Owning a house in Vietnam is an attractive opportunity, especially for foreigners seeking investment or long-term residence. However, this right is subject to a limited legal term. When the ownership term is about to expire, the renewal process must strictly comply with legal procedures and documentation requirements to protect lawful rights and ensure continuous ownership without interruption.
The following article, prepared by DNP Vietnam Law Firm, provides the latest legal guidance on procedures and documentation for extending the ownership term of houses in Vietnam.
1. Eligible entities for renewal
Legal basis: Articles 17 and 20 of the 2023 Law on Housing.
- The extension of house ownership terms applies only to foreign organizations and individuals who have already been granted ownership rights in accordance with Articles 17 and 20 of the 2023 Law on Housing.
2. Ownership term and renewal conditions
Legal basis: Points c and d, Clause 2, Article 20 of the 2023 Law on Housing; Point b, Clause 2, Article 6 of Decree 95/2024/ND-CP.
- For foreign individuals: They may own houses under agreements for up to 50 years from the date of issuance of the ownership certificate and may apply for a one-time extension of no more than 50 additional years.
- If married to a Vietnamese citizen residing in Vietnam, they are entitled to the same ownership rights as Vietnamese citizens.
- If married to an overseas Vietnamese who is permitted to enter Vietnam, they are entitled to the same ownership rights as overseas Vietnamese.
- For foreign organizations: The ownership renewal period must not exceed the extended duration stated in their renewed Investment Registration Certificate issued by a competent Vietnamese authority.
3. Required documents for renewal
Legal basis: Clause 1, Article 6 of Decree 95/2024/ND-CP.
- Application for renewal (Form No. 01, Appendix I of the Decree).
- Certified copy of the Certificate of Land Use Rights, Ownership of House and Other Assets attached to the land (or housing ownership certificate).
- For foreign individuals: A valid passport bearing a Vietnam entry stamp or an equivalent legal document at the time of renewal application.
- For foreign organizations: A renewed Investment Registration Certificate confirming the extension of their operation in Vietnam.
4. Renewal procedure
Legal basis: Clause 2, Article 6 of Decree 95/2024/ND-CP.
- Foreign organizations or individuals seeking renewal must submit their application to the Provincial People’s Committee where the property is located, at least 3 months before the ownership term expires.
- Within 30 days from receipt of a valid application, the Provincial People’s Committee shall review and, if eligible, issue a written approval for one-time renewal, with the maximum term as follows:
- Individuals: up to 50 years.
- Organizations: up to the extended duration stated in the renewed Investment Registration Certificate.
- Within 15 days from receiving the written approval, the owner must submit the approval and related documents to register changes to the ownership term on the ownership certificate, following land law procedures.
- If the renewal conditions are not met, or if the owner is required to leave Vietnam or terminate operations, no further extension shall be granted. In such cases, the house shall be handled in accordance with Point đ, Clause 2, Article 20 or Point d, Clause 2, Article 21 of the Law on Housing.
“The above content is provided by DNP Viet Nam Law Firm for reference purposes only. For detailed, accurate, and tailored legal advice that meets your specific needs, please contact us using the information provided below.”
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