The Vietnamese real estate market is rapidly becoming a top destination for international investors and the expatriate community living and working here. With significant positive changes from the Law on Housing 2023, the regulations on buying property in Vietnam for foreigners have become clearer, more open, and increasingly attractive.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on conditions, permitted property types, restricted areas, and crucial legal considerations for home ownership in Vietnam in 2025.
1. The Legal Basis for Property Ownership
The purchase and ownership of house in Vietnam by foreigners are strictly regulated by the latest legal documents, specifically the Law on Housing 2023 (which comes into full effect by 2025).
- Article 17, Law on Housing 2023: Specifies foreign organizations and individuals eligible to own housing in Vietnam.
- Article 19, Law on Housing 2023: Details the specific conditions that must be met for foreign individuals and organizations to be granted housing ownership.
Understanding these articles is fundamental to ensuring a legally secure transaction and avoiding potential risks.
2. Who Can Buy Property in Vietnam?
Under the new regulations, administrative barriers have been significantly reduced to attract foreign investment and talent.
Eligible Subjects
The primary group permitted to buy property are foreigners legally entering Vietnam. This includes individuals living, working, or even visiting as long as they meet the entry conditions.
Detailed Conditions
Unlike previous cumbersome regulations, the Law on Housing 2023 outlines much simpler criteria:
- No proof of income required: Buyers are not obligated to prove their income level in Vietnam or their home country.
- No long-term residency requirement: It is not necessary to have a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card (PRC) to be eligible to purchase a home.
- Mandatory requirement: You must hold a valid foreign passport containing an entry verification stamp from Vietnam’s immigration management authority (and the stamp must still be valid at the time of the transaction).
Note: Foreigners who are entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities are excluded from this category and cannot purchase property.
3. Permitted Types of Real Estate for Foreigners
It is crucial to understand that not all real estate types in Vietnam are open for foreign ownership. To secure legal home ownership in Vietnam, you must select the correct category.
Permitted Properties
Foreigners are only permitted to own commercial housing located within housing investment and construction projects. These include:
- Apartments/Condominiums.
- Individual houses: This includes villas and townhouses within a designated project.
Prohibited Properties
- Land plots: Foreigners are absolutely prohibited from buying bare land.
- Housing outside projects: You cannot buy a standard street-front house or a property within an existing residential community that is not part of a certified commercial housing project.
4. Restricted and Prohibited Areas
While conditions have eased, national security remains paramount. Foreigners are not permitted to own housing in the following locations:
- National Defense and Security Areas: Specific zones designated by the government.
- Special Planning Boundary Areas: Areas related to national security, such as border zones.
Pro-Tip for Buyers: Before paying a deposit, always demand the developer or your agent to provide official confirmation from the local Department of Construction that the specific project is approved for sale to foreigners.
5. Ownership Term and Extensions
Unlike Vietnamese citizens, the ownership of property for foreigners is limited by time.
- Standard Term: Foreigners are granted housing ownership for a maximum of 50 years from the date the Certificate of Title is issued.
- Extension: Upon expiration of this term, you may apply for an extension according to prevailing regulations.
- Special Exception (Long-term): If a foreigner marries a Vietnamese citizen or a Vietnamese person residing overseas, they will be granted long-term ownership (stable and long-term, the same as a Vietnamese citizen).
Conclusion
Under the Law on Housing 2023, the path to buying property in Vietnam for foreigners in 2025 is smoother than ever, thanks to the removal of income and long-term residency requirements. However, it is vital to strictly adhere to regulations on permitted property types (within certified projects only) and avoid restricted national security areas. By following these rules, your home ownership in Vietnam will be legally protected.
Need Legal Assistance?
Navigating the legal landscape of Vietnam can be challenging for foreign investors. If you have any questions or require professional legal advice regarding, please contact us:
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