As digital transformation accelerates, electronic identification (e-ID) has become an essential requirement for businesses in Vietnam—particularly when carrying out administrative procedures, filing taxes, or using digital signatures. However, complications can arise when a company’s legal representative is a foreign national. Can the business still obtain an e-ID? What are the procedures, and are there any legal barriers?
This article explores the key issues surrounding electronic identification registration for companies with foreign legal representatives, the applicable legal framework in Vietnam, and practical solutions to help your business stay compliant while operating smoothly.
1. Is an Electronic Business Identification Account Mandatory for Online Administrative Procedures Starting from July 1, 2025?
From July 1, 2025, businesses in Vietnam are required to obtain an electronic identification (e-ID) account in order to carry out online administrative procedures.
The e-ID account serves as a centralized management tool for State authorities, enabling transparent information exchange, connection, and oversight of businesses. Identity data and other relevant information are permanently stored and integrated into the account within the government system.
According to Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP (“Decree 69”), all enterprises—regardless of whether they are domestically owned or foreign-invested—must complete the registration for an e-ID account before July 1, 2025. The implementation of electronic identification is expected to help businesses save time and costs, streamline their interactions with government agencies, and enhance data security.
The enterprise e-ID account will completely replace the accounts currently created via the National Public Service Portal and will become the sole method for businesses to carry out online administrative procedures and access public services in the digital environment.
2. Requirements for Registering a Company e-ID Account When the Legal Representative Is a Foreigner
To register a company’s electronic identification (e-ID) account in Vietnam, the process must be carried out by the company’s legal representative or by an authorized person acting on their behalf. However, the legal representative is still required to possess a Level 2 personal e-ID account (VNeID), regardless of who submits the registration.
Key requirements for registering a company e-ID:
- The legal representative must use their Level 2 VNeID account to access the National e-Identification Application (VNeID), input the required information, and submit the registration request.
- Consent from all other legal representatives (if the company has more than one) must be obtained before submission.
- This requirement is based on Article 12.1 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP.
- For Vietnamese legal representatives: They must hold a valid Citizen ID card or personal ID card.
- For foreign legal representatives: They must possess a valid Permanent Residence Card or Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam.
Even if the legal representative authorizes someone else to submit the registration request on their behalf, they themselves must still have a Level 2 VNeID account.
3. Procedures for granting level 2 e-identification accounts to foreigners residing in Vietnam
| STT | Category | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Receiving agency | Immigration Department or Immigration Management Agency of Police of provinces and centrally-run cities |
| 2 | Subscribers | Foreigners who have been granted permanent residence cards or temporary residence cards in Vietnam. |
| 3 | How to apply | Direct |
| 4 | Components of the dossier | i. Application form for electronic identification account (form TK01 issued together with Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP). ii. Passport (or equivalent legal document). iii. Permanent residence or temporary residence card of foreigners. iv. Other information to prepare: • Owner’s phone number; • Email address (if any); • Other information is proposed to be integrated into the electronic identification account. |
| 5 | Fees and charges | Not applicable to the procedure. Identification photo fee: 30,000 VND. |
| 6 | Result | Level 02 e-identification account |
4. Why the Company Should Sign Up for an e-ID
- Mandatory from July 1, 2025 for all online administrative procedures, replacing the current National Public Service Portal account.
- Official digital identity issued and recognized by the Government.
- Save time and costs by submitting documents, signing, and handling procedures digitally—no hard copies needed.
- Ensure legal compliance and transparency, avoid disruptions in transactions after the deadline.
- Enable legally valid e-signatures, supporting efficient and streamlined internal operations.
With the July 1, 2025 deadline approaching, obtaining an electronic identification (e-ID) account is no longer optional for businesses in Vietnam – it is a legal and operational necessity. While companies with foreign legal representatives may face additional procedural steps, these are manageable with proper preparation and understanding of the legal framework.
Registering for an e-ID not only ensures compliance with Decree 69/2024/ND-CP but also empowers businesses to operate more efficiently, securely, and transparently in the digital age. If your company needs tailored support in navigating these procedures or handling documentation for foreign legal representatives, consider seeking legal consultation to ensure a smooth and timely transition.
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1. Lawyer Vu Thi Phuong Thanh, Manager of TLA Law LLC, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: vtpthanh@tlalaw.vn
2. Lawyer Tran My Le, Chairman of the Members’ Council, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: tmle@tlalaw.vn.
– Nguyen Huong Huyen-