Hello! Have you heard discussions in various Vietnam exchange groups about whether or not to apply for a VNeID? Recently, during the work week, I hitched a ride with a business trip delivering mooncakes and went to the Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department to apply for my personal VNeID. Since I went during my lunch break, I was among the first people to have my documents processed that afternoon. The whole process took about 5 minutes – very efficient! Next, I'll share the key documents I prepared and the process I went through!

What is VNeID ? What is its significance for foreign residents in Vietnam?

VNeID (Vietnam Electronic Identification) is an electronic identity verification system promoted by the Vietnamese government , which can be considered a digital identity card. Although its application is still in the promotion stage, it has gradually covered:

• Linking bank accounts, insurance, and medical records
• Driver's license verification and traffic management related services
• Verification of the identity of the legal representative of the enterprise
• Digitalization of children's education and medical information

For foreign nationals, it is a Level 2 electronic identity verification account, which can help them handle administrative procedures online more conveniently, reduce time and paperwork , and ensure the authenticity of their identity and legal rights. For example, it can be used to process administrative procedures online, such as applying for rental registration and public services; verify identity in banking transactions; and store electronic residence cards and other legal documents on the VNeID application.

👉Important Reminder : According to the latest announcement from the Vietnamese government, companies whose legal representatives are foreigners are now required to obtain a VNeID . While not mandatory for all other foreign residents, it is recommended to complete the process in advance to avoid future disruptions to business and daily life.

👉Why I'm in such a hurry: My Shopee Vietnam account can no longer purchase products from cross-border brands . It requires mandatory VNeID verification to make purchases (such as orders from a Korean brand's official online store). This is a major inconvenience for me, as I'm used to buying skincare products in Vietnam without having to fly to Korea/Taiwan to shop online and then bring the products back to Vietnam! So I decided to get it fixed as soon as possible!

VNeID Individual Application Process (Practical Experience in Ho Chi Minh City)

The following documents are required for the application: passport, residence card or temporary residence permit (blue card), and mobile phone number registered in your name . After preparing these, I went to the Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department (Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Road) to complete the application. The process is as follows:

1. Location : Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department 👉 Google Maps

1. Payment : First, go straight through the lobby, and after passing the red sign, go to the counter on your left to pay the fee for taking ID photos, which is VND 30,000 (approximately NT$40).

1. Taking photos : Walk back from the payment counter. At the entrance where you first came in, there are two ID photo booths against the wall. Here, you need to give your passport to the photographer. After he takes a few photos, he will tell you that it's OK and you can move on to the next step.

1. Get the form : Next, walk to the very back, pass through the payment counter, and go all the way to the end. Turn left at counter number 4 and ask the clerk for a simple form to fill out.

1. Please fill in the following information : Name, Passport Number, Address, Mobile Phone Number (must be registered under your personal name).
2. To check your mobile phone number : You must bind your passport. Take out your mobile phone and send a text message to "1414" followed by "TTTB + space + passport number".
3. Police data entry : The data is submitted to the police input system, a confirmation form is printed out, and the user signs it.
4. Fingerprint registration : Press the four fingers of the right hand, the four fingers of the left hand, and the two thumbs.
5. Completed : The entire process was completed without queuing (approximately 3-5 minutes), and you will receive a notification email one week later.

📌Important Notes :

• Taking photos is free at some offices (such as the Nguyen Trai office).
• Individuals do not need a company business license or seal to apply, but it is required if the legal representative applies.

FAQs and Examples

• Q1: Can a child use their parents' phone number?
• ✔ Children aged 6–14 can use a guardian number; those 14 years and older need an independent number and mailbox.
• 👉 Friend's example: A 9-year-old child was able to successfully complete the process using the company's mobile number and the parent's email address.
• Q2: Do I need to pay?
• ✔ Applying for a VNeID is free. A VND 30,000 fee will be charged if an on-site photo is required.
• Q3: Do I need to bring company documents?
• ✔ Individuals do not need a company business license to apply.
• Q4: Is it really necessary?
• ✔ Currently, company legal representatives are required to apply for this service; other foreign residents may not be required to do so immediately, but banks, driver's licenses, and insurance will be fully integrated in the future, so it is recommended to apply for this service whenever you have time.
• Q5: When can I apply for the skip-the-line service?
• ✔ Based on my personal experience, during weekday lunch breaks, the first batch of applicants don't need to queue, and the whole process takes about 5 minutes.

Summary: Why it is recommended to apply for a VNeID in advance

Although foreign residents may not feel the difference in the short term, Vietnam is fully promoting digital identity and will rely more and more on VNeID in the future.

• Company legal representative: Currently, we are being forced to complete the necessary procedures.
• Banks, insurance companies, healthcare providers, and online shopping platforms: gradually being integrated.
• Avoid a rush to renew applications: Completing the process early can save queuing time.

👉Recommendation: If you have time, go and apply now . The process is simple; all you need is your passport, residence permit or temporary residence permit, address, and mobile phone number! Hope everyone can complete their applications quickly and without waiting in line!

📖Further Reading / Official Source : Official Website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice