Following our previous article on the introduction of VNeID, Vietnam’s national electronic identification platform, for foreign nationals, we believe it is important to keep our readers updated as Vietnam’s digital transformation continues to accelerate. The VNeID system plays a central role in this process. While it has long been mandatory for Vietnamese citizens, it is now increasingly being extended to foreigners, especially those holding a valid Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card (PRC).
As with many nationwide digital systems, implementation for foreign residents is still evolving.
This article provides a practical and up‑to‑date guide to VNeID for foreigners in Vietnam, including current registration requirements, how to update information after receiving a new TRC, and what changes are expected in the near future.
What Is VNeID and Why It Matters for Foreigners?
VNeID is a government‑issued electronic identity managed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security. It is designed to digitize identity verification and enable access to public services through a centralized platform.
For foreign residents in Vietnam, it is expected to play an increasingly important role in:
- Administrative and immigration procedures
- Access to online public services
- Identity verification with government authorities
- Reduced reliance on physical Identity, work permit and immigration documents for example with Airlines for Domestic travel
In the long term, the VNeID system aims to consolidate immigration, residency, and identification data into a unified digital database, similar to national digital ID systems used in other countries.
Current VNeID Registration Requirements for Foreigners
Registration for Foreigners Requires an In‑Person Immigration Visit
Despite the push for digitalization, initial registration for foreigners currently requires an in-person visit. Unlike citizens who may have biometric data already linked to chip-based ID cards, foreign nationals must have their data captured fresh by the Immigration Department.
Foreigners registering for the first time must:
- Appear in person at the Immigration Department
- Present original immigration documents, including:
- Passport
- Valid TRC or PRC
- Having a Vietnam phone number registered to their name
- Complete biometric data collection (photo and fingerprints, where applicable)
Updating VNeID: New Passports and TRC Renewals
One of the most common questions from foreign residents concerns updating VNeID information after receiving a new passport and TRC. Typical questions include:
- “I have a new passport and a new TRC, will my documents be automatically updated on my VNeID app?
- “Do I need to visit Immigration again in person?”
- “Is there any online option for updating my documents on my VNeID app?”
At this stage, VNeID updates for foreigners are unfortunately not automated. Manual Updates remain the norm
- Manual Updates: Any change in passport or TRC requires manual update at the Immigration Department.
- The “Collection” Hack: If a foreign resident receives a new passport and a corresponding new TRC, the VNeID update can often be submitted at the time of passport and TRC collection.
- Employer Assistance: Our team along with authorized local HR staff can assist and handle the update documentation when collecting a newly issued TRC card. This means the foreigner may not need to appear in person again.
Future Outlook: What to Expect in Late 2026 and Beyond
Although current procedures remain manual, clear signs indicate that further automation is under development.
Vietnamese authorities appear to be working on:
- Linking Immigration databases with the national VNeID system
- Reducing duplicate data entry across platforms
- Automatically syncing updated information once a TRC is issued or renewed
What Foreigners Can Expect in the Future
Based on the direction of current reforms, it is reasonable to expect:
- ✅ Automatic Data Syncing: Linking the Immigration database directly with the VNeID platform so that a new TRC issuance triggers an automatic app update.
- ✅ Fewer required in‑person visits to Immigration
- ✅ Wider Acceptance: Expect VNeID to be accepted at domestic airports for identity verification and by local police for residency registration (tạm trú).
Resident Vietnam will continue to monitor developments closely and support clients and partners throughout this process.
Need Guidance on VNeID?
Our team advises and assists foreign nationals and companies in Vietnam on VNeID registration requirements, document update and immigration compliance procedures
Contact Resident Vietnam for more Details!
