Since the official implementation of Decree No. 69/2024/NĐ-CP, registering for a digital identity account has become a mandatory procedure in Vietnam’s national digital transformation agenda. For businesses whose legal representatives are foreign nationals, this requirement raises important questions:
Is registration possible? Who is eligible to apply? What is the process?
If you’re looking for clear answers, this guide from Hide and Seek will walk you through the entire procedure in the most practical and easy-to-understand way.
What is business digital identity?
In simple terms, business digital identity is the process through which an organization is granted a Level-2 digital identity account. This account enables access to digital administrative procedures, digital signing, and authentication on government platforms.
What if the legal representative is a foreign national?
The answer is: Yes, digital identity registration is still legally possible under Vietnamese law.
Specifically, according to Article 12 of Decree No. 69/2024/NĐ-CP, a foreign legal representative can register a business digital identity using one of the following two methods:
1. Register via the VNeID application
The legal representative (or their authorized person) must:
- Log in to the VNeID app using their personal Level-2 digital identity account.
- Provide business information as guided by the application.
- Submit a request to create a digital identity account for the organization.
If the business has multiple legal representatives, consent is required from all remaining representatives.
VNeID is currently the official platform for digital identification in Vietnam: https://vneid.gov.vn
2. Submit a physical application at a competent authority
If using VNeID is inconvenient, the legal representative or authorized person can:
- Fill out the application form TK02 (as issued in Decree 69) requesting a digital identity account.
- Submit the documents in person to the Authority for Digital Identity and Authentication Management or the Citizen Identity Authority at a convenient location.
3. What happens after submission?
The competent authority will:
- Verify the organization’s information against national databases (such as business registration, identity, or industry-specific data).
- If valid, the digital identity account for the business will be issued.
Important Note: According to Clause 4, Article 40 of Decree 69, any account issued via the National Public Service Portal or provincial-level administrative systems will be valid only until June 30, 2025. After this date, accounts must be updated or converted according to new regulations.
4. Can a foreign national authorize someone else to complete the process?
Yes.
A foreign legal representative has the right to authorize another individual (e.g., a country director, general manager, legal advisor) to handle the digital identity registration process.
Conditions include:
- The authorized individual must have a Level-2 VNeID account.
- A legally valid written authorization document must be provided.
5. Recommendations from Hide and Seek
For foreign-invested enterprises (FDIs) or businesses with foreign elements, Hide and Seek recommends:
- Proactively registering a Level-2 VNeID account for either the foreign legal representative or an authorized Vietnamese representative.
- Carefully preparing the application dossier to minimize errors during submission.
- Seeking legal support if language barriers, procedural uncertainties, or authorization issues arise.
Final Thoughts
Registering for a digital identity account is no longer just a formality—it’s an essential step toward seamless participation in Vietnam’s digital governance system. Whether your legal representative is Vietnamese or foreign, the procedures are well defined and accessible via VNeID or direct submission.
If you’re a foreign representative—don’t worry. With proper preparation and guidance, registration is entirely feasible. The key is to understand the process clearly and follow it correctly—and Hide and Seek is always ready to support you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to consult the most recent legal updates or seek professional legal advice before proceeding with any official registration process.