1. Conditions and Procedures for Foreigners Purchasing Apartments in Vietnam
Pursuant to the current Law on Housing, foreign individuals are entitled to homeownership provided they are permitted to enter Vietnam (evidenced by a valid entry stamp on their passport and not belonging to categories enjoying diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities).
Foreigners purchasing apartments in Vietnam through primary projects (direct purchases from developers) is becoming a popular investment trend. This form of investment not only ensures legal transparency but also promises high appreciation potential in major metropolises such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Notably, according to the latest 2026 updates, the appraisal process for ownership certificates has undergone significant digital transformation, substantially reducing waiting times for foreign investors.
2. The 30% Ownership Quota for Foreigners Purchasing Apartments in Vietnam
Vietnamese law strictly regulates ownership ratios within each project to ensure national security and defense. Specifically, the total number of units for foreigners purchasing apartments in Vietnam must not exceed 30% of the total apartments in a single condominium building or a cluster of condominiums.
To ensure capital safety, investors should perform the following verification steps:
- Project List Inquiry: Verify the list of commercial housing projects permitted for sale to foreign organizations and individuals as publicly announced by the Department of Construction.
- Quota Confirmation: Request the developer to provide a written confirmation regarding the remaining foreign “quota” at the specific project before proceeding with a deposit.
- Ownership Term: Note that the ownership term for foreign individuals is typically 50 years from the date of issuance of the Certificate, which may be extended upon request in accordance with regulations.
3. Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) Process for Foreigners Purchasing Apartments in Vietnam
After selecting a suitable unit and completing a comprehensive legal due diligence, the transaction process for foreigners purchasing apartments in Vietnam at DHH Law Firm typically proceeds through three standardized steps:
- Step 1: Deposit and Unit Reservation The client signs a Deposit Agreement to secure the unit’s position. At this stage, attorneys assist in reviewing clauses regarding deposit refunds and payment schedules to provide maximum protection for the client’s interests.
- Step 2: Signing the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) This is the most critical legal document establishing ownership rights. The contract must be prepared in Vietnamese or bilingually (Vietnamese – English). All payment transactions for the property must be conducted via a capital account or a payment account opened at a bank operating in Vietnam, in compliance with foreign lưu hối (foreign exchange) management regulations.
- Step 3: Handover and Issuance of the Ownership Certificate (Pink Book) Upon completion of financial obligations and physical handover of the unit, the developer is responsible for performing the procedures to apply for the Ownership Certificate (Pink Book) for foreigners purchasing apartments in Vietnam. At this point, the buyer must prepare a valid passport and payment vouchers to finalize the legal dossier.
CONTACT DHH LAW FIRM
🏢 Head Office: 2nd Floor, No. 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
📞 Hotline:
+84 89 9352 777 (VN)
+84 89 9351 777 (EN)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn
📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
