Vietnam establishes detailed rules for electronic invoices and records

Vietnam has issued Decree No. 254/2026/NĐ-CP to establish detailed regulations on electronic invoices and records under the Law on Tax Administration. The decree, effective from 1 July 2026, covers invoice types, issuance requirements, data standards, storage and compliance measures for all businesses and service providers in Vietnam.

Vietnam has issued Decree No. 254/2026/NĐ-CP to establish comprehensive rules for electronic invoices and records. The decree takes effect on 1 July 2026 and replaces earlier regulations, including Decree No. 123/2020/NĐ-CP.

The decree applies to enterprises, cooperatives, business households and individuals selling goods or providing services in Vietnam. It also covers organisations providing electronic invoice services and tax and customs authorities responsible for oversight.

Three types of electronic invoices

The decree classifies electronic invoices into three categories:

• Electronic invoices with a Tax Authority Code, which require a unique identification code issued by the tax authority before the invoice is sent to the buyer
• Electronic invoices without a Tax Authority Code, transmitted directly by the seller without prior tax authority coding, generally intended for large-scale sectors including electricity, petroleum and banking
• Electronic invoices generated from cash registers connected to the tax authority’s database

Invoice content and format requirements

Electronic invoices must include mandatory information such as invoice name, number and serial number. They must also contain the names, addresses and tax identification numbers of both seller and buyer, along with transaction details including description of goods or services, unit of measure, quantity, unit price, applicable tax rate and total amount.

The seller’s digital signature is generally required. The buyer’s digital signature is only necessary if the parties agree. Vietnamese is the primary language for invoices, and the Vietnam Dong is the standard currency, though foreign languages and currencies may be used in certain international transactions.

Timing and sector-specific rules

For goods sales, electronic invoices must be issued when ownership or the right to use the goods is transferred, regardless of payment status. For services, invoices must generally be issued when the service is completed. The decree establishes sector-specific rules for construction, electricity, telecommunications and real estate.

Storage and compliance

Electronic invoices must be stored to preserve their integrity, security and accessibility throughout the statutory retention period. Sellers must transmit invoice data to tax authorities either directly or through authorised service providers.

The regulations prohibit fake invoices, “khống” invoices issued for non-existent transactions, and invoices issued by entities that have ceased operations.

Support for small businesses and consumer incentives

The decree provides free electronic invoice services for up to 12 months for eligible small and medium enterprises, cooperatives and business households located in difficult socio-economic areas. It also introduces a framework for rewarding consumers who report sellers that fail to issue legal electronic invoices.

Transitional arrangements

Certain paper records, including specified receipts, must be converted to electronic formats by the end of 2026.

References

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1. Government of Vietnam, Decree No. 254/2026/NĐ-CP full text
2. Regfollower, Global tax regulation tracker