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THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF VIETNAM |
THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM |
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Law No.: 07/2026/QH16 |
Hanoi, April 23, 2026 |
Pursuant to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam amended by the Resolution No. 203/2025/QH15;
The National Assembly of Vietnam promulgates the Law on Belief and Religion.
Article 1. Scope and regulated entities
1. This Law regulates the right to freedom of belief and religion; belief and religious activities; religious organizations; rights and obligations of authorities, organizations, communities and individuals involved in belief and religious activities.
2. This Law applies to authorities, organizations, communities and individuals in protecting and exercising the right to freedom of belief and religion.
For the purposes of this Law, the terms below shall be construed as follows:
1. Belief means a human conviction expressed through rituals that are associated with traditional customs and practices in order to provide spiritual well-being and peace of mind for individuals and communities.
2. Belief activities mean activities involving the worship of ancestors and sacred symbols; the commemoration and honoring of persons who have rendered meritorious services to the nation or the community; and the performance of folk rituals associated with historical, cultural and social ethical values.
3. Belief festival means a belief activity organized in accordance with traditional rituals and spiritual needs of communities.
4. Belief establishment means a place where a community conducts belief activities including communal houses, temples, shrines, clan ancestral houses and other similar lawful establishments.
5. Religion means a human belief system that exists with a structured set of doctrines and activities including objects of worship, religious teachings, religious laws, rituals and organizational structures.
6. Believer means a person who believes in and follows a religion, and is recognized as such by that religious organization.
7. Monastic means a believer who has entered religious life and regularly follows a distinct way of life in accordance with doctrines, religious laws and regulations of a religious organization.
8. Religious dignitary means a believer who has been ordained or designated to hold a rank or position within a religious organization.
9. Religious functionary means a person who is appointed, elected or designated by a religious organization, its affiliated religious organization, or an organization granted a certificate of registration for religious activities to hold a leadership, management or executive position within that organization.
10. Religious practice means the expression of religious faith, and the exercise of religious doctrines, religious laws and religious rituals.
11. Religious activities mean activities involving the propagation of religion, religious practice and management of religious organizations.
12. Religious organization means a body that includes believers, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and monastics of a religion organized in a organizational framework and recognized by the State for the purpose of carrying out religious activities.
13. Affiliated religious organization means an organization that belongs to a religious organization and is established in accordance with the charter, constitution and regulations of that religious organization.
14. Religious establishment means a place where a religious organization or an affiliated religious organization conducts religious activities including pagodas, churches, chapels, holy sees, mosques, headquarters of religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations and other similar lawful establishments.
15. Lawful venue means land, housing or structures that an organization or individual has the lawful right to use in accordance with the laws.
16. Representative means a person who acts on behalf of, and is accountable to the laws for the belief activities, concentrated religious practices and religious activities of a group or organization that he or she represents.
17. Belief and religious activities in cyberspace mean activities in which organizations and individuals use cyberspace to carry out belief and religious activities.
Article 3. Principles for belief and religious activities
1. Comply with the Constitution, this Law and relevant laws.
2. Preserve and promote cultural and ethical values, and fine traditions of the nation.
3. Protect the national security, public order and safety; promote thrift and prevent wastefulness; and protect natural resources and the environment.
4. Comply with Article 7 of this Law.
Article 4. Responsibilities of the State in ensuring the exercise of the right to freedom of belief and religion
1. Respect and protect everyone’s right to freedom of belief and religion; and ensure that all religions are equal before the laws.
2. Respect and protect the positive cultural and ethical values of beliefs and religions, the tradition of ancestor worship, and the honoring of persons who have rendered meritorious services to the nation and the community in conformity with spiritual needs of the People.
3. Protect belief establishments; religious establishments; and the lawful property of belief establishments, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations and organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities.
4. Encourage and facilitate the use of resources derived from beliefs and religions in support of national development, social welfare and the strengthening of the great national unity.
5. Perform state management of belief and religious activities to protect the right to freedom of belief and religion in accordance with the Constitution, laws and international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.
Article 5. International cooperation in belief and religious activities
1. Principles for international cooperation:
a) Comply with the Constitution, laws of Vietnam and the international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party;
b) Respect the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the nation; refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs; uphold equality and mutual benefit; and ensure national security, public order and social safety.
2. Activities of international cooperation:
a) Exchange information and share experience in the development and implementation of policies and laws;
b) Organize or participate in international conferences, seminars and forums;
c) Provide education and training programs for cadres, civil servants and public employees;
d) Participate in scientific research;
dd) Combat against violations regarding laws on belief and religion;
e) Other activities as prescribed by laws.
Article 6. Responsibilities of the Vietnamese Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations
1. Unite people of different beliefs and religions as well as those with no belief or religion in building the great national unity and in national construction and defense.
2. Promptly collect opinions, aspirations and recommendations of the People concerning issues related to beliefs and religions to state competent authorities.
3. Participate in development and provision of opinions, policies and draft legislative documents concerning beliefs and religions; and conduct social criticism of draft legislative documents, plans, programs, projects and initiatives for socio-economic development regarding beliefs and religions of the State in accordance with the laws.
4. Participate in disseminating information and mobilizing religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics, believers, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities and the People to comply with laws on beliefs and religions; and promote the mobilization of resources derived from beliefs and religions in support of national development, social welfare and the strengthening of the great national unity.
5. Supervise activities of state authorities, organizations, elected representatives, cadres, civil servants and public employees in the implementation of policies and laws regarding beliefs and religions.
Article 7. Prohibited activities
1. Discriminate against or stigmatize individuals because of their beliefs or religion.
2. Force, bribe or obstruct another person to follow or not follow a belief or religion.
3. Insult or offend beliefs or religions.
4. Perform one of the following belief and religious activities:
a) Infringe upon national defense, national security, national sovereignty, public order and safety or the environment;
b) Violate social ethics; infringe upon the body, health, life or property of others; insult the honor and dignity of others;
c) Obstruct the exercise of citizens’ rights and the performance of citizens’ obligations;
d) Cause the partial division among ethnic groups; cause religious partial division; cause the partial division between believers and non-believers; cause the partial division among followers of different beliefs or religions.
5. Exploit beliefs or religions for personal gain, or use beliefs or religions as a means to commit any of the acts prescribed in clause 4 of this Article.
6. Use cyberspace, artificial intelligence or technology to violate laws on beliefs and religions.
Article 8. Belief and religious activities in cyberspace
1. When conducting belief or religious activities in cyberspace, organizations and individuals in cases prescribed in point b, clause 3, Article 15 of this Law; representatives; management boards of belief establishments; religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and monastics; religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations; organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities; and concentrated religious practice groups shall notify, register or submit a request for conducting such belief or religious activities to state competent authorities in accordance with this Law.
2. Responsibilities of authorities, organizations and individuals regarding belief and religious activities in cyberspace:
a) State competent authorities are responsible for providing guidelines, supervising and inspecting the performance of belief and religious activities in cyberspace; and for detecting, preventing and handling violations related to beliefs and religions;
b) Organizations and individuals performing belief or religious activities in cyberspace are responsible for complying with laws on beliefs and religions, as well as relevant laws;
c) Organizations and enterprises providing services in cyberspace are responsible for implementing technical measures and cooperating with state competent authorities in removing or blocking content that violates laws on beliefs and religions;
d) Telecommunications network providers are responsible for blocking access to content that violates laws on beliefs and religions at the request of state competent authorities.
RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF BELIEF AND RELIGION
Article 9. Right to freedom of belief and religion of all people
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of belief and religion, and the right to follow or not follow any religion.
2. Everyone has the right to express their beliefs and religious convictions; to practice belief and religious rituals; to participate in festivals; and to study and practice religious doctrines and religious laws.
3. Everyone has the right to enter monastic life at religious establishments, and to study at religious training institutions or religious training courses. Minors who enter monastic life at religious establishments or study at religious training institutions or religious training courses shall do so voluntarily and with the consent of their parents or guardians.
4. Religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and monastics have the right to perform religious rituals, preach and disseminate religious teachings at religious establishments or other lawful locations.
5. Persons who are temporarily detained; held in detention; serving a prison sentence; subject to measures of placement in reformatory schools, compulsory education institutions or drug rehabilitation centers have the right to use religious scriptures, and to express their beliefs and religious convictions.
Article 10. Right to freedom of belief and religion of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam
1. The right to freedom of belief and religion of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam are respected and protected by the State of Vietnam.
2. Foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam have the following rights:
a) Engage in religious practice, and participate in belief and religious activities;
b) Have lawful venues for conducting concentrated religious practices;
c) Invite Vietnamese religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and monastics to perform religious rituals and preach; and invite foreign religious dignitaries and monastics to preach;
d) Enter monastic life at religious establishments and study at religious training institutions or religious training courses;
dd) Bring religious publications and religious items for personal religious practice needs.
3. Foreign religious dignitaries and monastics lawfully residing in Vietnam are permitted to preach at religious establishments or other lawful venues in Vietnam.
Article 11. Rights of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations
1. Conduct religious activities in accordance with the charter, constitution and documents of similar content (hereinafter referred to as “charter”) of religious organizations.
2. Organize religious practices.
3. Publish scriptures and other religious publications.
4. Produce, export and import religious cultural products and religious items.
5. Renovate, upgrade and construct new religious establishments.
6. Receive lawful assets donated by domestic organizations and individuals, as well as foreign organizations and individuals.
7. Exercise other rights in accordance with this Law and relevant laws.
Article 12. Rights of organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities
1. Organize religious ceremonies, religious practices, preaching and doctrinal training.
2. Appoint, elect and designate religious functionaries.
3. Repair and renovate headquarters.
4. Carry out charitable and humanitarian activities.
5. Hold congresses to ratify the charter.
Article 13. Obligations of organizations, communities and individuals in exercising the right to freedom of belief and religion
1. Organizations, communities and individuals participating in belief and religious activities shall comply with Article 3 of this Law.
2. Religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics, representatives and management boards of belief establishments are responsible for providing guidelines for followers and participants in belief and religious activities to conduct such activities in accordance with the laws.
Article 14 . Representatives and management boards of belief establishments
1. A belief establishment must have a representative or a management board accountable to the laws for all activities taking place at the establishment.
Representatives and members of management boards of belief establishments serve for a term. The term duration, responsibilities and powers of representatives and members of management boards of belief establishments shall be decided by the communities as prescribed in internal regulations which are approved by state competent authorities in accordance with clause 3 or 4 of this Article.
2. Representatives or members of management boards of belief establishments shall satisfy the following requirements:
a) Be a Vietnamese citizen permanently residing in Vietnam;
b) Have full capacity for civil acts;
c) Have prestige within communities;
d) Not fall into any of the following cases: currently subject to an administrative penalty; currently being prosecuted for criminal liability; having been convicted but not yet having had the criminal record expunged; or having been convicted and having had the criminal record expunged, or not being considered as having a criminal record but having been convicted of offences against national security.
3. The commune-level People’s Committee where the belief establishment is located shall cooperate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee at the same level in organizing the community in the area of the belief establishment to elect or appoint the representative or members of the management board.
Based on the election/appointment results and requirements prescribed in clause 2 of this Article, the commune-level People’s Committee shall issue a decision on recognition of the representative or members of the management board of the belief establishment within 05 working days from the election/appointment.
4. For a belief establishment located in areas spanning multiple communes, wards or special zones within a province or city, the province-level People’s Committee shall cooperate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee at the same level in organizing the community in the area of the belief establishment to elect or appoint the representative or members of the management board.
Based on the election/appointment results and requirements prescribed in clause 2 of this Article, the province-level People’s Committee shall issue a decision on recognition of the representative or members of the management board of the belief establishment within 05 working days from the election/appointment.
5. The election/appointment of representatives and members of management board of clan ancestral houses shall not be subject to clause 3 or 4 of this Article.
6. Belief establishments that have been included in the List of inventory and classification of heritage sites shall have their management assigned to organizations or representatives in accordance with the laws on cultural heritage.
Article 15. Notification and registration of belief activities
1. Belief activities at belief establishments shall be notified to state competent authorities before implementation, except for belief activities at clan ancestral houses.
2. The notification of belief activities at belief establishments shall be carried out as follows:
a) For any belief establishment located within a single commune, ward or special zone, the representative or management board is responsible for notifying the commune-level People’s Committee where the establishment is located of belief activities in writing;
b) For any belief establishment located in the area spanning multiple communes, wards or special zones within a province or city, the representative or management board is responsible for notifying the province-level People’s Committee where the establishment is located of belief activities in writing;
c) Within 30 days before the date on which belief establishments commence their activities, representatives or management boards of belief establishments shall notify state competent authorities of annual belief activities conducted at establishments in writing in accordance with point a or b of this clause;
d) The notification of belief activities shall be carried out only once, except for those prescribed in point b, clause 3 of this Article. For belief activities not included in written notifications, representatives or management boards of belief establishments are responsible for submitting a supplementary notification within 20 days before such belief activities take place.
The organization of a belief festival for the first time, a restored belief festival or a periodic belief festival that has changes shall comply with Article 17 of this Law.
3. Registration of belief activities outside belief establishments shall be carried out as follows:
a) Organizations and individuals are permitted to carry out belief activities outside belief establishments;
b) Before organizing belief activities outside belief establishments that are complex in nature or large in scale, organizations and individuals shall register with state competent authorities in accordance with point a or b, clause 2 of this Article.
4. Belief activities that are intangible cultural heritage included in the List of inventory and classification of intangible cultural heritage, or conducted at belief establishments included in the List of inventory and classification of heritage sites shall comply with the laws on cultural heritage.
Article 16. Organization of periodic belief festivals
1. Representatives or management boards of belief establishments shall notify state competent authorities of organization of periodic belief festivals in writing within 20 days before the commencement of such festivals in accordance with the following regulations:
a) Commune-level People’s Committees where festivals are held shall receive notifications of belief festivals organized within the boundaries of a single commune, ward or special zone;
b) Province-level People’s Committees where festivals are held shall receive notifications of belief festivals that are not prescribed in point a of this clause.
2. The organization of periodic belief festivals that are recognized as intangible cultural heritage and included in the List of inventory and classification of intangible cultural heritage, or festivals that are held at belief establishments included in the List of inventory and classification of heritage sites shall comply with laws on cultural heritage.
3. State competent authorities prescribed in clause 1 of this Article shall ensure that belief festivals are organized in accordance with the notifications.
Article 17. Organization of belief festivals for the first time, restored belief festivals or periodic belief festivals that have changes
Before organizing a belief festival for the first time, a restored belief festival or a periodic belief festival that has changes in scale, content, time or location, the representative or management board of the belief establishment shall submit a written registration to the province-level People’s Committee where the festival is held, except for belief festivals that are recognized as intangible cultural heritage and included in the List of inventory and classification of intangible cultural heritage, or festivals that are held at belief establishments included in the List of inventory and classification of heritage sites.
Article 18. Management and use of revenues generated from the organization of belief festivals
1. Representatives or management boards of belief establishments shall manage and use revenues generated from the organization of belief festivals for their intended purposes in a public, transparent and accountable manner.
2. Within 20 days after the conclusion of belief festivals, representatives or management boards of belief establishments shall notify state competent authorities that received notification or registration for organization of festivals prescribed in clause 1 of Articles 16 and 17 of this Law of revenues and purposes for which such revenues are used.
3. State competent authorities prescribed in clause 1 of Articles 16 and 17 of this Law shall inspect the management and use of revenues generated from the organization of belief festivals.
REGISTRATION OF CONCENTRATED RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AND REGISTRATION OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Article 19. Requirements and authority for approval and revocation of written approvals for registration of concentrated religious practices
1. Religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations may register concentrated religious practices for followers in places where the requirements for establishing an affiliated religious organization have not yet been satisfied. Organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities may register concentrated religious practices for their members if all of the following requirements are satisfied:
b) Have lawful venues for conducting concentrated religious practices;
b) Have representatives satisfying requirements in accordance with points a, b and d, clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;
c) Names of such groups shall not be identical to names of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities, political organizations, socio-political organizations, or names of distinguished historical figures or national heroes;
d) Activities related to religious practices shall include cases as prescribed in Article 7 of this Law.
2. Followers who are not prescribed in clause 1 of this Article may register for concentrated religious practices if they have doctrines and religious laws, and satisfy all requirements prescribed in clause 1 of this Article.
3. Commune-level People’s Committees of places where concentrated religious practices are held shall provide a written response regarding the registration of such concentrated religious activities.
4. Concentrated religious practice groups may change the venues for their practices and change their representatives in accordance with the laws.
5. If concentrated religious practice groups fail to conduct practices within 06 months, written approvals for registration of concentrated religious practices issued by commune-level People’s Committees shall cease to be valid, except for cases of force majeure as prescribed by civil laws.
6. Commune-level People’s Committees shall revoke written approvals for registration of concentrated religious practices in any of the following cases:
a) Concentrated religious practice groups commit any of the acts prescribed in clause 4 or 5, Article 7 of this Law;
b) At the request of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities as prescribed in clause 1 of this Article;
c) At the request of representatives of concentrated religious practice groups as prescribed in clause 2 of this Article.
Article 20. Requirements and authority for approval and revocation of certificates of registration for religious activities
1. Organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall satisfy the following requirements:
a) Have doctrines, religious laws, rituals and religious activities that are not prescribed in Article 7 of this Law;
b) Have principles, objectives and operating regulations that are not contrary to the laws;
c) Names of such organizations shall not be identical to names of religious organizations, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities, political organizations, socio-political organizations, or names of distinguished historical figures or national heroes;
d) Have representatives and leaders satisfying requirements in accordance with points a, b and d, clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;
dd) Have a lawful venue for their headquarters.
2. The authority for issuance of certificates of registration for religious activities shall comply with the following regulations:
a) Province-level People’s Committees shall provide a written response regarding the issuance of certificates of registration for religious activities for organizations operating within a single province or city;
b) The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the issuance of certificates of registration for religious activities for organizations operating in more than one province or city;
3. If organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities do not conduct any religious activities within 01 year, such certificates shall cease to be valid, except for cases of force majeure as prescribed by civil laws.
4. State competent authorities prescribed in clause 2 of this Article shall revoke certificates of registration for religious activities in one of the following cases:
a) Organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities commit one of acts prescribed in clause 4 or 5, Article 7 of this Law;
b) At the request of representatives of organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities.
Section 1. RECOGNITION AND DISSOLUTION OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS; ESTABLISHMENT, PARTIAL DIVISION, FULL DIVISION, MERGER, ACQUISITION AND DISSOLUTION OF AFFILIATED RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Article 21. Requirements and authority for recognition of religious organizations
1. Organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall be recognized as religious organizations when they satisfy the following requirements:
a) They have operated stably and continuously for at least 05 years from the issuance of certificates of registration for religious activities;
b) Religious activities shall include cases as prescribed in Article 7 of this Law;
c) They have a charter in accordance with Article 22 of this Law;
d) They have representatives and leaders satisfying requirements in accordance with points a, b and d, clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;
dd) They have an organizational structure in accordance with their charter;
e) They have assets independent from those of other individuals and organizations and assume liability with their own assets;
g) They participate in legal relations independently in their own name.
2. The authority for recognition of religious organizations shall comply with the following regulations:
a) Province-level People’s Committees shall provide a written response regarding the recognition of religious organizations operating within a single province or city;
b) The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the recognition of religious organizations operating in more than one province or city;
Article 22. Charter of religious organizations
1. The charter of religious organizations shall include the following information:
a) Name of the organization;
b) Organization principles, objectives, and operating principles;
c) Area of operation and headquarters;
d) Finance and assets;
dd) Name of the legal representative;
e) Functions, tasks, powers, organizational structure and seal of the religious organization and affiliated religious organizations;
g) Tasks, powers and terms of office of the leadership body and its members of the religious organization and affiliated religious organizations;
h) Requirements, standards, authority and methods for ordination, appointment, election, designation, transfer, demotion, dismissal and suspension of religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and monastics;
i) Requirements, authority and methods for the dissolution of the religious organization; and for establishment, partial division, full division, merger, acquisition and dissolution of affiliated religious organizations;
k) Organization of conferences, seminars and congresses; methods for adopting decisions and amending the charter; and principles and methods for resolving internal disputes within the organization;
l) Principles and responsibilities for religious activities in cyberspace;
m) Relationship between the religious organization and affiliated religious organizations; and between the religious organization and relevant organizations and individuals.
2. The amendments to the charter shall comply with the following regulations:
a) Religious organization shall register the amendments with state competent authorities as prescribed in clause 2, Article 21 of this Law;
b) Religious organization shall operate in accordance with the amended charter from the approval of state competent authorities.
Article 23. Names of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations
1. The names of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall be in Vietnamese. Such names shall not be identical to names of other religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities, political organizations, socio-political organizations, or names of distinguished historical figures or national heroes.
2. The names of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall be recognized and protected by laws and be used in relations with other organizations and individuals.
3. The change of names of religious organizations shall be approved by state competent authorities prescribed in clause 2, Article 21 of this Law.
4. If affiliated religious organizations change their names, religious organizations shall submit a written request to state competent authorities for approval in accordance with clause 2, Article 26 of this Law.
Article 24. Change of headquarters of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations
1. When changing the headquarters, religious organizations shall obtain approval of People’s Committees of provinces where the new headquarters are located, and submit a written notification to state competent authorities in accordance with clause 2, Article 21 of this Law.
2. When changing the headquarters, affiliated religious organizations shall obtain approval of People’s Committees of provinces where the new headquarters are located, and submit a written notification to state competent authorities in accordance with clause 2, Article 26 of this Law.
Article 25. Establishment, partial division, full division, merger and acquisition of affiliated religious organizations
1. Religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations may establish affiliated religious organizations; partially divide or fully divide affiliated religious organizations into multiple new affiliated religious organizations; merge affiliated religious organizations into another affiliated religious organization; or acquire multiple affiliated religious organizations into a new affiliated religious organization.
2. Upon partial division, divided affiliated religious organizations shall cease to exist. Their rights and obligations shall be transferred to new affiliated religious organizations.
3. Upon full division, both the divided affiliated religious organization and new affiliated religious organizations shall exercise their rights and perform their obligations in accordance with their operational purposes.
4. Upon merger, mergered affiliated religious organizations shall cease to exist. Their rights and obligations shall be transferred to new affiliated religious organizations.
5. Upon acquisition, former affiliated religious organizations shall cease to exist from the time that new affiliated religious organizations are established. Their rights and obligations of former affiliated religious organizations shall be transferred to new affiliated religious organizations.
Article 26. Requirements and authority for establishment, partial division, full division, merger and acquisition of affiliated religious organizations
1. Religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations may establish, partially divide, fully divide, merge or acquire affiliated religious organizations when all of the following requirements are satisfied:
a) The charter of religious organizations shall contain regulations on establishment, partial division, full division, merger and acquisition of affiliated religious organizations;
b) The activities of affiliated religious organizations before their partial division, full division, merger or acquisition do not include those prescribed in Article 7 of this Law;
c) They have representatives and leaders satisfying requirements in accordance with points a, b and d, clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;
d) They have a lawful venue for their headquarters.
2. Authority for establishment, partial division, full division, merger and acquisition of affiliated religious organizations shall comply with the following regulations:
a) Province-level People’s Committees shall provide a written response regarding the establishment, partial division, full division, merger and acquisition of affiliated religious organizations operating within a single province or city;
b) The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the establishment, partial division, full division, merger and acquisition of affiliated religious organizations operating in more than one province or city.
3. After obtaining approval from state competent authorities, religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall issue the written approval for the establishment, partial division, full division, merger or acquisition of affiliated religious organization, and notify state competent authorities prescribed in clause 2 of this Article in writing.
Within 01 year from the approval of state competent authorities, if religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations do not carry out establishment, partial division, full division, merger or acquisition of affiliated religious organizations, the written approval shall cease to be valid.
Article 27. Juridical personality of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations
1. Religious organization are non-commercial juridical person from the date on which they are recognized by state competent authorities.
2. Religious organizations shall submit a written request to province-level People’s Committees where headquarters of their affiliated religious organizations are located for issuance of non-commercial juridical personality to affiliated religious organizations if they satisfies requirements prescribed in points d, e and g, clause 1, Article 21 of this Law.
Article 28. Dissolution of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations
1. Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall be dissolved in one of the following cases:
a) They are dissolved in accordance with the charter;
b) They fail to conduct religious activities within 01 year from the date on which they are recognized by state competent authorities or from the approval for establishment, partial division, full division, merger and acquisition; or they ceases conducting religious activities for a continuous period of 01 year;
c) Upon the expiry of suspension of all religious activities, they fail to remedy the causes that led to the suspension.
2. The authority for dissolution of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall comply with the following regulations:
a) People’s Committees of provinces where headquarters of religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations are located shall provide a written response regarding the request for dissolution submitted by religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations in accordance with point a, clause 1 of this Article;
b) People’s Committees of provinces where headquarters of religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations are located shall dissolve or request such organizations to dissolve in accordance with point b or c, clause 1 of this Article.
3. Before dissolution, religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall fully fulfill all property-related obligations. The assets of dissolved religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall comply with civil laws.
Section 2. ORDINATION, APPOINTMENT, ELECTION, DESIGNATION, TRANSFER, DEMOTION, DISMISSAL, AND SUSPENSION OF RELIGIOUS DIGNITARIES, RELIGIOUS FUNCTIONARIES AND MONASTICS
Article 29. Ordination, appointment, election and designation of religious dignitaries and religious functionaries
1. Religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations may carry out ordination, appointment, election and designation in accordance with their charter.
2. Persons who are ordained, appointed, elected or designated shall satisfy requirements as prescribed in points a, b and d, clause 2, Article 14 of this Law.
3. The ordination, appointment, election and designation involving foreign elements shall comply with Article 47 of this Law.
Article 30. Notification on persons ordained or designated as religious dignitaries
1. Religious organizations shall notify the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in writing of persons who have been ordained or designated as monks or nuns of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha; or bishops and priests of the Catholic Church in Vietnam; or pastors of Protestant organizations; ranks from archbishop and above of Cao Dai Churches; ranks from preacher and above of the Vietnam Pure Land Buddhist Home-Practice Association; or equivalent ranks of other religious organizations within 20 days from the ordination or designation.
2. For cases of ordination or designation of religious dignitaries that are not prescribed in clause 1 of this Article, religious organizations shall notify in writing province-level People’s Committees where religious dignitaries reside and conduct religious activities within 20 days from the ordination or designation.
3. If persons ordained or designated as religious dignitaries do not satisfy requirements as prescribed in clauses 1 and 2, Article 29 of this Law, state competent authorities prescribed in clause 1 or 2 of this Article shall send a written request to religious organizations for cancellation of the ordination or designation of religious dignitaries.
Within 20 days from the receipt of the written request, religious organizations shall cancel the results of the ordination or designation of religious dignitaries, and shall notify state competent authorities prescribed in clause 1 or 2 of this Article in writing of such cancellation.
Article 31. Registration of persons appointed, elected or designated as religious functionaries
1. Before appointing or designating the following religious functionaries, religious organizations shall submit an application to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs:
a) Members of the leadership body of the religious organization or the affiliated religious organization operating across multiple provinces or cities;
b) Members of the leadership body of the religious training institution.
2. For cases not prescribed in clause 1 of this Article, before carrying out the appointment or designation of religious functionaries, religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall submit an application to province-level People’s Committees where religious functionaries reside and conduct religious activities.
3. Before carrying out the appointment or designation of religious functionaries, organizations that have been granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall submit an application to state competent authorities prescribed in clause 2, Article 20 of this Law.
4. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, or organizations that have been granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall notify state competent authorities prescribed in clause 1, 2 or 3 of this Article in writing of the results of the appointment or designation of religious functionaries within 20 days from the appointment or designation.
5. Within 10 working days from the date on which the election results for religious functionaries are determined, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall submit an application to state competent authority in accordance with clause 1, 2 or 3 of this Article.
6. For persons proposed to hold leadership positions in organizations prescribed in Articles 26 and 34 of this Law, after approval has been granted by state competent authorities, organizations are responsible for notifying the results regarding the persons appointed, elected or designated in accordance with clause 4 of this Article.
Article 32. Transfer of religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and monastics
1. Before transferring religious dignitaries, religious functionaries or monastic, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall notify in writing province-level People’s Committees of the transferring place and the receiving place at least 20 days in advance.
2. Before transferring religious dignitaries, religious functionaries or monastics who have unspent criminal record, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall submit an application to the province-level People’s Committee of the place to which the person is proposed to be transferred.
3. Where religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities intend to transfer and simultaneously appoint religious functionaries, they shall comply with Article 31 of this Law and notify the province-level People’s Committee of the place from which the person is being transferred.
Article 33. Demotion, dismissal and suspension of religious dignitaries and religious functionaries
1. Religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations may demote, dismiss or suspend religious dignitaries or religious functionaries in accordance with the charter of organizations.
Within 20 days from the issuance of the decision on demotion, dismissal or suspension of religious dignitaries and religious functionaries, religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall notify state competent authorities prescribed in clause 1 or 2, Article 30, or clause 1 or 2, Article 31 of this Law in writing.
2. Organizations that have been granted certificates of registration for religious activities may demote, dismiss or suspend religious functionaries in accordance with their operating regulations.
Within 20 days from the issuance of the decision on demotion, dismissal or suspension of religious functionaries, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall notify state competent authorities prescribed in clause 2, Article 20 of this Law in writing.
3. State competent authorities prescribed in clause 1, 2 or 3, Article 31 of this Law have the authority to suspend, or request religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities to suspend religious functionaries in any of the following cases:
a) Religious functionaries commit one of the acts prescribed in Article 7 of this Article;
b) Religious functionaries violate requirements or standards for the ordination, appointment, election, designation, transfer, demotion or dismissal of religious dignitaries, religious functionaries or monastics;
c) Religious functionaries use falsified documents in order to be appointed, elected or designated as religious functionaries.
Section 3. RELIGIOUS TRAINING INSTITUTIONS OR RELIGIOUS TRAINING COURSES
Article 34. Requirements and authority for establishment of religious training institutions
1. Religious organizations may establish religious training institutions for religious education and training when they satisfies all requirements prescribed in clause 1, Article 26 of this Law, as well as the following requirements:
a) They have adequate physical facilities for provision of religious education and training;
b) They have regulations on organization and operation in accordance with their principles and purposes, and they have admissions regulations;
c) They have training programs and educational content that are not contrary to the laws; and have curriculum includes subjects on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese laws;
d) They have managerial and teaching personnel who meet requirements necessary for religious education and training.
2. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the establishment of religious training institutions.
3. After obtaining approval from the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, religious organizations shall issue a written approval on establishment of the religious training institution.
Within 03 years from the approval of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, if religious organizations do not establish religious training institutions, the written approval shall cease to be valid.
4. Religious training institutions do not form part of the national education system.
Article 35. Activities of religious training institutions
1. Within 20 days before religious training institutions commence operation, their legal representatives shall submit written notification of their operation attached with the establishment decision; regulations on organization and operation; admissions regulations; a list of members of the leadership body; and a report on financial resources and physical facilities for operation to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
2. The organization of training programs and student admissions by religious training institutions shall comply with notified regulations on organization and operation, and admissions regulations.
3. Religious training institutions shall register the amendments to their regulations on organization and operation, or admissions regulations with the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
Religious training institutions shall operate in accordance with amended regulations after obtaining the approval of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
4. Religious training institutions shall notify the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in writing of the training results of each course within 20 days from the conclusion of each course.
5. The training levels, training formats and training methods of religious training institutions shall comply with the standard training program prescribed by the Government.
6. The enrollment and study of foreigners at religious training institutions in Vietnam shall comply with Article 45 of this Law.
Article 36. Guidelines on the curriculum and teaching content of subjects on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese laws
The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall take charge and cooperate with relevant ministries and central authorities in providing guidelines on the curriculum and teaching content of subjects on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese laws for religious training institutions.
Article 37. Organization of religious training courses
1. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities that organize religious training courses for persons engaged full-time in religious activities shall notify the province-level People’s Committee of the place where the course is held in writing within 20 days before the opening date of each course.
2. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities that organize religious training courses that are not prescribed in clause 1 of this Article shall notify the commune-level People’s Committee of the place where the course is held in writing within 20 days before the opening date of each course.
3. Where the organization of a religious training course involves any of the acts prescribed in Article 7 of this Law, state competent authorities prescribed in clause 1 or 2 of this Article shall send a written request to religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organization granted certificates of registration for religious activities for not organizing or discontinuing the training course.
Article 38. Dissolution of religious training institutions
1. Religious training institutions shall be dissolved in the following cases:
a) They are dissolved in accordance with the decision of religious organizations;
b) They fail to perform training activities within 03 years from the approval of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs;
c) They fail to remedy the causes leading to the suspension upon the expiration of the suspension of all religious education and training activities.
2. The authority for approval of the dissolution of religious training institutions shall comply with the following regulations:
a) The province-level People’s Committee of the place where the headquarters of the religious training institution is located shall provide a written response regarding a religious organization’s request for dissolution of the religious training institution in accordance with point a, clause 1 of this Article;
b) The province-level People’s Committee of the place where the headquarters of the religious training institution shall dissolve, or request the religious organization to dissolve the religious training institution in cases prescribed in point b or c, clause 1 of this Article.
3. Before dissolution, religious organizations and religious training institutions shall fulfill all obligations relating to assets. The assets of a dissolved religious training institution shall be handled in accordance with civil laws.
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES; ACTIVITIES REGARDING PUBLISHING, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, SOCIAL WELFARE, CHARITABLE AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES
Section 1. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES
Article 39. Notification of the List of religious activities
1. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall notify the List of annual religious activities in within 30 days from the date on which they are recognized, approved or granted certificates of registration for religious activities in accordance with the following regulations.
a) The organization operating within a single commune, ward or special zone shall submit the notification to the commune-level People’s Committee;
b) The organization operating in multiple communes, wards or special zones within a province or city shall submit the notification to the province-level People’s Committee;
c) The organization operating within multiple provinces or cities zone shall submit the notification to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
2. The notification of the List of annual religious activities shall be carried out only once. For religious activities not included in the notified list, legal representatives of organizations shall submit a supplementary notification to state competent authorities prescribed in clause 1 of this Article within 20 days before the date on which activities takes place.
Article 40. Conferences and seminars of religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations.
1. Religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations holding annual conferences shall notify state competent authorities prescribed in clause 2, Article 41 of this Law in writing within 20 days before the date of the conference.
2. Religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations organizing seminars, interfaith conferences or conferences involving foreign elements shall submit a written request to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the place where the event is expected to be held.
Article 41. Congresses of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations and organizations granted certificates of registration of religious activities
1. Before holding congresses, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations and organizations granted certificates of registration of religious activities shall submit an application to state competent authorities prescribed in clause 2 of this Article.
2. The authority for approval of the organization of congresses shall comply with the following regulations:
a) Commune-level People’s Committees shall provide a written response regarding the organization of congresses of affiliated religious organizations operating within a single province, city or special zone;
b) Province-level People’s Committees shall provide a written response regarding the organization of congresses of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations and organizations granted certificates of registration of religious activities operating in multiple communes, wards or special zones within a province or city;
c) The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the organization of congresses for cases that are not prescribed in point a or b, clause 2 of this Article.
Article 42. Religious ceremonies or preaching conducted outside religious establishments or lawful venues
1. Before holding religious ceremonies outside registered religious establishments or lawful venues, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations and organizations granted certificates of registration of religious activities shall submit an application to state competent authorities prescribed in clause 3 of this Article.
2. Before preaching outside their assigned areas, or outside registered religious establishments or lawful venues, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries or monastics shall an application to state competent authorities prescribed in clause 3 of this Article.
3. The authority for approval of the organization of religious ceremonies or preaching conducted outside religious establishments or lawful venues shall comply with the following regulations:
a) Commune-level People’s Committees of the places where the events are expected to be held shall provide a written response regarding the organization of religious ceremonies or preaching conducted within a single commune, ward or special zone;
b) Province-level People’s Committees of the places where the events are expected to be held shall provide a written response regarding the organization of religious ceremonies or preaching that are not prescribed in clause a of this clause.
4. State competent authorities in the places where religious ceremonies or preaching are held shall provide support to ensure the security and public order for such activities.
Section 2. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES INVOLVING FOREIGN ELEMENTS
Article 43. Requirements and authority for approval and revocation of written registration for concentrated religious activities of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam
1. Foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam may register for concentrated religious activities in Vietnam when they satisfy all of the following requirements:
a) They have religious doctrines, religious laws and religious activities that are not cases prescribed in Article 7 of this Law;
b) They have lawful venues for conducting concentrated religious practices;
c) They have representatives satisfying requirements in accordance with points b and dd, clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;
d) Names of such groups shall not be identical to names of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities, political organizations, socio-political organizations, or names of distinguished historical figures or national heroes.
2. Province-level People’s Committees shall provide a written response regarding the registration of concentrated religious activities of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam.
3. The groups registered for concentrated religious activities may change their venues for concentrated religious activities or change their representatives in accordance with the laws.
4. If concentrated religious practice groups fail to conduct practices within 06 months, written approvals for registration of concentrated religious practices issued by province-level People’s Committees shall cease to be valid, except for cases of force majeure as prescribed by civil laws.
5. Province-level People’s Committees shall revoke written approvals for registration of concentrated religious practices in any of the following cases:
a) Concentrated religious practice groups commit any of the acts prescribed in clause 4 or 5, Article 7 of this Law;
b) At the request of representatives of concentrated religious practice groups as prescribed in clause c, clause 1 of this Article.
Article 44. Religious activities and international religious relations activities of foreign organizations and individuals in Vietnam
1. Before inviting foreign organizations or individuals to Vietnam to conduct religious activities or international religious relations activities, religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall submit an application to state competent authorities prescribed in clause 2 of this Article.
2. The authority for approval of religious activities or international religious relations activities of foreign organizations and individuals in Vietnam shall comply with the following regulations:
a) Province-level People’s Committees shall provide a written response regarding the invitation of organizations and individuals to Vietnam for conducting religious activities within a single province or city;
b) The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the invitation of organizations and individuals to Vietnam for conducting religious activities multiple provinces or cities, or conducting international religious relations activities.
3. Before inviting foreign religious dignitaries or monastics, or Vietnamese citizens serving as religious dignitaries of foreign religious organizations to preach, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities shall submit an application to the province-level People’s Committee of the place where the preaching is expected to take place.
4. Before inviting foreign religious dignitaries or monastics to preach, concentrated religious practice groups of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam shall submit a written request to the province-level People’s Committee of the place where concentrated religious activities are located.
5. In the course of preaching, foreign religious dignitaries or monastics shall respect regulations of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations or organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities in Vietnam, and shall comply with the laws of Vietnam.
Article 45. Foreigners studying at religious training institutions in Vietnam
1. Foreigners studying at religious training institutions in Vietnam shall be lawfully residing in Vietnam, comply with Vietnamese laws, voluntarily register for study, and be included in an application submitted by religious training institutions to the province-level People’s Committee of the place where institutions are located.
2. The province-level People’s Committee of the place where religious training institutions are located shall provide a written response regarding the study of foreigners at religious training institutions in Vietnam.
Article 46. Participation in religious activities and religious training abroad
1. Before sending religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics or followers to participate in religious activities abroad, religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall submit an application to the province-level People’s Committee of the place where such dignitaries, functionaries, monastics or followers reside and conduct religious activities.
2. Before sending religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics or followers to participate in religious training activities abroad, religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations shall submit an application to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
3. State competent authorities prescribed in clauses 1 and 2 of this Article shall provide a written response regarding the sending of religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics or followers to participate in religious activities or religious training activities abroad by religious organizations or affiliated religious organizations.
Article 47. Ordination, appointment, election and designation involving foreign elements
1. The ordination, appointment, election and designation involving foreign elements include the following cases:
a) Foreign religious organizations confer ordination, make appointment, conduct election or carry out designation for Vietnamese citizens in Vietnam;
b) Vietnamese religious organizations confer ordination, or carry out designation for foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam.
2. Persons who are ordained, appointed, elected or designated prescribed in point a, clause 1 of this Article shall satisfy requirements as prescribed in clause 2, Article 29 of this Law.
3. Persons who are ordained, appointed, elected or designated prescribed in point b, clause 1 shall satisfy the following requirements:
a) Persons who are to be ordained or designated as religious dignitaries shall satisfy requirements prescribed in points b and d, clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;
b) Persons have completed religious training at religious training institutions in Vietnam;
c) Persons comply with Vietnamese laws.
4. The authority for ordination, appointment, election and designation involving foreign elements shall comply with the following regulations:
a) The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the ordination, appointment, election and designation involving foreign elements that are prescribed in point a, clause 1 of this Article;
b) Province-level People’s Committees of the place where foreigners reside and conduct religious activities shall provide a written response regarding the ordination and designation for foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam.
5. In cases where a Vietnamese citizen has been ordained, appointed, elected or designated by a foreign religious organization abroad and subsequently returns to Vietnam to serve as a religious dignitary or religious functionary, the religious organization or affiliated religious organization managing that person shall submit an application to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
Article 48. International relations activities of religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics and followers
1. Religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics and followers shall conduct international relations activities in accordance with the charter of religious organizations and the laws of Vietnam.
2. When carrying out international relations activities, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics and followers shall comply with the laws of Vietnam as well as the laws of relevant foreign countries.
Article 49. Affiliation with foreign religious organizations
1. Before affiliating with foreign religious organizations, religious organizations shall submit an application to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.
2. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding religious organizations’ requests to affiliate with foreign religious organizations.
3. Upon termination of the affiliation with foreign religious organizations, religious organizations shall notify the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in writing.
Section 3. ACTIVITIES REGARDING PUBLISHING, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, SOCIAL WELFARE, CHARITABLE AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES
Article 50. Publication, production, export and import of cultural materials
Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations may publish scriptures and other materials on belief and religion; produce, export and import cultural products related to belief and religion, as well as religious items in accordance with laws on publication and relevant laws.
Article 51. Education, healthcare, social welfare, charitable and humanitarian activities
Religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations may participate in educational and healthcare activities; and may carry out social welfare, charitable and humanitarian activities in support of national development, social security and strengthening of the great national unity in accordance with the laws.
ASSETS OF BELIEF ESTABLISHMENTS AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
Article 52. Management and use of assets of belief establishments and religious organizations
1. Assets of belief establishments and religious organizations includes assets established from contributions made by members of organizations; donations and gifts from organizations and individuals; and other lawful sources in accordance with the laws.
2. Property of belief establishments and religious organizations shall be managed and used for their intended purposes, in a public and transparent manner, and in accordance with the laws.
3. Belief establishments or religious establishments established in accordance with the custom via contributions and donations made jointly by members of the community; via gifts granted collectively to the community; or from other lawful sources for the purpose of serving the belief and religious needs of the community shall constitute assets under the common ownership of the community.
4. The conversion, transfer, donation, lease, mortgage or capital contribution of assets in the form of land use rights shall comply with the laws.
5. The receipt and management of donations and sponsorships from foreign organizations and individuals by religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations, as well as fundraising activities conducted by representatives or management boards of belief establishments, religious organizations and affiliated religious organizations shall comply with the laws.
Article 53. Land for belief and religious purposes
Land for belief and religious purposes shall be managed and used in accordance with the laws on land.
Article 54. Renovation, upgrading, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and new construction of belief works, religious works and auxiliary works
1. The renovation, upgrading and new construction of belief works, religious works and auxiliary works shall comply with laws on construction and relevant laws.
2. The preservation, repair and restoration of belief establishments and religious establishments that are included in the List of inventory of heritage sites or that have been ranked by state competent authorities shall comply with laws on cultural heritage, construction and relevant laws.
Article 55. Relocation of belief works and religious works
The relocation of belief works and religious works for the purposes of national defense, security, socio-economic development, or for national and public interests shall comply with laws on land, construction, cultural heritage, and relevant laws.
STATE MANAGEMENT OF BELIEF AND RELIGION
Article 56. Activities regarding state management of belief and religion
1. Develop and propose competent authorities for issuance, or within their authority, legislative documents on belief and religion.
2. Disseminate and provide legal education on belief and religion.
3. Provide guidelines on the application of legislative documents; receive and handle recommendations and proposals regarding legislative documents; and conduct professional training and refresher training regarding belief and religion.
4. Conduct inspection, examination and supervision of the compliance with laws on belief and religion.
5. Resolve complaints and denunciations, and handle violations of laws on belief and religion.
6. Carry out international cooperation on belief and religion.
7. Submit reports on the enforcement of laws on belief and religion.
8. Implement and promote the application and development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation in state management of belief and religion; and develop, manage and extract databases on belief and religion.
9. Decentralize and devolve the state management of belief and religion.
Article 57. Authority for state management of belief and religion
1. The Government shall unify the state management of belief and religion nationwide.
2. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs is accountable to the Government for the state management of belief and religion.
3. Ministries, ministerial authorities, governmental authorities and province-level People’s Committees, within their functions, tasks and powers, shall cooperate with the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in performing their assigned tasks related to belief and religion.
4. People’s Committees at all levels, within their tasks and powers, shall perform the state management of belief and religion in local areas.
Article 58. Specialized inspection regarding belief and religion
1. Specialized inspection regarding belief and religion is the activity of state competent authorities to inspect authorities, organizations and individuals in their compliance with laws on belief and religion.
The Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has the authority to conduct specialized inspections regarding belief and religion nationwide. Presidents of People’s Committees at all levels have the authority to conduct specialized inspections regarding belief and religion within the scope of state management of the corresponding People’s Committee level.
2. Specialized inspection regarding belief and religion includes the following tasks:
a) Inspect People’s Committees at all levels in the implementation of policies and laws on belief and religion;
b) Inspect organizations and individuals in their compliance with laws on belief and religion;
c) Inspect cases showing signs of violations of laws on belief and religion.
Article 59. Complaints, denunciations and lawsuits related to belief and religion
1. Representatives or management boards of belief establishments, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations, organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, monastics, followers, relevant organizations and individuals with relevant rights and obligations have the right to lodge complaints, initiate administrative lawsuits, civil lawsuits, and request resolution of civil matters at the Court to protect their lawful rights and interests in accordance with the laws.
2. Individuals have the right to denounce acts violating laws on belief and religion. The settlement of denunciations of violations of laws on belief and religion shall comply with laws on denunciations.
1. This Law shall be effective from January 01, 2027.
2. The Law on Belief and Religion No. 02/2016/QH14 (amended by the Law No. 84/2025/QH15) ceases to be effective from the effective date of this Law, except for clause 1, Article 61 of this Law.
3. The Government shall elaborate Article 8; clause 5, Article 9; clauses 1, 3 and 4, Article 14; clauses 2, and point b, clause 3, Article 15; clause 1, Article 16; Article 17; Article 19; Article 20; Article 21; clause 2, Article 22; clauses 3 and 4, Article 23; Article 24; Article 26; clause 2, Article 27; clauses 2 and 3, Article 28; Article 30; Article 31; Article 32; Article 33; Article 34; Article 35; Article 37; Article 38; Article 39; Article 40; Article 41; clauses 1, 2 and 3, Article 42; Article 43; clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4, Article 44; Article 45; Article 46; clauses 4 and 5, Article 47; Article 49; clause 4, Article 52 of this Law and measures for implementation of this Law.
Article 61. Transitional provision
1. In cases where competent state authorities receive administrative procedure applications before the effective date of this Law, they shall be handled in accordance with the Law on Belief and Religion No. 02/2016/QH14 (amended by the Law No. 84/2025/QH15) and relevant laws.
2. For organizations that were granted certificates of registration for religious activities before the effective date of this Law, the period for recognition as religious organizations prescribed in clause 1, Article 21 of this Law shall be determined from the date on which such organizations were granted certificates of registration for religious activities.
3. Within 30 days from the effective date of this Law, religious organizations, affiliated religious organizations and organizations granted certificates of registration for religious activities that have not yet submitted notification of their List of annual religious activities in accordance with Articles 43 and 67 of the Law on Belief and Religion No. 02/2016/QH14 (amended by Law No. 84/2025/QH15) shall submit the List of annual religious activities to state competent authorities as prescribed in clause 1, Article 39 of this Law.
4. Within 30 days from the effective date of this Law, representatives or management boards of belief establishments that have not yet carried out registration of belief activities in accordance with Articles 12 and 67 of the Law on Belief and Religion No. 02/2016/QH14 (amended by Law No. 84/2025/QH15) shall notify the annual belief activities to state competent authorities as prescribed in point a or b, clause 2, Article 15 of this Law.
This Law was ratified by the 1st meeting of the 16th National Assembly of Socialist Republic of Vietnam on April 23, 2026.
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PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Tran Thanh Man |
