What is foreign ID

A foreign ID is an identification document or number issued by a country to a foreign national (non-citizen) to verify their identity, immigration status, or work eligibility within that country.

This term does not refer to IDs issued by an individual’s home country, such as passports or national ID cards.

Foreign IDs serve different purposes and vary by jurisdiction. In international hiring, they help employers confirm a worker’s legal status and right to work in the host country. Maintaining valid foreign IDs for your workforce is a key part of compliance.

What is the purpose of a foreign ID?

A foreign ID identifies a worker’s immigration status and work eligibility. For employers, it supports background checks and ensures hiring compliance.

Foreign IDs also function as official identification. For foreign nationals, they may provide access to banking, travel, and government services that require proof of identity.

How do foreign IDs impact global hiring?

Foreign IDs are most relevant during recruiting and onboarding. They help employers confirm whether a candidate is legally authorized to work in a given country.

Having valid documentation can also support visa sponsorship processes. It shows that a candidate has (or can obtain) the required authorization to live and work in the country.

Foreign IDs also help HR teams maintain accurate employment and immigration records. In many countries, employers must verify and retain documentation confirming identity and work authorization.

Deel can help you manage this process compliantly by screening candidates in advance. Our global experts handle hiring, onboarding, and ongoing visa support across 150+ countries.

Does the US issue a foreign ID?

The United States does not issue a single standardized “foreigner ID” for all non-citizens. Instead, foreign nationals use a combination of documents to verify identity and work authorization, such as:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
• Form I-94 (arrival/departure record)

Employers must review these documents as part of Form I-9 verification and keep records on file for each employee.

Which countries issue foreign IDs?

Many countries issue identification documents or numbers to foreign nationals. Examples include:

China

China issues a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card to permanent residents. This allows access to services such as employment, healthcare, education, and social insurance.

Finland

Finland may issue identity cards to foreign nationals registered in the Population Information System. These are typically valid for up to five years and cannot be used for travel.

Turkey

Turkey assigns foreign nationals an identity number when granting a residence permit. This number appears on official documents and is used for administrative and employment purposes.

Netherlands

The Netherlands issues several identity documents for foreign nationals, including documents that confirm work authorization for specific groups, such as refugees.

Spain

Spain issues a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE), which identifies foreign nationals engaging in economic, professional, or social activities in the country. It reflects the holder’s identity and immigration status.

Requirements and processes vary widely by country. Deel’s immigration experts can help you navigate these differences and hire compliantly.

Are there alternatives to foreign IDs?

In some countries, foreign nationals may use other documents to verify their identity or work authorization. These include:

• Passports
• Valid visas
• Employment authorization documents
• Driver’s licenses or national IDs (where accepted)

The specific requirements vary by jurisdiction. Employers should confirm which documents are acceptable in each country.

What is a consular ID?

A consular ID is an identification document issued by a person’s home country through its consulate abroad.

Unlike a foreign ID, a consular ID does not confirm immigration status or work authorization in the host country. However, it may help individuals access financial services or identify themselves locally.

How does HR interact with foreign IDs?

Employers are typically responsible for confirming that workers are legally authorized to work in a country.

HR teams use foreign IDs and related documents to:

• Verify identity and work authorization
• Maintain accurate employee records
• Support compliance with local labor and immigration laws

Clear internal processes are essential to ensure documents are valid and up to date.

Do remote workers need foreign IDs?

It depends on the work arrangement and local regulations.

Remote workers who do not enter the employer’s country may not need a foreign ID. However, if they relocate or travel for work, they may need valid immigration and identification documents, depending on the country’s requirements.

What compliance issues may arise from foreign IDs?

Compliance risks may arise if foreign IDs are:

• Fraudulent or invalid
• Misused or improperly verified
• Not properly recorded or maintained

Employers may face penalties if they fail to verify work authorization or retain required documentation.

There is also risk if foreign ID information is used in a discriminatory way. Employers must ensure fair and lawful use of employee data.

Deel helps reduce these risks by supporting compliant onboarding, verification, and recordkeeping for global teams.

How can Deel help you maintain foreign ID compliance?

Foreign ID requirements vary across countries. Deel’s immigration and compliance experts help you understand what documentation is required and how to manage it correctly.

Our all-in-one platform lets you:

• Store and manage foreign ID information
• Track validity and expiration dates
• Maintain accurate immigration records

Book a demo to see how Deel can support your global hiring and compliance needs.