Can foreigners own apartments in Vietnam? legal guide & faqs 2025

Can Foreigners Own Apartments in Vietnam?

Reference Information for: Expat Tenants and Landlords

Are you a foreigner looking for a home in Vietnam? Do you want to invest in this promising real estate market? Can your dream of owning an apartment in Vietnam become a reality? Let's explore the regulations and opportunities that await you!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Legal Basis for Foreigners' Housing Ownership in Vietnam
3. Conditions for Foreigners to Own Apartments in Vietnam
4. Types of Apartments Foreigners Are Allowed to Own
5. Procedures for Buying an Apartment for Foreigners
6. Important Considerations When Buying an Apartment in Vietnam
7. Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning an Apartment in Vietnam for Foreigners
8. Investment and Rental Opportunities in the Vietnamese Apartment Market
9. Popular Areas for Foreigners Buying Apartments in Vietnam
10. Updated Information on Apartments for Rent and Sale to Foreigners in HCMC
11. Expert Advice
12. Customer Reviews
13. Conclusion
14. Reference Information - Contact a Professional Unit for Support in Real-Life Cases
  1. Introduction

Vietnam is becoming an attractive destination for foreigners, not only for its natural beauty and unique culture but also for its strong economic development potential. This has led to a growing demand for housing. So, can foreigners own apartments in Vietnam? The answer is yes, but it comes with specific conditions and regulations. This article will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed overview of this issue, helping you make the most informed decision.

2. Legal Basis for Foreigners' Housing Ownership in Vietnam

The right of foreigners to own housing in Vietnam is clearly defined in the following legal documents:

Housing Law of 2014 (amended and supplemented in 2019): This is the most important legal document regulating the right of foreigners to own housing in Vietnam.

Decree 99/2015/ND-CP: Provides detailed guidance on the implementation of certain articles of the Housing Law, including regulations related to foreigners.

Other legal documents: Land Law, Real Estate Business Law, Investment Law, etc.

These documents create a legal framework allowing foreigners to own housing in Vietnam, while also clearly defining their conditions, rights, and obligations.

3. Conditions for Foreigners to Own Apartments in Vietnam

Not every foreigner can easily own an apartment in Vietnam. To be allowed to buy a home, you must meet the following conditions:

1. Eligibility: Must belong to one of the groups allowed to own housing in Vietnam, including:

Foreign individuals allowed to enter Vietnam.

Foreign organizations operating in Vietnam (excluding diplomatic and consular organizations).

2. Not entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities: This means you are not an official of international organizations or diplomatic representatives of other countries.

3. Not subject to the prohibitions on buying housing under the law: For example, you are not under criminal investigation or serving a prison sentence.

4. Own housing in accordance with regulations on quantity, type, and duration: The law clearly specifies the number of apartments that foreigners are allowed to own in a project, as well as the ownership period.

4. Types of Apartments Foreigners Are Allowed to Own

According to current regulations, foreigners are allowed to own the following types of apartments:

Apartments in apartment buildings: This is the most popular type that foreigners often choose.

Individual houses in housing construction investment projects: Including villas, townhouses, etc., but must be located in approved projects.

Note: Foreigners are not allowed to own individual residential land but can only buy houses (apartments or houses in projects).

5. Procedures for Buying an Apartment for Foreigners

The process of buying an apartment for foreigners in Vietnam is similar to that for Vietnamese citizens, but there are some differences to note:

5.1. Researching Projects and Choosing a Suitable Apartment

Market Research: Learn about apartment projects currently on sale, location, amenities, prices, etc.

Research Information About the Developer: Ensure the developer is reputable, financially capable, and experienced.

Visit Show Apartments: Directly view show apartments to assess quality, design, and living space.

Choose a Suitable Apartment: Based on your needs, budget, and personal preferences to choose a satisfying apartment.

You can contact 456 Vietnam to get advice on choosing an apartment according to your needs, budget, location and lifestyle. We provide a list of real apartments - real prices - updated daily.

5.2. Signing a Sales Contract

Negotiate Terms: Read carefully and negotiate the terms of the sales contract, ensuring your rights.

Sign a Sales Contract: Sign the sales contract with the developer, witnessed by a notary.

5.3. Making Payments According to Schedule

Pay in Installments: Make payments according to the schedule specified in the sales contract.

Keep Payment Receipts: Keep all payment receipts (receipts, invoices, etc.) as a basis for later.

5.4. Completing the Transfer of Ownership and Obtaining the Pink Book

Prepare Documents: Prepare all documents as required by the competent state agency.

Submit Documents: Submit documents to the Land Registration Office or other competent agency.

Fulfill Financial Obligations: Pay taxes and fees as prescribed.

Receive the Pink Book: After completing the procedures, you will be issued a Certificate of Housing Ownership (Pink Book).

456 Vietnam provides legal support - bilingual contracts (Vietnamese - English, Korean... if needed) to make your buying process smooth.

6. Important Considerations When Buying an Apartment in Vietnam

To avoid risks when buying an apartment in Vietnam, foreigners need to keep in mind the following:

6.1. Checking the Legality of the Project

Construction Permit: Ensure the project has a full construction permit issued by the competent state agency.

Land Use Rights Certificate: Check whether the developer has legal land use rights.

Detailed Planning: Find out about the detailed planning of the project to clearly understand the utility works, technical infrastructure, etc.

6.2. Researching the Developer

Reputation: Choose a reputable developer with experience and strong financial potential.

Project Implementation History: Learn about the projects that the developer has implemented before to assess capacity and quality.

Information in the Press: Follow information about the developer in the press and other media.

6.3. Considering Location and Surrounding Amenities

Location: Choose a location with convenient transportation, close to the center or amenity areas.

Amenities: Consider internal amenities (swimming pool, gym, park...) and external amenities (schools, hospitals, supermarkets...)

6.4. Reading the Terms of the Sales Contract Carefully

Price: Clearly define the selling price of the apartment, payment method, arising fees, etc.

Construction Progress: Check the actual construction progress against the commitments in the contract.

Rights and Obligations of the Parties: Read carefully the terms on the rights and obligations of both the buyer and the seller.

Contract Violation Penalty Clause: Learn about the contract violation penalty clauses to protect your rights.

6.5. Seeking Advice from Lawyers or Real Estate Experts

Lawyer: A lawyer will help you check the legality of the contract and advise on relevant legal regulations.

Real Estate Expert: A real estate expert will provide you with information about the market, prices, and project potential.

7. Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning an Apartment in Vietnam for Foreigners

7.1. Advantages

Settling Down: Having a stable place to live and work in Vietnam.

Profitable Investment: The Vietnamese real estate market has high potential for price increases, especially in big cities.

Rental Income: Can rent out the apartment to generate passive income.

Enjoying Life: Enjoy the high-end amenities and services in modern apartment complexes.

7.2. Disadvantages

Complicated Legal Procedures: The buying and transferring process can be complicated and time-consuming.

Legal Risks: Risks may arise if the project's legality is not carefully checked.

Limitations on Ownership Rights: The ownership period is limited (usually 50 years).

Difficulty in Transferring: Transferring the apartment may be difficult if there are no suitable buyers.

8. Investment and Rental Opportunities in the Vietnamese Apartment Market

Vietnam is a promising real estate market, especially in the high-end apartment segment. The demand for apartment rentals from foreigners living and working in Vietnam is increasing. Therefore, owning an apartment in Vietnam is not only for living but also an effective investment channel.

456 Vietnam provides apartment management services for landlords: inspection, reporting, and periodic maintenance.

9. Popular Areas for Foreigners Buying Apartments in Vietnam

In HCMC, some areas favored by foreigners when buying apartments include:

District 1: City center, concentrating many high-end amenities, offices, restaurants, hotels...

District 2: Thao Dien, Thu Thiem area with green, quiet living space, many international schools, shopping centers...

District 7: Phu My Hung area with synchronous planning, modern infrastructure, many high-end amenities and services.

Binh Thanh District: Near the center, convenient transportation, more reasonable prices compared to central districts.

We have many apartments for rent and sale in these areas, especially projects such as: Vinhomes Central Park, Vinhomes Golden River, Grand Marina, Sunwal Pearl, Masteri Thao Dien, Lumiere Thao Dien, Estella Height, The Vista, Thao Dien Green, Thao Dien Pearl, The River Thu Thiem, Metropole Thu Thiem, Sala, The Sun Avenu, New City Thu Thiem, Feliz En Vista, Palm Height, Millenium, Goldview, Icon 56, Saigon Royal, Sunrise City, Saigon Pearl, The Manor, City Garden, Pearl Plaza...

10. Updated Information on Apartments for Rent and Sale to Foreigners in HCMC

456 Vietnam - 456 Vietnam continuously updates apartments with demand for rent and sale to Vietnamese and foreigners (expats) such as: European, American, British, French, German, Korean, Japanese... We have more than 13 years of experience in providing legal advice and finding apartments in Districts 1, 2, 4, 7, Binh Thanh, Thu Duc, Thao Dien, Thu Thiem, Phu My Hung areas...

11. Expert Advice

Buying an apartment in Vietnam is an important decision, especially for foreigners. Do your research, seek advice from experts, and choose a reputable real estate consulting firm for the best support.

12. Customer Reviews

Mr. Park, a Korean national, shared: "I researched a lot of information before deciding to buy an apartment in Vietnam. Thanks to the dedicated advice of the 456 Vietnam team, I found a satisfactory apartment in District 2 with a beautiful location, full amenities, and a reasonable price. I am very satisfied with 456 Vietnam's services."

13. Conclusion

Foreigners can absolutely own apartments in Vietnam if they meet the conditions and comply with the regulations of the law. Do your research, prepare all the necessary documents, and choose a reputable consulting unit to make your home buying process smooth and safe.

14. Reference Information - Contact a Professional Unit for Support in Real-Life Cases

Need more information or expert advice?

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