Decree No. 320/2026/NĐ-CP, which we wrote about earlier this month , officially entered into force on September 28, 2026. In addition to opening the electronic ID system to all foreigners legally residing in the country, the document introduces a number of practical changes that affect existing VNeID users.
The account may be blocked automatically.
Starting today, the electronic identification system automatically blocks a citizen's VNeID account in two cases: if the electronic ID card itself is blocked, or if the phone number linked to the account has changed and is no longer registered in the account owner's name. This means that if you recently changed your SIM card or the phone number is not registered in your name, access to your account may be lost without warning.
VNeID now accepts pensions and social benefits
At the same time, the system is expanding its functionality: VNeID can now be used to receive pension payments, social benefits, and other types of state support provided by law. This is part of the broader digitalization of social payments, which we discussed in our review of the September regulatory changes.
Electronic transactions almost everywhere require linking to VNeID
A key practical change: transactions in banking, the securities market, telecommunications, e-commerce, social media, healthcare, and education now require linking and verification via an electronic identification account. In practice, this means that without an active and unblocked VNeID, access to banking apps, online shopping, and even some medical and educational services may be complicated.
Who is authorized to issue and block accounts?
The decree also clarifies the authority: the head of the agency managing the electronic identification system now has the authority to issue, block, and unblock accounts for both Vietnamese citizens and organizations, as well as foreigners residing in Vietnam. The decision itself was made by the government on August 13, 2026, amending several provisions of the original Decree No. 69/2024/NĐ-CP.
What to do today
If you have a VNeID account and recently changed your phone number, please check that it's still registered in your name, otherwise your access may be automatically revoked. Foreigners who haven't yet applied for an electronic ID are reminded that, starting today, you can apply without a residence permit—legal entry or stay in the country is sufficient, as we wrote about in detail earlier this month.
