Vietnam boosts land violation fines to 250 million dong

Effective 31 August 2026, Vietnam’s Decree 281/2026/NĐ‑CP amends Decree 123/2024/NĐ‑CP on administrative penalties in the land sector. The amendment raises the maximum fine that a commune‑level People’s Committee chair can impose for land‑related violations from 5 million dong to 250 million dong and adds powers to issue warnings, suspend consulting services for up to three months, and enforce remedial actions.

The decree also creates an exemption: violations for failing to register land‑use changes will not be penalised when the land is obtained under an investment‑project land‑use right agreement (Article 127 of the Land Law). Transitional rules protect cases where violation records were made before 31 August 2026 but no penalty decision was issued, and where penalties issued between 31 January and 31 August 2026 remain unenforced.

Four new remedial measures are introduced for land‑violation offenders: restoration of the original land condition, restoration of administrative boundary markers, completion of all required land‑administrative procedures, and submission of any falsified documents. Unlicensed surveying and mapping activities may be fined up to 50 million dong.