New regulations on foreign press activities in Viet Nam

Below is the translation of the Decree for reference:

DECREE

ON PRESS ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN PRESS AGENCIES, FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE MISSIONS, AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS IN VIET NAM

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government No. 63/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Press Law No. 126/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Resident of Foreigners in Viet Nam No. 47/2017/QH13, as amended and supplemented by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and Law No. 23/2023/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Cinema No. 05/2022/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Residence No. 68/2020/QH14;

Pursuant to the Law on Publishing No. 19/2012/QH13;

Pursuant to Ordinance No. 25-L/CTN on privileges and immunities accorded to diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of international organizations in Viet Nam;

At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

The Government hereby promulgates the Decree on press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam;

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Decree details Clause 1, Article 47 of the Press Law No. 126/2025/QH15 (hereafter referred to as Law No. 126/2025) on press activities and press-related activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam.

Article 2. Regulated entities

This Decree shall apply to foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam.

Article 3. Explanation of terms

In this Decree, the following terms shall be construed as follows:

1. Foreign press agency means a foreign news agency, radio station, television station, print newspaper, online newspaper, or other foreign press medium established and headquartered abroad, and recognized by foreign laws.

2. Resident Office means a representative office of a foreign press agency established in Viet Nam.

3. Resident Correspondent means a correspondent or editor of foreign nationality sent to Viet Nam by a foreign press agency to work on a permanent residency basis.

4. Non-resident Correspondent means a correspondent or editor of foreign nationality sent to Viet Nam by a foreign press agency to work on a short-term basis. Non-resident correspondent shall not enjoy the status of a resident correspondent.

5. Press assistant means a Vietnamese citizen working under a contract for a resident office in Viet Nam to assist resident correspondents and the resident office in press activities in Viet Nam.

6. Collaborator means a Vietnamese citizen or a foreigner lawfully residing and working in Viet Nam hired by a resident office to assist in specific press activities of the resident correspondents or the resident office for a specified period of time.

7. Press-related activities of a foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Viet Nam means the activity of displaying photos, pictures, hanging panels, posters, screens, and other forms of information outside the headquarters of the foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Viet Nam; or screening films, or organizing exhibitions in Viet Nam to which Vietnamese citizens are invited to attend.

8. Information publication of a foreign representative missions, or foreign organization in Viet Nam (hereafter referred to as foreign information publication) means a product containing information content expressed in writing, images, or audio, which is published in printed form or distributed by electronic means for circulation in Viet Nam, including:

a) Bulletins, special issues, and equivalent forms in accordance with the law on press;

b) Publications which are non-commercial documents.

c) Audio and visual information products with press content.

9. Press conference means an information provision activity organized in Viet Nam by foreign agencies, foreign organizations, visiting delegations, or foreign individuals, to which representatives of press agencies and Vietnamese citizens are invited to attend in order to announce, publish, declare, or explain a matter within their competence, or related to the duties and interests of such agencies, organizations, delegations, and individuals.

10. Competent authority approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall include the foreign press guidance agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the agency/organization that directly invites, handles procedures for, welcomes, and guides foreign correspondents to carry out press activities in Viet Nam.

Article 4. Principles for press activities by foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam

1. All press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam shall only be permitted after obtaining the approval of the competent authorities specified in this Decree, and must comply with the current laws of Viet Nam and be coordinated with the People's Committee of the province/city where the press activities take place.

2. The online press publishing activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam must ensure compliance with the Viet Nam's laws on press, cybersecurity, and other relevant legal regulations, and must be consistent with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is a signatory.

3. Any organization or individual committing an act of violating the provisions of this Decree shall, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, be dealt with in accordance with the laws of Viet Nam.

4. Matters related to press activities and press-related activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam that are not provided for in this Decree shall be governed by the Law on Press, relevant specialized laws, and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is a signatory.

Chapter II

PRESS ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN PRESS IN VIET NAM

Section 1. Non-resident correspondents

Article 5. Procedures for granting press activity permits to non-resident correspondents

1. A foreign correspondent wishing to conduct press activities in Viet Nam shall submit an application dossier online, or via postal services, or in person, or via mail email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a diplomatic mission, a consular office, or a representative office of Viet Nam at an international organization (hereafter referred to as Vietnamese representative mission abroad) at least 10 days before the expected date of entry into Viet Nam.

The application dossier shall comprise:

a) A written request for conducting press activities in Viet Nam for non-resident correspondent, using the form provided in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree.

b) A copy of the personal information page of the foreign correspondent's passport, which must be valid for at least another six months.

2. In case the application dossier is submitted through the Vietnamese representative mission abroad, within 24 hours since upon receipt of a valid application dossier, the Vietnamese representative mission shall be responsible for forwarding the dossier to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as regulated.

3. Within 07 working days since the receipt of a complete and valid application dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue an electronic press activity permit to the non-resident correspondent. In case of refusal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall reply in physical or electronic writing and clearly state the reasons therefor.

Article 6. Press activities of non-resident correspondents

1. Upon entry into Viet Nam, non-resident correspondents must comply with the guidance of the competent authorities approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The competent authority approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for guiding non-resident correspondents to operate in accordance with the permitted purposes and programs.

When conducting press activities in Viet Nam, non-correspondents shall have to carry their press activity permit and passport.

2. In case of any adjustment, or addition to the activity program or the scope of operations in a locality, the non-resident correspondent shall submit a written request in physical or electronic form to the People's Committee of the locality where the operations are to take place, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The non-resident correspondent shall only proceed with the activities after obtaining the written approval of the provincial-level People's Committee.

3. In case a Vietnamese organization or individual provides content or produce programs for a foreign press agency that does not have a resident office in Viet Nam, the foreign press agency shall submit an application dossier for a permit as prescribed in Article 5 of this Decree and follow the guidance of the competent authority approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 7. Violations in press activities of non-resident correspondents

1. Non-resident correspondent who commits an act of violation in one of the following cases specified in Clause 2 of this Article shall, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, be subject to a reminder, a warning, a temporary suspension of press activities, or revocation of the press activity permit, and shall simultaneously be handled in accordance with the law.

2. Violations subject to handling shall include:

a) Conducting press activities inconsistent with the purposes, content, time, or location specified in the press activity permit.

b) Committing acts of violation against the press law and other legal regulations of Viet Nam.

c) Obstructing the operations of competent authorities or causing serious impacts on security and order at the site of operation.

3. The competent authorities and the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the violation occurs shall be responsible for promptly making a written record of the violation, temporarily suspending the press activities, and sending a physical or electronic notification accompanied by supporting documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within 24 hours from the receipt of the violation notification, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall verify and issue a written remider, warning, temporary suspension of press activities, or revocation of the press activity permit

In case the press activity permit is revoked, the competent authority approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for returning the permit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 8. Foreign correspondents accompanying foreign delegations

1. Foreign correspondents accompanying a foreign delegation visiting Viet Nam at the invitation of Leaders of the Party and the State, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be permitted to cover activities in accordance with the official program of the foreign delegation.

In case there is request for press activities outside the official program of the foreign delegation, the foreign correspondent shall submit an application dossier for a press activity permit online, via postal services, in person, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Such application dossier shall comply with Clause 1, Article 5 of this Decree.

Within 03 working days upon receipt of a complete and valid application dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue a press activity permit to the foreign correspondent. In case of refusal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall reply in physical or electronic writing and clearly sate the reasons therefor.

After being granted the press activity permit, the foreign correspondent shall conduct press activities in accordance with Article 6 of this Decree and comply with the guidance of the competent authority approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. For foreign correspondents accompanying a foreign delegation at the invitation of Party committees, ministries, agencies, and localities, the hosting agency shall be responsible for guiding the correspondents to submit their application dossiers for a press activity permit online, via postal services, in person, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The components of the dossier shall comply with Clause 1, Article 5 of this Decree. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue the press activity permit in accordance with Clause 3, Article 5 of this Decree.

After the foreign correspondent is granted the press activity permit by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the hosting agency shall carry out the procedures to sponsor the entry of the foreigner in accordance with the law, and shall be responsible for managing the activities of the foreign correspondent after entry in accordance with Article 6 of this Decree.

Section 2. RESIDENT OFFICES AND RESIDENT CORRESPONDENTS

Article 9. Procedures for establishing a resident office and assigning resident correspondents

1. A foreign press agency wishing to establish a resident office and assign resident correspondents in Viet Nam shall submit an application dossier in person, vial postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or through a Vietnamese representative mission abroad.

The application dossier shall comprise:

a) A written request for the establishment of a resident office by the foreign press agency, made using the form provided for in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree.

b) A copy of the foreign press agency's legal entity status certificate, which must be consularly legalized, except for cases exempt from consular legalization under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the relevant country are signatories, or on the principle of reciprocity.

c) A written request for assignment of resident correspondents by the foreign press agency, made using the form provided for in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree.

d) A curriculum vitae summary of the person assigned to be the resident correspondent, made using the form provided for in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree.

dd) A copy of the personal information page of the passport of the person assigned to be the resident correspondent, which must be valid for at least another six months.

e) If the person assigned to be the resident correspondent is entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, such person must submit a written commitment certified by the foreign representative mission, to waive such privileges and immunities during their operations in the capacity of a resident correspondent, starting from the time such person is approved as a resident correspondent or as agreed beteen Viet Nam and the sending state.

2. Within 40 days upon receipt of a complete and valid application dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall reply in physical or electronic writing regarding the establishment of the resident office and the assignment of resident correspondents.

3. Within 30 days upon receipt of the written approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the resident correspondent shall be responsible for presenting the Letter of Appointment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and receiving the permit to establish a resident office in Viet Nam.

Article 10. Operations of resident offices

1. The resident correspondent or the person designated as the Chief of the Resident Office (for resident office with two or more correspondents) shall be the head and legal representative of the resident office in Viet Nam; such person shall be held liable before Vietnamese law for all operations of the office and its members, including resident correspondents, reinforced correspondents, press assistants, and press collaborators; shall directly sign written requests for the issuance of resident correspondent cards and press assistant cards, and documents for official contact with competent Vietnamese authorities.

2. The resident office shall send a written notification to the provincial-level People's Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of its address at least 15 days before the resident office officially commences its operations.

3. When there is a need to establish an additional workplace in another province or centrally-run city other than the one where the resident office is located, the resident office shall send a written notification in physical or electronic form to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the provincial-level People's Committee at least 15 days prior to the expected date of establishing such workplace.

The notification must clearly state the name of the foreign press agency, the name of the resident office in Viet Nam, the location of the new workplace in other province or centrally-run city (specific address, telephone number, and contact email), the commencement date and the expected duration of the workplace's operations, and the list of personnel and correspondents assigned to work at this workplace.

If no written response is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after 15 days, the resident office may proceed to establish the workplace in other province or centrally-run city in accordance with the notified contents.

4. In case the resident office changes its address within the same province or centrally-run city where its old headquarters was located, the resident office shall submit a notification in accordance with Clause 2 of this Article.

In case the resident office relocates to another province or centrally-run city, the resident office shall submit a notification of relocation in accordance with Clause 3 of this Article. Simultaneously, the resident office shall be responsible for sending a written notification of termination of operations at the old location to the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the old headquarters was located prior to commencing operations at the new location.

5. A resident office wishing to request assistance in administrative procedures for its press activities in Viet Nam shall submit a request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for introduction to the competent authorities of Viet Nam to perform necessary procedures in accordance with the law.

Article 11. Termination of operations of resident offices

1. A resident office shall terminate its operations in one of the following cases:

a) The resident office or its foreign press agency wishes to terminate its operations in Viet Nam.

b) The permit to establish the resident office is revoke due to operations in consistent with its principles and purposes, serious violations of Vietnamese law, or violations of legal regulations on press, or acts causing serious consequences to national security, social order and safety, cultural traditions, ethics, and fine customs of Viet Nam.

c) The resident office does not conduct actual press activities in Viet Nam for 06 consecutive months.

2. For the cases specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article, the resident office or the foreign press agency shall send a written notification to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at least 30 days before the date of termination.

For cases specified in point b and point c, Clause 1 of this Article, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the resident office or the foreign press agency in physical or electronic writing at least 30 days prior to the decision on termination of the resident office's operation.

Within 15 days upon receipt of the notification, the resident office or the foreign press agency shall send a written reply in person, vial postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within 07 working days upon receipt of the written reply, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify its decision to the resident office or the foreign press agency in physical or electronic writing.

3. The resident office shall be responsible for completing relevant procedures as regulated, returning the permit to establish the resident office and the resident correspondent cards to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the press assistant cards to the provincial-level People's Committee within three working days from the date of termination of operations.

4. Within 03 working days upon the termination of operations of the resident office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall send a notification in physical or electronic writing to relevant authorities and the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the resident office was headquartered.

Article 12. Procedures for assigning additional resident correspondents and reinforced correspondents

1. Where there is a need to assign an additional resident correspondent to a locality other than the one where the resident office is headquartered, the resident office shall submit an application dossier in person, via postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The application dossier shall comply with Points c, d, dd, e, Clause 1 of Article 9 of this Decree.

Upon receipt of a valid application dossier for assigning a resident correspondent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall request the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the resident office expects to assign the correspondent to provide its opinion.

Within 05 working days, the provincial-level People's Committee shall reply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in physical or electronic writing. Within 10 working days upon receipt of a complete and valid application dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall reply in physical or electronic writing; in case of refusal, the reasons therefor must be clearly stated.

2. Where there is a need to assign a reinforced correspondent, the resident office shall carry out the procedures as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 5 of this Decree. Reinforced correspondents shall not enjoy the status of a resident correspondent.

Article 13. Concurrent resident correspondents

1. The following persons may act as concurrent resident correspondents for a resident office in Viet Nam:

a) A resident correspondent of a resident office currently operating in Viet Nam.

b) A resident correspondent of a resident office in another country.

2. A foreign press agency wishing to employ concurrent resident correspondent shall submit an application dossier in person, via postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The components of the application dossiers shall comply with Points c, d, dd, and e, Clause 1, Article 9 of this Decree.

For the case specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article, the application dossier must be accompanied by a written consent of the foreign press agency for which the resident correspondent is currently working for.

Within 10 days upon receipt of a complete and valid application dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall reply in physical or electronic writing; in case of refusal, the reasons therefor must be clearly states.

3. After obtaining approval, the concurrent resident correspondent shall carry out the procedures to apply for a visa and a resident correspondent card in accordance with Article 14 and Article 15 of this Decree, and conduct press activities in accordance with Article 16 of this Decree.

Article 14. Visas for resident correspondents

After obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the resident correspondent shall carry out the procedures to apply for a visa as regulated. The issuance, extension, refusal, or cancellation of visas and temporary residence cards for resident correspondents shall be carried out in accordance with the law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Viet Nam.

Article 15. Resident correspondent cards

A resident correspondent card is a document issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to certify the status of and permit resident correspondent to conduct press activities in Viet Nam in accordance with the law. The validity of the card shall be consistent with the validity of the correspondent's visa.

1. First-time issuance: After entering Viet Nam, the resident correspondent shall submit an application dossier in person, via postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The application dossier shall comprise:

a) A written request for the issuance of the card, made using the form provided for in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree.

b) A copy of the personal information page of the valid passport and the entry visa to Viet Nam of the resident correspondent.

c) A portrait photo of 03cm x 04cm, with a white background, taken within the last 06 months.

2. Re-issuance: In case of requesting for the re-issuance of a card due to damage or loss, the resident office shall submit an application dossier as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article. The resident correspondent shall return the damaged card upon receiving the new one.

3. Extension: The correspondent shall carry out the procedures to extend the card at least 15 days before the expiry date of the card. The dossier shall be identical to that prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, accompanied by a copy of the current card, and the original card must be returned upon receiving the new one.

4. Within 03 working days upon the receipt of a valid application dossier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall complete the first-time issuance, re-issuance, or extension of the card.

In case of refusal, or when the processing time has expired, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the resident correspondent in physical or electronic writing.

5. When conducting press activities in Viet Nam, resident correspondents shall show their card and passport to competent Vietnamese authorities upon request.

6. At least 15 days before a resident correspondents concludes term of operations in Viet Nam, the resident office shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in physical or electronic writing and return the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the date the correspondent concludes his/her term of operations. In case the card cannot be returned, the resident office shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in physical or electronic writing and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within 03 days upon receipt of the notification from the resident office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the provincial People's Committee and relevant competent authorities of the invalidation of the issued resident correspondent card.

7. The card shall be revoked in the following cases:

a) The resident correspondent terminates operations prior to the expiry date written on the card.

b) The resident office terminates its operations.

c) The resident correspondent commits a violation of the law on press and other relevant legal regulations, or have their press activities suspended by a competent authority or is deported.

8. For cases specified in Points a and b, Clause 7 of this Article, within 03 working days from the date the ground for revocation arise, the resident office or the foreign press agency managing the resident office shall be responsible for returning the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In case the card cannot be returned, the resident office shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in physical or electronic writing and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within 03 days upon receipt of the notification from the resident office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the provincial People's Committee and relevant competent authorities of the invalidation of the issued resident correspondent card.

9. For cases specified in Point c, Clause 7 of this Article, upon detecting a violation or receiving a written notification of violation accompanied with supporting documents from a competent authority or a provincial-level People's Committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall issue a decision to revoke the card within 02 working days.

Within 24 hours upon receipt of the revokation decision prescribed in this Clause, the resident correspondent or the resident office shall be responsible for returning the card to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In case the card cannot be returned, the resident office shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in physical or electronic writing and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within 03 days upon receipt of the notification from the resident office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall notify the provincial-level People's Committee and relevant competent authorities of the invalidation of the issued resident correspondent card.

Article 16. Press activities of resident correspondents

1. For requests to interview high-ranking leaders of Viet Nam, the resident office shall send a written request in person, via postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. For requests to contact or interview leaders of ministries, agencies, and localities, the resident office shall send a request in person, via postal services, online, or via email directly to the relevant Party Commissions, ministries, agencies, and local authorities, unless otherwise requested, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within 05 working days upon receipt of the request, the relevant ministries, agencies, and local authorities shall be responsible for replying to the resident office in physical or electronic writing, and simultaneoously notifying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. For press activities in localities, the resident office shall send a written request for local press activities of the resident correspondent, made using the form provided for in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree, in person, via postal services, online, or via email directly to the provincial-level People's Committee, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within 05 working days upon receipt of the request, the provincial-level People's Committee shall be responsible for replying to the resident office in physical or electronic writing, and simultaneously notifying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Resident correspondents and press assistants shall only conduct press activities in a locality after obtaining the approval of the provincial-level People's Committee, and must comply with Vietnamese laws.

Article 17. Press assistants of resident offices

1. A press assistant shall be permitted to perform tasks to assist the press activities of resident correspondents and resident offices in Viet Nam, such as photography, filming, translation, and administrative tasks to support to operations of the resident offices. Press assistants shall not enjoy the status of a resident correspondent and shall not conduct press activities in place of a resident correspondents.

2. A resident office wishing to hire a press asistant shall submit an application dossier in person, vial postal services, or via email to the agency assigned by the Chairperson of the provincial-level People's Committee to handle the local administrative procedures where the resident office is headquartered.

The application dossier shall comprise:

a) A written request for permission to hire a press assistant by the resident office, made using the form provided for in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree:

b) A porttrait photo of 03cm x 04cm, with a white background, taken within the last 06 months.

Within 10 days upon receipt of a valid application dossier, the receiving agency of the provincial-level People's Committee shall issue a press assistant card, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In case of refusal, the receiving agency shall reply in physical or electronic writing to the resident office and state the reasons therefor, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The validity period of the card shall be five years.

3. The components of the application dossier to request the extension or re-issuance of the card due to expiration, loss, or damage shall be identical to those prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article. The processing time for the dossier shall not exceed 03 working days.

The resident office shall carry out the procedures for extension at least 15 days before the expiry date of the card. The press assistant shall return the expired or damaged card upon receiving the new one. The card-issuing agency shall be responsible for notifying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the extension or re-issuance of the card.

4. The recruitment, employment, and management of press assistants of resident offices shall comply with the current regulations of Viet Nam.

5. When assisting a resident correspondent in conducting press activities in Viet Nam, the press assistant shall present his/her card and national identify card to competent Vietnamese authorities upon request.

6. Within 15 days before the press assistant concludes employment, the resident office shall notify the provincial-level People's Committee in physical or electronic writing, and return the card to the card-issuing agency on the day the press assistant concludes his/her employment.

7. The card shall be revoked in the following cases:

a) The press assistant terminate operations prior to the expiry date written on the card.

b) The resident office terminates the employment of the press assistant or terminates its operations in Viet Nam.

c) The press assistant commits a violation of the legal regulations on press and other relevant laws.

d) The press assisant uses the card for improper purposes, or lend the card to another person.

8. For the cases specified in Points a and b, Clause 7 of this Article, within 03 working days from the date the ground for revocation arises, the resident office or the press assistant shall be responsible for returning the card to the card-issuing agency. In case the card cannot be returned, the resident office shall notify the provincial-level People's Committee in physical or electronic writing and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within 03 days upon the receipt of the notification from the resident office, the provincial-level People's Committee shall notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and competent authorities in physical or electronic writing of the invalidation of the issued press assistant card.

9. For the cases specified in Points c and d, Clause 7 of this Article, upon detecting a violation or receiving a written notification of violation accompanied by supporting documents from a competent authority, the card-issuing agency shall issue a decision to revoke the card within 02 working days and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Within 24 hours upon receipt of the revocation decision as prescribed Clause 9 of this Article, the press assistant or the resident office shall be responsible for returning the card to the card-issuing agency.

In case the card cannot be returned, the resident office shall notify the provincial-level People's Committee in physical or electronic writing and clearly state the reasons therefor. Within 03 days upon receipt of the notification from the resident office, the provincial-level People's Committee shal notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant competent authorities in physical or electronic writing of the invalidation of the issued press assistant card.

Article 18. Collaborators of resident offices

1. When there is a need to hire a collaborator, the resident office shall submit an application dossier in person, via postal services, online, or via email to the agency assigned by the Chairperson of the provincial-level People's Committee to handle the local administrative procedures where the resident office is headquartered.

The application dossier shall comprise:

a) A written request for permission to hire a collaborator by the resident office, made using the form provided for in the Appendix promulgated together with this Decree.

b) A portrait photo of 03cm x 04cm, with a white background, taken within the last 06 months.

c) A copy of the personal information page of the passport and the entry visa to Viet Nam in case the collaborator is a foreigner.

d) If the person to be hired as a collaborator is entitled to diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities, such person must submit a written commitment, certified by the foreign representative mission, to waive such privileges and immunities during his/her operations in the capacity of a collaborator, starting from the time such person is approved as a collaborator of the resident office or as agreed between Viet Nam and the sending country.

Within 10 days upon receipt of a valid application dossier, the receiving agency shall reply the resident office in physical or electronic writing, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. The resident office shall only be permitted to hire and employ collaborators after obtaining the approval of the provincial-level People's Committee.

Collaborators of a resident office shall only be permitted to perform tasks to assist the press activities of resident correspondents and the resident office, such as filming, photography, and translation in specific activities, and for a specified period of time, and shall not operate in place of a resident correspondent.

Chapter III

PRESS ACTIVITIES AND PRESS-RELATED ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE MISSIONS AND FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS IN VIET NAM

Article 19. Publishing of foreign information publications

1. When publishing bulletins or special issues in Viet Nam, foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Viet Nam shall have to obtain a publishing permit issued by the competent management authority of Viet Nam in accordance with the law on press.

2. When publishing bulletins or special issues, foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Viet Nam shall strictly comply with the contents of the permit and shall not transfer the permit.

3. The authority competent to issue permits for publishing of bulletins and special issues shall be the authority competent to decide on the suspension of publishing or the revocation of permits in accordance with the law.

4. The publishing of foreign information publications other than bulletins and special issues shall comply with the law on publishing and the current regulations of Viet Nam.

Article 20. Press conferences

1. When there is a need to organize a press conference in Ha Noi, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization shall notify the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in writing, either in person or online, at least 24 hours before the expected time of the press conference, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. When there is a need to organize a press conference in other localities, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization shall notify the provincial-level People's Committee in writing, either in person or online, at least 24 hours before the expected time of the press conference, and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. A press conference of a foreign delegation visiting Viet Nam at the invitation of Leaders of the Party and the State or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be held in accordance with the official program of the delegation. Any press conference that is not part of the official program of the delegation shall be subject to the procedures prescribed in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article.

4. For a press conference of a foreign delegation visiting Viet Nam at the invitation of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and local authorities, the hosting agency shall notify the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the press conference is expected to be held, at least 24 hours before the expected time of the press conference.

5. The notification of a press conference must clearly state the hosting agency, organization, or individual; the venue and time; the content and supporting documents proving the lawfulness of the information content to be provided to the press during the press conference; and the list of press agencies to be invited to the press conference.

6. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the provincial-level People's Committee shall be responsible for replying in the negative regarding the holding of a press conference case the notification of a press conference submitted by the foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Viet Nam fails to satisfy the requirements prescribed in Clause 5 of this Article, and shall simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In case the foreign representative mission or foreign organization in Viet Nam holds a press conference that is inconsistent with the contents prescribed in Clause 5 of this Article or shows signs of violating Vietnamese law, the state management authority shall have the power to suspend the press conference and simultaneously notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 21. Display of photos/pictures, hanging of panels, posters, screens, and other forms of information outside the headquarters of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Viet Nam; film screenings and exhibitions in Viet Nam to which Vietnamese citizens are invited to attend

1. When there is a need to display photos/pictures, hang panels, posters, screens, or utilize other forms of information outside their headquarters, foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Viet Nam shall submit a written request in person, via postal services, online, or via email to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism if headquartered in Ha Noi, or to the provincial-level People's Committee if headquartered in other localities.

The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall provide detailed regulations on conditions, dossiers, and procedures for granting permits under this Clause.

2. Foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Viet Nam may organize film screenings at public screening venues in accordance with Vietnamese law, and must satisfy the conditions prescribed in the law on cinema and other relevant legal regulations of Viet Nam, except otherwise provided for in international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is a signatory.

Prior to organizing a film screening at a public screening venue, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization shall send a written notification of the content and program of the film screening to the provincial-level People's Committee of the locality where the screening is to be organized.

Within 07 working days upon receipt of the notification, if the film content or screening program shows signs of violation under the law on cinema and other relevant legal regulations of Viet Nam, the provincial-level People's Committee shall issue a written disapproval and clearly state the reasons therefor.

After the aforementioned time limit, if no written opinion is issued by the local competent authority, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization may proceed with the film screening in accordance with the notified content.

3. When organizing exhibitions in Viet Nam, foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Viet Nam must comply with the laws on exhibitions, publishing, fine arts, photography, and other relevant legal regulations of Viet Nam.

Prior to organizing an exhibition, the foreign representative mission or foreign organization must carry out the procedures to apply for an exhibition permit from the competent state authority of Viet Nam in accordance with the law applicable to each type of exhibition. The dossier, order, procedures, competence, and time limit for processing the issuance of exhibition permits shall comply with the relevant provisions of the law.

Chapter IV

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Article 22. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible to the Government for performing state management of all press activities and press-related activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam.

2. In managing the press activities of foreign press agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall perform the following duties:

a) Manage, license, guide, and provide necessary services to foreign correspondents conducting press activities in Viet Nam.

b) License foreign press agencies to establish resident offices and assign resident correspondents in Viet Nam; coordinate with provincial-level People's Committees regarding the hiring of press assistants and collaborators.

c) Manage and guide press activities of resident correspondents and resident offices in Viet Nam.

d) Coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial-level People's Committees to resolve professional and technical requirements; import and export requirements for professional and technical equipment; and requirements regarding entry, exit, resident, travel, and other requirements serving the press activities of the foreign press in Viet Nam.

3. Coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to resolve requests for press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Viet Nam.

4. Guide the implementation of regulations on the press activities of foreign press within the competence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

5. Take the prime responsibility and coordinate with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial-level People's Committees in compiling and making annual reports on the implementation of regulations on press activities and press-related activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam.

6. Provide guidance, training, and support to the provincial-level People's Committees in managing and guiding foreign press activities in their respective localities.

Article 23. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

1. Manage and license the press activities and press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations.

a) The publishing and circulation of foreign information publications.

b) Foreign press conferences in Viet Nam.

c) The display of photos, pictures, and other forms of information outside the headquarters of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Ha Noi.

d) The management and licensing of the hanging of panels, posters, and screens outside the headquarters of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Ha Noi; and film screenings and exhibitions organized by foreign representative missions and foreign organizations in Ha Noi to which Vietnamese citizens are invited to attend.

2. Guide the implementation of regulations on press activities and press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations within the competence of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

3. Take the prime responsibility for and coordinate with relevant competent authorities in handling violations in press activities and press-related activities of foreign representative missions and foreign organizations.

Article 24. Responsibilities of provincial-level People's Committees

1. Provincial-level People's Committees shall be responsible for receiving, reviewing, and resolving requests for local press activities submitted by foreign correspondents, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations; issuing press assistant cards and permits to collaborators of resident offices; and coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and relevant agencies in managing and guiding the operations of foreign correspondents and handling violations.

Article 25. Responsibilities of ministries and ministerial-level agencies

1. The Ministry of Public Security shall take the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with ministries and ministerial-level agencies in ensuring national security, social order and safety in foreign press activities; ensuring security and safety of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam; detecting, preventing, and handling acts of abusing the press to infringe upon national security, social order and safety in accordance with the law; coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to ensure the time limits required to process administrative procedures regarding the licensing, management, and guidance of foreign press activities.

2. Within the scope of their assigned functions and duties, ministries and ministerial-level agencies shall be responsible for coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in managing and handling violations in the press activities of foreign press agencies, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations.

Chapter V

ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS

Article 26. Transitional provisions

1. Permits and written approvals granted before the effective date of this Decree shall continue to be used until the expiry date specified in such permits or written approvals.

2. Permits to establish resident offices of foreign press agencies that do not specify an expiration date and were issued before the effective date of this Decree may continue to be used without having to carry out procedures for re-issuance or replacement.

3. Valid application dossiers received by competent state authorities before the effective date of this Decree but have not yet been processed for licensing shall continue to be reviewed and resolved in accordance with the legal regulations in force at the time of receipt.

Article 27. Effect

1. This Decree shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

2. This Decree shall replace Decree No. 88/2012/ND-CP dated October 23, 2012 of the Government regulating information and press activities of foreign press, foreign representative missions, and foreign organizations in Viet Nam.

3. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and Chairpersons of provincial-level People's Committee shall be responsible for the implementation of this Decree./