Procedures for Applying for a Construction Operation License for Foreign Contractors from July 1, 2026

Effective from July 1, 2026, the issuance of Construction Operation Licenses for foreign contractors shall be governed by Decree No. 212/2026/ND-CP. One of the notable provisions of this Decree is the detailed regulation on the application dossier required for foreign contractors applying for a Construction Operation License in Vietnam.

This article provides our valued clients with an overview of the procedures for applying for a Construction Operation License for foreign contractors from July 1, 2026.

1. Legal Basis

- Law on Construction 2025;

- Decree No. 212/2026/ND-CP on conditions for construction activity capacity, the Construction Information System, and the National Database on Construction Activities.

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2. Content

2.1. Conditions for Obtaining a Construction Operation License

Before preparing the application dossier, a foreign contractor must satisfy the prescribed conditions. In particular, the contractor must have been awarded a contract or officially selected to execute a construction package in Vietnam in accordance with the laws on bidding and construction.

2.2. Application Dossier for a Construction Operation License

Pursuant to Clause 2, Article 44 of Decree No. 212/2026/ND-CP, an application dossier for a Construction Operation License for a foreign contractor includes the following documents:

• An application form for the Construction Operation License in the prescribed form. In the case of online submission, the applicant shall complete the electronic application form available on the National Public Service Portal.
• A copy or electronic copy of the contract award decision, contractor selection document, or a lawful construction contract.
• A copy of the foreign contractor's establishment license, enterprise registration certificate, or another document of equivalent legal validity.
• A report on the contractor's construction experience, together with documents demonstrating its capability to perform the construction package.
• A list of key personnel, accompanied by practicing certificates or other documents proving the professional qualifications of individuals holding the positions as required by law.
• A joint venture agreement with a Vietnamese contractor or a written commitment to employ Vietnamese subcontractors for portions of the work that are required or encouraged by law to be carried out by domestic contractors (if applicable).
• Other documents required for each type of construction package or construction activity as prescribed by law.

For documents issued by foreign authorities or organizations, foreign contractors should note the following:

• Such documents must be consularly legalized unless exempted under an international treaty to which Vietnam is a party or under the principle of reciprocity.
• Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Vietnamese in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Copies of documents must be certified or accompanied by the originals for verification when submitted directly, as prescribed by law.

To promote administrative reform, Decree No. 212/2026/ND-CP encourages the implementation of licensing procedures through electronic means. Accordingly, foreign contractors may submit their application dossiers online via the National Public Service Portal. Where online submission cannot be completed due to objective circumstances or technical issues, the dossier may be submitted directly or via the public postal service in accordance with applicable regulations.

Preparing a complete and accurate application dossier from the outset will help shorten the appraisal process and minimize the need for additional submissions or amendments. Foreign contractors must also ensure the authenticity and accuracy of all submitted documents, as the use of forged or fraudulent documents may result in the refusal to grant, or the revocation of, the Construction Operation License in accordance with the law.

From July 1, 2026, foreign contractors applying for a Construction Operation License in Vietnam must comply with the new provisions of Decree No. 212/2026/ND-CP. A thorough understanding of the required application dossier and careful preparation of all supporting documents will facilitate the licensing process while ensuring full compliance with Vietnamese construction laws.

You may also find the following related articles helpful:

• From July 1, 2026: Three Cases in Which a Foreign Contractor's Construction Operation License May Be Revoked;
• From July 1, 2026: Five Key Changes to Construction Practice Certificates.

Prestige – Quality – High Efficiency are the core values we are committed to delivering to our clients. The positive feedback and trust we have received over the years have served as the driving force behind Khanh An's continuous growth and development.

The above is our legal advisory regarding the procedures for applying for a Construction Operation License for foreign contractors from July 1, 2026. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Khanh An Consulting Company. Our experienced professionals are ready to provide detailed advice and efficient support throughout the licensing process.

Contact Information

KHANH AN BUSINESS LAW LLC

Hotline: (+84) 24 6688 5821 / (+84) 976 529 499

Address: 88 To Vinh Dien, Khuong Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam

Website: khanhanlaw.com

Email: info@khanhanlaw.net