Most Vietnamese banks require you to visit a branch in person, even if you start the process online

You cannot open a full bank account in Vietnam entirely online from outside the country. Vietnamese banks are required by law to verify your identity in person before they will issue you an account. Some banks let you begin an process on their website or mobile app, but you must complete the process at a physical branch with your passport or national ID card.

If you are already in Vietnam, a few banks offer a faster route: you can fill out forms online or through their app, then visit a branch to finish the verification step the same day. This is faster than walking in cold, but it is still not a fully remote process.

The reason for this requirement is Vietnamese banking law. The State Bank of Vietnam, which regulates all banks in the country, requires banks to perform Know Your Customer (KYC) checks — meaning they must see your face and your original identity document before opening an account. This is true for all banks, whether they are state-owned, private, or foreign-owned.

Key Takeaways

  • No Vietnamese bank will open an account for you entirely online if you are outside the country; you must visit a branch in person with your passport or ID.
  • If you are in Vietnam, some banks let you start an process online or in their app, then complete verification at a branch the same day.
  • Vietnamese banking law requires face-to-face identity verification before any account opens, regardless of the bank.
  • Foreigners can open accounts at major banks like Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank, but you will need a Vietnamese address and may need to bring additional documents beyond your passport.

What you need to open an account at a Vietnamese bank branch

Bring your original passport or national ID card. This is non-negotiable — the bank will not accept a photocopy or a photo of your document. If you are a foreigner, your passport is the standard document. Vietnamese citizens can use their national ID card (CCCD) or passport.

You will also need a Vietnamese address. If you are living in Vietnam, your current address works. If you are visiting or planning to move, some banks will accept a hotel address or the address of a friend or family member, but you should call the branch first to confirm. A few banks require proof of address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or hotel booking — so ask when you call.

Bring your phone number. Banks use this for two-factor authentication and account notifications, so have a number that works in Vietnam. If you are a foreigner with a Vietnamese SIM card, that works. If you plan to use a number from your home country, ask the branch whether they accept international numbers; policies vary.

Some banks ask for your tax ID number (if you work in Vietnam) or your employer's details, but this is not always required for a basic savings account. Ask the specific branch what they need before you go.

Banks that let you start the process online

Vietcombank, BIDV, and Techcombank all have online process forms on their websites and mobile apps. You fill in your basic information — name, date of birth, address, phone number — and the bank sends you a confirmation. You then take that confirmation (or your reference number) to a branch, show your ID, and the staff complete the account setup in person.

This route saves time because the branch already has your information and can move faster through the verification step. The whole process at the branch usually takes 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour.

Not all branches of the same bank offer this service, so check the bank's website or call ahead. Branches in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang are more likely to have the online pre-process system set up.

What happens after you open your account

Once the bank verifies your identity and opens your account, you will receive a debit card in the mail within one to two weeks. The card will be sent to the address you provided, so make sure it is correct.

You will also receive login credentials for online banking and the bank's mobile app. Most Vietnamese banks let you transfer money, check your balance, and pay bills through their app once your account is active. You can usually start using your account the same day it opens, even before your physical card arrives.

Some banks charge a monthly account maintenance fee (usually 10,000 to 30,000 Vietnamese Dong, roughly $0.40 to $1.20 USD), while others waive the fee if you maintain a minimum balance. Ask about fees when you open your account.

Opening an account as a foreigner in Vietnam

Foreigners can open accounts at the same banks as Vietnamese citizens. You do not need a work visa or residency permit, though some banks ask for one. Your passport is sufficient identification.

A few banks ask for additional documents from foreigners: proof of employment, a letter from your employer, or proof of income. This is less common at major banks like Vietcombank and BIDV, but smaller or regional banks may require it. Call the branch and ask what they need before you go.

If you are opening an account while visiting Vietnam on a tourist visa, you can still do it. The bank does not check your visa type — they only verify your identity. However, if you plan to use the account long-term, you may want to confirm with the bank that they will not close it if you leave Vietnam.

If you need to open an account but cannot visit in person

If you are outside Vietnam and cannot travel there, you have a few alternatives. Some Vietnamese banks have partnerships with banks in other countries that let you open a linked account remotely, but this is rare and usually only available to customers who already have an account in Vietnam.

Another option is to use a money transfer service like Wise, OFX, or Remitly to send money to Vietnam without opening a bank account. These services let you transfer money from your home country to a Vietnamese bank account that someone else owns — useful if you need to send money to family. You do not need a Vietnamese account yourself.

If you are planning to move to Vietnam, the simplest approach is to wait until you arrive and open an account in person at a branch. The process takes less than an hour, and you will have full access to your account when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a Vietnamese bank account online if I am outside the country?

No. Vietnamese law requires banks to verify your identity in person before opening an account. You must visit a branch with your passport or ID card. If you are in Vietnam, some banks let you start the process online and finish at a branch the same day.

What if I do not have a Vietnamese address yet?

Call the branch and ask whether they accept a hotel address, a friend's address, or a temporary address. Most major banks will work with you, but policies vary by branch. Have a specific address ready before you go in.

How long does it take to open an account at a branch?

If you walk in without pre-explore online, expect 45 minutes to an hour. If you pre-applied online, it usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The time depends on how busy the branch is and whether the staff need to ask follow-up questions.

Do I need a work visa to open a bank account in Vietnam?

No. Your passport is enough. Some banks ask for a work visa or employment letter, but this is not required by law. If a bank asks for documents you do not have, try a different branch or a different bank.

Can I use an international phone number for my account?

Some banks accept international numbers, but not all. Ask the branch before you open your account. If they will not accept your home country number, you can buy a Vietnamese SIM card cheaply and use that instead.