On April 29, 2026, the Government of Vietnam officially issued Resolution No. 24/2026/NQ-CP, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to cut, decentralize, and simplify administrative procedures and business conditions. Among the various sectors targeted for reform, the field of foreign affairs, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stands out as a primary focus to enhance international integration and create a more transparent environment for foreign entities.
A Major Shift: Decentralization to Local Authorities
A core pillar of Resolution 24/2026/NQ-CP is the strategic decentralization of authority from central agencies to local governments. In the foreign affairs sector, as detailed in Appendix I.5, the authority to license foreign individuals working as collaborators or press assistants for foreign media resident offices in Vietnam has been transferred to the Chairmen of Provincial-level People's Committees.
Previously, these procedures often required coordination through central ministerial channels, which could lead to longer processing times. By empowering provincial leaders, the Government aims to increase the autonomy and proactivity of local authorities in managing foreign information activities within their jurisdictions. This shift ensures that administrative decisions are made closer to where the activities occur, significantly reducing the "distance" between the regulator and the regulated.
Simplifying Procedures for Foreign Press and Journalists
The resolution introduces a streamlined framework for foreign journalists and media outlets operating in Vietnam. The process for issuing, re-issuing, and extending Press Cards for foreign resident journalists has been optimized for speed and clarity.
Under the new regulations, foreign journalists can submit their applications directly or via postal services to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The required documentation is strictly limited to essential items, such as the application form, passport copies, and credentials from the sponsoring media organization. Crucially, the Government mandates that results must be processed and communicated within the shortest possible timeframe to facilitate the professional duties of the international press. This reform minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, allowing journalists to focus on their reporting rather than paperwork.
Enhancing Efficiency for Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
The management of Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Vietnam is also undergoing a transformative simplification. Resolution 24 sets out specific, rigorous timelines for the appraisal and granting of various registrations, including the Certificate of Registration for Operation and the Certificate of Registration for Representative Offices.
For instance, the appraisal process for a new Operation Registration is now broken down into clear stages with strict deadlines:
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must appraise and notify the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs within 09 working days of receiving a complete file.
- The total duration to resolve the entire procedure is capped at 25 working days for valid applications.
- Procedures for the modification, supplementation, or re-issuance of these certificates are even more accelerated, often resolved within 5 to 20 working days depending on the specific case.
These clearly defined timelines provide foreign NGOs with a predictable and stable legal environment, enabling them to plan and implement their humanitarian and development projects more effectively.
Significance for Foreign Individuals and Organizations
The reforms outlined in Resolution 24/2026/NQ-CP carry profound significance for foreign individuals and organizations. By cutting unnecessary steps and decentralizing power, the Government is effectively lowering compliance costs and saving valuable time for international partners.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: Foreign entities no longer need to navigate complex, multi-layered central bureaucracies for local matters. This reduces travel expenses and administrative overhead.
- Transparency and Predictability: The establishment of fixed timelines and public disclosure of procedures under the "one-stop shop" mechanism ensures that foreign organizations can operate with high levels of legal certainty.
- Fostering Innovation and Investment: A simplified administrative landscape signals that Vietnam is an open, modern, and welcoming destination for international collaboration, whether in journalism, social work, or business.
The Roadmap to 2027
To ensure these reforms are fully integrated into the legal system, the Government has tasked the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the responsibility of drafting and submitting the necessary legal documents to amend or supplement existing regulations before March 1, 2027.
The Resolution also includes transitional provisions: any files received by competent authorities before the effective date (April 29, 2026) will still be processed according to the regulations in place at the time of receipt. This ensures a smooth transition and protects the interests of those already in the middle of administrative processes.
In conclusion, Resolution 24/2026/NQ-CP is not just an administrative update; it is a strategic move toward a "serving administration". For the foreign affairs sector, these changes demonstrate Vietnam's commitment to building a professional, modern, and efficient gateway for the world to engage with the country. Foreign individuals and organizations can look forward to a more streamlined, supportive, and transparent experience as they contribute to Vietnam's ongoing development and international standing.