Decree 217/2026/ND-CP – A New Framework for Construction-Activity Management from 1 July 2026

The 2025 Construction Law (Law No. 135/2025/QH15) took effect on 1 July 2026, and on 19 June 2026 the Government issued Decree 217/2026/ND-CP on the management of construction activities, effective the same day. The Decree replaces Decree 175/2024/ND-CP, which had guided the 2014 Construction Law. It is a key piece completing the construction-investment framework under Vietnam’s new two-tier local government model.

For project owners, contractors, design and survey consultants, and foreign investors developing projects in Vietnam, understanding these changes early helps avoid procedural risks, delays and administrative penalties.

Mục 01What core matters does Decree 217/2026 guide?

The Decree details numerous articles of the 2025 Construction Law, notably the sequence of construction investment (Article 16); construction design (Article 19) and construction survey (Articles 21, 22); small-scale or technically simple projects (Article 23) with an expanded list of projects needing only an economic-technical report or none; forms of project management organisation (Article 32); construction permits (Article 44) covering conditions, competence, dossier and procedures for issuing, adjusting, extending, re-issuing, revoking and publicising permits; construction-order management (Article 47); and special or urgent works (Articles 68, 70).

Mục 02Key changes to act on now

One project, streamlined procedures

The reform expands the group of works exempt from a construction permit and the projects requiring only an economic-technical report. Owners should re-classify their projects to apply the correct sequence and avoid doing too much or too little.

Competence shifted to the two-tier government

Decree 217/2026 aligns with the re-allocation of state management competence under the two-tier model (provincial and commune level), partially repealing Decrees 140/2025 and 144/2025. Businesses must identify the correct licensing and appraisal authority to file in the right place.

Transition of ongoing permits and contracts

For projects, dossiers and permits issued before 1 July 2026, check the Decree’s transitional provisions to see which remain valid and which require adjustment under the new rules.

Mục 03HTIC’s recommendations for owners and contractors

(1) Review all ongoing projects and re-classify them under the 2025 Construction Law; (2) update internal permitting, appraisal and acceptance processes; (3) review construction contract templates and contractor capacity files; (4) identify the new competent authority under the two-tier model.

Mục 04FAQ

1. When does Decree 217/2026 take effect?
From 1 July 2026, together with the 2025 Construction Law.

2. Which document does it replace?
Decree 175/2024/ND-CP on construction-activity management.

3. Must a project permitted before 1 July 2026 redo its procedures?
Not automatically — check the transitional provisions.

4. Which body issues construction permits now?
Competence is allocated under the two-tier local government model, depending on the type/grade of works and location.

Mục 05HTIC by your side

HTIC Law Firm LLC (HCMC) supports project owners, contractors and FDI investors in legal reviews under the 2025 Construction Law and Decree 217/2026: project classification, permitting–appraisal–acceptance workflows, construction-contract review and transitional issues. Contact HTIC for advice tailored to your project.