[LEGAL UPDATE] ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION FOR FOREIGNERS WITHOUT TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARDS IN VIETNAM

From July 1, 2024, Decree No. 69/2024/NĐ-CP officially takes effect, marking a significant step forward in the digitalization of population management in Vietnam — including the requirement for electronic identification of foreign nationals.

However, a mandatory condition for completing the electronic identification procedure is that foreigners must possess a valid Temporary Residence Card or Permanent Residence Card in Vietnam. This unintentionally creates a certain barrier for some individuals, as — due to objective political constraints — citizens from certain countries are only granted long-term visas without being eligible for Temporary or Permanent Residence Cards, even though they are legally residing and working in Vietnam.

This has caused difficulties for several businesses, particularly for companies whose sole legal representative is a foreign national who only holds a long-term visa. Without being able to complete individual identification, such persons also cannot proceed with electronic identification for their business — a mandatory requirement in many digital transactions and administrative procedures today.

To resolve this issue, the Immigration Authority in certain localities is currently reviewing the possibility of granting Temporary Residence Cards to individuals with long-term visas, in order to support the implementation of electronic identification. Accordingly, the foreigner must meet the following conditions:

• Hold a valid long-term visa in Vietnam (minimum of 1 year);

• Possess a valid passport as prescribed by Vietnamese law;

• Use a Vietnamese mobile SIM card registered under their own name.

Please note that the Temporary Residence Card issued in these cases will be valid solely for the purpose of personal electronic identification, and its validity will not exceed the expiration date of the already granted long-term visa. This Temporary Residence Card must be used together with the visa when completing personal identification or immigration procedures.

At present, this temporary residence card issuance for electronic identification purposes is only considered on a case-by-case basis and is implemented differently across localities. According to the latest information updated by ALTAS, the Immigration Departments in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi may soon proceed with implementing this procedure.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and will promptly update our Clients on any changes or new information related to the registration procedure.

ALTAS is currently offering a special support program for our Clients with fast, dedicated services and many attractive offers. Should you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us for timely and effective support.

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Prepared by: ALTAS Managing Lawyer
Date: July 11, 2025