DECREE NO. 262/2026/ND-CP ON THE ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS, FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE BODIES, AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

 

 

DECREE

Regarding the activities of foreign press agencies,
foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam

 

Pursuant to the Law on Government Organization No. 63/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Press Law No. 126/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam No. 47/2014/QH13 amended and supplemented by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and Law No. 23/2023/QH15;

Pursuant to the Cinema Law No. 05/2022/QH15;

Pursuant to the Residence Law No. 68/2020/QH14;

Pursuant to the Publishing Law No. 19/2012/QH13;

Pursuant to Decree No. 25-L/CTN on privileges and immunities granted to foreign diplomatic missions, consular posts, and international organization representative offices in Vietnam;

At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

The Government issues this Decree to regulate the activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in
Vietnam.

 

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree provides detailed regulations for Clause 1 of Article 47 of the Press Law No. 126/2025/QH15 (hereinafter referred to as Law No. 126/2025) regarding the activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

 

Article 2. Applicability

This Decree applies to foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. A foreign press agency is a news agency, radio station, television station, print newspaper, online newspaper, and other types of foreign media established and headquartered abroad, recognized by foreign law.

2. A permanent office is a representative office of a foreign press agency established in Vietnam.

3. A permanent correspondent is a journalist or editor with foreign nationality assigned by a foreign press agency to work in Vietnam under a permanent residency status.

4. A non-permanent correspondent is a journalist or editor with foreign nationality assigned by a foreign press agency to work in Vietnam for a short term and does not enjoy the status of a permanent correspondent.

5. A press assistant is a Vietnamese citizen working under a contract for a permanent office in Vietnam to support permanent correspondents and
the permanent office in their journalistic activities in Vietnam.

6. A collaborator is a Vietnamese citizen or a foreigner residing and legally working in Vietnam hired by a permanent office to assist permanent correspondents and the permanent office in specific journalistic activities for a certain period.

7. Activities related to journalism of foreign representative offices and foreign organizations in Vietnam include exhibiting paintings and photographs, hanging posters, billboards, screens, and other forms of information outside the premises of foreign representative offices and foreign organizations in Vietnam; screening films and exhibitions in Vietnam that invite Vietnamese citizens to attend.

8. Information publications of foreign representative offices and foreign organizations in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as foreign information publications) are products containing informational content expressed through writing, images, sound, published in printed form or distributed electronically for circulation in Vietnam, including:

a) Newsletters, special editions, and equivalent forms as prescribed by the laws on press.

b) Non-commercial publications.

c) Audiovisual products containing journalistic content.

9. A press conference is an activity providing information organized by foreign agencies, organizations, foreign delegations, or foreign individuals in Vietnam, inviting representatives of press agencies and Vietnamese citizens to attend to announce, publish, declare, explain about an issue within their jurisdiction, related to their tasks and interests.

10. Competent authorities approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs's foreign press guidance agency or agencies and organizations directly inviting, processing procedures, welcoming, and guiding foreign journalists to engage in journalistic activities in Vietnam.

Article 4. Principles for the operation of foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam

1. All press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam shall only be permitted to proceed after obtaining approval from the competent authorities as stipulated in this Decree and must comply with current Vietnamese laws; cooperate with the People's Committee of the province where the activity takes place.

2. The publication of press on the internet by foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam must ensure compliance with Vietnamese laws on press, cybersecurity, relevant laws, and be consistent with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

3. Organizations and individuals who violate the provisions of this Decree shall be subject to legal sanctions according to the nature and degree of the violation.
Vietnam.

4. Matters related to press activities and activities related to press of foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and foreign organizations in Vietnam not specified in this Decree shall apply the provisions of the Press Law, relevant specialized laws, and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

Chapter II

FOREIGN PRESS ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM

 

Section 1

NON-RESIDENT JOURNALISTS

Article 5. Procedures for granting permission for non-resident journalists to engage in press activities

1. Foreign journalists wishing to engage in press activities in Vietnam shall submit their application online, through postal services, directly, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions, consular posts, or representative offices of Vietnam at international organizations (hereinafter referred to collectively as Vietnamese representative offices abroad) at least 10 days before entering Vietnam.

The application package includes:

a) A request for press activities in Vietnam for non-resident journalists according to the form attached to this Decree.

b) A copy of the personal information page in the valid passport of the foreign journalist, valid for at least six months.

2. In cases where the application is submitted through Vietnamese representative offices abroad, within 24 hours from receiving a complete and valid application, the Vietnamese representative office abroad has the responsibility to transfer the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for processing according to regulations.

3. Within seven working days from receiving a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue an electronic press activity permit for non-resident journalists. If the application is not approved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will respond in writing or electronically, providing specific reasons.

Article 6. Press Activities of Non-Resident Journalists

1. After entering Vietnam, non-resident journalists must follow the guidance of authorized agencies approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Authorized agencies approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are responsible for guiding non-resident journalists to conduct activities in accordance with the purpose and program already approved; they must also report on the activities of the group to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within three working days after the end of the program.

When conducting press activities in Vietnam, non-resident journalists must carry their press activity permit and passport.

2. In cases where the program or scope of work needs adjustment or supplementation at the local level, non-resident journalists shall submit a written or electronic document to the People's Committee of the province where the work is being conducted, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Non-resident journalists may only operate after receiving written approval from the People's Committee of the province.
When operating in a locality, non-resident correspondents shall submit a paper document or an electronic document to the People's Committee of the province where they operate, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Non-resident correspondents may only conduct activities after receiving written approval from the People's Committee of the province.

3. In cases where Vietnamese organizations or individuals provide content or produce programs for foreign press agencies without a permanent office in Vietnam, the foreign press agency shall submit an application for permission as prescribed in Article 5 of this Decree and follow the guidance of authorized agencies approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 7. Violations of foreign correspondents' press activities

1. A foreign correspondent who commits a violation as specified in Clause 2 of this Article shall be subject to handling measures such as reminders, warnings, temporary suspension of press activities, revocation of press activity permits, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, while also being subject to legal provisions.

2. The cases subject to handling for violations include:

a) Conducting press activities not in accordance with the purpose, content, time, or location stated in the press activity permit.

b) Engaging in actions that violate legal regulations on press activities and other Vietnamese laws.

c) Obstructing the operations of competent authorities or seriously affecting security and public order at the place of work.

3. Competent authorities and provincial People's Committees where the violation occurs have the responsibility to promptly establish records, temporarily suspend activities, and notify in writing or electronically, along with supporting documentation, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within 24 hours from receiving the violation notification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will verify and issue a reminder, warning, temporary suspension of press activities, or revoke the press activity permit.

In the case of revoking the press activity permit, the competent authority approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for returning the permit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 8. Foreign Correspondents Accompanying Foreign Delegations

1. Foreign correspondents accompanying foreign delegations invited by Party and State leaders or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are permitted to report on the official program activities of the foreign delegation.

If there is a request for press activities outside the official program of the foreign delegation, the foreign correspondent must submit an online application for a press activity permit through postal services, directly, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application components are stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Decree.

Within three working days from receiving a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue a press activity permit to the foreign correspondent. If the application is not approved, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will respond in writing or electronically, providing specific reasons.

After obtaining the press activity permit, the foreign correspondent shall conduct press activities according to Article 6 of this Decree and comply with the guidance of the competent authority approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. For foreign correspondents accompanying delegations invited by ministries, sectors, localities, the host agency has the responsibility to guide the correspondent to submit an online application for a press activity permit through postal services, directly, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application components are stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue the press activity permit according to Clause 3 of Article 5 of this Decree.

After the foreign correspondent receives the press activity permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the host agency shall handle the procedures for the entry of foreigners in accordance with the law and is responsible for managing the activities of the foreign correspondent after entry, as stipulated in Article 6 of this Decree.

 

Section 2

PERMANENT OFFICE, PERMANENT CORRESPONDENT

 

Article 9. Procedures for Establishing a Permanent Office and Assigning a Permanent Correspondent

1. Foreign press agencies wishing to establish a permanent office and assign a permanent correspondent in Vietnam shall submit their application directly, through postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or through Vietnamese representative offices abroad.

The application package includes:

a) A request document for establishing a permanent office of the foreign press agency according to the model attached as an appendix to this Decree.

b) A copy of the certificate of legal personality of the foreign press agency that has been apostilled, except in cases where apostille is exempted under the provisions of international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the relevant country are parties or under the principle of reciprocity.
Vietnam and the relevant country are members or act on the principle of reciprocity.

c) A request document for assigning a permanent correspondent of the foreign press agency according to the model attached as an appendix to this Decree.

d) Summary personal information of the person assigned as a permanent correspondent according to the model attached as an appendix to this Decree.

đ) A copy of the personal information page in the passport of the person assigned as a permanent correspondent, valid for at least six months.

e) If the person assigned as a permanent correspondent is entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, such person must have a commitment letter confirmed by the foreign representative office renouncing such privileges and immunities from the date of approval as a permanent correspondent or according to an agreement between Vietnam and the sending country.

2. Within forty days from the receipt of complete and valid application files, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will respond in writing or electronically regarding the establishment of a permanent office and assignment of a permanent correspondent.

3. Within thirty days from receiving the approval document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the permanent correspondent is responsible for presenting the appointment letter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and obtaining the permit to establish a permanent office in Vietnam.

Article 10. Activities of a Permanent Office

1. The permanent correspondent or the person designated as the Head of the Permanent Office (for permanent offices with two or more correspondents) is the head and the legal representative of the permanent office in Vietnam; they are responsible under Vietnamese law for all activities of the office and its members, including permanent correspondents, additional correspondents, press assistants, and press collaborators; they directly sign the documents requesting issuance of permanent correspondent cards, press assistant cards, and other documents related to work with Vietnamese competent authorities.

2. The permanent office shall notify in writing the People's Committee of the province and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the address of the permanent office at least fifteen days before the permanent office officially begins operations.

3. When there is a need to establish an additional working office in another province or centrally governed city different from the location of the main office, the permanent office shall notify in writing or electronically to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Committee of the province at least fifteen days before the planned establishment of the working office.

The notification content should clearly state the name of the foreign press agency, the name of the permanent office in Vietnam, the location of the working office in another province or centrally governed city (specific address, contact phone number, and email), the start date of the working office operation, the expected duration of operation, the list of staff, and correspondents assigned to work at this office.

After fifteen days if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not issue a response, the permanent office may proceed with the establishment of a working office in another province or centrally governed city according to the notified content.

4. In case the permanent office changes its address within the same province or centrally governed city as the original location, the permanent office shall implement the notification as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article.

In case the permanent office relocates to another province or centrally governed city different from the original location, the permanent office shall implement the notification on relocation as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article. Simultaneously, the permanent office is responsible for sending a written notice terminating operations at the old location to the People's Committee of the province where the old office was located before commencing operations at the new location.

5. When the permanent office requires administrative procedures to support journalistic activities in Vietnam, it shall submit a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to introduce the matter to the competent Vietnamese authorities to process necessary procedures in accordance with the law.

Article 11. Termination of operations of a permanent office

1. The operations of a permanent office shall be terminated if it falls under any of the following circumstances:

a) The permanent office or foreign press agency requests to terminate its operations in Vietnam.

b) The permit for establishing a permanent office is revoked due to activities not aligning with its objectives, serious violations of Vietnamese laws, or actions violating regulations on press, which have significant impacts on national security, public order and safety, cultural traditions, ethics, and customs of Vietnam.

c) The permanent office does not conduct actual press activities in Vietnam for a continuous period of six months.

2. For cases stipulated in point a, Clause 1 of this Article, the permanent office or foreign press agency must notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing at least thirty days before the termination date.

For cases stipulated in points b and c, Clause 1 of this Article, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must notify the permanent office or foreign press agency in writing or electronically at least thirty days prior to the decision to terminate the operations of the permanent office.
Within fifteen days from receiving the notification, the permanent office or foreign press agency must send a direct written response through postal service, online, or email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within seven working days from receiving the written response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will notify the decision in writing or electronically to the permanent office or foreign press agency.

3. The permanent office is responsible for completing relevant procedures as prescribed, returning the permit for establishing a permanent office and resident journalist cards to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and assistant journalist cards to the People's Committee of the province where the permanent office is located within three working days from the termination date.
4. Within three working days from the termination of the permanent office's operations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must notify in writing or electronically the related agencies and the People's Committee of the province where the permanent office is located.

Article 12. Procedures for Supplementing Resident Journalists and Additional Journalists

1. When there is a need to supplement resident journalists in a different location from the headquarters of the permanent office, the permanent office must submit the application directly, through postal service, online, or email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The components of the application are as prescribed in points c, d, đ, and e, Clause 1 of Article 9 of this Decree.

After receiving a valid application for resident journalists, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will request the People's Committee of the province where the permanent office plans to appoint a resident journalist to provide comments. Within five working days, the People's Committee of the province must respond in writing or electronically to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Within ten days from receiving all valid applications, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will respond in writing or electronically; in case of non-approval, the reasons must be clearly stated.

2. When there is a need to appoint additional journalists, the permanent office must follow the procedures stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Decree. Additional journalists do not enjoy the status of resident journalists.

Upon receipt of a valid application for dispatching resident correspondents, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall request the People's Committee of the province where the office plans to dispatch resident correspondents to provide comments. Within five working days, the People's Committee of the province shall respond in writing or electronically to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Within ten days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall respond in writing or electronically; in case of disapproval, the reasons must be clearly stated.

2. When there is a need to dispatch additional correspondents, the resident office shall follow the procedures as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Decree. Additional correspondents shall not enjoy the status of resident correspondents.

Article 13. Resident Correspondent with Dual Responsibilities

1. The following cases are permitted to be resident correspondents with dual responsibilities for resident offices in Vietnam:

a) Resident correspondents of resident offices currently operating in Vietnam.

b) Resident correspondents of resident offices in another country.

2. Foreign press agencies that wish to use resident correspondents with dual responsibilities shall submit their application directly, through postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The application package shall comply with the provisions set out in Points c, d, đ, and e of Clause 1, Article 9 of this Decree.

For the case stipulated in Point a of Clause 1 of this Article, the application must be accompanied by a written consent from the foreign press agency where the resident correspondent is employed.

Within ten days from receiving a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will respond in writing or electronically; if not approved, the reasons must be clearly stated.

3. After approval, the resident correspondent with dual responsibilities shall follow the procedures for applying for visas and resident correspondent cards as prescribed in Articles 14 and 15 of this Decree and operate according to the regulations set forth in Article 16 of this Decree.

Article 14. Visas for Resident Correspondents

After being approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, resident correspondents shall follow the procedures for applying for visas as prescribed. The issuance, extension, refusal, or revocation of visas and temporary residence cards for resident correspondents shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

Article 15. Resident Correspondent Cards

The resident correspondent card is a document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming the status and allowing resident correspondents to operate in accordance with the law in Vietnam. The card's validity period corresponds to the visa's validity period.

1. New Issuance: After entering Vietnam, resident correspondents shall submit their application directly, through postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The application package includes:

a) A request letter for the card in the format attached to this Decree.

b) A copy of the personal information page in the valid passport and the entry visa of the resident correspondent.

c) A portrait photograph measuring 3 cm x 4 cm with a white background taken within six months.

2. Reissue: In cases of reissuing due to damage or loss, the resident office shall submit the application as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article. The resident correspondent shall return the damaged card when receiving the new one.

3. Extension: At least fifteen days before the card expires, the resident correspondent shall follow the procedures as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, attaching a copy of the card and returning the original when receiving the new one.

4. Within three working days from receiving a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall complete the first issuance, reissuance, or extension of the card.

In cases of rejection or exceeding the processing time limit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the resident correspondent in writing or electronically.

5. When operating in Vietnam, resident correspondents shall present their card and passport to Vietnamese authorities upon request.

6. At least fifteen days before the end of their activity period in Vietnam, the resident office shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing or electronically and return the card to the Ministry on the day the correspondent ends their activity. If the card is not returned, the resident office shall notify the Ministry in writing or electronically, stating the reason. Within three days from receiving the notification from the resident office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall inform the provincial People's Committee and relevant authorities about the cancellation of the resident correspondent card.

7. The card shall be revoked in the following cases:

a) The resident correspondent terminates their activities before the date specified on the card.

b) The resident office ceases operations.

c) The resident correspondent violates the laws on journalism and related laws, resulting in suspension of their journalistic activities in Vietnam or deportation by the competent authority.

8. For the cases stipulated in Point a and Point b of Clause 7 of this Article, within three working days from the occurrence of the reason for revocation, the resident office or the foreign press agency managing the correspondent shall be responsible for returning the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If the card is not returned, the resident office shall notify the Ministry in writing or electronically, stating the reason. Within three days from receiving the notification from the resident office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall inform the provincial People's Committee and relevant authorities about the cancellation of the resident correspondent card.

9. For the cases stipulated in Point c of Clause 7 of this Article, upon discovering violations or receiving violation notifications along with supporting documents from the competent authority or the provincial People's Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue a card revocation notice within two working days.

Within twenty-four hours from receiving the revocation notice as stipulated in Clause 9 of this Article, the resident correspondent or the resident office shall be responsible for returning the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

If the card is not returned, the resident office shall notify
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in writing or electronically, stating the reason. Within three days from receiving the notification from the resident office,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall inform the provincial People's Committee and relevant authorities about the cancellation of the resident correspondent card.

Article 16. Activities of Resident Correspondents in Journalism

1. For requests to interview high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, the resident office shall send a direct written request, through postal service, online, or email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. For requests to meet and interview leaders of ministries, sectors, agencies, localities, the resident office shall send a direct written request, through postal service, online, or email to the relevant ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities, except in cases with specific requirements, while simultaneously informing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request letter, the ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities shall be responsible for responding to the resident office in writing or electronically, and simultaneously inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. For journalism activities at the local level, the resident office shall send a written request for journalism activities of resident correspondents according to the model attached to this Decree directly, through postal service, online, or email to the People's Committee of the province, and simultaneously inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within five working days from the date of receipt of the request letter, the People's Committee of the province shall be responsible for responding to the resident office in writing or electronically, and simultaneously inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Resident correspondents and press assistants may only engage in journalism activities at the local level when approved by the People's Committee of the province, and must comply with Vietnamese laws.

Article 17. Press Assistants of Resident Offices

1. Press assistants are permitted to perform support tasks for the journalism activities of resident correspondents and resident offices in Vietnam such as photography, videography, translation, and administrative support work for the operations of the resident office. Press assistants are not entitled to the status of resident correspondents and are not allowed to conduct journalism activities on behalf of resident correspondents.

2. If the resident office has a need to hire a press assistant, it shall submit a request directly, online, or through postal service, email to the agency designated by the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to handle administrative procedures in the locality where the resident office is located.

The application package includes:

a) A written application for permission to serve as a press assistant of the resident office according to the model attached to this Decree.

b) A portrait photograph measuring 03 cm x 04 cm with a white background, taken no more than six months ago.

Within ten days from the date of receipt of a valid application, the agency receiving the application of the People's Committee of the province shall issue a press assistant card, and simultaneously inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In case of non-approval, the agency receiving the application shall respond in writing or electronically to the resident office stating the reasons, and simultaneously inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The validity period of the card is five years.

3. The components of the application for extension, reissue of the card upon expiration, loss, or damage are similar to the provisions of Clause 2 of this Article. The processing time for the application does not exceed three working days.

At least fifteen days before the card expires, the resident office shall process the extension procedure. Press assistants shall return expired cards or damaged cards when receiving new ones. The issuing authority shall be responsible for informing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the extension or reissue of the card.

4. The recruitment, employment, and management of press assistants by resident offices shall be carried out in accordance with current Vietnamese laws.

5. When supporting resident correspondents in conducting journalism activities in Vietnam, press assistants shall present their card and identification to Vietnamese competent authorities when requested.

6. Fifteen days before the end of the press assistant’s working period, the resident office shall notify the People's Committee of the province in writing or electronically, and return the card to the issuing authority on the last day of the press assistant’s working period.

7. Card revocation shall occur in the following cases:

a) The press assistant terminates their activity before the term indicated on the card.

b) The resident office terminates the employment of the press assistant or ceases its operations in Vietnam.

c) The press assistant violates regulations on journalism and related laws.

d) The press assistant uses the card for purposes other than those intended or lends the card to others.

8. For the cases stipulated in point a and point b of Clause 7 of this Article, within three working days from the date of occurrence of the reason for revocation, the resident office or the press assistant shall be responsible for returning the card to the issuing authority. If the card is not returned, the resident office shall notify the People's Committee of the province in writing or electronically, specifying the reason. Within three days from the date of receipt of the notification from the resident office, the People's Committee of the province shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related competent authorities in writing or electronically regarding the cancellation of the validity of the issued press assistant card.

9. For the cases stipulated in point c and point d of Clause 7 of this Article, upon discovering violations or receiving violation notification letters accompanied by evidence from competent authorities, the issuing authority shall revoke the card within two working days and inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within twenty-four hours from the date of receipt of the revocation notice stipulated in Clause 9 of this Article, the press assistant or the resident office shall be responsible for returning the card to the issuing authority.

If the card is not returned, the resident office shall notify the People's Committee of the province in writing or electronically, specifying the reason. Within three days from the date of receipt of the notification from the resident office, the People's Committee of the province shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related competent authorities in writing or electronically regarding the cancellation of the validity of the issued press assistant card.

Article 18. Collaborators of the permanent office

1. When there is a need to hire collaborators, the permanent office shall submit the application directly, through postal service, online, or email to the agency assigned by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to handle administrative procedures at the location where the permanent office is based.

The application package includes:

a) A request for permission to work as a collaborator of the permanent office according to the model attached to this Decree.

b) A portrait photograph measuring 03 cm x 04 cm with a white background, taken no more than six months ago.

c) A copy of the personal information page in the passport and entry visa to Vietnam in case of foreign nationals.

d) If the hired collaborator is a person entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, the person hired must have a written commitment to waive such privileges and immunities confirmed by the foreign representative agency from the time they are approved as a collaborator of the permanent office or as agreed between Vietnam and the sending country.

Within ten days from receiving a valid application, the agency receiving the application shall respond in writing or electronically to the permanent office, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The permanent office may only be permitted to hire and use collaborators after obtaining approval from the Provincial People's Committee.

Collaborators of the permanent office are only allowed to perform support tasks for the activities of resident correspondents, such as filming, photography, and translation during specific activities for a certain period of time, and are not allowed to replace resident correspondents.

 

Chapter III

ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE AGENCIES AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM RELATED TO

JOURNALISM

FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE AGENCIES AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

Article 19. Publication of foreign informational publications

1. Foreign representative agencies and organizations in Vietnam must obtain a publication permit issued by the competent state management agency in accordance with the laws on press when publishing newsletters or special issues in Vietnam.

2. Foreign representative agencies and organizations in Vietnam must comply with the contents of the publication permit and are not allowed to transfer the permit.

3. The authority issuing the publication permit for newsletters or special issues has the authority to decide to suspend or revoke the permit in accordance with the law.

4. The publication of foreign informational publications that are not newsletters or special issues shall be carried out in accordance with the laws on publication and current laws of Vietnam.

Article 20. Press Conferences

1. When organizing a press conference in Hanoi, foreign representative agencies and organizations must notify in writing directly or online to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at least 24 hours before the scheduled press conference, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. When organizing a press conference in other localities, foreign representative agencies and organizations must notify in writing directly or online to the Provincial People's Committee at least 24 hours before the scheduled press conference, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Press conferences of foreign delegations visiting Vietnam at the invitation of Party and State leaders or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be conducted according to the official program of the delegation. Press conferences not included in the official program of the delegation shall follow the procedures stipulated in Clause 1 and 2 of this Article.

4. For press conferences of foreign delegations visiting Vietnam at the invitation of ministries, sectors, localities, or host agencies, the main host agency must notify in writing directly or online to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Provincial People's Committee (if held in a locality) at least 24 hours before the scheduled press conference.

5. The notification of the press conference should clearly specify the main organizer, venue and time, content, and evidence proving the legality of the information provided to the media during the press conference, and the list of media outlets invited to attend the press conference.

6. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Provincial People's Committee are responsible for responding about the prohibition of holding a press conference if the notification of the press conference by foreign representative agencies and organizations in Vietnam does not meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 5 of this Article, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In cases where foreign representative agencies and organizations in Vietnam hold a press conference that does not comply with the content stipulated in Clause 5 of this Article or show signs of violating Vietnamese law, the state management agency has the right to suspend the press conference, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 21. Displaying paintings, photographs, hanging billboards, posters, screens, and other forms of information outside the premises of foreign diplomatic missions and organizations in Vietnam; screening films and exhibitions that invite Vietnamese citizens to participate in Vietnam.

1. When there is a need to display paintings, photographs, hang billboards, posters, screens, and other forms of information outside the premises of foreign diplomatic missions and organizations in Vietnam, a direct written request, through postal service, online, or email shall be sent to: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism if the premises are located in Hanoi, or to the People's Committee of the province where the premises are located in other regions.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall stipulate the conditions, application procedures, and licensing procedures under Clause 1 of this Article.

2. Foreign diplomatic missions and organizations in Vietnam may organize film screenings at public cinema venues in accordance with Vietnamese laws and must meet the conditions set forth in Vietnamese laws on cinematography and related Vietnamese laws, except where otherwise provided for in international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

Prior to organizing film screenings at public cinema venues, foreign diplomatic missions and organizations shall send a notification letter regarding the content and program of the film screenings to the People's Committee of the province where the screenings will take place.

Within seven working days from the date of receipt of the notification letter, if the film content or screening program shows signs of violation according to Vietnamese laws on cinematography and related Vietnamese laws, the People's Committee of the province shall issue a non-agreement letter and specify the reasons.

After the aforementioned period, if there is no written opinion from the competent authority at the local level, foreign diplomatic missions and organizations may proceed with the film screenings as notified.

3. When organizing exhibitions in Vietnam, foreign diplomatic missions and organizations in Vietnam must comply with Vietnamese laws on exhibitions, publishing, fine arts, photography, and related Vietnamese laws.

Prior to organizing exhibitions, foreign diplomatic missions and organizations must submit applications for permission to organize exhibitions to the competent state authorities in Vietnam in accordance with the regulations applicable to each type of exhibition.

The application procedures, formalities, authority, and time limit for issuing permits to organize exhibitions shall be carried out in accordance with relevant laws.

 

Chapter IV

IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSIBILITY

 

Article 22. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible before the Government for managing all press activities and activities related to press of foreign press agencies, foreign diplomatic missions, and organizations in Vietnam.

2. In managing the press activities of foreign press agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall perform the following tasks:

a) Managing, granting permits, guiding, and providing necessary services for foreign journalists to engage in press activities in Vietnam.

b) Granting permits for foreign press agencies to establish permanent offices in Vietnam and appoint resident correspondents, coordinating with the People's Committee of the province regarding the hiring of press assistants and contributors by the permanent office.

c) Managing and guiding the press activities of resident correspondents and permanent offices in Vietnam.

d) Coordinating with ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, and the People's Committee of the province to resolve technical and operational requirements; requirements for importing and exporting technical and operational equipment; requirements for entry and exit, residence, travel, and other needs serving the press activities of foreign press agencies in Vietnam.

3. Coordinating with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to resolve activity requirements related to press of foreign diplomatic missions and organizations in Vietnam.

4. Directing the implementation of regulations on press activities of foreign press agencies within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5. Taking the lead and coordinating with ministries, agencies at the ministerial level, and the People's Committee of the province to compile and report annually on the implementation of regulations on press activities and activities related to press of foreign press agencies, foreign diplomatic missions, and organizations in Vietnam.

6. Guiding, training, and supporting the People's Committee of the province in managing and guiding foreign press activities in their respective areas.

Article 23. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

1. Managing and issuing permits for press activities and related activities of foreign representative offices and organizations including: a) Publishing and circulating foreign information publications.

b) Holding foreign press conferences in Vietnam.

c) Exhibiting paintings, photographs, and other forms of information outside the premises of foreign representative offices and organizations in Hanoi.

d) Managing and issuing permits for hanging banners, posters, screens outside the premises of foreign representative offices and organizations in Hanoi; screening films and exhibitions of foreign representative offices and organizations in Hanoi that invite Vietnamese citizens to attend.

2. Directing the implementation of regulations concerning press activities and related activities of foreign representative offices and organizations within the Ministry's jurisdiction.

3. Taking the lead and coordinating with relevant agencies to handle violations of press activities and related activities of foreign representative offices and organizations.

Provincial People's Committees are responsible for receiving, reviewing, and resolving press activity requests at local levels from foreign journalists, foreign representative offices, and organizations; issuing press assistant cards and cooperation permits for permanent offices; coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and related agencies to manage and guide the activities of foreign journalists and handle violations when they occur.

Article 24. Responsibilities of the People's Committee at the provincial level

Article 25. Responsibilities of ministries and ministerial-level agencies

1. The Ministry of Public Security leads and coordinates with ministries and ministerial-level agencies to ensure national security and social order during foreign press activities; ensuring security and safety for foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and organizations in Vietnam; detecting, preventing, and handling acts of exploiting press to infringe upon national security and social order according to the law; closely coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to ensure the time specified in administrative procedures for issuing permits, managing, and guiding foreign press activities.

2. Ministries and ministerial-level agencies, within their assigned functions and tasks, are responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to manage and handle violations of press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative offices, and organizations.

1. Permits and approval documents issued before this Decree takes effect shall continue to be used until their expiration date as stated in the permit or approval document.

 

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 26. Transitional Provisions

The establishment permit for a permanent office of a foreign press agency without a specified validity period issued before this Decree takes effect shall continue to be valid and does not require renewal procedures.

2. Applications for permits that were received by competent state authorities before this Decree takes effect but have not yet been granted shall continue to be reviewed and resolved according to the law at the time of receipt.

2. This Decree replaces Decree No. 88/2012/NĐ-CP dated October 23, 2012, regarding the activities of foreign press, foreign representative offices, and organizations in Vietnam.

Article 27. Effective Date

1. This Decree shall take effect from July 1, 2026.

3. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Chairmen of provincial People's Committees are responsible for implementing this Decree.

- Supreme People's Procuracy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNEX

ATTACHED TO DECREE NO. 262/2026/NĐ-CP

JUNE 30, 2026

REGULATING FOREIGN PRESS ACTIVITIES

OF FOREIGN PRESS AGENCIES, FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE

OFFICES, AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS IN VIETNAM

(Attached to Decree No. 262/2026/NĐ-CP

June 30, 2026 of the Government)
Model 01/BC-BNG

 

 

 

Request for press activities in Vietnam for non-resident correspondents
(Name of foreign press agency)

Name of the foreign press agency
(REQUEST FOR)

 

PRESS ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM
FOR NON-RESIDENT CORRESPONDENTS

REQUEST FORM
FOR PRESS ACTIVITIES OF NON-RESIDENT CORRESPONDENTS
IN VIETNAM

..., day ..., month ..., year ....

 

 

Address/Telephone/:....................................................

Telephone numberAddress:..............................................................................................

Website:... Email:...I. Information about the press delegation/:........................................................................

Press delegation details

1. Full name/Full name (as shown in passport)

Date of birth/Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy): …......................................

/GenderCurrent nationality/:........................................

GenderNationality::………………………………………………………...

Original nationality/Original nationality..................................................................

Passport number/Passport number:.............................................................

Date of issue/Date of issuance:...................................................................

Expiry date/Date of expiry:…………………………………………….      

MobilePosition/.................. ……………………………………

Telephone numberAddress:..............................................................................................

Website:... Email:...Title::……………………….Email:………………...................

Place of visa issuance/Place of visa issuance (provide specific name of overseas Vietnamese representative office or entry airport in case of requesting visa on arrival)..............................................................................................

2. Full name/II. Tentative program of press activities:.............................................

1. Purpose of the program/Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy):

……..

3. ….

2. Program content/

ContentPurpose:...........................................................

3. Implementation time/Time::...........................................................

4. Activity location/Place(s).....................................................................

5. Expected interview questions/Questions for interview:..................................................................

6. Expected publication and broadcasting plan/Publication and broadcasting plan::……………………

III. List of technical equipment to be brought into VietnamList of technical equipment to be brought into Vietnam.............

IV. Authorized agency by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if any)

Agency authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (if any)

1. ...

2. …

3. ...

1. Name

Name

2. Address/3. Telephone/:................................................................................

TelAddress: ......................................................................................

Journalists commit to fully comply with Vietnamese laws.Tel: ………………………………….Email:………………..

Journalists commit to fully comply with Vietnamese laws.

The correspondent(s) hereby undertake(s) to comply fully with Vietnamese laws and regulations..

 

Request for establishing a permanent press office in Vietnam
Form 02/BC-BNG

Name of the foreign press agency

(Name of the foreign press agency)

 

PRESS ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM
APPLICATION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESIDENT FOREIGN PRESS OFFICE IN VIET NAM
APPLICATION FORM FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT

OF RESIDENT FOREIGN PRESS OFFICE IN VIET NAM

 

 

1. Name of the press agency/Telephone/:.................................................

TelAddress:.....................................................................................

Journalists commit to fully comply with Vietnamese laws.Tel:……………. Press delegation details

4. Information about the foreign press agency/Information about the foreign press agency: ……………………

5. Proposed location of the resident press office/Proposed location of the resident press office: …

6. The foreign press agency (name of the press agency) …requests to establish a resident office in [Name of Province/City] …and hereby undertakes to comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

The foreign press agency (name of the press agency) …requests to establish a resident office in [Name of Province/City] …and hereby undertakes to comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

 

Request for dispatching resident correspondents to Vietnam
Form 03/BC-BNG

Name of the foreign press agency
(Name of the foreign press agency)

 

PRESS ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM

APPLICATION FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF RESIDENT CORRESPONDENT TO VIET NAM

APPLICATION FOR

THE ASSIGNMENT OF RESIDENT CORRESPONDENT TO VIET NAM

 

 

1. Name of the press agency/Telephone/:..................................................

TelAddress:..........................................................................................

Journalists commit to fully comply with Vietnamese laws.Tel:…Website:…Email:…

4. Name of the assigned resident correspondent(s)/Name of the assigned resident correspondent(s):....................................................................................................

5. The foreign press agency (name of the press agency) …undertakes that the resident correspondent(s) will comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

The foreign press agency (name of the press agency) ….. hereby undertakes that the resident correspondent(s) will comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

 

 

Request for press activities of foreign press offices
Form 04/BC-BNG

Name of the foreign press agency
(Name of the foreign press agency)

 

PRESS ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM
REQUEST FOR PRESS ACTIVITIES BY THE RESIDENT FOREIGN PRESS OFFICE

REQUEST FOR
PRESS ACTIVITIES BY THE RESIDENT FOREIGN PRESS OFFICE

…., day ….. month ….. year …….

 

The resident foreign press office…Email: …:………………………………………………………………………….

Telephone numberAddress:.......................................................................................

Website:... Email:...Tel:I. Tentative program of press activities

Tentative program of press activitiesPurpose(s):…

Content2. Content of activities/

Content of activitiesDuration:..................................................

4. Activity location/Locations:.....................................................................

5. Expected interview questions/Proposed interview questions:...................................................................

6. Expected publication and broadcasting plan/Proposed publication and broadcasting plan:........................

III. List of technical equipment to be brought into VietnamII. Details of the crew: .......................................................................................................................

Details of the crewFull name

Date of birth/Title/:...................................................................................

TitleThe above mentioned correspondent(s) hereby undertake(s) to comply fully with Vietnamese laws and regulations.:.................................................................................................

1. Purpose of the program/Title/:...................................................................................

TitleThe above mentioned correspondent(s) hereby undertake(s) to comply fully with Vietnamese laws and regulations.:..................................................................................................

The above mentioned correspondent(s) hereby undertake(s) to comply fully with Vietnamese laws and regulations.

Authorized representative

 

Request for new/renewal/extension of resident correspondent cards
Form 05/BC-BNG

Name of the foreign press agency
(Name of the foreign press agency)

 

PRESS ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM
REQUEST FOR THE ISSUANCE, RE-ISSUANCE, OR EXTENSION OF RESIDENT FOREIGN PRESS CARDS
REQUEST FOR THE ISSUANCE, RE-ISSUANCE, OR EXTENSION OF RESIDENT FOREIGN PRESS CARDS

 

1. Name of the press agency/Telephone/:..............................................

TelAddress:..........................................................................................

Journalists commit to fully comply with Vietnamese laws.Tel:…Website:…Email:…

4. Request/Request to:

 Issue/Issue:      ☐

 Re-issue/Re-issue:      ☐

Due to damage/Due to damage:☐

Due to loss/Due to loss:☐

 Renew/Renew:      ☐

The resident foreign press card to:The resident foreign press card to:……….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Request for approval of press assistants
Form 06/BC-BNG

Name of the foreign press agency
(Name of the foreign press agency)

 

REQUEST FORM FOR PRESS ASSISTANT
REQUEST FORM FOR PRESS ASSISTANT

 

 

1. Resident foreign press office/Resident foreign press office:...................

TelAddress:..........................................................................................

4. Content of request:

☐ Request for approval of press assistant/Request for approval of press assistant

☐ Issue the press assistant's card/Issue the press assistant's card

☐ Renew the press assistant's card/Renew the press assistant's card

☐ Re-issue the press assistant's card/Re-issue the press assistant's card

☐ Due to damage/Due to damage

☐ Due to loss/Due to loss

5. Information of the proposed personnel:Information of the proposed personnel:

Full name/Full name in block letters - as shown in passport)::……………..

Date of birth/Date of birth: …………………………………………………….

Passport or ID number/Passport or ID number: ………………………

To work as/To work as: Press Assistant/Press Assistant

For the period/For the period: From/from …to/to …………

6. The resident press office (name of the press agency)….. hereby undertakes that the press assistant(s) hired by itself will comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

The resident press office (name of the press agency)….. hereby undertakes that the press assistant(s) hired by itself will comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

Request for approval of press collaborators
(Name signature and seal)

Name of the foreign press agency
(Name of the foreign press agency)

REQUEST FORM FOR PRESS STRINGER
REQUEST FORM FOR PRESS STRINGER

1. Resident foreign press office/The resident foreign press office:.............

TelAddress:..........................................................................................

Journalists commit to fully comply with Vietnamese laws.Tel:…Email:…

4. Request for Mr/MrsRequest for Mr/Mrs

Full name/Full name in block letters (As shown in passport)::……………

/GenderCurrent nationality/:........................................

Passport of ID numberPassport or ID number:............................................

To work as: Stringer/Stringerfor the period from/for the period from …to/to…

5. The resident press office (name of the press agency)….. hereby undertakes that the stringer(s) hired by itself will comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

The resident press office (name of the press agency)….. hereby undertakes that the stringer(s) hired by itself will comply fully with the laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

 

 

Summary of personal background information of dispatched resident correspondents
Form 08/BC-BNG

SUMMARY OF PERSONAL HISTORY

For resident foreign correspondents in Viet Nam

BIOGRAPHY/ CURRICULUM VITAE

For resident foreign correspondents in Viet Nam

 

1. Full name (in capital letters)/Full name in block letters (As shown in passport):….

2. Date, month, year of birth/Date of birth: ....../....../...... Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

3. Name of the foreign press agency/REQUEST FOR:………..

4. Main office address/Head office address: …………............

5. Current position/title of the person assigned/Current position/title: ......................

6. List previous journalism-related employments/ List previous journalism-related employments

 

7. Representative press works (Please list representative press works completed within the last 01 year) if anyPress works (Please list representative press works completed within the last 01 year)/I hereby certify that the above statement is true and correct.

This is to certify that the above statement is true and correct.Correspondent signs and writes full name, seals if any

 

(Name signature and seal if any)
(Name signature and seal if any)