Vietnam is expanding eligibility for its VNeID digital identity system on Monday, September 28, allowing a wider group of foreign nationals to apply for personal electronic identification accounts. Under the new rules, foreign nationals who have legally entered or are legally residing in Vietnam can apply for an account, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City providing guidance on the process.
The change comes under Decree No. 320/2026/ND-CP, which amends earlier rules governing electronic identification and authentication. Previously, access for foreign nationals was more limited because applicants generally needed certain residence cards.
The new system removes the requirement to hold a permanent or temporary residence card as a condition for obtaining a personal VNeID account. This means that more people who are legally present in Vietnam can use the digital identity system.
Digital identity has become increasingly important as governments move public services online. Instead of visiting government offices for every administrative procedure, people can increasingly use electronic systems to provide identification and access services.
For foreign nationals, the change could make administrative tasks easier. People living, studying, working or travelling legally in Vietnam may need to interact with government services for different reasons.
Hanoi is one of the two cities specifically identified in the guidance. The capital has a large foreign community that includes workers, students, diplomats, business visitors and other international residents.
The expansion is also relevant to employers. Businesses increasingly use digital government systems for administrative procedures, and some services require electronic identification.
The earlier restrictions created problems for people who were legally in Vietnam but did not have the specific residence cards needed for a VNeID account. The new rules are intended to reduce that gap.
VNeID is part of Vietnam’s wider digital transformation programme. The country has been developing digital government services and encouraging people to use electronic identification for administrative procedures.
Digital identification can also reduce paperwork. When a person’s identity is verified electronically, information can be used across different services instead of requiring repeated paper documents.
However, digital systems also require strong privacy and security measures. Government identity platforms contain sensitive personal information, so authorities need to protect accounts from fraud and unauthorised access.
For foreign users, understanding the application process will also be important. Different people may have different legal statuses and documents, so the exact requirements can depend on their circumstances.
The September 28 change does not mean that every foreign national automatically receives a VNeID account. Eligible people still need to apply and complete the required identification process.
The expansion is nevertheless a significant change because it widens access to the system. Foreign nationals who were previously unable to apply because they lacked certain residence documents may now have a route to obtain digital identification.
Hanoi’s role is important because the city is one of Vietnam’s largest centres for international residents and organisations. More digital access could make interactions between foreign residents and government agencies easier.
The change also reflects a broader trend in Vietnam toward digital public services. Government agencies are moving more procedures online, while businesses are increasingly using electronic systems.
For employers, universities and other organisations that work with foreign nationals, the new eligibility rules may simplify some administrative processes.
The long-term effect will depend on how widely foreign residents use the system and how effectively government agencies connect VNeID with public services.
The September 28 start is therefore an important step in expanding Vietnam’s digital identity programme. It gives more legally present foreign nationals the opportunity to participate in the country’s growing digital government system.
For Hanoi’s international community, the change could make everyday administration more convenient while also bringing foreign residents more fully into Vietnam’s digital public-service system.
