Introduction

Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments have long been expected.

Why?

For sometime, we have seen clients’ feedback on the delay of the procedures i.e. registration of IP rights, refusal to possible IP violations. Many times, we come across clients feeling hopeless seeking solutions to enforcement of violations of IP rights.

Now, it seems Vietnam is moving into a critical reform period, and one of the most consequential developments is the upcoming Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments. This revision cycle is broader than the amendments of 2009, 2019, and 2022. It reflects Vietnam’s economic transformation and the State’s intention to strengthen innovation capacity, align with international commitments, and respond to rapid changes in the digital economy.

The process is already in motion. On October 27th, 2025, the Government formally submitted the Draft Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Intellectual Property Law to the National Assembly. The National Assembly then held a plenary debate on November 24th, 2025, focusing on valuation of intellectual property, digital content protection, enforcement mechanisms, and compliance with FTAs such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP.

Based on legislative procedure timelines and the level of consensus expressed at the November debate, the amendments are realistically positioned for adoption in late 2026, with expected effect from 2027 once implementing decrees and circulars are issued.

In here, we discuss the overview grounded in official records, legal logic, and policy direction for businesses planning ahead.

IP Must Shift from Protection to Asset Value

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) made it clear in the dossier submitted with the draft that IP must evolve from a passive certificate into an active economic asset.

This aligns with the Government’s strategic orientation to develop a market for science and technology, where the Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments will have a key role.

• IP can be valued,
• used as collateral,
• contributed as capital, and
• commercialised across industries.

The draft law calls for:

• Legal recognition of IP valuation,
• A national IP transaction and valuation database,
• More transparent licensing and transfer mechanisms,
• Clear principles for using IP as security in financial transactions.

This is a direct response to the challenges raised by innovators, investors, and enterprises who face difficulties converting IP assets into financial value under the existing framework.

The Digital Economy Requires Modern, Technology-Aligned IP Rules

During November 24th, 2025 National Assembly debate, delegates raised practical concerns regarding digital content, online distribution, and AI-generated materials. Multiple lawmakers noted that the existing law does not adequately address:

• Redistribution of news content on digital platforms
• Platform liability for hosting copyrighted content
• Automated reproduction through algorithms
• AI-generated content that may infringe rights
• Cross-border streaming and digital licensing models

The draft introduces provisions that strengthen digital copyright enforcement and clarify obligations for platforms, intermediaries, and organisations deploying AI-driven content systems.

These changes aim to protect creators, media agencies, and technology companies in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

Enforcement Must Be More Predictable and Harmonised

Reports submitted to the National Assembly’s Committee for Legal Affairs and Committee for Science, Technology and Environment highlighted inconsistencies across administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement channels.

Key issues included:

• Overlapping sanctions
• Limited deterrence for large-scale infringement
• Lack of coordination between market authorities, police, and courts
• Insufficient tools for border enforcement

The amendments seek to:

• Clarify enforcement pathways
• Harmonise administrative and civil remedies
• Strengthen border measures
• Enhance coordination between enforcement agencies

These reforms respond directly to long-standing concerns raised by domestic enterprises and foreign investors about the predictability of IP enforcement in Vietnam.

Vietnam Must Align with Its International Commitments

Vietnam’s participation in FTAs such as CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP obligates the country to elevate its IP regime to international standards.

The Government’s explanatory report accompanying the draft law highlighted several areas requiring alignment:

• Border control against infringing imports
• Digital-era copyright protections
• Limitation of liability for online intermediaries
• Fair and transparent licensing practices
• Protection of confidential information and trade secrets

Strengthening these rules helps Vietnam meet treaty obligations while enhancing investor confidence and supporting cross-border licensing, franchising, OEM/ODM manufacturing, and technology transfer.

Registration, Procedures, and Compliance Will Become Simpler and Clearer

Feedback from consultations conducted by the Government in mid-2025 consistently emphasised the need for procedural reforms.

Key areas of simplification proposed in the draft include:

• Shorter IP registration timelines
• More transparent opposition and invalidation procedures
• Easier renewal and recordal processes
• Greater accessibility for SMEs and foreign investors

These improvements are expected to reduce compliance burdens and support enterprises seeking faster and more reliable IP protection.

Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses Preparing for the Vietnam Intellectual Property Law Amendments

A structured preparation plan allows businesses to align internal systems early and minimise risk when the Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments come into force.

Step 1: Conduct an internal IP audit

Identify registered and unregistered assets: trademarks, software, databases, confidential information, and creative works.

Step 2: Assess which assets can be monetised or valued

Prioritise assets with licensing potential, market reach, or financial relevance.

Step 3: Strengthen internal IP governance

Clarify employee IP ownership, contractor obligations, and digital content review processes.

Step 4: Update all IP-related contracts

Adjust licensing, outsourcing, manufacturing, franchising, technology transfer, and platform agreements to reflect new obligations.

Step 5: Implement digital and AI compliance mechanisms

Ensure safe use of copyrighted content, establish AI content screening, and protect data and trade secrets.

Step 6: Track the legislative process through 2026

Monitor draft revisions, NA discussions, implementing regulations, and official guidance.

Conclusion

The Vietnam Intellectual Property Law amendments reflect a deliberate shift in Vietnam’s economic strategy: building an innovation-driven, digitally resilient, internationally aligned IP regime. With the draft already submitted to the National Assembly on October 27th, 2025, debated publicly on November 24th, 2025, and positioned for adoption in late 2026, businesses have a clear timeframe to prepare.

For enterprises, this reform is not merely a legal adjustment. It is an opportunity to strengthen valuation, commercialisation, compliance, and digital governance frameworks, ultimately turning intellectual property into a meaningful and strategic asset.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/ip/vietnam-intellectual-property-law-amendments.html

  The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) has officially announced the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation concerning truck tires originating from Thailand and Vietnam. The decision follows a determination by the Domestic Market Protection Department of the EAEU Economic Commission that the sharp increase in tire imports could cause significant harm to the Union’s domestic manufacturing industry.

EAEU Launches Investigation After Sharp Import Growth

The investigation was initiated on November 7th, 2025, based on complaints filed by domestic companies including Belshina, Omskshina, Cordiant, and Nizhnekamsk. According to the case file, the tires under investigation are truck tires used on various vehicles with multiple axles, including freight cars, buses, electric vehicles, dump trucks, trailers, and semi-trailers. These are rubber tires and tubes with rim diameters ranging from 17.5 to 24.5 inches, classified under HS codes 4011.20.100.0 and 4011.20.900.0.

According to the EAEU investigation notice, between 2022 and 2024, the import volume from Thailand and Vietnam into the EAEU increased by 2.6 times, and the market share of this product group in domestic consumption rose 2.4 times, creating significant pressure on domestic production.

Allegations of Dumping and Harm to EAEU Industry

The EAEU investigation authority alleges that imports from the two countries were sold at prices lower than the average prices of EAEU – produced goods (except in 2023). Production, economic, and financial indicators of the domestic EAEU industry declined during both the 2022 – 2024 period and April 2024 – March 2025 period, specifically:

• Production decreased by 6% and 14%
• Capacity utilization decreased by 5% and 6%
• Inventory increased by 15% and 19%
• Sales profit decreased by 59% and 78%
• Manufacturing profit margins decreased by 68% and 80%
• Profit margins on sales within the Union decreased by 62% and 76%

The notice also points out that truck tires from Thailand and Vietnam are primarily produced for export. The total production capacity of these two countries far exceeds the consumption demand of the EAEU market. Furthermore, Vietnamese tire manufacturers plan to launch new production lines with a capacity of around 1.4 million units, significantly expanding export potential.

The notice further mentions that recent investigations and trade defense measures by the United States, Brazil, South Africa, and Egypt, as well as the U.S. Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on imported tires (including products from Thailand and Vietnam), may redirect export flows toward the Eurasian market.

The provisional dumping margins alleged by the EAEU are:

• 24.17% for Thailand
• 19.59% for Vietnam

Investigation Procedure and Obligations of Stakeholders

The investigation follows Article 49 of the EAEU Treaty and Protocol Appendix 8 on the application of trade defense measures. Key timelines include:

• Registration of interested parties: within 25 days from the initiation date
• Requests for public hearings: within 45 days from the initiation date
• Submission of comments and information: within 60 days from the initiation date
• Sampling procedure: applied when the number of companies is large; companies must provide production and export data for the period July 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2025

Companies must submit both confidential and non-confidential versions in Russian, following EAEU templates.

Consequences of Non-Cooperation

Under the Protocol, companies that:

• Fail to submit information
• Submit it late
• Or provide inaccurate data

may be subject to the “adverse facts available” (AFA) mechanism, resulting in the highest possible anti-dumping duty applied to non-cooperating entities.

Impact on Vietnamese Exporters

The investigation could lead to significant anti-dumping duties if Vietnamese companies do not fully cooperate, which would:

• Increase export costs to the EAEU market
• Affect the supply chains of regional importers
• Risk the highest possible duties if deemed to have provided unreliable data

Recommended Response from Authorities

1. For industry associations:

• The Trade Defense Department recommends quickly informing relevant companies about the alleged products so they can respond and manage the case, while urging companies to participate to avoid being considered non-cooperative.
• Maintain direct communication with the The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV) for timely support.
• Identify the largest exporting companies during the investigation period (July 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2025) to anticipate which companies may be selected as mandatory respondents.

2. For involved manufacturing and exporting companies:

Follow the procedural steps:

• Register as an interested party according to instructions.
• Provide full information for the sampling procedure within 25 days from the investigation start date, by December 2nd, 2025, at the latest. Failure to respond on time will be treated as non-cooperation and result in a high adverse duty rate.
• Fully respond to the investigation questionnaire if selected as a mandatory respondent, following instructions.
• Submit requests for public hearings within 45 days of the initiation date.
• Submit comments on the case (if any) within 60 days of the initiation date.

Closely monitor the investigation developments and proactively study and understand EAEU anti-dumping regulations, procedures, and requirements.

Fully cooperate with the Russian Federal Investigation Authority throughout the process. Any lack or partial cooperation may lead the EAEU authority to apply the highest anti-dumping duties based on available information.

Regularly communicate with the The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV) to receive timely support.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/eaeu-anti-dumping-investigation-on-tires-from-vietnam.html

Three Things

If your business is employing foreign workers in Vietnam, there are three important points we could draw from Decree 219//2025/ND-CP (Decree 219) dated August 7th, 2025 on employing foreign workers in Vietnam:

1. One integrated procedure, clearer deadlines
2. More flexible for short term work and priority sectors
3. Higher expectations on who really counts as an expert

Why This New Decree, and Why Now

For years, investors and business groups have said the same thing about Vietnam’s work permit rule which are too many steps, too much paper, not friendly enough to high skill and fast moving industries. The previous regulations on foreign workers were written in an earlier stage of Vietnam’s development. They worked, but not any more.

Decree 219 employing foreign workers in Vietnam arrives in a new context. Vietnam is trying to move up the value chain, attract foreign experts in emerging industries like semiconductors, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and at the same time cut red tape and modernise its administration.

This Decree 219 aims to support:

• visa and foreign labour reforms that aim to boost competitiveness and address skilled labour shortages
• wider administrative reforms and online public services that support a digital economy and more efficient state management

In that bigger picture, Decree 219 is one more building block in Vietnam’s long term strategy in digital transformation. For companies employing foreign workers in Vietnam, it is meant to make the system faster, more flexible and more predictable, especially for genuine experts and short term project work.

What Changed at a Glance

One integrated procedure

The explanation of why you need foreign staff and the work permit application are now handled in a single dossier, instead of two separate procedures under the previous regulations.

In practice, this cuts duplication and makes it easier to coordinate timing when you are employing foreign workers in Vietnam.

Shorter and clearer timeline

Once the dossier is complete, the authority has ten working days to decide and must give reasons if it refuses.

That gives HR and line managers a much firmer basis for planning onboarding and project schedules.

Exemptions that match real business models

Exemption categories increase and now clearly cover some foreign workers in finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and other priority sectors, when confirmed by the right authorities.

Managers, executives, experts and technicians working under ninety days per year in Vietnam can be exempt in defined situations, instead of following the old per-visit limit.

This gives consulting, commissioning and troubleshooting teams a framework that finally looks closer to how they actually operate.

Softer but sharper rules for experts and technicians

In many cases, required experience is reduced, especially in priority sectors, but Decree 219 employing foreign workers in Vietnam explains more clearly what documents and evidence authorities expect.

That combination opens the door for younger high-skill talent, while making it harder to rely on inflated job titles without substance.

More digital, less queuing

Decree 219 employing foreign workers in Vietnam is launched together with plans for integrated databases and online platforms for labour administration.

Over time, this should mean fewer trips to counters and more use of online tools for employers employing foreign workers in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s Bigger Shift

If we look into big picture, Vietnam is doing three things at the same time:

• competing harder for foreign direct investment and global supply chains, not only in traditional manufacturing but in higher-value activities
• pushing administrative reform, merging overlapping procedures and trying to create a more efficient state apparatus
• driving national digital transformation, including digital identity, online public services and integrated data systems

Decree 219 employing foreign workers in Vietnam is part of a wider reform path and sends three clear signals:

• Vietnam still controls foreign labour and expects serious compliance
• Vietnam welcomes the right kind of foreign talent, especially in priority sectors
• Vietnam wants procedures that support a modern, digital economy

For businesses employing foreign workers in Vietnam, this means the legal framework is gradually becoming more aligned with the way international companies actually operate.

Faster and Simpler

How does this change day to day work for HR and legal teams?

First, the approval of foreign labour needs and the work permit itself are now combined. Under the previous regulations, you had to prepare one set of documents to prove the need, wait, and only then submit a separate work permit file. Now you present a single, integrated story, i.e. who this person is, why the role must be foreign, and how they fit the legal category.

Second, there is one main decision window. Once the dossier is complete, the authority has ten working days to respond, and if it refuses, it must explain why. This is very different from the earlier practice where businesses often felt in the dark about timing and reasons for delays.

Third, the move toward online systems and integrated databases means less scattered paperwork. Plans for a national job exchange and unified work permit databases fit into the same logic i.e. connect immigration data, labour data and administrative records in a more coherent way.

If you improve front end preparation, the law now gives you a realistic chance of a smoother, quicker process for employing foreign workers in Vietnam. The main bottleneck becomes the quality of your own dossier, not just the speed of the authorities.

More Flexible

Short term projects are the most obvious winner. The new rule for managers, executives, experts and technicians working under ninety days per year in Vietnam creates a practical exemption route. Instead of constantly calculating per-visit limits, you can manage one annual day-counter per worker, within the legal conditions. This aligns much better with how consulting firms, engineering teams and regional specialists actually work.

Priority sectors are another area of flexibility. Decree 219 employing foreign workers in Vietnam explicitly refers to foreign workers invited or confirmed to work in finance, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and similar areas. Together with new visa policies, this shows that Vietnam wants to become a hub for higher-value activities and advanced services, not only low cost manufacturing.

There is also more clarity for multi province work. Many companies employ one foreign expert who supports several factories or branches. Under Decree 219 employing foreign workers in Vietnam, this pattern is recognised, with one permit and a notification mechanism, instead of forcing you to duplicate effort.

If you design roles with these tools in mind, employing foreign workers in Vietnam can better reflect your actual operations, especially for project based work and cross province support.

More Disciplined

What is expected from employers in return?

The trade off for more flexibility is stronger discipline. The law is more generous to genuine experts but more precise about what evidence is required. Job titles alone are not enough. Authorities now have clearer criteria to check degrees, experience and job content against the legal definitions of manager, executive, expert or technician.

This means that creative use of titles to justify foreign hires is more likely to be challenged. For employers employing foreign workers in Vietnam, it pushes you to align HR reality with legal categories.  If someone is truly an expert, it should show in their education, their experience and their responsibilities.

Sanctions also become more focused. The system is designed to target serious misconduct and repeated non compliance, while supporting compliant businesses with clearer, faster procedures.

Decree 219 supports employers who can prove their case and organise their documents. It makes things easier for real experts and harder for weak or improvised arrangements.

Step by Step on What Employers Should Do Now

Step 1: Check your foreign workforce

List every foreign worker with entity, province, role, legal category, permit or exemption, expiry date and estimated days in Vietnam this year. This gives you a clear picture of how you are employing foreign workers in Vietnam right now.

Step 2: Re-check exemptions

For each person, consider whether they could now fall under an exemption, especially:

• genuine short term work under ninety days a year
• priority sectors with proper invitations or confirmations

Where there is a good fit, redesign the structure and documentation carefully. Do not rely on assumptions; keep written justification and internal approvals for every exemption.

Step 3: Update job design and evidence

Update job descriptions and reporting lines so they match the legal categories you use. Create standard evidence packs with degrees, experience letters and other documents for each type of role. This is your main shield if an application is questioned by the authorities.

Step 4: Build a simple internal approval flow

Before any offer to a foreign candidate:

• the business unit explains why a local hire is not suitable
• HR and legal decide between exemption and work permit
• the legal category and document list are agreed

This keeps your dossiers consistent and makes the ten day timeline achievable when employing foreign workers in Vietnam.

FAQ: Decree 219 and Employing Foreign Workers in Vietnam

Do old work permits stay valid?

Yes. Permits and exemption letters issued under previous regulations remain valid until they expire. When you renew, Decree 219 applies, so that is the moment to review and correct weak structures and documentation.

Is the ten day deadline guaranteed?

It applies once the dossier is complete and consistent. If information is missing or confusing, authorities will request additions or refuse. The law gives a better framework, but your internal preparation decides how close you get to that timeline.

Does every short visit avoid work permits now?

No. The ninety day rule applies only to certain types of foreign workers and still requires proper notifications and documentation. You need a reliable way to count days, or you risk crossing the threshold without noticing.

Is it easier to upgrade staff into experts?

It is easier to qualify real experts, including younger ones in key sectors. It is not easier to disguise non-experts as experts. Documentation and consistency matter more than before.

The Right Way Forward for Employers

For companies employing foreign workers in Vietnam, the direction is straightforward:

• align your headcount planning with Vietnam’s shift toward higher value and priority sectors
• design foreign roles that genuinely require international expertise and support that with clear evidence
• use the new exemptions and timelines only when your documents and internal systems can stand up to scrutiny
• modernise your internal procedures so they fit a more digital and integrated public administration

Decree 219 becomes a practical tool that supports your growth, strengthens compliance and helps you attract the foreign talent that Vietnam is actively trying to bring in.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/219-employing-foreign-workers-in-vietnam.html

Background

Decree 239/2025/ND-CP is issued to amend parts of Decree 31/2021/ND-CP which provide instructions for implementing Vietnam’s Investment Law. It took effect on September 3rd, 2025. 

The Decree 239/2025/ND-CP is expected to streamline licensing, especially by recognizing electronic dossiers with digital signatures, and to tidy up incentives and procedures after Vietnam’s recent administrative restructuring after moving to a two-tier local government model where many communes were merged or reclassified.

This Decree 239/2025/ND-CP will set clearer rules on which areas qualify for investment incentives, plus faster timelines in a few steps. 

Foreign and domestic investors seeking Investment Registration Certificates (IRC), investors adjusting projects, and companies locating in industrial parks, export processing zones, high-tech zones, digital-technology zones, or economic zones.

For projects that do not need investment policy approval, the time to issue an IRC is shortened from 15 to 10 working days after the authority receives a valid application. 

Vietnam’s Shifting Competitive Position

Vietnam’s investment framework has evolved rapidly over the past decade, driven by both internal reforms and intense external competition. When the Law on Investment 2020 was introduced, Decree 31/2021/NĐ-CP played a central role in translating the law into practice. It provided a structured mechanism for foreign investor access, clarified conditional business lines, and established the foundation for issuing investment registration certificates (IRC), M&A approval, and incentive policies.

At that time, Decree 31 met Vietnam’s needs: the country was recovering after the pandemic, global supply chains were shifting, and foreign-invested enterprises continued to anchor Vietnam as an export manufacturing hub.

However, by 2023–2025, Vietnam’s competitive landscape changed dramatically. Neighboring countries implemented investment reforms, making licensing faster, digital, and more predictable.

Investors began comparing jurisdictions not by incentives alone, but by administrative speed, transparency, and technological readiness. As a result, the limitations of Decree 31 became more visible i.e. long processing times, paper based procedures, outdated rules on machinery imports, and inconsistencies caused by administrative restructuring at the provincial level.

At the same time, Vietnam’s own economic strategy evolved.

The government signaled a shift away from being merely a low cost manufacturing destination toward becoming a high-tech, digital, and green economy.

This required a modern investment regime aligned with global standards, capable of supporting high-quality FDI in semiconductors, renewable energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

To keep pace with these changes, Vietnam needed a new regulatory instrument, one that would accelerate licensing, remove outdated technical barriers, and allow investors to operate seamlessly in an increasingly digital environment.

Decree 239/2025/NĐ-CP emerged as that reform.

It reflects the government’s recognition that the next phase of economic competition will not be won by cheap labor or broad incentives, but by administrative efficiency, predictable rules, transparent digital procedures, and alignment with global technological trends.

By allowing full electronic dossiers, reducing IRC timelines, removing rigid rules on machinery age, and updating incentive zones after administrative mergers, Decree 239/2025/ND-CP positions Vietnam more effectively against regional competitors.

Decree 239/2025/ND-CP is is part of a broader strategic shift that Vietnam is transitioning from a cost driven economy to a capability driven one, where investment attraction depends on the quality, speed, and modernity of its legal and administrative systems.

The Five Most Practical Changes in the Decree 239/2025/ND-CP

Electronic dossiers now is valid as paper

The electronic dossier, digitally signed per Vietnam’s e-transaction rules, has the same legal validity as the paper set. Authorities must publicly announce how they receive e-dossiers on the National Investment Information Portal and their own portals. Company may submit in person, online, or via public post depending on the procedure. 

It is important that the application prepare one paper set and one matching e-set. Make sure the e-set is signed with a recognized digital signature. If there is any inconsistency, the paper dossier will be treated as the final legally binding version, so double-check that both sets match before filing.

Faster IRC issuance

The investment registration authority now issues the IRC within 10 working days for projects that do not require investment policy approval, reducing from 15 working days. If the project does require policy approval, related downstream timelines are also tightened in several steps. 

This mean the company can expect a a shorter statutory processing window for the IRC. Delays can still happen because of the procedures of consultations with other authorities, translation, legalization gaps, or system slowdowns, but the baseline rule is now 10 working days after a valid application. 

Incentives mapped down to the commune level 

Vietnam now clarifies out how to determine incentive areas at the commune level, including what happens when communes are merged or reclassified. In short, the new commune generally inherits the status of the majority of the old communes; when there’s a tie, rules explain which higher incentive level applies. Provincial People’s Committees publish the incentive map and report to the Ministry of Finance. 

Zones and incentives: continuity and upgrades

Projects in industrial parks, export processing zones, high-tech zones, concentrated digital-technology zones, and economic zones continue to enjoy incentives even if zoning is later adjusted or the zone is re-purposed, subject to legal conditions. Decree 239/2025/ND-CP also adds a new line in recognizing economic zones, high-tech zones, and concentrated digital-technology zones as areas with “extremely difficult” conditions, and industrial parks/export-processing zones/industrial clusters as “difficult” areas for incentive purposes. 

No more over 10 years old restriction

The previous rule that effectively blocked extensions for projects using machinery older than 10 years is removed. Instead, eligibility focuses on technical standards and performance, such as meeting national technical regulations (or international standards if none exist), operating at more than 85% of design efficiency, and not exceeding 15% of design consumption for inputs and energy. 

Step-by-step: Getting your IRC Under Decree 239/2025/ND-CP

Step 1. Decide if your project needs investment policy approval

Check the project against the Investment Law thresholds. If approval is not required, you’re on the faster 10-day track for the IRC once your dossier is valid. 

Step 2. Assemble one paper dossier and one matching e-dossier

Mirror contents, ensure translations and legalizations are complete, and apply a recognized digital signature to the e-dossier. Inconsistencies between paper and e-files are a common cause of delay

Step 3. File via the method the authority publishes

Submit in person, online, or by public post according to the published method. Keep your submission receipts and the system tracking codes. 

Step 4. Track the 10-day statutory window

For non-policy-approval projects, the investment registration authority issues the IRC within 10 working days after receiving a valid application. If the authority asks for clarification, respond promptly. 

Step 5. If you are in a zone or a newly merged commune, confirm incentives early

Use the new commune-level rules to confirm whether your location is treated as “difficult” or “extremely difficult” for incentive purposes. This affects deposits/guarantee reductions and other benefits. 

Step 6. If your project relies on used machinery, prepare performance evidence

Compile test reports showing compliance with applicable Vietnam or international standards, efficiency more than 85% of design, and inputs/energy consumption less than 15% of design.

FAQ

Does Decree 239/2025/ND-CP really shorten the IRC timeline to 10 days?

Yes for projects that do not require investment policy approval from 15 days to 10 working days after a valid application is received. 

Are electronic dossiers fully valid?

Yes. With a compliant digital signature, the e-dossier has the same legal validity as the paper one, and authorities must publish how they receive e-files. 

What about used machinery over 10 years old?

Age alone is no longer the issue. What matters is compliance with technical standards and performance thresholds (efficiency and consumption). 

Which locations get “top-tier” incentives now?

Economic zones, high-tech zones, and concentrated digital-technology zones are treated as areas with extremely difficult conditions; industrial parks/export zones/industrial clusters are treated as difficult areas, for incentive purposes. 

Final Take

Decree 239/2025/ND-CP nudges Vietnam’s investment procedures into a more digital, more predictable era: fewer dossier redundancies, faster issuance for many IRCs, incentive clarity down to the commune, modernized zone treatment, and performance-based equipment rules. If you align your filing strategy with these updates especially the e-dossier standards and the 10-day clock you reduce friction, de-risk your timeline, and capture the incentives you’re entitled to.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/decree-239-2025-nd-cp-what-changed.html