Procedures for building houses for overseas Vietnamese/foreigners in Vietnam is a strict legal process, complying with the Construction Law, Housing Law and Land Law 2024, to ensure legal rights for this subject when owning or building commercial housing. The process includes determining land use rights, applying for construction permits, construction and acceptance, with separate conditions for overseas Vietnamese (Vietnamese people residing abroad) and foreigners. The article below by S-House will provide detailed instructions, helping you understand each step to avoid legal risks.
Procedures for building houses for overseas Vietnamese/foreigners in Vietnam
1. Conditions for land and housing ownership
Overseas Vietnamese are considered Vietnamese citizens in some cases who own houses, have the right to buy, receive gifts or inherit commercial housing without limiting the number of apartments (maximum 30% of the number of apartments in a building). Foreigners can only own commercial housing (apartments or individual houses in the project) for a period of 50 years, with one extension for an additional 50 years, limited to 30% of the apartment/building and 10% of the project land fund.
a. Overseas Vietnamese keep Vietnamese Citizenship
+ Have full rights like Vietnamese citizens: buy, sell, transfer, inherit, donate land and housing without restrictions.
+ Conditions: Must have a valid Vietnamese passport with entry stamp into Vietnam at the time of transaction.
b. Vietnamese Overseas Vietnamese (Not Holding Vietnamese Nationality)
+ According to the Land Law 2024, it is allowed to buy houses attached to residential land use rights in housing development projects; receive transfer of residential land use rights in the project; Inheriting land use rights of residential land and other types of land in the same plot of land with houses.
+ Do not buy individual residential land to build your own house outside the project.
+ Conditions: Valid foreign passport, allowed to enter Vietnam (with entry stamp); Certificate of Vietnamese origin issued by the Department of Justice of the province/city, Vietnamese representative agencies abroad or the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese.
+ Ownership period: Unlimited like Vietnamese citizens.
c. Foreigners (Non-Vietnamese)
+ Only own houses (apartments or individual houses) in commercial housing projects, not own private residential land to build free houses.
+ Limited number of ownership: Not exceeding 30% of the number of apartments in an apartment building or 250 individual houses in an administrative unit equivalent to a ward.
+ Conditions: Valid passport with entry stamp to Vietnam; are not subject to diplomatic immunity.
+ Ownership term: 50 years (can be extended for another 50 years).
Note: The house is not located in the area ensuring national defense and security
Source : Legal procedures for overseas Vietnamese to buy houses in Vietnam
2. Land/house ownership procedures
Step 1: Confirm Origin and Immigration (If Applicable)
+ Submit documents to confirm Vietnamese origin at the Department of Justice or diplomatic representative agency: Application, 4x6 photo, proof documents (old passport, birth certificate, guarantee letter from overseas Vietnamese association).
+ Time: 5 working days.
+ Make sure you have an entry stamp into Vietnam.
Step 2: Sign the Purchase/Transfer Contract
+ Notarize the contract at the notary office: Provide land use right certificate, identification documents (passport, ID card if any), original Vietnamese certificate.
+ Pay personal income tax and registration fees.
Step 3: Register Name Transfer
+ Submit documents at the Land Registration Office: Notarized contract, identification documents, tax receipts.
+ Time: 30 days, receive Certificate of land use rights and house ownership.
For foreigners, there is an additional requirement to prove the status of a foreign organization/individual (investment registration certificate if an organization).
2. Documents and Procedures for applying for a housing construction permit in Vietnam
After owning the land, you need to apply for a construction permit (GPXD) except for exemptions (houses under 7 floors in planning areas, temporary works, etc.). The same procedure applies to all subjects, but overseas Vietnamese need to supplement translation documents.
Licensing authority belongs to the District People's Committee or the Department of Construction depending on the scale. Basic documents submitted to the local one-stop shop, processing time 15-30 days.
Condition
+ Non-disputed land, suitable for urban planning.
+ The project is not on the list of exempted permits according to Article 89 of the Construction Law 2014 (amended 2020).
Permit application (2 sets)
| Records Request |
Specific Details for Overseas Vietnamese/Foreigners |
| Application for license |
According to the form Appendix to the Construction Law 2014 (amended). |
| Certificate of land use rights |
Notarized copy of red book and project purchase contract. |
| Design drawings |
Plans, sections, structures, techniques; suitable for 1/500 planning. |
| Committed to safety |
Protect neighboring structures, fire protection, and the environment. |
| Personal documents |
Passport, visa, overseas Vietnamese certificate (if applicable) . |
Process: Submit application → Appraisal (field inspection) → Licensing if passed → Construction within 24 months (can be extended).
Step 1: Submit Application: At the District/District People's Committee or Public Administration Center.
Step 2: Receive and Check: Receive receipt if complete; Supplement if lacking (within 5 days).
Step 3: Appraisal: Appraisal agency within 7-10 days (checking planning and design).
Step 4: Return Results: Construction permit issued in 15-20 days (individual houses); Fees are about 75,000-150,000 VND depending on locality.
Authority: District People's Committee for individual houses; Provincial level for larger projects.
Process of building individual housing projects for foreigners in Vietnam
Step 1: Determine land use purposes and permitted construction areas.
Step 2: Rent design consulting unit Have a practice license, submit application for construction permit.
Step 3: Submit application for construction permit to the competent authority.
Step 4: Implement construction according to design, while complying with regulations on safety, environment and infrastructure.
Step 5: Accept and complete documents for issuance of codes and certificates (if within the scope of licensing and ownership).
Step 6: Complete the construction after construction, prepare a record of acceptance and put into use, submit the application for pink book.
Step 7: Complete the pink book issuance application (if ownership is granted - depending on each case and area).
Note : Hire qualified contractors, monitor progress, and periodically report to management agencies. Follow QCVN standard 06:2021/BXD about safety.
Complete house building process at S-House
Million Dollar Villa: From Drawing to Reality | Stunning Results
Important notes when completing house building procedures for overseas Vietnamese/foreigners in Vietnam
Foreigners/overseas Vietnamese are not allowed to own houses on forestry land, defense land or restricted areas. Violations may result in land use rights being revoked without compensation. You should hire a lawyer to check the project, avoid buying a house in the future without a bank guarantee.
+ Cost: Licensing fee is about 0.5-1% of the project value; 2% transfer tax.
+ Total time: 3-6 months for construction permit, 12-24 months for construction.
+ Update 2025: The new Land Law allows overseas Vietnamese to own longer term if they prove their origin.
Some frequently asked questions when carrying out house building procedures for overseas Vietnamese/foreigners in Vietnam
1. Can overseas Vietnamese build individual houses? Yes, if the land belongs to a commercial project and complies with the planning.
2. How do foreigners issue pink books? After acceptance, submit documents to the Land Registration Office within 30 days.
3. Which areas are restricted? Coastal, border, airport – check local planning.
4. Can overseas Vietnamese buy houses in Vietnam? It is possible, depending on legal regulations and the project, with conditions related to land use rights, investment licensing and licensing authority, along with regulations on housing ownership for foreigners.
5. Can foreigners receive donated housing in Vietnam? According to current regulations, foreign housing ownership is considered according to prescribed forms, and it is necessary to carefully review the project's attached conditions and related land and housing laws.
Building houses in Vietnam for overseas Vietnamese and foreigners has become easier thanks to the new law, but requires strict compliance to avoid legal disputes. It is recommended to consult an expert before proceeding. However, it is necessary to consult a local real estate lawyer to assist with specific documents, ensuring that house building procedures for overseas Vietnamese/foreigners in Vietnam go smoothly.
Summary of projects S-House has implemented
S-House has done a lot of these Impressive housing design project in urban areas and outside urban areas nationwide. Each project demonstrates the creativity and expertise of the team of architects. From townhouses, modern apartments to luxury villas, each space is meticulously cared for, reflecting the personality and unique needs of each customer. These projects not only stand out aesthetically but also optimize functionality, creating classy and comfortable living spaces.
399+ Beautiful house models with modern trends are most loved by many homeowners
The design of the 3-storey neoclassical An Chateau mansion is magnificent like a European castle
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Modern semi-detached villa design in Handico Vinh Tan Urban Area - Vinh
Modern 3-storey villa with impressive facade at Vinh Tan urban area
Renovating villas in Phu My Hung Urban Area - Ho Chi Minh
Neoclassical villa design by Mr. Kinh in Vinh
Mediterranean villa design in Quy Nhon
Design of a European-style fairy tale castle in Da Lat
Mediterranean villa design in Binh Thuan
Tropical villa design in Ninh Thuan
Japanese style resort villa design in Quang Ninh
Indochina architectural villa design in Nha Trang
Santorini style mini resort design
Modern semi-detached villa in My Gia urban area
Modern 5-storey townhouse facade design with unique curved lines
Neoclassical townhouse design in Thu Duc Ho Chi Minh
>See more: Impressive full-service townhouse design in Nha Trang
Top 100+ realistic projects with full design and construction that S-House has completed and handed over
Beautiful townhouse architectural design and construction is increasingly becoming an important highlight in creating an ideal living space for the whole family. Diverse in design and style, these drawings reflect the creativity and diversity of architecture.
Completing the neoclassical mansion An Chateau with a scale of more than 3,000 square meters in Phu Yen
Design and construct a complete package of luxurious neoclassical villa interiors worthy of the top class
Completing and handing over a neoclassical villa with a total floor area of over 900m2 in Nha Trang
S-House designs and constructs a complete interior package for a luxurious but equally elegant neoclassical villa
Design and construction of a modern villa package combined with a garden with a total area of more than 1200m2
Luxurious modern villa interior design with airy open space
S-House designs and constructs a full package of 3F ecological garden villas with an area of more than 3000m2 in Dien Dong
The interior has Indochina and Mediterranean influences with blue as the main color
Renovating the villa with a new design style - a spectacular transformation from the outdated villa
The neoclassical villa project in My Gia Nha Trang urban area was completed by S-House
Source: S-House compiled
>>>> See more: Actual projects have been designed and constructed in full by S-House
Full villa design and construction company S-House
If you need advice on villa design, please contact us immediately hotline 0866 006 060 or leave information via: https://nhadepshouse.com/nhan-mau-thiet-ke/ S-House will quickly contact you within 24 hours.
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S-House Joint Stock Company - Unit ARCHITECTURAL - INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION has developed strongly with a system of 4 strategic branches stretching from North to South. Confident in being a reputable and quality architectural and interior design and construction company in terms of project quantity and quality. Our team of experienced architects not only builds houses, but also creates living works of art. Let S-House turn your ideas into reality today!
Hotline: 0866 006 060
E-mail: [email protected]
Branch system nationwide:
► In the city. HCM: No. 280A1, Luong Dinh Cua Street, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
► In Nha Trang: No. 62A - 62B, Phan Chu Trinh Street, Van Thanh Ward, City. Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
► In the city. Vinh: No. 19, An Duong Vuong Street, Truong Thi Ward, City. Vinh, Nghe An
► In Hanoi: D49-01 LK7 Geleximco Le Trong Tan, Ward Duong Noi, Hanoi
