Vietnam transitions to electronic land use certificates

Vietnam is accelerating the development of a national land database with the goal of completing it by 2027. This digital transformation aims to integrate land use and house ownership certificates into the VNeID electronic identification platform, enhancing transparency and reducing administrative processing times.

Historically, land documentation in Vietnam has evolved through various forms, including “white books” (various historical documents used prior to 1993), “red books” (standardized in 1993), and the current “pink books.” Under the 2024 Land Law, electronic pink books are being established as a legal framework. Future management will likely shift from physical paper to QR codes, barcodes, and electronic certificates.

In related administrative matters, challenges remain regarding older certificates. For instance, land documented under outdated terms such as “thổ cư” (residential land) on certificates issued before July 2004 requires specific provincial guidance to determine exact residential areas under current regulations.