Vietnam Construction Law requirements for building permits in commune-level planning areas

Under the Construction Law and Decree No. 217/2026/ND-CP, effective from mid-2026, specific regulations govern the issuance of building permits in Vietnam.

According to the law, certain small-scale projects—such as Grade IV construction or individual houses under seven floors with a total floor area of less than 500 m2—are generally exempt from permit requirements. However, this exemption does not apply to areas identified within a commune's general planning, functional zones, or urban development areas defined in city or provincial planning.

Consequently, individual residential construction located within areas designated by commune-level general planning must obtain a building permit. The regulations require that such projects align with specific detailed planning or site layout plans as prescribed by urban and rural planning laws.