The Move to Digital Documentation and Filing in Vietnam for 2025
Vietnam’s government has made the decision that by 1 October 2025 online filing will be the default for most public services, which is a fundamental redesign of how businesses and individuals interact with the State. From license applications to identify verification, the announcements formalized in Notice No. 408/TB-VPCP will change Vietnam.
Vietnam has placed administrative modernization and digital transformation at the center of its 2025 policy agenda. At the third meeting of the Prime Minister’s Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Project 06, chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Government set an ambitious GDP growth target of 8.3 – 8.5% for the year, which is a goal that requires not only economic momentum but also structural efficiency in governance – hence the driver and need behind this latest push for digital interaction.
From Paper to Platform: Online Filing Becomes the Default
The most immediate operational change for businesses will be the move toward a “digital by default” model for public services. Under current plans:
• By August 15, 2025: All commune-level services must be available online.
• By December 31, 2025: The same applies to provincial-level services.
• From October 1, 2025: Under Plan No. 02 of the Central Steering Committee, 25 priority public services will only accept online submissions. No paper files will be processed, and results will be issued exclusively through the VNeID digital identity system.
For businesses, this means that in certain areas, digital interaction will be mandatory. Enterprises will need to ensure they have:
1. Access to and familiarity with the VNeID platform.
2. Internal processes that can handle digital submissions and records.
3. Staff trained to navigate online-only procedures.
Data as the New Infrastructure
The online shift is part of a broader move to build a National Data Architecture led by the Ministry of Public Security. Key 2025 actions include:
• Removing redundant paperwork for 324 administrative procedures by using data already stored in VNeID.
• Adding 40 new online functions to VNeID to enable more paperless transactions.
• Integrating healthcare data to allow e-prescriptions to be shared across hospitals, pharmacies, and delivery providers.
• Launching a Citizen Data Cloud for end-to-end online processes.
For businesses, this may streamline compliance but will also require readiness to share and verify information digitally, rather than through hard-copy documentation.
What Businesses Should Do Now
From October 1, 2025, certain procedures will reject paper submissions entirely. Businesses that are not ready risk stalled approvals, delayed licenses, and potential penalties. To prepare:
• Map your exposure – Identify every interaction with government agencies in the next 6 months and mark which will shift to online-only.
• Secure VNeID access – Ensure key staff have active, verified VNeID accounts to prevent bottlenecks if one is unavailable.
• Plan for document digitization – Convert recurring required documents (e.g., financial statements, contracts) into compliant digital formats for quick upload.
• Engage service providers (legal, accounting, HR) to ensure they are also prepared for online-only interactions.
These deadlines leave little room for a “wait and see” approach. Businesses that adapt early — standardizing digital workflows, aligning partners and suppliers, and training staff — will avoid last-minute disruptions and be better positioned to operate smoothly once paper submissions are no longer accepted.
For any further questions you may have, please reach out to us at vietnam@alitium.com
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This article is intended to provide an overview of recent updates and announcement. While it aims to present useful insights, it is important to note that the content shared here should not be considered as formal legal or financial advice. For specific guidance on tax obligations or legal matters related to your business, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified professional, such as a tax advisor or legal expert or directly reach out to us.
