Decree No. 121/2025/ND-CP on decentralization and delegation in the field of state management by the Ministry of Justice.

DECREE

Regarding the delegation and decentralization

in the field of state administration of the Ministry of Justice

                              

On the basis of The Government Organization Law 2025;

On the basis of The Local Government Organization Law 2025;

Pursuant to Resolution No. Decision 190/2025/QH15 dated February 19, 2025 of the National Assembly regarding handling certain issues related to the restructuring of the state apparatus;

At the proposal of the Minister of Justice;

The Government issues this Decree to regulate the delegation and decentralization in the field of state administration of the Ministry of Justice.

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree stipulates the authority, procedures, and processes for implementing tasks and powers of agencies and authorized individuals in the field of state administration of the Ministry of Justice as prescribed by laws, resolutions of the National Assembly, ordinances, resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, decrees of the Government, and decisions of the Prime Minister, which need adjustment to implement the delegation and decentralization.

Article 2. Principles of Delegation and Decentralization

1. Ensuring compliance with the Constitution; consistent with the principles and regulations on delegation and decentralization under the Law on the Organization of the Government 2025 and the Law on the Organization of Local Administration 2025.

2. Ensuring thorough decentralization of tasks between central government agencies and local authorities, ensuring the unified management authority of the Government, the executive power of the head of the Government over the field of state administration of the Ministry of Justice, and promoting the initiative, creativity, and accountability of local authorities in performing state management tasks in the judicial sector.

3. Ensuring that the Government, the Prime Minister, ministries, and ministerial-level agencies focus on performing national-level state management tasks; building a coherent and unified institutional framework, strategy, planning, and playing a constructive role while strengthening inspection, supervision, and monitoring.

4. Promoting delegation and decentralization, clearly defining the authority of People's Councils, People's Committees, and Chairpersons of People's Committees; clearly distinguishing the general authority of People's Committees from the specific authority of their Chairpersons; ensuring consistency with the tasks, powers, and capabilities of agencies and authorized individuals assigned such responsibilities.

5. Implementing delegation and decentralization among related sectors and fields in a coordinated, comprehensive, interconnected manner without omission or overlap of tasks; ensuring a legal basis for the normal, continuous, and smooth operation of agencies; preventing work interruptions, overlapping, duplication, or omission of functions, tasks, areas, or regions.

6. Ensuring human rights and citizens' rights; ensuring transparency and creating favorable conditions for individuals and organizations to access information, exercise their rights and obligations, and follow legal procedures; not affecting the normal activities of society, citizens, and businesses.

7. Ensuring that it does not affect the implementation of international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

8. Resources for tasks delegated and decentralized shall be guaranteed by the State budget according to regulations.

Article 3. On Fees and Charges

When administrative procedures require payment of fees or charges as prescribed by law, individuals or organizations shall pay these fees or charges to the agency receiving the application for the administrative procedure. The amount of fees and charges, their management, and use shall be implemented according to the regulations of the Minister of Finance or the People's Council of the province corresponding to the respective fees and charges.

Chapter II
DELEGATION

Section 1

ASSESSMENT OF ASSETS SECTOR

Article 4. Issuance of Auction Practice Certificate

1. The issuance of the Auction Practice Certificate as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 14 of the Auction Law 2016, amended and supplemented in 2023 and 2024 (hereinafter referred to as the Auction Law) shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for issuing the Auction Practice Certificate shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section I of Appendix I attached to this Decree.

Article 5. Revocation of Auction Practice Certificate

1. The revocation of the Auction Practice Certificate as stipulated in Points b and c, Clause 2, Article 16 of the Auction Law shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for revoking the Auction Practice Certificate shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section II of Appendix I attached to this Decree.

Article 6. Reissuance of Auction Practice Certificate

1. The reissuance of the Auction Practice Certificate as stipulated in Article 17 of the Auction Law shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for reissuing the Auction Practice Certificate shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section III of Appendix I attached to this Decree.

Section 2

FIELD OF COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION

Article 7. Conditions and Procedures for Establishing and Registering Commercial Arbitration Centers

1. The issuance of the License for establishing Commercial Arbitration Centers as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 24 of the Commercial Arbitration Law 2010 (hereinafter referred to as the Commercial Arbitration Law) shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for establishing and registering Commercial Arbitration Centers shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section I of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 8. Procedures for Terminating Operations of Commercial Arbitration Centers According to the Center’s Charter

1. The termination of operations of Commercial Arbitration Centers as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 29 of the Commercial Arbitration Law, Clause 1, Article 16 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP dated July 28, 2011 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain articles of the Commercial Arbitration Law, amended and supplemented in 2018 (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP) shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for terminating operations of Commercial Arbitration Centers according to the Center’s Charter shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section V of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Section 3

FIELD OF LAWYER MANAGEMENT

Article 9. Issuance of Lawyer Practice Certificate

1. The issuance of the Lawyer Practice Certificate as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 17 of the Lawyers Law 2006, amended and supplemented in 2012 and 2015 (hereinafter referred to as the Lawyers Law) shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for issuing the Lawyer Practice Certificate shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section I of Appendix III attached to this Decree.

3. The responsibility for chairing and coordinating with relevant agencies and organizations to strengthen the review of compliance with the Constitution and laws, having good moral character of those applying for the Lawyer Practice Certificate; promptly detecting, handling, or proposing competent authorities to handle strictly any violations in accordance with the law as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 2a of the Lawyers Law shall be that of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

Article 10. Revocation of Lawyer Practice Certificate

1. The revocation of the Lawyer Practice Certificate as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The revocation of the Lawyer Practice Certificate as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 85 of the Lawyers Law shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province where the lawyer is a member of the Bar Association.

3. The procedures for revoking the Lawyer Practice Certificate shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section II of Appendix III issued together with this Decree.

Article 11. Reissuance of Lawyer Practice Certificate

1. The reissuance of the Lawyer Practice Certificate as stipulated in Article 19 of the Lawyers Law shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The procedures for reissuing the Lawyer Practice Certificate shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section III of Appendix III issued together with this Decree.

Article 12. Recognition of Foreign Legal Education

1. The recognition of foreign legal education as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 12 of the Lawyers Law shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The procedures for recognizing foreign legal education shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section IV of Appendix III issued together with this Decree.

Article 13. Complaints against Decisions and Actions of the Bar Council and Relevant Authorities of the Vietnam Bar Federation

In case of disagreement with the decision on complaint resolution by the Standing Executive Board of the Vietnam Bar Federation as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 86 of the Lawyers Law, the lawyer has the right to file a complaint with the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province where the lawyer practices. The time limit for resolving complaints by the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province is thirty days from the date of receipt of the complaint.

Section 4

FIELD OF NOTARIAL ACTS

Article 14. Appointment of Notary Public

1. The appointment of notary public as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 13 of the Notarization Law 2024 (hereinafter referred to as the Notarization Law), and Article 4 of Decree No. 104/2025/NĐ-CP dated May 15, 2025 of the Government detailing certain provisions and measures for implementing the Notarization Law (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 104/2025/NĐ-CP) shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The procedures for appointing notary public shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section I of Appendix IV issued together with this Decree.

Article 15. Dismissal of Notary Public

1. The dismissal of notary public as stipulated in Article 16 of the Notarization Law and Article 6 of Decree No. 104/2025/NĐ-CP shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The procedures for dismissing notary public shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section II of Appendix IV issued together with this Decree.

Article 16. Reappointment of Notary Public

1. The reappointment of notary public as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 17 of the Notarization Law and Article 7 of Decree No. 104/2025/NĐ-CP shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The procedures for reappointing notary public shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section III of Appendix IV issued together with this Decree.

Article 17. Recognition of Equivalent Qualifications for Individuals Trained Abroad in Notarial Profession

1. The recognition of equivalent qualifications for individuals trained abroad in the notarial profession as stipulated in Clause 6, Article 11 of the Notarization Law shall be within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The procedures for recognizing equivalent qualifications for individuals trained abroad in the notarial profession shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section IV of Appendix IV issued together with this Decree.

Section 5

FIELD OF STATE COMPENSATION

Article 18. Responsibility to support and guide the person suffering damage in carrying out procedures to request state compensation

The support for the person suffering damage in carrying out procedures to request state compensation as stipulated in Point d, Clause 2, Article 73 of the Law on State Compensation Liability 2017 (hereinafter referred to as the Law on State Compensation Liability) falls within the jurisdiction of the People's Committee of the province where the person suffering damage resides, where the organization suffering damage has its headquarters, or the People's Committee of the province where the headquarters of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage is located.

Article 19. Proposing competent authorities to handle violations in the settlement of compensation and the implementation of the obligation to repay

The proposal to competent authorities to handle violations in the settlement of compensation and the implementation of the obligation to repay as stipulated in Point l, Clause 2, Article 73 of the Law on State Compensation Liability falls within the jurisdiction of the People's Committee of the province where the headquarters of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage is located.

Article 20. Proposing persons with authority to lodge appeals against court judgments and decisions containing compensation settlement content

1. The proposal to persons with authority to lodge appeals against court judgments and decisions containing compensation settlement content as stipulated in Point m, Clause 2, Article 73 of the Law on State Compensation Liability falls within the jurisdiction of the People's Committee of the province where the headquarters of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage is located.

2. The court judgments and decisions referred to in Paragraph 1 of this Article are court judgments and decisions on civil cases concerning state compensation or court judgments and decisions on criminal cases containing compensation settlement content or court judgments and decisions on administrative cases containing compensation settlement content, wherein the defendant or civil defendant or the person being sued is the agency responsible for compensation.

Article 21. Proposing the head of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage to reconsider the decision on repayment or the decision to reduce the repayment amount

The proposal to the head of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage to reconsider the decision on repayment or the decision to reduce the repayment amount as stipulated in Article 67 of the Law on State Compensation Liability falls within the jurisdiction of the People's Committee of the province where the headquarters of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage is located.

Article 22. Requesting the head of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage to revoke the decision on compensation settlement

The request to the head of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage to revoke the decision on compensation settlement as stipulated in Point m, Clause 2, Article 73 of the Law on State Compensation Liability falls within the jurisdiction of the People's Committee of the province where the headquarters of the agency directly managing the public servant causing damage is located.

Chapter 6

FIELD OF ADOPTION, LEGAL EDUCATION AND LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Article 23. Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam adopting foreign children

1. The confirmation that Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam meet the conditions to adopt foreign children as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 40 of the Adoption Law 2010 (hereinafter referred to as the Adoption Law) falls within the jurisdiction of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

2. The procedure and process for confirming that Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam meet the conditions to adopt foreign children shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Appendix V attached to this Decree.

Article 24. Legal Reporters

1. The recognition of legal reporters shall be governed by point a, Clause 3, Article 35 of the Law on Popularizing and Promoting Legal Awareness 2012 (hereinafter referred to as the Law on Popularizing and Promoting Legal Awareness), which falls within the purview of the Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, agency under the Government, and the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

2. The procedures for recognizing and relieving legal reporters shall be governed by Clause 5, Article 35 of the Law on Popularizing and Promoting Legal Awareness, which falls within the purview of the agency specified in Subparagraph 1 of this Article.

Article 25. Socialization of Popularizing and Promoting Legal Awareness Activities

The policy supporting socialization of popularizing and promoting legal awareness activities shall be regulated in Article 4 of the Law on Popularizing and Promoting Legal Awareness, which shall be detailed by the People's Council at the provincial level based on the economic and social conditions of each period, in accordance with the practical conditions of the locality, to provide support policies for agencies, organizations, enterprises, and individuals participating in the implementation of popularizing and promoting legal awareness within their respective localities.

Article 26. Organization of Quality Assessment of Legal Aid Cases

The organization of quality assessment of legal aid cases shall be governed by point e, Clause 1, Article 40 of the Legal Aid Law 2017, which falls within the purview of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

Chapter III
CLASSIFICATION

Section 1

FIELD OF SUBSTITUTION JUDGES

1. The appointment of substitution judges shall be governed by Article 10 of Decree No. 08/2020/ND-CP dated January 8, 2020 of the Government on the organization and operation of substitution judges (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 08/2020/ND-CP), which falls within the purview of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for appointing substitution judges shall be implemented according to the provisions set out in Section I of Appendix VI attached to this Decree.

1. The removal of substitution judges shall be governed by Article 13 of Decree No. 08/2020/ND-CP, which falls within the purview of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for removing substitution judges shall be implemented according to the provisions set out in Section II of Appendix VI attached to this Decree.

1. The reappointment of substitution judges shall be governed by Article 14 of Decree No. 08/2020/ND-CP, which falls within the purview of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for reappointing substitution judges shall be implemented according to the provisions set out in Section III of Appendix VI attached to this Decree.

1. The recognition of equivalent training abroad for the substitution judge profession shall be governed by Clause 7, Article 7 of Decree No. 08/2020/ND-CP, which falls within the purview of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for recognizing equivalent training abroad for the substitution judge profession shall be implemented according to the provisions set out in Section IV of Appendix VI attached to this Decree.

Section 2

FIELD OF COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION

Article 31. Change of Content in the License for Establishing an Arbitration Center and Registration Certificate of an Arbitration Center in Case of Change of Legal Representative or Location

1. The change of content in the license for establishing an arbitration center and registration certificate of an arbitration center in case of change of legal representative or location shall be governed by Clause 2, Article 11 of Decree No. 63/2011/ND-CP, which falls within the purview of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for changing the content in the license for establishing an arbitration center and registration certificate of an arbitration center in case of change of legal representative or location shall be implemented according to the provisions set out in Section II of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 32. Reissuing Arbitration Center Establishment License, Branch, Representative Office of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam

1. The reissuing of the Arbitration Center Establishment License, Branch, Representative Office of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam when lost, torn, damaged, burned, or destroyed shall be governed by Article 12 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, which falls within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for reissuing the Arbitration Center Establishment License, Branch, Representative Office of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section III of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 33. Revoking the Arbitration Center Establishment License, Operation Registration Certificate

1. The revocation of the Arbitration Center Establishment License, Operation Registration Certificate shall be governed by Article 15 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, which falls within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for revoking the Arbitration Center Establishment License, Operation Registration Certificate shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section IV of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 34. Issuing the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam

1. The issuance of the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be governed by Clause 1 of Article 21 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, which falls within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for issuing the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section VI of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 35. Registering Branch Operations, Notifying the Establishment of Representative Office of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam

The procedures for registering Branch operations and notifying the establishment of Representative Office of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section VII of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 36. Amending the Content of the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License, Operation Registration Certificate of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam

1. The amendment of the content of the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License, Operation Registration Certificate of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be governed by Article 23 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, which falls within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for amending the content of the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License, Operation Registration Certificate of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section VIII of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 37. Revoking the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam

1. The revocation of the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be governed by Article 24 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, which falls within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures for revoking the Branch, Representative Office Establishment License of Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section IX of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Article 38. Termination of Activities of Branches and Representative Offices of Foreign Arbitration Organizations in Vietnam

1. The termination of activities of branches and representative offices of foreign arbitration organizations in Vietnam shall be governed by Article 25 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, which falls within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. The procedures and formalities for terminating the activities of branches and representative offices of foreign arbitration organizations in Vietnam shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions set out in Section X of Appendix II attached to this Decree.

Section 3

LEGAL SUPPORT FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES, LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Article 39. Establishment, Management, and Utilization of Legal Advisor Networks

1. The legal advisor network, as defined in Clause 3 of Article 3 and Article 9 of Decree No. 55/2019/NĐ-CP dated June 24, 2019 of the Government on legal support for small and medium-sized enterprises, shall be publicly announced by the People's Committee at the provincial level to provide legal support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The People's Committee at the provincial level shall be responsible for allocating resources to establish, manage, and effectively utilize the legal advisor network in its jurisdiction; allocate funds and designate personnel to handle procedures for supporting legal advisory costs for small and medium-sized enterprises.

2. Small and medium-sized enterprises can access the legal advisor network through a list of legal advisors published on the website of the People's Committee at the provincial level and on the online legal support portal for businesses.

3. The People's Committee at the provincial level shall stipulate the procedures and formalities for supporting legal advisory costs. In cases where local government budget resources are available, the People's Committee at the provincial level shall report to the People's Council at the same level for consideration and decision to apply higher levels of support for legal advisory costs to encourage and attract legal advisors and maximize support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Article 40. Sample Cards for Collaborators in Legal Assistance

The issuance of sample cards for collaborators in legal assistance is regulated in Clause 4 of Article 16 of Decree No. 144/2017/NĐ-CP dated December 15, 2017 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Legal Aid Law, which falls within the authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

Chapter IV
IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 41. Effective Date

1. This Decree takes effect from July 1, 2025.

Clause 2. This Decree ceases to take effect from March 1, 2027, except in the following cases:

a) Ministries and ministerial-level agencies report to the Government to propose and obtain the National Assembly’s decision to extend the application period of this Decree in whole or in part.

b) Laws, resolutions of the National Assembly, ordinances, resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, decrees, resolutions of the Government, decisions of the Prime Minister that specify state management authorities and responsibilities, procedures, and formalities prescribed in this Decree, if adopted or issued from July 1, 2025 and become effective before March 1, 2027, then the corresponding provisions in this Decree shall cease to be effective upon the entry into force of those legal instruments.

3. During the period when the provisions of this Decree are in effect, if the provisions regarding state management authorities and responsibilities, procedures, and formalities in this Decree differ from related legal instruments, they shall be implemented according to the provisions of this Decree.

Article 42. Transitional Provisions

1. The Ministry of Justice shall be responsible for providing information about files for administrative procedures handled by the Ministry prior to July 1, 2025 to ensure smooth implementation of such procedures when delegated to the Chairman of the People's Committee at the provincial level.

2. For files submitted to the Ministry of Justice for administrative procedures prescribed in Articles 4, 5, and 6 of this Decree before the effectiveness of this Decree, they shall be processed in accordance with Decree No. 172/2024/NĐ-CP dated December 27, 2024 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Auction Law.

3. For files submitted to the Ministry of Justice for administrative procedures prescribed in Articles 7, 8, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38 of this Decree before the effectiveness of this Decree, they shall be processed in accordance with Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP.

4. For files submitted to the Ministry of Justice for administrative procedures prescribed in Articles 9, 10, 11, and 12 of this Decree before the effectiveness of this Decree, they shall be processed in accordance with the Lawyers Law and Decree No. 123/2013/NĐ-CP.

5. For files submitted to the Ministry of Justice for administrative procedures prescribed in Article 23 of this Decree before the effectiveness of this Decree, they shall be processed in accordance with the Adoption Law.

6. For files submitted to the Ministry of Justice for administrative procedures prescribed in Articles 27, 28, 29, and 30 of this Decree before the effectiveness of this Decree, they shall be processed in accordance with Decree No. 08/2020/NĐ-CP.

7. Notaries appointed or reappointed before July 1, 2025 may continue their notarial practice in accordance with the Notarization Law 2024, Decree No. 104/2025/NĐ-CP, and this Decree.

8. Those who meet the requirements for the examination of notary practice training results before July 1, 2025, when applying for notary appointment, shall not have to pay the fee specified in Point 2a of Clause 9 of Article 4 of Circular No. 257/2016/TT-BTC dated November 11, 2016 of the Minister of Finance on the collection, payment, management, and utilization of notarization fees; certification fees; fees for assessing standards and conditions for notary practice; fees for assessing conditions for notary office operations; and fees for issuing notary certificates.

9. For cases that have requested the Ministry of Justice for support and guidance under Point d of Clause 3 of Article 73 of the State Compensation Law before the effectiveness of this Decree, they shall be implemented in accordance with the State Compensation Law and related guiding documents.

10. Documents and papers issued or granted by competent authorities before the effectiveness of this Decree, which have not yet expired or reached their usage period, shall continue to be applied and used in accordance with the law until their expiration or are amended, supplemented, replaced, abolished, recalled, or revoked by the receiving authorities or persons with authority.

 

 

Appendix I

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES IN THE FIELD OF ASSET AUCTION
(Attached to Decree No. 121/2025/NĐ-CP

dated June 11, 2025 of the Government)

                                  

I. PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING THE PRACTICE CERTIFICATE OF AUCTIONEER

1. A person meeting the criteria stipulated in Article 10 of the Auction Law shall prepare one set of application documents for issuing the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer and submit it directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice where they have registered their internship period or online on the National Public Service Portal. The application documents include:

a) An application for issuing the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer;

b) A certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for verification or an electronic copy of a degree from a bachelor's level or higher in one of the following fields: law, economics, business administration, accounting, auditing, finance, banking;

c) One color photograph measuring 3 cm x 4 cm or an electronic color photograph measuring 3 cm x 4 cm.

2. Within five working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit the case to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and decision on issuing the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer. Within five working days from the date of receiving the application from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer; in case of refusal, a written notification with detailed reasons must be provided.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

3. During the examination process for issuing the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer, the Department of Justice has the right to request the agency managing the judicial record database to provide information on the judicial record of the applicant for the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer.

The agency managing the judicial record database shall be responsible for providing information to the requesting agency within three working days from the date of receipt of the request. The time taken to coordinate the provision of judicial record information shall not be included in the administrative procedure processing time.

II. PROCEDURE FOR REVOKING THE PRACTICE CERTIFICATE OF AUCTIONEER

1. Within twenty days from the date of receiving information about the person who has been issued the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer and falls under the circumstances for revoking the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 16 of the Auction Law, the Department of Justice where the organization's headquarters is located or the Department of Justice where the person resides if the person has been issued the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer but has not yet practiced shall be responsible for examining and verifying.

2. Within seven working days from the date of having grounds to confirm that the person who has been issued the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer falls under the circumstances for revoking the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer, the Department of Justice shall issue a document requesting the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to revoke the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer of that person along with relevant documents.

3. Within ten working days from the date of receiving the request document from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision to revoke the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer. The decision to revoke the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer shall be sent to the person whose certificate is revoked, the organization where the person practices, and the Department of Justice that made the request. In cases where there is insufficient basis to revoke the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall notify in writing the relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.

III. PROCEDURE FOR REISSUING THE PRACTICE CERTIFICATE OF AUCTIONEER

1. A person whose Practice Certificate of Auctioneer has been revoked as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 17 of the Auction Law shall prepare one set of application documents for reissuing the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer and submit it directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice that issued the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer or where the applicant resides, and pay the fee as prescribed by law, or online on the National Public Service Portal. The application documents include:

a) An application for reissuing the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer;

b) The original or a certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for verification or an electronic copy of the document proving that the reason for revoking the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer no longer exists.

c) One color photograph measuring 3 cm x 4 cm or an electronic color photograph measuring 3 cm x 4 cm.

2. A person whose Practice Certificate of Auctioneer has been revoked as stipulated in Clause 2, Clause 3, Article 17 of the Auction Law and the circumstance stipulated in Clause 4, Article 17 of the Auction Law shall prepare one set of application documents for reissuing the Practice Certificate and submit it directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice that issued the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer, and pay the fee as prescribed by law, or online on the National Public Service Portal. The application documents include the documents specified in point a and point c of Clause 1 of this Section.

3. Within five working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit the case to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and decision on reissuing the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer. Within five working days from the date of receiving the application from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision to reissue the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer; in case of refusal to reissue the Practice Certificate of Auctioneer, a written notification with detailed reasons must be provided.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

 

Seal Registration Certificate

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES IN THE FIELD OF COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION
(Attached to Decree No. 121/2025/NĐ-CP

dated June 11, 2025 of the Government)

                                    

I. PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING AND REGISTERING THE OPERATIONS OF AN ARBITRATION CENTER

1. An arbitration center shall be established when there are at least five founding members who are Vietnamese citizens meeting the conditions to be arbitrators as stipulated in Article 20 of the Commercial Arbitration Law, and they shall prepare one set of application documents for establishing the arbitration center and submit it directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice where the arbitration center is located or online on the National Public Service Portal.

2. The application documents for establishing the arbitration center include:

a) An application for establishing and registering the operations of the arbitration center;

b) A draft charter of the arbitration center;

c) A list of founding members and a certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for verification or an electronic copy of the documents accompanying them proving that these persons meet the conditions stipulated in Article 20 of the Commercial Arbitration Law.

3. Within twenty working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Department of Justice shall examine the documents, submit them to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for consideration, issue a License to establish an Arbitration Center, and approve the Arbitration Center's regulations. In case of refusal, it must notify in writing. Within five working days from the date the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee issues the License to establish the Arbitration Center and approves its regulations, the Department of Justice shall issue a Registration Certificate for the Arbitration Center.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

4. After obtaining the Registration Certificate, the Arbitration Center shall implement the establishment announcement in accordance with Article 26 of the Commercial Arbitration Law and affix the seal in accordance with the law.

II. PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING CONTENTS OF THE LICENSE TO ESTABLISH AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE OF AN ARBITRATION CENTER IN CASE OF CHANGE OF LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OR HEADQUARTERS LOCATION

1. When there is a need to change the name or field of operation, the Arbitration Center shall submit directly or send via postal service the application for changing the name or field of operation to the Department of Justice where the Arbitration Center is located. The application for change includes one set of documents:

a) A document requesting to change the contents of the License to Establish the Arbitration Center;

b) The original License to Establish the Arbitration Center and copies of relevant documents related to the change (if any).

2. Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the Arbitration Center's documents, the Department of Justice shall examine the documents, submit them to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for consideration. If approved, the contents of the change shall be recorded on the License to Establish the Arbitration Center issued by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. If the License to Establish the Arbitration Center was issued by the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Justice shall advise and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for issuance of a new License to Establish the Arbitration Center according to the changed contents. If the proposed changes are not approved, a written response must be provided with clear reasons.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

3. When the Arbitration Center changes its legal representative or headquarters location within the province or centrally governed city, it must notify in writing the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee where the headquarters is located within seven working days from the date of change, and submit directly or send via postal service one set of documents for changing registration contents to the Department of Justice where the Arbitration Center is registered. The documents include:

a) A document requesting to change the contents of the Registration Certificate;

b) The original Registration Certificate.

III. PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING AGAIN THE LICENSE TO ESTABLISH AN ARBITRATION CENTER, BRANCH, OR REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE OF A FOREIGN ARBITRATION ORGANIZATION IN VIETNAM

1. When the License to Establish is lost, torn, damaged, burned, or destroyed, the Arbitration Center, Branch, or Representative Office of a foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam shall submit directly or send via postal service a request for reissuance of the License to Establish the Arbitration Center, Branch, or Representative Office of a foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam to the Department of Justice where the Arbitration Center, Branch, or Representative Office of a foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam is located or online through the National Public Service Portal.

2. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the application for reissuance of the License to Establish, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for reissuance of the License to Establish. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall decide to reissue the License to Establish the Arbitration Center, Branch, or Representative Office of a foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam; if refused, a written notification must be provided with clear reasons.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

IV. PROCEDURE FOR REVOKING THE LICENSE TO ESTABLISH AND REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE OF AN ARBITRATION CENTER

1. In cases where an organization or individual discovers that the Arbitration Center falls under the circumstances for revoking the License to Establish as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 15 of Decree No. 63/2011/ND-CP, they must notify the Department of Justice where the Arbitration Center is located. The Department of Justice shall be responsible for examining and verifying.

At the latest within seven working days from the date the Department of Justice discovers that the Arbitration Center falls under the circumstances for revoking the License to Establish, the Department of Justice must submit a written request to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to revoke the License to Establish, clearly stating the reasons along with supporting documents (if any).

2. Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision to revoke the License to Establish of the Arbitration Center. Within twenty working days from the date of the decision to revoke the License to Establish, the Arbitration Center must return the License to Establish to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Within fifteen working days from the effective date of the decision to revoke the License to Establish of the Arbitration Center, the Arbitration Center must return the Registration Certificate to the Department of Justice where it was issued.

V. PROCEDURE FOR TERMINATING THE OPERATIONS OF AN ARBITRATION CENTER ACCORDING TO THE REGULATIONS OF THE ARBITRATION CENTER

1. In cases of termination of operations as prescribed at point a, Clause 1, Article 29 of the Commercial Arbitration Law, the Arbitration Center must notify in writing the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and the Department of Justice where the Arbitration Center is registered about the termination of operations at least thirty days before the termination date, and publish the notice in a central daily newspaper or local newspaper in three consecutive issues.

The Arbitration Center must settle all debts and complete all accepted cases, except in cases of other agreements.

2. Within seven working days from the completion of the procedures prescribed in Clause 1 of this section, the Arbitration Center must report in writing to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee where the Arbitration Center is registered about the completion of the procedures.

Within seven working days from the date of receiving the report from the Arbitration Center, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision to terminate the operation of the Arbitration Center. Within twenty working days from the date of the decision to revoke the Certificate of Establishment, the Arbitration Center shall return the Certificate of Establishment to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, return the Registration for Operation to the Department of Justice where the Arbitration Center registered its operation, and return the seal to the competent authority.

VI. PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING THE CERTIFICATE OF ESTABLISHMENT FOR BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN ARBITRATION ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

1. A foreign arbitration organization wishing to establish a Branch or Representative Office in Vietnam shall prepare one set of application documents for establishing a Branch or Representative Office and submit it directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice at the location of the Branch or Representative Office, or online on the National Public Service Portal. Within thirty working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and issuance of the Certificate of Establishment for the Branch or Representative Office of the foreign arbitration organization; in case of refusal, a written notification with detailed reasons must be issued.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

2. The documents for establishing a Branch include:

a) A request for establishment of a Branch by the foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam;

b) A certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison or an electronic copy of the Charter of the foreign arbitration organization;

c) A certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison or an electronic copy of the document proving the permanent residence of the Branch Manager in Vietnam.

3. The documents for establishing a Representative Office include:

a) A request for establishment of a Representative Office by the foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam;

b) A certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison or an electronic copy of the Charter of the foreign arbitration organization.

4. The request for establishment of a Branch or Representative Office by a foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam shall be made in Vietnamese. Any accompanying documents in a foreign language must be translated into Vietnamese and the translation must be certified in accordance with Vietnamese law.

Documents issued by foreign authorities or notarized or certified abroad must be apostilled according to Vietnamese law, except in cases exempted from apostille under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

VII. PROCEDURES FOR REGISTERING OPERATIONS OF BRANCHES AND ANNOUNCING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN ARBITRATION ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

1. Within sixty days from the date of issuance of the Certificate of Establishment, the Branch of a foreign arbitration organization must submit a request for registration of operations directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice at the location of the Branch, or online on the National Public Service Portal.

2. Within five working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents and fees, the Department of Justice shall issue the Registration for Operations to the Branch.

3. Within thirty days from the date the Branch receives the Registration for Operations, the Branch of the foreign arbitration organization must publish in three consecutive issues of a central or local daily newspaper about the establishment of the Branch.

4. After being issued the Certificate of Establishment, the Representative Office of a foreign arbitration organization does not need to follow the notification procedure to the Department of Justice as stipulated in Clause 4, Article 22 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP.

VIII. PROCEDURES FOR MODIFYING CONTENTS OF THE CERTIFICATE OF ESTABLISHMENT AND REGISTRATION FOR OPERATIONS OF BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN ARBITRATION ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

1. In case a Branch of a foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam changes its name or scope of activities, it shall submit one set of application documents directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice at the location of the Branch requesting modification of the name or scope of activities. The documents include:

a) A request for modification of the contents of the Certificate of Establishment and Registration for Operations of the Branch of the foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam;

b) The original Certificate of Establishment of the Branch of the foreign arbitration organization in Vietnam and copies of related documents concerning the change (if any);

c) The original Registration for Operations;

2. Within ten working days from the date of receipt of the application documents for modification, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and issuance of a decision approving the modification of the Certificate of Establishment. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall examine and record the modification in the Certificate of Establishment of the Branch of the foreign arbitration organization if the Certificate of Establishment was issued by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. If the Certificate of Establishment was issued by the Minister of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall reissue the Certificate of Establishment of the Branch according to the modified content.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

3. Within five working days from the date the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee approves the modification of the Certificate of Establishment of the Branch of the foreign arbitration organization, the Department of Justice shall register the modification and record it in the Registration for Operations of the Branch. The applicant may collect the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through other means.

4. In case of changing the Branch Manager or the location of the Branch within the province or centrally governed city, within seven working days from the date of the decision to change, one set of application documents shall be submitted directly or through postal service to the Department of Justice at the location of the Branch requesting registration of the modification. The documents include:

a) A request for modification of the contents of the Registration for Operations;

b) The original Registration for Operations;

c) A certified copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison of the Certificate of Establishment of the Branch of the foreign arbitration organization (in case the Certificate was issued by the Minister of Justice).

In the case of transferring the headquarters to another province or centrally governed city, the Branch of the Foreign Arbitration Organization shall notify the Department of Justice that issued the Registration Certificate of Operation and submit the application for registration of operation to the Department of Justice at the new location. The application for registration shall comply with the provisions of Article 22 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP.

5. In the event that the Representative Office of the Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam changes its Director or its headquarters within the same province or centrally governed city, it must notify in writing the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province and the Department of Justice at the location of the Representative Office within seven working days from the date of the decision to change.

In the case of transferring the headquarters to another province or centrally governed city, the Representative Office shall notify the Department of Justice at the old location of the transfer of the headquarters; send a notification of the transfer of the headquarters along with a copy of the License for Establishment of the Representative Office to the Department of Justice at the new location.

IX. PROCEDURE AND FORMALITIES FOR REVOKING THE LICENSE FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN ARBITRATION ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

1. In the case where an organization or individual discovers that a Branch or Representative Office falls under the circumstances for revoking the License for Establishment pursuant to Clause 1 of Article 24 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, they must notify the Department of Justice at the location of the Branch or Representative Office. The Department of Justice has the responsibility to examine and verify.

Within the latest seven working days from the date the Department of Justice discovers that the Branch or Representative Office falls under the circumstances for revoking the License for Establishment, the Department of Justice must issue a document requesting the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to revoke the License for Establishment, specifying the reasons and attaching relevant proof documents (if any).

2. Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the request document from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province must issue a decision to revoke the License for Establishment of the Branch or Representative Office.

3. Within twenty working days from the date the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province issues the decision to revoke the License for Establishment, the Branch or Representative Office of the Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam must return the License to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

X. PROCEDURE AND FORMALITIES FOR TERMINATING THE OPERATIONS OF BRANCHES AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES OF FOREIGN ARBITRATION ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

1. In the case of terminating operations of Branches and Representative Offices as stipulated in points a and b of Clause 1 of Article 25 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP, not later than thirty days before the termination date, the Branch or Representative Office must notify in writing about the termination of operations to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province and the Department of Justice of the locality where the headquarters is located; publish the notice of termination of operations according to Clause 1 of Article 16 of Decree No. 63/2011/NĐ-CP.

Within fifteen working days from the date of receipt of the notice regarding the termination of operations of the Branch or Representative Office of the Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province must issue a decision to terminate the operations of the Branch or Representative Office.

Before the termination date, the Branch or Representative Office of the Foreign Arbitration Organization in Vietnam must settle all debts, liquidate labor contracts; complete all cases received (for Branches), except in cases of other agreements; return the License to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province; return the Registration Certificate of Operation to the Department of Justice; return the seal to the authority that issued and registered the seal usage.

2. In the case where the Branch or Representative Office has had their License for Establishment revoked, the Branch or Representative Office must publish the notice of termination of operations according to Clause 1 of Article 16 of this Decree; settle all debts, liquidate labor contracts, complete all cases received (for Branches), except in cases of other agreements.

Not later than sixty days from the effective date of the decision on termination of operations or the administrative penalty decision in the form of revocation of the License, the Branch or Representative Office must complete the above procedures and submit a written report to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province where the headquarters is located regarding the termination of operations; return the seal to the issuing authority.

 

ANNEX III

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES IN THE FIELD OF LAWYER MANAGEMENT
(Attached to Decree No. 121/2025/NĐ-CP

dated June 11, 2025 of the Government)

                              

I. PROCEDURE AND FORMALITIES FOR ISSUING A PRACTICE CERTIFICATE FOR LAWYERS

1. Individuals who meet the requirements of the examination of the results of lawyer practice training shall prepare one set of application documents for issuance of a Practice Certificate for Lawyers and submit directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where the lawyer practice training took place or online via the National Public Service Portal. The application includes:

a) A document requesting issuance of a Practice Certificate for Lawyers;

b) An original or electronic copy of the Health Certificate;

c) A copy or electronic copy of the Bachelor's Degree in Law or Master's Degree in Law;

d) A copy or electronic copy of the Certificate of Examination Results of Lawyer Practice Training.

2. Individuals exempted from lawyer practice training shall prepare one set of application documents for issuance of a Practice Certificate for Lawyers and submit directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where they reside or online via the National Public Service Portal. The application includes:

a) Documents specified in point a and point b of Clause 1 of this item;

b) Documents specified in point c of Clause 1 of this item, except for individuals who are professors or associate professors specializing in law or Ph.D.s in law;

c) A copy or electronic copy of the document proving that the individual is exempted from lawyer practice training as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 16 of the Lawyer Law.

3. Within five working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application documents, the Department of Justice shall be responsible for reviewing the application documents, and if necessary, conduct verification of the legality of the documents and issue a document requesting issuance of a Practice Certificate for Lawyers along with the application documents to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province.

When processing the application for issuance of a Practice Certificate for Lawyers, the Department of Justice requests the agency managing the criminal record database to provide information on the criminal record of the applicant for the Practice Certificate for Lawyers.

The agency managing the judicial record database shall be responsible for providing information to the requesting agency within three working days from the date of receipt of the request. The time taken to coordinate the provision of judicial record information shall not be included in the administrative procedure processing time.

Within ten working days from the date of receiving complete and valid files from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall decide to issue the Lawyer Practice Certificate; in case of refusal, it must be notified in writing with clear reasons stated.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

II. PROCEDURES AND FORMALITIES FOR REVOKING THE LAWYER PRACTICE CERTIFICATE

1. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee has the authority to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate; after issuing the decision to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate, he/she shall notify the Vietnam Bar Federation to revoke the Lawyer Card.

2. In cases where there is evidence to determine that the lawyer falls under any of the circumstances specified in points a, b, c, đ, e, g, h, i, and k of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province where the lawyer is a member shall issue a decision to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate.

In cases where there is evidence to determine that the lawyer falls under point d of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province which issued the Lawyer Practice Certificate shall issue a decision to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate.

3. In cases where there is evidence to determine that the lawyer falls under any of the circumstances specified in points a, b, c, d, đ, e, h, i, and k of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law, the Bar Association where the person is a member or another agency or organization shall submit a written request to the Department of Justice for the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate of that person along with proof that the lawyer falls under the circumstances subject to revocation of the Lawyer Practice Certificate.

In cases where a lawyer is disciplined by having their name removed from the list of lawyers of the Bar Association according to point g of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law, within seven working days from the date of issuing the Decision on Disciplining the Lawyer, the Board of Directors of the Bar Association shall be responsible for submitting a written request to the Department of Justice for the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate along with the Decision on Disciplining the Lawyer. The person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked must cease practicing as a lawyer from the date of the Decision on Disciplining the Lawyer by removing their name from the list of lawyers of the Bar Association.

Annually, the Vietnam Bar Federation and the Department of Justice shall be responsible for reviewing persons falling under the circumstances specified in Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law to propose the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate.

4. Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request as stipulated in Clause 3 of this item, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for consideration and decision on revocation. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate, except in cases where the Decision on Disciplining the Lawyer by removing their name from the list of lawyers of the Bar Association is being appealed and resolved according to the provisions of the law.

The decision to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate shall be sent to the person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked, the Department of Justice which issued the Lawyer Practice Certificate, the Bar Association where the person was a member, the Vietnam Bar Federation, central prosecution agencies, and local prosecution agencies where the Bar Association is located. In cases where the person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked did not join the Bar Association as prescribed in point d of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law, the decision to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate shall be sent to the person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked.

5. Within seven working days from the date of receipt of the Decision to Revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate, the Vietnam Bar Federation shall issue a decision to revoke the Lawyer Card of the person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked. The decision to revoke the Lawyer Card shall be published on the Vietnam Bar Federation's electronic portal.

6. The person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked shall be responsible for returning the original Lawyer Practice Certificate to the Department of Justice and the Lawyer Card to the Bar Association where they were a member. The Department of Justice shall be responsible for collecting and destroying the Lawyer Practice Certificate, and the Board of Directors of the Bar Association shall be responsible for collecting and destroying the Lawyer Card.

In cases where the person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked did not join the Bar Association as prescribed in point d of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law, the person whose Lawyer Practice Certificate is revoked shall return the original Lawyer Practice Certificate to the Department of Justice which issued the Lawyer Practice Certificate. The Department of Justice shall be responsible for collecting and destroying the Lawyer Practice Certificate.

7. The Lawyer Practice Certificate and Lawyer Card shall be destroyed by cutting off the left corner of the Lawyer Practice Certificate and Lawyer Card.

III. PROCEDURES AND FORMALITIES FOR ISSUING AGAIN THE LAWYER PRACTICE CERTIFICATE

1. A person who has had their Lawyer Practice Certificate revoked as stipulated in points a, b, c, e, and k of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law may be considered for reissuance of the Lawyer Practice Certificate when meeting all the standards prescribed in the Lawyers Law and the reason for revocation no longer exists.

2. A person who has had their Lawyer Practice Certificate revoked as stipulated in point d and đ of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law may be considered for reissuance of the Lawyer Practice Certificate upon application for reissuance of the Lawyer Practice Certificate.

3. A person who has had their Lawyer Practice Certificate revoked as stipulated in points g, h, and i of Clause 1, Article 18 of the Lawyers Law may be considered for reissuance of the Lawyer Practice Certificate when meeting the criteria set forth in Article 10 of the Lawyers Law and satisfying one of the following conditions:

a) After three years from the date of the decision to revoke the Lawyer Practice Certificate due to disciplinary action by removing their name from the list of lawyers of the Bar Association;

b) The period of suspension of the right to use the Lawyer Practice Certificate has expired or the administrative sanction of compulsory rehabilitation or compulsory education has been fully served;

c) Has been pardoned, except in cases provided for in Clause 4, Article 19 of the Lawyers Law.

4. A person whose Lawyer's Practice Certificate has been revoked due to being convicted of a serious intentional crime, a very serious intentional crime, or an especially serious intentional crime shall not be reissued a Lawyer's Practice Certificate.

5. The procedure for reissuing a Lawyer's Practice Certificate shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section I of the Appendix to this document.

IV. PROCEDURE AND PROCEDURES FOR RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN LEGAL PRACTICE TRAINING

1. A certificate of completion of a foreign legal practice training program shall be recognized in the following cases:

a) A certificate of completion of a foreign legal practice training program issued by a foreign educational institution within the scope of application of an Agreement or mutual recognition agreement on equivalence of diplomas or degrees that have been signed by the competent authority or an international treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party;

b) A certificate of completion of a foreign legal practice training program issued by an educational institution where the training programs have been recognized by the quality assurance agency of that country or authorized by the competent authority of that country to establish and issue diplomas, certificates, or graduation certificates for foreign legal practice training.

2. A person who has completed a foreign legal practice training program wishing to be recognized in Vietnam shall prepare one set of documents and submit it directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice at their place of residence or online on the National Public Service Portal. The documents include:

a) A request for recognition of foreign legal practice training;

b) A copy or electronic copy of the Certificate of Completion of a Foreign Legal Practice Training Program; proof of belonging to one of the cases specified in Clause 1 of this Section;

c) A copy or electronic copy of the results of foreign legal practice training.

The documents specified in Points b and c of this Clause must be legalized according to the law and translated into Vietnamese; the Vietnamese translation must be certified according to Vietnamese law.

3. Within seven working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Department of Justice shall examine and report to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Within seven working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision recognizing foreign legal practice training; in case of refusal, a written notification must be provided with clear reasons stated.

 

REGULATIONS ON THE CERTIFICATE DESIGN FOR OUTSTANDING RURAL INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES IN THE NOTARIZATION FIELD
(Attached to Decree No. 121/2025/NĐ-CP

dated June 11, 2025 of the Government)

                         

I. PROCEDURE AND PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING NOTARIES

1. A person meeting the criteria stipulated in Article 10 of the Notarization Law shall prepare one set of documents and submit it directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice at the local place where they completed their notary practice internship or online on the National Public Service Portal. The documents include:

a) A request for appointment as a notary;

b) An original or certified copy or electronic copy of the documents proving the time spent working in the legal field as prescribed by the Minister of Justice; in cases where the applicant falls under the categories specified in Clause 5 and Clause 6 of Article 14 of the Notarization Law, they must provide an original or certified copy or electronic copy of the documents proving their removal from office, revocation of the practice certificate, or no longer falling under these categories;

c) An original or certified copy or electronic copy of the Certificate of Results of Notary Practice Internship Examination;

d) An original or electronic copy of the health examination certificate issued by an authorized medical facility within twelve months prior to the submission of the application.

2. Within ten working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Department of Justice shall be responsible for examining the documents, and if necessary, verify the legality of the documents, with the verification period not exceeding fifteen working days, and propose to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to appoint a notary, attaching the application for appointment for those who meet the criteria and conditions for appointment; in case of refusal, a written notification must be provided with clear reasons stated.

3. Within ten working days from the date of receiving the Department of Justice's proposal along with complete and valid documents, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall consider and decide on the appointment of a notary; in case of refusal, a written notification must be provided with clear reasons stated to the Department of Justice and the applicant for appointment as a notary.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.

II. PROCEDURE AND PROCEDURES FOR REMOVING NOTARIES FROM OFFICE

1. The application for removal from office as a notary includes a Request for Removal from Office as a Notary.

2. A person falling under the category specified in Clause 1 of Article 16 of the Notarization Law shall submit a Request for Removal from Office as a Notary according to the form prescribed by the Minister of Justice directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice at their current place of practice or last place of practice before requesting removal from office, or online on the National Public Service Portal; in cases where a notary has been appointed but has not yet practiced, the application shall be submitted to the Department of Justice at the place where the appointment was requested.

Within five working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the Department of Justice shall issue a Request for Removal from Office as a Notary, stating the notary's practice history and the Department of Justice's recommendation, attaching the documents to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; in case of refusal, a written notification must be provided with clear reasons stated.

3. Within five working days from the date of having grounds to believe that the notary falls under the category of removal from office as specified in Clause 2 of Article 16 of the Notarization Law, the Department of Justice at the place where the appointment was requested or where the notary currently practices or last practiced shall issue a Request for the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to remove the notary from office, attaching relevant documents as the basis for the request for removal.

4. Within ten working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents as specified in Clause 1 or Clause 2 of this Article, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall consider and decide on the removal from office of the notary; in case of refusal, a written notification must be provided with clear reasons stated.

In case the information in the application file for removal from office is incomplete, inconsistent, or requires verification, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall request the Department of Justice to supplement, clarify, or cooperate with relevant agencies and organizations to verify the information in the file. The time limit prescribed in this clause is calculated from the date on which the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee receives the results of supplementation, clarification, or verification of the information. The verification of the legality of the file shall be completed within no more than twenty working days.

5. A notary organization that discovers its notary officer falls under the circumstances requiring removal from office or automatic removal from office must promptly report in writing to the Department of Justice where the organization is registered for operation for examination and handling in accordance with regulations.

The Department of Justice has the responsibility to regularly coordinate with related agencies to monitor, inspect, and review the team of notary officers at the local level and those notary officers proposed for appointment by the Department of Justice to promptly identify notary officers falling under the circumstances requiring removal from office as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 16 of the Notarization Law; regularly compile and update the list of notary officers automatically removed from office into the software managing notarization activities of the Ministry of Justice, and simultaneously publish this list on the Department of Justice’s official website.

6. A notary officer may not sign notarial documents from the effective date of the decision removing the notary officer from office.

III. PROCEDURES FOR REAPPOINTING NOTARY OFFICERS

1. An individual who wishes to reappoint a notary officer in accordance with Article 17 of the Notarization Law shall prepare one set of application files and submit them directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where the removal of the notary officer was requested, or online via the National Public Service Portal; in cases where the notary officer was removed according to Clause 5, Article 6 of Decree No. 104/2025/NĐ-CP, the individual requesting reappointment of the notary officer shall prepare one set of application files and submit them directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where the removal was requested, or online via the National Public Service Portal. The application file includes:

a) A letter requesting reappointment of a notary officer;

b) Originals or certified copies or electronic copies accompanied by originals for comparison or electronic copies of documents proving eligibility for reappointment as stipulated in Clauses 1 and 2 of Article 17 of the Notarization Law.

2. The procedures for reappointing notary officers shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Section I of the Appendix to this document.

IV. PROCEDURES FOR RECOGNIZING EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATIONS FOR FOREIGN NOTARIZATION TRAINING

a) Having a notary vocational training certificate equivalent issued by an educational institution abroad in accordance with the relevant international treaty to which Vietnam is a party;

a) Possess a training qualification certificate issued by a foreign training institution in accordance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party;

b) Hold a diploma issued by a foreign notarization training institution.

2. Individuals falling under the circumstances specified in Clause 1 of this section shall prepare one set of application files to request recognition of equivalent qualifications for foreign notarization training and submit them directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice, or online via the National Public Service Portal. The application file includes:

a) A letter requesting recognition of equivalent qualifications for foreign notarization training;

b) Training diplomas and results from foreign notarization training institutions.

Documents specified in Point b of this clause shall be originals or certified copies or electronic copies that have been apostilled unless exempted from apostille pursuant to the law, and translated into Vietnamese, with the Vietnamese translation being certified by the translator.

3. Within ten working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application files, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

Within ten working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application files, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall issue a decision recognizing equivalent qualifications for individuals trained in foreign notarization; in case of rejection, a written notification with reasons must be provided.

 

Appendix V

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES IN THE FIELD OF ADOPTION
(Attached to Decree No. 121/2025/NĐ-CP

dated June 11, 2025 of the Government)
                            

PROCEDURES FOR CONFIRMING VIETNAMESE CITIZENS WITHIN THE COUNTRY AS ELIGIBLE TO ADOPT FOREIGN CHILDREN

1. Vietnamese citizens wishing to adopt foreign children shall prepare one set of application files and submit them directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where the Vietnamese citizen resides, or online via the National Public Service Portal. The application file includes:

a) An adoption application form;

b) Copies or electronic copies of the Passport, Identity Card, or Certificate of Identity or other equivalent documents;

c) Originals or certified copies or electronic copies of marriage status confirmation documents;

d) Originals or electronic copies of health certificates issued by general hospitals, general clinics, or regional health centers;

e) Originals or certified copies or electronic copies of family situation confirmation documents, residence status, and economic conditions issued by the People's Committee of the commune where the adopter usually resides, except in cases stipulated in Clause 3, Article 14 of the Adoption Law.

2. Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application files, the Department of Justice shall examine and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for issuance of a certificate confirming that the adopter meets the conditions for adopting a child under Vietnamese law.

During the examination process, the administrative procedure implementing agency shall be responsible for requesting the judicial record management agency to provide criminal record information.

The judicial record management agency shall be responsible for providing information to the requesting agency within no more than three working days from the date of receipt of the request. The time taken to provide criminal record information does not count towards the administrative procedure processing time.

 

Appendix VI

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES IN THE FIELD OF RECONSTITUTION
(Attached to Decree No. 121/2025/NĐ-CP

dated June 11, 2025 of the Government)

                            

I. PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTING RECONSTITUTION OFFICERS

1. Individuals meeting the criteria stipulated in Article 6 of Decree No. 08/2020/NĐ-CP shall prepare one set of application files for appointment as a Reconstitution Officer and submit them directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where they are registered for internship, or online via the National Public Service Portal. The application file includes:

a) A letter requesting appointment as a Reconstitution Officer;

b) A certified true copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison or an electronic copy of the bachelor's or postgraduate degree in law;

c) A copy or an electronic copy of the documents proving the period of legal work experience including: The recruitment decision, employment contract, or labor contract accompanied by documents proving the period of social insurance contributions; documents proving the revocation of the professional practice certificate or card for cases stipulated in Clause 2, Article 11 of Decree No. 08/2020/NĐ-CP; documents proving retirement or resignation for cases stipulated in Clause 3, Article 11 of Decree No. 08/2020/NĐ-CP;

d) A certified true copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison or an electronic copy of the certificate of results of the probationary practice examination for Notaries Public;

2. Within seven working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application files, the Department of Justice shall issue a written request to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to appoint a Notary Public along with the appointment application file; in case of refusal, a written notification must be issued stating the reasons.

3. Within twenty working days from the date of receiving the written request and the application file for the appointment of a Notary Public from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall examine and decide on the appointment of a Notary Public; in case of refusal, a written notification must be issued stating the reasons.

In necessary cases, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee may conduct verification or request the Department of Justice, relevant agencies, or organizations to verify the appointment criteria and information in the appointment application file before examining and deciding on the appointment. The verification period shall not exceed forty-five days from the date the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee issues the verification document; the verification period shall not be included in the time limit for examining the appointment of a Notary Public as provided in this clause.

When processing the application file for the appointment of a Notary Public, the competent authority for the appointment of a Notary Public requests the agency managing the criminal record database to provide the criminal record information of the person applying for the appointment of a Notary Public.

The agency managing the judicial record database shall be responsible for providing information to the requesting agency within three working days from the date of receipt of the request. The time taken to coordinate the provision of judicial record information shall not be included in the administrative procedure processing time.

II. PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING A NOTARY PUBLIC

1. A Notary Public may be removed at their own request.

The Notary Public prepares one set of the application file for removal and sends it directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where they registered to practice or online on the National Public Service Portal. The application file includes:

a) A written request for removal of a Notary Public;

b) A certified true copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison or an electronic copy of the appointment decision of a Notary Public.

Within seven working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application files, the Department of Justice shall issue a written request to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to remove the Notary Public along with the application file for removal.

Within ten working days from the date of receiving the written request and the application file for removal from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall examine and decide on the removal of the Notary Public.

2. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee removes a Notary Public based on the proposal of the Department of Justice where the Notary Public registered to practice or independently decides on the removal of the Notary Public when there is evidence that the Notary Public falls under the circumstances stipulated in Clause 2, Article 13 of Decree No. 08/2020/NĐ-CP.

The Department of Justice is responsible for reviewing and inspecting the practice of Notary Publics in their locality. Within seven working days from the date of having evidence that the Notary Public falls under the circumstances for removal as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 13 of Decree No. 08/2020/NĐ-CP, the Department of Justice shall issue a written request to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to remove the Notary Public along with the documents serving as the basis for the removal request.

Within fifteen working days from the date of receiving the written request and the documents serving as the basis for the removal request from the Department of Justice, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall examine and decide on the removal of the Notary Public. If necessary, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee may request the Department of Justice, relevant agencies, or organizations to verify or conduct independent verification to ensure that the grounds for removal comply with the provisions of the law.

III. PROCEDURE FOR REAPPOINTING A NOTARY PUBLIC

1. The person requesting reappointment prepares one set of the application file for reappointment and sends it directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where they registered to practice or online on the National Public Service Portal. The application file includes:

a) A written request for reappointment of a Notary Public;

b) A certified true copy or a copy accompanied by the original of the decision removing the Notary Public or an electronic copy of the decision removing the Notary Public (in cases where the decision removing the Notary Public was issued by the Minister of Justice);

c) A certified true copy or a copy accompanied by the original for comparison or an electronic copy of the documents proving that the grounds for removal no longer exist, except for cases stipulated in Clause 1, Article 14 of Decree No. 08/2020/NĐ-CP.

2. The procedure for reappointment shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Section I of the Appendix to this Law.

IV. PROCEDURE FOR RECOGNIZING EQUIVALENT TRAINING IN THE NOTARY PUBLIC PROFESSION ABROAD

The person requesting recognition of equivalent training in the Notary Public profession abroad prepares one set of the application file and sends it directly or through postal services to the Department of Justice where the applicant resides permanently or online on the National Public Service Portal. The application file includes:

1. A written request for recognition of equivalent training in the Notary Public profession;

2. The diploma and results of training in the Notary Public profession abroad.

The documents specified in Clause 2 of this section are the original or a certified true copy or an electronic copy that has been apostilled unless exempted from apostille according to the law, and must be translated into Vietnamese and the Vietnamese translation must be certified by the translator's signature.

Within twenty working days from the date of receiving complete and valid application files, the Department of Justice shall review and submit to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for a decision recognizing the equivalence of training in the Notary Public profession for persons trained abroad; in case of refusal to recognize equivalence, a written notification must be issued stating the reasons.

The applicant may request to receive the result at the Department of Justice where the application was submitted or through postal service, except when otherwise prescribed by law.