Lawyer Licensing in Vietnam: 5 Bold Changes You Must Know About That Could Reshape Legal Careers

A new rule on lawyer licensing in Vietnam is now official. But the implications would be a bit concerning?

From July 1, 2025, the road to becoming a lawyer in Vietnam would not begin in the Ministry of Justice in Hanoi. It might start at your local provincial office. This reform inside Decree 121/2025/ND-CP, brings a message, that lawyer licensing in Vietnam now will be under a different authority.

For years, the Ministry of Justice handled all lawyer licensing in Vietnam. But now, that responsibility will pass to provincial chairpersons.

It is hopefully faster, and maybe even better. But it could also be controversial. Many worry whether moving licensing authority from the center to local authorities will affect fairness or increase political influence.

That concern is real. But looking from positive angle, if done well, this reform might unlock faster licensing, more local legal services availability, and a boost for regional legal markets.

In here we explain what changed, why it matters, and how legal professionals and foreign clients should respond.

A System Under Renovation

For decades, lawyer licensing in Vietnam followed a single-track, centralised model. Every lawyer in Vietnam, no matter where they lived or worked, had to obtain their practising certificate from the Ministry of Justice. The paperwork was long. Processing often took months.

This centralised model, while consistent, became out of step with Vietnam’s digital ambitions and decentralised governance reforms.  

This Decree 121/2025/ND-CP bring in new rule reassigns the power to issue, re-issue, and revoke Vietnam lawyer practising certificates from the Ministry of Justice to provincial-level chairpersons.

What You Gain from This Change

This is not just a paperwork shift. It is a strategic pivot. Here is what has been promised under this new licensing framework:

• Faster Processing

The maximum review time drops.

• More Flexibility

Lawyers practicing in smaller cities or industrial zones no longer depend on central processing delays.

• More Opportunities

With provinces now playing a bigger role, local law markets may attract new legal talent.

• Digital Advantage

Licensing is being integrated into Vietnam’s National Public Service Portal, meaning online submission, tracking, and fewer physical delays.

All this makes lawyer licensing in Vietnam more responsive to a fast-moving, business-centric legal environment.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Imagine a young legal graduate in smaller province. Under the old system, they would prepare documents, wait months for feedback with local Department of Justice whom liaise with Ministry of Justice in Hanoi, far away from their hometown.

Now, under Decree 121, they file digitally or in person, and receive a decision earlier with the local People’s Committee. Their application stays local. So does the review. So does the accountability.

This is more than efficiency.

This would bring opportunities to grow faster number of lawyers in Vietnam to bring legal support in provinces, meaning legal services users gain more access to verified legal professionals where they do business.

Breaking Down the Reform

The Legal Basis

Decree 121/2025/ND-CP was issued by the Government to guide the implementation of laws in multiple legal service sectors. For the legal profession, it primarily amends the licensing power.

Previously, Law on Lawyers granted licensing authority exclusively to the Ministry of Justice. Decree 121 modifies this at the executive level, pending a full legislative update scheduled for 2026.

What the Decree Covers

The decree allows chairpersons of provincial People’s Committees to:

• Issue Lawyer Practising Certificates (LPCs)
• Re-issue LPCs if lost or expired
• Revoke LPCs for disciplinary violations
• Certify foreign legal education and training credentials
• Receive reports and manage lawyer databases

It also introduces standardized forms for application, disciplinary decisions, and appeal procedures.

Timeline and Application

The decree takes full effect from 1 July 2025. All licensing requests after that date must go through provincial offices. Existing lawyers are not affected unless they need a re-issue or replacement.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Lawyer Licence under the New System

Here is how a law graduate or applicant can now secure their practising certificate:

Step 1: Complete Training

• Graduate with a law degree from a recognized university
• Complete an internship and legal professional training at a recognised legal training institute

Step 2: Prepare Application Dossier

• Completed application form (per Annex II of Decree 121)
• Certified copy of law degree
• Proof of legal internship completion
• Health certificate
• Judicial record certificate
• Two passport-sized photos
• ID card copy or passport

Step 3: Submit to Provincial Authority

• Submit all documents to the provincial Department of Justice under the provincial People’s Committee
• May apply online via the Public Service Portal (if enabled)

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Wait for up to 10 working days for approval
• Receive notification via mail, portal, or in-person (depending on local system)

Step 5: Receive Certificate

• Collect your certificate and register with the local bar association
• Ready to practice law in Vietnam

FAQ: What You Need to Know about Lawyer Licensing in Vietnam

Q1: What if I already have a practising certificate?

You don’t need to reapply. The change only applies to new, reissued, or revoked licences after July 1, 2025.

Q2: Can I apply in a province where I don’t live?

No. Applications must be submitted in your place of permanent residence or intended legal practice.

Q3: Can provinces refuse an application unfairly?

Applicants have the right to appeal to the Ministry of Justice or initiate administrative proceedings. Oversight mechanisms by the Vietnam Bar Federation are being developed.

Q4: What if my province is slow?

This is a concern raised by critics. The hope is that public service digitisation and annual reviews will reduce inconsistency and favouritism.

Q5: Is the Ministry of Justice still involved?

Yes, but only in coordination, training, and appellate oversight. The direct licensing power now lies with provinces.

What You Should Do Next

If you are a legal professional in Vietnam, law firm in Vietnam, here is how to adapt:

1. Update Your Legal Calendar

Mark July 1, 2025. From that date, all new licensing flows through provinces.

2. Check Your Province’s Readiness

Verify whether your local Department of Justice has implemented the new forms, systems, and digital portal access.

3. For Foreign Clients

When hiring legal counsel, ask to see their practising certificate and check which province issued it. This helps verify authenticity.

4. Prepare Internally

Legal teams should revise onboarding and HR policies to reflect the new procedure for in-house counsel or junior staff requiring certification.

The Shift That Could Shape the Future

This reform is more than a change in paperwork. It represents a shift in how the legal profession connects with the public, the government, and the future of decentralisation in Vietnam.

By transferring power to the provinces, lawyer licensing in Vietnam is stepping into a new era, one filled with opportunity, efficiency, and yes, some uncertainty. Whether that journey is smooth or bumpy will depend on how well the stakeholders adapt.

The move to delegate lawyer licensing in Vietnam to provincial authorities under Decree 121/2025/ND-CP aligns with a model already used in other countries and this decentralised approach is not unique. It is hopefully that shortly Vietnam would have policy that balances local oversight with national legal standards.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT Lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.