Viet’s all, folks: Thailand left in digital ID dust by Vietnam

Thailand has been caught napping again, as Vietnam surges ahead with yet another bold move to woo foreigners, slashing red tape and rolling out sleek new digital IDs for its growing expat population.

On July 1, Hanoi launched a 50-day campaign to hand out free electronic identification to foreigners living, working, or studying in the country, and it’s already being hailed as a Southeast Asian game-changer.

The scheme, which runs until August 19, allows foreigners with valid residence cards to register for a Level-2 digital ID via the government’s VNeID app, unlocking access to banking, renting, healthcare, public services, and even digital residence cards, all from a smartphone.

And unlike Thailand’s endless visa extensions, re-entry permits, and baffling 90-day check-ins, Vietnam’s system is streamlined, free, and designed with foreigners in mind.

 

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According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security, the digital IDs will “streamline administrative procedures, enhance convenience and improve residency management,” while also helping officials tackle legal violations more effectively.

To apply, foreigners simply head to their nearest immigration office with their passport or travel documents. They’ll need to provide a mobile number and email, have their fingerprints taken, and pose for a photo. Results are returned within seven working days via app, email, or SMS, VN Express reported.

Under-14s or dependents must be accompanied by a guardian who will register using their own mobile number.

Officials say the initiative is part of Vietnam’s wider push toward digital governance and aligns with the country’s broader goals for national digital transformation.

The move comes hot on the heels of last week’s bombshell: Vietnam scrapping language and income requirements for foreigners with local family to gain citizenship, leapfrogging Thailand once again in the race to attract skilled expats and long-term residents.

With Thailand still tangled in its bureaucratic spaghetti, Vietnam’s slick and speedy approach is proving hard to ignore.