As part of Vietnam’s ongoing digital transformation of immigration administration, electronic identification (e-ID) has become a key prerequisite for enterprises to access online public services and complete administrative procedures relating to foreign nationals. In practice, many enterprises employing foreign workers have recently encountered difficulties in applying for Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs) due to the absence of an enterprise e-ID. As a result, even where all required application documents have been fully prepared, the application cannot be submitted until the enterprise completes its electronic identification registration.

What is electronic identification for enterprises?

Pursuant to Clause 5, Article 3 of Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP, an electronic identification account is a combination of a username, password, or other authentication methods established by the electronic identification and authentication authority. It is used to access and utilize the functions, utilities, and applications of the electronic identification and authentication system, as well as other interconnected information systems in accordance with the law.

In addition, Article 10 of Decision No. 29/2026/QD-TTg on the Regulations on the Management, Operation, and Utilization of the National Public Service Portal (effective from 20 July 2026) provides that organizations and individuals must log in to the National Public Service Portal using their electronic identification accounts in accordance with applicable laws.

Accordingly, once these regulations take effect, possessing an electronic identification account becomes a mandatory prerequisite for enterprises to access public online administrative services nationwide, including procedures relating to foreign employees, such as the issuance and renewal of Temporary Residence Cards.

Is electronic identification mandatory when applying for a TRC?

In practice, enterprises employing foreign nationals are currently required to submit Temporary Residence Card applications online via the National Public Service Portal before submitting the original documents to the immigration authority.

To access the system and submit the application, the enterprise must have an electronic identification account for the organization. This account is used to submit applications for the issuance or renewal of Temporary Residence Cards, monitor the processing status of applications, and receive notifications and results from the immigration authority.

Therefore, if an enterprise has not completed its electronic identification registration, it may encounter difficulties during the Temporary Residence Card application process, such as being unable to access the online system, submit the required application, or complete the procedure within the expected timeframe.

Key Notes for Enterprises

• An enterprise may register for electronic identification through either of the following methods: Online via the National Digital Identification Application; or in person at the competent electronic identification and authentication authority. In both cases, the legal representative of the enterprise (or an authorized representative) is responsible for carrying out the registration procedure.
• Where an enterprise has more than one legal representative, the electronic identification registration requires the consent of all legal representatives. Enterprises should therefore obtain the necessary approvals in advance to avoid delays during the registration process.
• The legal representative who registers the enterprise’s electronic identification must use his/her own Level 2 personal electronic identification account to complete the registration. Accordingly, enterprises should review both the organization’s electronic identification status and the legal representative’s personal electronic identification status to ensure that all requirements are satisfied before submitting Temporary Residence Card applications.