Can individuals abroad open a bank account in Vietnam?

According to the stipulations in Clause 7, Article 1 of Circular 02/2019/TT/NHNN, which outlines the documentation for opening a payment account for individuals:

- A payment account opening application form as per the bank's or foreign bank branch's template where the account is to be opened and in accordance with Clause 1, Article 13 of this Circular;

- A valid citizen identification card or identity card or passport, birth certificate (for Vietnamese citizens under 14 years old), entry visa or proof of visa exemption (for foreigners) of the account holder;

- In cases where an individual opens a payment account through a guardian or legal representative, in addition to the documents specified in points a and b of Clause 1 of this Article, the payment account opening file must also include a valid citizen identification card or identity card or passport of the guardian or legal representative and the documents proving the legal representative status of that person for the account holder.

=> Therefore, according to the above regulations, it is authorized for a legal representative to open a payment account on behalf of an individual. And this regulation applies only to the following cases:

- Persons under the age of 15, persons with limited civil act capacity, and persons who have lost their civil act capacity as prescribed by Vietnamese law can open payment accounts through their legal representatives.

=> Therefore, in your case, you do not qualify to open an account through a legal representative.

However, you may contact the bank where you need to open an account for further guidance on possible alternatives. Respectfully.