Conditions for granting registration certificates to foreign NGOs

Accordingly, foreign NGOs will be granted registration certificates if they meet four conditions: (1) having a valid legal entity status in the countries or territories they were founded; (2) having clear statutes, principles, and goals that match Viet Nam’s interests and needs; (3) providing details about their planned programs, projects, and non-project activities to assist development and humanitarian aid in Viet Nam in three years; (4) proposing their representatives in Viet Nam.

Foreign NGOs can submit dossiers applying for registration certificates directly, by post, or online to the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs, according to the Decree scheduled to take place on November 1, 2022.

After receiving applications, the committee will examine the dossiers. 

If the dossiers are eligible, it will collect opinions from relevant ministries, agencies, as well as administrations of the localities where the foreign NGOs plan to work in, and then send the applications and opinions to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assessment.

Within 10 working days since the reception of foreign NGOs’ applications and relevant agencies’ opinions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make assessment, decide whether or not to grant registration certificates, and announce results to the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs.

Within 30 working days since the reception of eligible dossiers, the Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs will send registration certificates directly or by post to foreign NGOs. If applications are rejected, it will send written announcements with reasons included to the organizations.

The decree shall take effect on November 1 this year.

NGOs have a history of providing aid and support to Viet Nam in many areas namely healthcare, education, agricultural and rural development, community support, social problems, protection of natural resources and environment. 

As of early March, Viet Nam was home to nearly 500 NGOs/.