THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has launched a comprehensive handbook to streamline land management under the new two-tier local government structure. This resource is designed to guide state authorities in effectively navigating land-related matters.
Handbook cover.
Structured into two primary sections, the handbook first clarifies the roles and responsibilities of People’s Councils, People’s Committees, their chairpersons, and specialized agencies at both provincial and communal levels. This ensures seamless implementation of the two-tier governance model.
The second section provides meticulous guidance on land sector administrative procedures, encompassing land use planning, recovery, compensation, support, resettlement, allocation, leasing, changes in land use purposes, registration, and the issuance of land use rights and ownership certificates. It also addresses land dispute resolution.
A detailed 16-step guide outlines the land requisition, compensation, and resettlement process, covering all phases from recovery plan development to community consultations, asset inventories, compensation plan approvals, and land handovers.
For the initial issuance of land use rights certificates and ownership certificates for assets on land, the handbook offers a three-step process, typically managed by commune-level authorities. It delineates the responsibilities of government agencies and citizens, from document submission at the Public Administrative Service Center to dossier verification and final certificate issuance upon fulfillment of financial obligations.
Aerial view of Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times
Processing times are capped at 17 working days for land registration and 20 working days for certificate issuance. In mountainous, island, remote, or economically disadvantaged areas, these timelines may extend to a maximum of 30 working days.
The handbook aims to foster consistency, transparency, and efficiency in land management by clearly defining the responsibilities of provincial and communal authorities. It serves as a practical tool to help local officials better understand regulations, authority delegation, and procedural steps.
Additionally, the handbook supports citizens by providing greater clarity on administrative processes, empowering them to exercise their rights and fulfill their land-related obligations more effectively.
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As of July 1, 2025, 34 provinces and cities in Vietnam have officially adopted the two-tier local government system following a trial period. This new structure operates at two levels: provincial (provinces and centrally governed cities) and communal (communes, wards, and townships). Replacing the previous three-tiered system of provinces, districts, and communes, the restructuring aims to streamline the administrative apparatus, reduce intermediary layers, bring governance closer to the people, and enhance overall efficiency. |
