In the context of Vietnam’s national digital transformation, the use of electronic identification (e-ID) accounts has become an essential requirement for both individuals and organizations in administrative, financial, and commercial transactions. In particular, for foreigners serving as legal representatives of Vietnamese enterprises, understanding the procedures for obtaining an e-ID account is crucial to ensure smooth and lawful business operations.
1. Eligible Applicants for an e-ID Account
According to Clauses 2 and 3, Article 7 of Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP:
- Foreigners aged 6 years or older who have been granted a permanent or temporary residence card in Vietnam are eligible for a level-1 e-ID account and a level-2 e-ID account upon request.
- Foreigners under 6 years old with a permanent or temporary residence card in Vietnam may be issued a level-1 e-ID account upon request.
- Agencies and organizations established or registered to operate in Vietnam may be issued an e-ID account, regardless of account level.
Therefore, foreigners with lawful residence in Vietnam are eligible for e-ID accounts. For agencies and organizations, the key condition is a valid establishment or registration license.
2. Procedures for Issuing an e-ID Account to Foreigners
For a Level-1 e-ID Account
Foreigners may apply online via the National e-ID Application:
- Download and install the National e-ID Application on a digital device.
- Enter passport details or other international travel documents, along with an email address or registered mobile number (if any), and provide the required information as instructed on the application.
- Capture and submit a facial photo using a digital device, and send the application request via the National e-ID Application.
- The e-ID and authentication authority will notify the applicant of the registration result via the application, the registered mobile number, or email.
- Processing time: No more than 01 working day (Point a, Clause 3, Article 13 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP).
For a Level-2 e-ID Account
Foreigners must apply in person at the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security or the provincial-level police office:
- Present a passport or other international travel document and request a level-2 e-ID account.
- Complete the application form TK01 (attached to Decree 69/2024/ND-CP), providing the registered mobile number, email (if any), and other information to be integrated into the National e-ID Application.
- Officials will input the provided information into the e-ID system, capture a facial photo and fingerprints, and verify them against the national immigration database.
- The immigration authority will forward the request to the e-ID and authentication authority for processing.
- The result will be notified via the National e-ID Application, mobile number, or email.
- Processing time:
- No more than 3 working days if biometric data (facial image, fingerprints) already exists in the national immigration database.
- No more than 7 working days if such data is not yet available (Points b and c, Clause 3, Article 13 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP).
3. Procedures for Issuing an e-ID Account to Agencies and Organizations
Step 1: Submitting the Request
- Online submission: The legal representative, head of the agency/organization, or an authorized person (using their level-2 e-ID account) logs into the National e-ID Application, fills in the required details, and submits a request.
- Note: If an organization has multiple legal representatives, all must consent.
- In-person submission: The legal representative, head, or authorized person completes Form TK02 (attached to Decree 69/2024/ND-CP) and submits it at the e-ID and authentication authority, or at a local police office.
Step 2: Verification of Information
The e-ID and authentication authority verifies organizational details against the National Business Registration Database and other relevant databases. If information is unavailable, further verification will be conducted.
Step 3: Notification of Results
The results will be sent to the legal representative, head, or authorized person via the National e-ID Application, mobile number, or email.
If the application is denied, notification will be issued in writing, by text message, or through the applicant’s e-ID account.
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1. Lawyer Vu Thi Phuong Thanh, Ha Noi Bar Association
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Nguyen Duong Anh Vu