Vietnam Issues Decree on Structure and Management of Public Service Units

The Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 299/2026/NĐ-CP on 28 July 2026, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for public service units (đơn vị sự nghiệp công lập). The decree outlines procedures for the establishment, reorganization, dissolution, transfer, classification, ranking, and financial autonomy of these units. New units must satisfy sector planning, specific legal criteria, and ensure regular budget funding, except for those providing essential basic services. Reorganizations funded by the state budget or partial self‑funding must not increase the number of salary recipients, and any merger or acquisition of financially autonomous units requires an authority‑approved decision on the resulting autonomy level. Transfers must preserve the original state‑owned condition of the unit. The decree aims to standardize governance, improve efficiency, and ensure fiscal responsibility across Vietnam’s public service sector.