Decree No. 254/2026/NĐ-CP sets out detailed rules on electronic invoices and electronic records under the Law on Tax Administration No. 108/2025/QH15, covering invoice types, issuance requirements, data standards, compliance measures and transitional arrangements.
Vietnam has issued Decree No. 254/2026/NĐ-CP, establishing detailed regulations on electronic invoices and electronic records under the Law on Tax Administration No. 108/2025/QH15.
Effective from 1 July 2026, the Decree sets out the framework for the creation, issuance, transmission, storage and management of electronic invoices, while replacing several earlier regulations, including Decree No. 123/2020/NĐ-CP.
Scope of application
The Decree applies to a broad range of parties involved in electronic invoicing. These include enterprises, cooperatives, business households and individuals selling goods or providing services in Vietnam, as well as organisations and individuals purchasing goods or services. It also covers organisations providing electronic invoice and electronic record services, together with tax and customs authorities responsible for oversight and administration.
Types of electronic invoices
The Decree classifies electronic invoices into three categories.
Electronic invoices with a Tax Authority Code 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 are transmitted directly by the seller without prior coding by the tax authority and are generally intended for certain large-scale sectors, including electricity, petroleum and banking.
The Decree also recognises electronic invoices generated from cash registers connected to the tax authority’s database.
Invoice content and format
Electronic invoices must comply with prescribed data standards and include mandatory information such as the invoice name, invoice number and serial number, together with the names, addresses and tax identification numbers of the seller and buyer.
Invoices must also specify details of the transaction, including the 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, while the buyer’s digital signature is only necessary in cases agreed between the parties. Vietnamese is the primary language for invoices, and the Vietnam Dong (đ) is the standard currency, although foreign languages and currencies may be used in certain international transactions.
Timing of invoice issuance
For the sale of goods, electronic invoices must be issued when ownership or the right to use the goods is transferred, regardless of whether payment has been received.
For services, invoices must generally be issued when the service has been completed.
The Decree also establishes sector-specific rules for industries including construction, electricity, telecommunications and real estate.
Storage, reporting and compliance
The Decree requires electronic invoices to be stored in a way that preserves their integrity, security and accessibility throughout the statutory retention period.
Sellers must transmit invoice data to the tax authorities either directly or through authorised service providers.
The regulations prohibit the use of fake invoices, “khống” invoices issued for non-existent transactions, and invoices issued by entities that have ceased operations.
Incentives and consumer measures
To support implementation, the Decree provides for 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, with the aim of improving compliance.
Transitional arrangements
The Decree took effect on 1 July 2026, replacing several earlier regulations, including Decree No. 123/2020/NĐ-CP. It also includes transitional provisions requiring certain paper records, including specified receipts, to be converted to electronic formats by the end of 2026.
