friend or professional interpreter

Backup Documentation:

• Carry digital copies of important documents
• Prepare alternative contact information
• Have embassy contact details for emergency situations

Special Cases and Additional Requirements

Children Under 14:

• Guardian must provide separate mobile number not linked to existing eID accounts
• Legal guardianship documentation required
• Both guardian and child must be present during application

Business Representatives:

• Corporate authorization letters
• Business registration certificates
• Board resolution for eID application authority

Name Changes and Updates:

• Marriage certificates for surname changes
• Legal name change documentation
• Previous passport records showing name evolution

Processing Time and What to Expect

Processing timelines range from 3-7 working days depending on whether your biometric data already exists in Vietnam’s national immigration database, with most applicants receiving account activation details within one week of successful application submission.

Standard Processing Timeline

Fast Track Processing (3 Working Days):

• Applicants with existing facial photos and fingerprints in National Immigration Database
• Previous work permit or residence card holders
• Return applicants with updated documentation
• Straightforward cases without verification complications

Standard Processing (7 Working Days):

• First-time applicants without existing biometric data in national systems
• New foreign residents to Vietnam
• Complex verification requirements
• Additional document authentication needed

Extended Processing (Up to 15 Days):

• Cases requiring additional verification due to missing data in national databases
• Unusual circumstances or documentation issues
• System technical difficulties or backlog situations
• Complex legal status verification requirements

Account Activation Process

Immediate Steps After Approval:

• Account activation must be completed within 7 days of receiving notification
• Download VNeID application from official app stores only (Download here: VNeID for IOS | VNeID for Android)
• Avoid downloading VNeID via .apk files or unknown sources due to malware risks

Activation Requirements:

• Level 2 eID code, password, and OTP credentials provided via SMS or email
• Mobile device with current operating system
• Stable internet connection for initial setup
• Contact reception hotline if activation not completed within 7-day deadline

Current Campaign Benefits

50-Day Intensive Campaign (July 1 – August 19, 2025):

• Additional staff and expanded service counters for faster processing
• Extended operating hours at major immigration offices
• Dedicated information drives to help foreigners understand benefits and procedures
• Priority processing for campaign period applicants

System Performance Improvements:

• Over 62 million Vietnamese citizens already using VNeID with 3-6 million daily logins
• Proven infrastructure stability and reliability
• Successful pilot program with 333 foreign applications completed before campaign launch

Common Challenges and Practical Solutions

The most frequent challenges faced by foreign applicants include mobile phone registration difficulties, language barriers during the application process, and technology system interruptions—each requiring specific preparation strategies for successful application completion.

Mobile Phone and Communication Issues

Challenge: Phone Number Registration Problems

• Many foreigners don’t have personal Vietnamese mobile numbers registered under their names
• Company-provided numbers are not accepted for personal eID applications
• Children aged 6-14 require separate phone numbers not linked to any existing eID account

Solutions:

• Visit telecommunications provider to register personal mobile number before eID application
• Ensure number is active and can receive OTP messages during application
• For children: register additional family mobile number specifically for their eID account
• Immigration departments coordinate with telecommunications agencies to provide reasonable registration solutions

Language and Communication Barriers

Challenge: Limited Vietnamese Language Skills

• Staff must use translation support tools and patiently explain processes to foreigners from many countries using different languages
• Technical terminology in forms and procedures
• Complex administrative requirements and legal language

Solutions:

• Bring fluent Vietnamese speaker to help navigate various application steps
• Use professional translation services or suitable translation apps for Form TK01 completion
• Immigration departments provide online support channels and guidance for self-registration assistance
• Download and review Form TK01 in advance to prepare responses

Technology and System Difficulties

Challenge: Technical System Interruptions

• Data transmission and systems sometimes unstable, leading to interruptions in information collection
• VNeID app performance inconsistencies
• Network connectivity issues during busy periods

Solutions:

• Immigration departments work closely with authorities to improve transmission systems and troubleshoot technical problems
• Plan for potential return visits if system issues prevent completion
• Avoid peak hours for better system performance
• Ensure stable internet connection on personal devices

Information Updates and Changes

Challenge: Document and Personal Information Updates

• Passport renewals or personal information changes (such as women taking husband’s surname after marriage) require timely account updates
• Difficulty updating eID accounts with new information
• Administrative burden for frequent document changes

Solutions:

• Notify immigration authorities immediately of any document changes
• Immigration departments implement creative and effective solutions to ensure progress of electronic identification issuance
• Keep digital copies of all document updates
• Plan document renewals around eID application timelines when possible

Queue Management and Wait Times

Challenge: Long Processing Times and Crowded Offices

• Processing time varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on queue length
• No pre-appointment system available—first-come, first-served basis
• Potential need for return visits during busy periods

Solutions:

• Arrive early to get queue number and minimize wait times
• Immigration offices provide queue numbers twice daily at beginning of morning and afternoon sessions
• Consider visiting during non-peak hours or less busy weekdays
• Prepare for potential overnight completion if initial visit cannot be finished

Benefits and Digital Services Access

Level 2 eID provides immediate access to comprehensive digital services including secure banking authentication, streamlined government procedures, simplified rental agreements, and electronic document storage—transforming daily administrative tasks from hours-long processes into minutes-long digital transactions.

Financial Services Integration

Banking and Investment Access:

• Streamlined bank account opening and verification processes without requiring physical passport presentation
• Digital authentication for online banking transactions and transfers
• Direct data connections with 12 major Vietnamese banks requiring user consent before information sharing
• Investment account setup and securities trading authorization
• Insurance policy applications and claims processing

Digital Payment Systems:

• Mobile payment platform registration and verification
• E-commerce account authentication and purchase verification
• International money transfer services access
• Cryptocurrency exchange registration (where legally permitted)

Government Services Streamlining

Administrative Procedure Benefits:

• Simplified online administrative procedures with reduced paperwork and direct contact requirements
• Tax filing and compliance management through integrated systems
• Work permit extensions and visa renewals with digital verification
• Social insurance registration and benefit claims

Public Service Access:

• Faster access to public services including healthcare, education, and social programs
• Digital appointment scheduling for government offices
• Online form submission and status tracking
• Emergency service registration and contact

Real Estate and Housing Services

Rental Market Advantages:

• Simplified rental agreement registration and verification with landlords
• Digital lease signing and contract management
• Utility service connections and billing management
• Property viewing appointment scheduling

Property Investment:

• Foreign ownership verification for eligible property types
• Investment property registration and management
• Real estate transaction authentication
• Property tax payment and compliance tracking

Digital Document Management

Electronic Storage Benefits:

• Secure storage of electronic residence cards and legal documents within VNeID app
• Backup and recovery services for important documentation
• Digital verification of official documents without physical copies
• Emergency document replacement facilitation

Integration with National Systems:

• Seamless integration with National Public Service Portal and ministerial information systems
• Cross-agency data sharing with explicit user consent
• Unified digital identity across all government interactions
• Enhanced security through biometric authentication

Privacy and Security Features

Data Protection Measures:

• Individual consent required for any data uploads or sharing with third parties
• Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Decree of 2023 governs collection, storage, and processing of biometric data
• User-controlled document integration and sharing permissions
• Right to cancel data integration requests and be informed about data usage purposes

Authentication Security:

• Multi-factor authentication using biometric data
• Secure access protocols for sensitive transactions
• Real-time fraud detection and prevention
• Emergency account suspension capabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Level 2 Electronic ID Mandatory for Foreigners in Vietnam?

Level 2 eID registration is not mandatory for foreigners as it is issued upon request according to Article 7.2 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP. However, registration is strongly encouraged to facilitate access to digital administrative services, banking, and civil transactions. Many services increasingly require digital authentication, making eID practically necessary for modern life in Vietnam.

Can I Use VNeID App to Replace My Physical Passport?

For foreigners residing in Vietnam, Level 2 eID accounts are legally equivalent to passports for transactions requiring passport presentation, and help provide information from personal documents synchronized in eID accounts for verification by competent authorities. However, many services still require physical documents as backup due to Vietnam’s digital infrastructure not being fully digitized.

What Happens If My Mobile Number Changes After Registration?

Updating personal information such as mobile numbers requires timely notification to immigration authorities, though the process has not always been implemented immediately. Contact the Immigration Department or use VNeID app support channels to update contact information and prevent service interruptions.

How Long Does the eID Account Remain Valid?

All information about eID, eID cards, and integrated account information is permanently stored in the electronic identification and authentication system. Account validity typically corresponds to your residence card validity period, with renewal required when residence status changes or expires.

Can I Access VNeID Services While Traveling Outside Vietnam?

The EIA management agency shall connect, share, and authenticate data for eID subjects to use their eID accounts in other countries under treaties to which Vietnam is a contracting party. Current international access capabilities vary by destination country and specific service requirements.

What Should I Do If My eID Application Is Rejected?

Application rejections typically result from incomplete documentation, invalid residence status, or technical verification issues. Formal notification is issued explaining rejection reasons with guidance for reapplication. Contact the immigration office directly to understand specific requirements for successful resubmission.

Are There Any Fees for Level 2 eID Registration?

The Level 2 eID registration procedure is free of charge during the current campaign period. This includes all application processing, biometric collection, and account setup services provided by immigration authorities.

Level 2 Electronic ID represents Vietnam’s commitment to digital transformation and international integration, offering foreign residents unprecedented convenience in daily administrative and financial activities. With strong government leadership and cooperation from agencies and localities, this policy enhances state management effectiveness while ensuring foreigners’ legitimate rights and promoting a transparent, safe, and friendly image of digital Vietnam.

The 50-day intensive campaign running until August 19, 2025, provides optimal conditions for foreign residents to complete their registration with expanded services and dedicated support. Early registrants report satisfaction with the efficient process and clear guidance from immigration officers, making this an ideal time to secure your digital identity in Vietnam.

For foreign residents planning long-term stays in Vietnam, Level 2 eID is no longer optional but essential for full participation in the country’s rapidly digitalizing economy and society. This initiative represents an inevitable step forward in line with modern governance trends and national digital transformation requirements.

The benefits extend far beyond convenience—Level 2 eID provides security, integration, and the sense of belonging that many foreign residents value as they build their lives in Vietnam. Take advantage of the current campaign period to ensure seamless access to all digital services Vietnam offers its international community.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on current regulations. For specific cases or complex situations, consult directly with Vietnamese immigration authorities or qualified legal professionals. Regulations and procedures may change without notice.