Vietnam land law updates regarding land use certificates

New legal regulations in Vietnam are clarifying the responsibilities of state agencies and the rights of land users regarding land use certificates (red books). Under Law No. 15/2026/QH16, effective March 1, 2027, the State may be held liable for compensation if it unlawfully refuses to issue, issues, or revokes land use certificates.

Legal experts are also addressing common administrative challenges. For instance, correcting errors in personal information on a certificate issued to a household does not require the signatures of all household members if the correction does not alter land use rights. Furthermore, the absence of a land use certificate does not automatically classify land use as illegal encroachment; authorities must verify land origin and usage history according to the 2024 Land Law.

Regarding land classification, users are advised that converting certificates may result in agricultural land being designated with specific terms rather than permanent use, depending on current regulations.