Legal Updates by Dr. Oliver Massmann

Our long-standing GBA board member Dr. Oliver Massmann, Partner at Duane Morris Vietnam LCC, is sharing the most relevant legal updates with you.

1. Laws on artificial intelligence crucial for digital transformation: expert

Some highlines are as below:

A seminar was held in Hà Nội on Tuesday to discuss the strategic orientation and policies for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Việt Nam.
The country should also develop laws on AI and make amendments to current legal documents to clearly define the responsibilities, sanctions and obligations of technology companies. Strict mechanisms should also be developed to monitor and inspect technology companies, organisations, and individuals using AI products.
Secretary of the Central Party Committee and permanent deputy head of the Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation Nguyễn Duy Ngọc, said: “The Party and State always consider science and technology as decisive factors and the foundation for the sustainable development of the country.”
Resolution No 57-NQ/TW, issued on December 22, 2024 by the Politburo has given direction to breakthroughs in innovation and national digital transformation, helping to raise awareness and implementation of technology across the country, he added.
“Following this important document, the National Assembly had passed a resolution to pilot some policies to address obstacles in technological and innovation activities,” Ngọc said. “We will have a roadmap to promote strategic data groups and to adapt to the effective use of digital applications.”

2. Government extends registration fee exemption for EVs

Some highlines are as below:

The fees being exempted from March 1, 2025 until February 28, 2027.
Under a government decree issued recently, the exemption of registration fees for electric cars (EVs) has been extended from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2027.
Earlier, the Ministry of Finance had proposed to extend the exemption of the fees through February 28, 2027, instead of February 28 this year as initially scheduled.
The ministry said the registration fee exemption will contribute to developing the market, the EV industry and other auxiliary industries as well as generating jobs for workers.

3. Finance ministry proposes 30% land lease fee cut for 2025

Some highlines are as below:

The Ministry of Finance is seeking comments on a draft Decree stipulating a 30% reduction in land lease fees in 2025 to support people and businesses in developing production and business, as directed by the Government in Resolution 233/NQ-CP dated December 10, 2024.
The draft Decree proposes a 30% reduction in land lease fees for subjects specified in Article 4 of the Land Law who are directly leased land by the State under a land lease decision, a land lease contract, or certificate of land use rights and ownership of assets attached to land issued by a competent State agency, effective in 2025, in the form of annual land lease payments.
This regulation is also applicable to cases where land users are not eligible for exemption or reduction of land lease fees or have exceeded the period of exemption or reduction. It also applies to land users currently receiving reductions in land lease fees under the provisions of the Land Law and other relevant laws.
Regarding the draft Decree, in Resolution No 233/NQ-CP the Government stated that the goal for 2025 is to achieve a growth rate of 8% while maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, and ensuring the major balances of the economy.

4. Resolution on visa exemption adopted

Some highlines are as below:

Vietnam will waive visas for citizens from 12 countries, namely Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, according to Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP dated March 7.
Under the Resolution, citizens from such 12 countries will be exempted from visas for a temporary stay period of 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type and purpose of entry, provided that they fully meet the entry conditions prescribed by Vietnam’s laws.
The visa exemption policy when entering Vietnam for citizens of the above countries will be implemented from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028 and will be considered for extension under Vietnam’s laws.
The Government’s Resolution No. 32/NQ-CP dated March 15, 2022 and Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP dated August 14, 2023 will expire on March 15.

5. Thirty percent of unnecessary business conditions to be slashed: PM

According to Telegram 22/CD-TTg of March 9, 2025, the Governmental leader requested ministries, agencies, and localities to focus on thoroughly reviewing, reducing, and simplifying regulations and administrative procedures related to investment, production, business activities, and citizens’ daily lives; and conduct business-related procedures online.
Ministries, agencies, and localities, according to their assigned functions and tasks, must strictly adhere to administrative discipline and order; create a strong shift in working styles and conduct; proactively perform their assigned tasks with the highest sense of responsibility; promptly detect and strictly handle acts of harassment, corruption, and negative behaviors, says the telegram.
The PM also requested the continued extension and reduction of taxes to facilitate business operations, promote the development of the private sector, and mobilize resources for investment and development.
The Ministry of Finance was tasked with researching and proposing the expansion of the tax reduction scope, including reducing value-added tax for the last six months of 2025 and for 2026, and report to the Government no later than March 15.
The PM suggested further implementing a decisive credit policy aimed at reducing the lending interest rate level; encouraging foreign banks to participate in the process of solving bad debts and restructuring poor-performing credit institutions, and boosting investment in Vietnam.

Legal Updates by Dr. Oliver Massmann | March 2025