The State Bank of Vietnam (“SBV”) has released a draft circular (“Draft Circular”) amending Circular No. 12/2022/TT-NHNN dated 30 September 2022, which provides guidelines for foreign exchange administration in relation to foreign borrowing and foreign debt repayment by enterprises (“Circular 12”). The Draft Circular aims to simplify and modernize administrative procedures related to foreign borrowing and debt repayment, while addressing several outstanding issues under Circular 12.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has released a draft decree (“Draft Decree”) to replace Decree No. 09/2018/ND-CP (“Decree 09”), which currently governs trading activities of foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam. The Draft Decree seeks to align with the decentralisation framework under Decree No. 146/2025/ND-CP, implement Vietnam’s commitments under the CPTPP, EVFTA, and UKVFTA, and resolve practical challenges arising during the implementation of Decree 09. Notably, the proposed changes would impact market entry conditions and operational requirements for foreign retailers.

On 9 September 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP (“Resolution 05”) on the pilot implementation of crypto asset market in Vietnam, which took effect on the same date. Resolution 05 provides regulations on the pilot offering and issuance of crypto assets, the organisation of the crypto asset trading market, the provision of crypto asset-related services, and the State management of the crypto asset market in Vietnam.

In international arbitration, the concept of privilege - the right to withhold certain communications or documents from disclosure - plays a crucial role in protecting the confidentiality of legal advice. While this protection is well-established in common law jurisdictions, it is largely absent under Vietnamese law, which follows the civil law tradition.

In September 2025, the Ministry of Finance released the Draft Law on Business Investment for public consultation, with its adoption expected during the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly.

On 29 August 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 236/2025/ND-CP (“Decree 236”) to implement Resolution No. 107/2023/QH15 of the National Assembly dated 29 November 2023, concerning the application of top-up corporate income tax under the Global Anti-Base Erosion rules. Effective from 15 October 2025, Decree 236 is applicable for fiscal year 2024 onward.

On 7 August 2025, the Government of Vietnam released Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP regulating the issue of work permits for expats in Vietnam. Coming into effect immediately on the date of signing, this new regulation replaces the provisions on foreign employees working in Vietnam previously stipulated under Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP and Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP.

On 3 September 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 239/2025/ND-CP, which took effective on the same date and amends and supplements Decree No. 31/2021/ND-CP guiding the implementation of the 2020 Law on Investment.

On 14 June 2025, The National Assembly of Vietnam promulgated Law No. 67/2025/QH15 on corporate income tax, which shall come into effect from 1 October 2025.

Vietnam is revising its Law on Commercial Arbitration to address practical gaps and align with international standards. The Draft Law, expected to be considered by the National Assembly in 2025, proposes broader arbitrability, refined procedures, stronger tribunal powers, and more enforceable awards.

On 26 November 2024, the National Assembly of Vietnam passed Law No. 46/2024/QH15 (“2024 Law on Notarization”), which took effect on 1 July 2025. This new law introduces major reforms to modernize notarization practice in Vietnam, aiming to enhance accessibility, streamline procedures, and integrate technology into notarial services.

Vietnam has introduced a formal regime for disclosing Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) under the amended Law on Enterprise. From 1 July 2025. This marks a significant step toward aligning with international AML and transparency standards (FATF). Companies should review their ownership structures and prepare for increased compliance obligations.