Foreigners can legally own apartments in Vietnam. The rules come from the 2023 Housing Law (in force since 1 August 2024) and Decree 95/2024. Here is a plain-English summary. It is general information, not legal advice – always check the specific unit and project with a lawyer before paying a deposit.
Who can buy
- Foreign individuals who have entered Vietnam legally (valid passport with an entry stamp or equivalent document)
- People without diplomatic or consular privileges or immunities
- Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens living in Vietnam have the same rights as Vietnamese citizens
What you can buy
- Apartments (and detached houses) in commercial housing projects
- Only in areas not restricted for national defence and security
- By buying from the developer, from another eligible foreign owner, or through inheritance or gifts from eligible owners
- Individual houses in existing residential neighbourhoods are not eligible
Foreign ownership caps
- Up to 30% of the apartments in one condominium building (counted per block when blocks share a basement)
- For detached houses: up to 250 houses in an area with a population of about 10,000
- Purchases above the cap are invalid and no ownership certificate is issued – so ask the seller to confirm the foreign quota first
How long you can own
Ownership lasts up to 50 years from the date the certificate (pink book) is issued and can be extended once for up to another 50 years. Apply to the provincial People’s Committee at least three months before expiry. Before the term ends you can also sell or gift the apartment to an eligible buyer.
Step by step
- Shortlist projects and units that still have foreign quota.
- Check the legal status: sale contract with the developer or an issued pink book.
- Sign a deposit agreement, then the sale and purchase contract.
- Pay through a bank in Vietnam; keep all payment records.
- Receive the apartment and apply for (or transfer) the pink book in your name.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own an apartment in Vietnam?
Yes. Foreign individuals can own apartments in commercial housing projects outside defence and security areas, within the 30%-per-building cap.
How long can a foreigner own property in Vietnam?
Up to 50 years from the certificate date, extendable once for up to another 50 years.
Which documents do I need?
A valid passport with a Vietnamese entry stamp (or equivalent document) and confirmation that you do not have diplomatic or consular privileges.
Looking for eligible units? Browse apartments for sale marked “foreigner eligible” or ask us.