Construction Law 2025: 8 groups of construction projects exempt from permits starting July 2026

From July 1, 2026, the 2025 Construction Law will officially come into effect, stipulating exemption from construction permits for 8 groups of projects in order to simplify administrative procedures.

Báo Lâm Đồng•16/02/2026

The 2025 Construction Law is the latest legal document regulating construction investment activities, officially effective from July 1, 2026. Article 43 of this Law clearly defines eight groups of cases exempt from construction permits, aiming to reduce unnecessary procedures while still ensuring strict planning and construction safety.

Relaxing regulations for detached houses and minor repairs.

Most notably, the new regulations exempt construction projects of category IV and individual houses with fewer than 7 floors and a total floor area of less than 500m2 from permits. These projects will be exempt from permits if they are located outside specific areas such as: functional zones, urban development areas according to provincial/city-level master plans, economic zones, national tourist zones, or areas with existing architectural management regulations.

Many types of construction projects will be exempt from building permits starting in July 2026. (Illustrative image)

In addition, interior or exterior renovation and repair works (not adjacent to urban roads with architectural management requirements) are also exempt from fees. The mandatory conditions are that the repairs must not change the intended use or function, must not affect the load-bearing structure, and must ensure fire safety and environmental protection.

Prioritize public investment projects and specialized works.

The 2025 Construction Law creates a more streamlined mechanism for public investment projects. Specifically, construction projects under public investment decided by the Prime Minister, heads of central agencies, agencies of the National Assembly , ministries, sectors, or chairpersons of People's Committees at all levels will not require a construction permit.

Other specific types of construction projects that are exempt from permits include:

State secret projects and urgent construction projects.
This project is part of a special public investment project or an investment project under special procedures.
Temporary construction works are carried out in accordance with the law.
Construction on land designated for national defense and security purposes, as stipulated by land law.

Technical infrastructure, aviation and telecommunications

Construction projects along routes spanning two or more provincial-level administrative units, or located outside of approved urban development zones, do not require permits. Additionally, permit exemptions apply to:

Offshore structures are part of an offshore construction investment project that has been allocated a specific sea area.
Airports are facilities that ensure flight operations.
Advertising structures and passive telecommunications infrastructure are not subject to licensing requirements under specialized laws.
The projects have had their feasibility study reports reviewed by the relevant authorities.

The investor's obligation to notify the commencement of construction.

Although exempt from construction permits, the 2025 Construction Law still requires investors to fulfill management responsibilities. Except in special cases such as state secret projects or private residences, investors must send a notice of commencement of construction to the local state management agency according to the decentralization of the provincial People's Committee.

For projects not included in the public investment project group, the documents accompanying the commencement notice must correspond to the application for a construction permit (except for the application form). This helps local authorities closely monitor the implementation of the plan and ensure construction safety in the area.

Note: Regulations may change according to implementing guidelines issued by relevant authorities. Citizens and businesses should update themselves on these guidelines before undertaking any projects.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/luat-xay-dung-2025-8-nhom-cong-trinh-duoc-mien-giay-phep-tu-thang-72026-424918.html