Guide to Electronic Identification for FDI Enterprises in Vietnam

Starting from July 1, 2025, Decree 69/2024/ND-CP mandates that all enterprises operating in Vietnam, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) enterprises, must register and use an electronic identification (e-ID) account on the VNeID application. This is a mandatory requirement for conducting electronic administrative procedures, accessing online public services, and performing lawful business transactions. In particular, FDI enterprises with foreign legal representatives must comply with specific requirements. This article provides a detailed guide on the e-ID registration process, its benefits, and key considerations to ensure legal compliance and optimize business operations.

1. Obligations for Electronic Identification under Decree 69/2024/ND-CP

According to Article 2 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP, all organizations and individuals, both Vietnamese and foreign, operating in Vietnam must implement electronic identification. For FDI enterprises, the e-ID account on VNeID is a mandatory tool to:

• Authenticate information and log in to online public service systems.
• Conduct electronic administrative procedures, including submitting applications, digital signing, and receiving results online.
• Facilitate lawful business transactions, ensuring transparency and compliance with legal regulations.

Important Note: From July 1, 2025, accounts provided by the National Public Service Portal or administrative information systems of ministries and provinces will no longer be valid (Clause 4, Article 40 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP). FDI enterprises must use e-ID accounts on VNeID to continue performing electronic administrative transactions, avoiding disruptions to business operations.

2. Benefits of Electronic Identification for FDI Enterprises

• Legal Compliance: Meets the Vietnamese Government’s digital transformation requirements, mitigating legal risks.
• Remote Management: Legal representatives, particularly foreigners frequently absent from Vietnam, can perform administrative procedures remotely (e.g., signing documents, submitting applications, and tracking results).
• Enhanced Transparency: E-ID information is verified by the Ministry of Public Security, ensuring reliability when interacting with tax, customs, and social insurance systems.
• Time and Cost Savings: Streamlines administrative processes, reducing operational costs and legal risks.

3. Electronic Identification Process for FDI Enterprises (4 Steps)

The process for registering an e-ID account for FDI enterprises consists of four steps, with specific requirements for foreign legal representatives.

Step 1: Register for a Level 1 Electronic Identification Account for the Legal Representative

• Conditions: The legal representative must have a permanent or temporary residence card in Vietnam.
• Procedure:
  1. Download the VNeID application from Google Play or the App Store on a smart device (phone or tablet).
  2. Enter personal information:
     • Passport number or internationally valid travel document.
     • Email address or registered phone number (if available).
  3. Follow VNeID instructions to provide information and capture a facial image using the device.
  4. Submit the request for an e-ID account via VNeID.
  5. Receive the result notification from the Identification and Authentication Agency via VNeID, email, or registered phone number.
• Processing Time: Within 1 working day.

Step 2: Register for a Level 2 Electronic Identification Account for the Legal Representative

• Conditions: Conducted at the Immigration Management Agency (Ministry of Public Security) or provincial police authorities.
• Procedure:
  • Present a passport or internationally valid travel document.
  • Complete the Application Form for an Electronic Identification Account (Form TK01) as per Decree 69/2024/ND-CP.
  • Provide facial images and fingerprints for verification against the National Immigration Database.
  • Receive the result notification via VNeID, email, or registered phone number.
  • Activate the account on VNeID within 7 days from receiving the notification.
• Processing Time:

• • Within 3 working days if biometric data (facial image, fingerprints) is already available.
  • Within 7 working days if biometric data is not yet available.

Step 3: Register for an Electronic Identification Account for the FDI Enterprise

• Conditions: The legal representative must have a Level 2 e-ID account.
• Procedure:
  • The legal representative or an authorized person uses the Level 2 e-ID account to log into VNeID, provide enterprise information as guided, and submit the request for an e-ID account.
  • If submitting in person, complete the Application Form for an Electronic Identification Account (Form TK02) and submit it to the Identification and Authentication Agency or the Citizen Identity Management Agency.
  • The agency verifies the enterprise information against the National Business Registration Database or other specialized databases.
  • If the enterprise information is not available in the database, additional verification will be conducted.
  • Receive the result notification via VNeID, email, or registered phone number. If the application is rejected, the agency will provide reasons in writing or via message.
• Processing Time:

• • Within 3 working days if the enterprise information is available in the database.
  • Within 15 working days if additional verification is required.

Step 4: Activate and Use the Electronic Identification Account

• Conditions: The enterprise receives approval for the e-ID account.
• Procedure:
  1. Activate the enterprise’s e-ID account on VNeID within 7 days from receiving the notification.
  2. If the account is not activated within 7 days, contact the Identification and Authentication Agency via the support hotline for guidance.
• Processing Time: Within 7 days from receiving the result.

4. Key Considerations for FDI Enterprises

To ensure compliance and avoid disruptions to business operations, FDI enterprises should note:

• Act Early: Register for an e-ID account before July 1, 2025, to avoid impacts on administrative or business transactions.
• Prepare Complete Documentation: Foreign legal representatives must provide:
  • A valid temporary or permanent residence card.
  • A valid passport.
  • Biometric data (facial image, fingerprints).
• Proper Authorization: If the legal representative does not perform the procedures directly, ensure authorization complies with Decree 69/2024/ND-CP.
• Update Enterprise Information: Ensure the enterprise’s information is fully registered in the National Business Registration Database to expedite verification.
• Monitor Notifications: Regularly check VNeID, email, or the registered phone number to activate the account promptly.

Electronic identification on VNeID is an indispensable tool for FDI enterprises in Vietnam starting from July 1, 2025. Proper adherence to the registration process not only ensures legal compliance but also delivers practical benefits in optimizing operations and enhancing transparency. FDI enterprises should proactively register early, prepare complete documentation, and follow the outlined steps to fully leverage the advantages of digital transformation in Vietnam.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice from HTH & Partners. The content represents the views of HTH & Partners and is subject to change without prior notice.

The legal provisions referenced in this article were valid at the time of publication but may have been amended or repealed by the time of reading. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified legal professional before applying any information contained herein.