Law on Belief and Religion 2026, No. 07/2026/QH16

LAW

On Belief and Religion^[1]

Pursuant to the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which has a number of articles amended and supplemented under Resolution No. 203/2025/QH15;

The National Assembly promulgates the Law on Belief and Religion.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation and subjects of application

1. This Law provides the right to freedom of belief and religion; belief and religious activities; religious organisations; and the rights and obligations of agencies, organisations, residential communities and individuals related to belief and religious activities.

2. This Law applies to agencies, organisations, residential communities and individuals in guaranteeing and exercising the right to freedom of belief and religion.

Article 2. Interpretation of terms

In this Law, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. Belief means a person’s conviction manifested through rituals associated with traditional customs and practices to bring about spiritual well-being for individuals and residential communities.

2. Belief activities means activities of worshiping ancestors and sacred symbols; commemorating and venerating persons who have rendered meritorious services to the country and residential communities; and performing folk rituals associated with historical, cultural and social ethical values.

3. Belief festival means a belief activity organised in accordance with traditional rituals to meet the spiritual needs of a residential community.

4. Belief establishment means a place where a residential community conducts belief activities. Belief establishments include communal houses, temples, shrines, clan worship houses and other similar lawful establishments.

5. Religion means human belief existing through a system of concepts and activities, including objects of worship, religious doctrines, religious law, rituals and organisational structures.

6. Believer means a person who believes in and follows a religion and is recognised by the relevant religious organisation.

7. Religious practitioner means a believer who has entered religious life and regularly observes a distinct way of life in accordance with the religious doctrines, religious law and regulations of a religious organisation.

8. Religious dignitary means a believer who has been ordained or nominated by a religious organisation to hold a religious rank within that organisation.

9. Religious functionary means a person who is appointed, elected or nominated by a religious organisation, a subordinate religious organisation or an organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities to hold a leadership, management or executive position in that organisation.

10. Religious practice means the expression of religious faith and the practice of religious doctrines, religious law and religious rituals.

11. Religious activity means the propagation of religion, religious practice and the organisational management of a religion.

12. Religious organisation means a group comprising believers, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and religious practitioners of a religion, which is organised according to a defined structure and recognised by the State for the purpose of conducting religious activities.

13. Subordinate religious organisation means an organisation established under a religious organisation in accordance with the charter, statutes or regulations of that religious organisation.

14. Religious establishment means a place where a religious organisation or a subordinate religious organisation conducts religious activities. Religious establishments include pagodas, churches, chapels, thanh that (Cao Dai temples), mosques, the headquarters of religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations, and other similar lawful establishments.

15. Lawful premises means land, houses or construction works over which an organisation or individual has lawful use rights in accordance with law.

16. Representative means a person who acts on behalf of a group of persons or an organisation that he/she represents and takes responsibility before law for belief activities, concentrated religious practice or religious activities conducted by such group or organisation.

17. Belief and religious activities in cyberspace means the use of cyberspace by organisations and individuals in accordance with this Law to conduct belief and religious activities.

Article 3. Principles of belief and religious activities

1. Complying with the Constitution, this Law and other relevant laws.

2. Preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural and ethical values and fine traditions.

3. Safeguarding national security and social order and safety, practising thrift and combating waste, and protecting natural resources and the environment.

4. Refraining from violating 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. To respect and protect everyone’s right to freedom of belief and religion; to ensure that all religions are equal before law.

2. To respect and protect the fine cultural and ethical values of belief and religion, and the tradition of ancestor worship, honour people who have rendered meritorious services to the country and residential communities, and meet the spiritual needs of the People.

3. To protect belief establishments, religious establishments and lawful property of belief establishments, as well as lawful property of religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations and organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities.

4. To promote and create favourable conditions for mobilising the resources of belief and religion to serve national development, ensure social welfare, and strengthen the great national unity bloc.

5. State management of belief and religious activities must ensure respect for the right to freedom of belief and religion in accordance with the Constitution, laws and treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party.

Article 5. International cooperation in belief and religious affairs

1. Principles of international cooperation:

a/ Complying with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam, and conforming with treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party;

b/ Respecting the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of each country; ensuring non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit; and ensuring national security and social order and safety.

2. Contents of international cooperation:

a/ Exchanging information and sharing experience in the formulation and implementation of policies and laws;

b/ Organising or participating in international conferences, seminars and forums;

c/ Organising training and further training for cadres, public employees and civil servants;

d/ Conducting scientific research;

dd/ Preventing and combating violations of the law on belief and religion;

e/ Other contents as specified by law.

Article 6. Responsibilities of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations

1. To rally people who follow a belief or religion and those who do not follow any belief or religion in building the great national unity bloc and in building and defending the Fatherland.

2. To promptly convey to competent state agencies the opinions, aspirations and recommendations of the People concerning belief- and religion-related issues.

3. To participate in the formulation of, and provide comments on, policies and draft legal documents concerning belief and religion; to undertake social criticism of draft legal documents, and socio-economic development master plans, plans, programmes and projects of the State relating to belief and religion in accordance with law.

4. To participate in disseminating information and encouraging religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners, believers, persons with beliefs or religions, religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations, organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities and the People to comply with the law on belief and religion; to promote the resources of belief and religion for national development, social welfare and the consolidation of the great national unity bloc.

5. To supervise the activities of state agencies, organisations, people-elected representatives, cadres, public employees and civil servants in the implementation of policies and laws on belief and religion.

Article 7. Prohibited acts

1. Practising discrimination or stigmatisation on the grounds of belief or religion.

2. Coercing, bribing or obstructing another person to follow or not to follow a belief or religion.

3. Offending beliefs or religions.

4. Conducting belief or religious activities in any of the following cases:

a/ Infringing upon national defence, national security, national sovereignty, or social order and safety, or harming the environment;

b/ Contravening social ethics; infringing upon the body, health, life or property of another person; offending the honour or dignity of another person;

c/ Obstructing the exercise of citizens’ rights and the performance of citizens’ obligations;

d/ Causing division among ethnic groups; causing division among religions; causing division between persons who follow beliefs or religions and those who do not follow any belief or religion, or causing division among persons who follow different beliefs or religions.

5. Abusing belief or religion for personal gain, or abusing belief or religion to commit any of the acts specified in Clause 4 of this Article.

6. Using cyberspace, artificial intelligence or technology to violate the law on belief and religion.

Article 8. Belief and religious activities in cyberspace

1. When conducting belief and religious activities in cyberspace, the organisations and individuals falling into the cases specified in Point b, Clause 3, Article 15 of this Law, representatives, management boards of belief establishments, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners, religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations, organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities and groups conducting concentrated religious practice shall notify, register, or submit requests for conducting, such belief and religious activities to a competent state agency in accordance with this Law.

2. Responsibilities of agencies, organisations and individuals for belief and religious activities in cyberspace:

a/ Competent state agencies shall provide guidance on, supervise, examine and inspect the conduct of belief and religious activities in cyberspace, and detect, prevent and handle violations of the law on belief and religion;

b/ Organisations and individuals conducting belief and religious activities in cyberspace shall comply with the law on belief and religion and other relevant laws;

c/ Organisations and enterprises providing services in cyberspace shall implement technical solutions and cooperate with competent state agencies in removing and blocking content that violates the law on belief and religion;

d/ Organisations and enterprises operating telecommunications networks shall block access to content that violates the law on belief and religion at the request of competent state agencies.

Chapter II

THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF BELIEF AND RELIGION

Article 9. The right to freedom of belief and religion of everyone

1. Everyone has the right to freedom of belief and religion, including the right to follow or not to follow any religion.

2. Every person has the right to express his/her beliefs or religious faiths; practise belief and religious rituals; participate in festivals; and study and practise religious doctrines and religious law.

3. Every person has the right to enter religious life at a religious establishment and to study at a religious training institution or a religious training course. A minor may enter religious life at a religious establishment or study at a religious training institution or a religious training course only on a voluntary basis and with the consent of his/her parent or guardian.

4. Religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and religious practitioners have the right to conduct religious rituals and to preach and propagate religion at religious establishments or other lawful premises.

5. Persons held in custody, persons in temporary detention, persons serving prison sentences, and persons serving the measure of consignment to reformatories, compulsory education institutions or drug rehabilitation facilities have the right to use religious scriptures and to express their beliefs or religious faiths.

Article 10. The right to freedom of belief and religion of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam

1. The State of Vietnam shall respect and protect the right to freedom of belief and religion of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam.

2. Foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam have the following rights:

a/ To engage in religious practice and participate in belief and religious activities;

b/ To use lawful premises for concentrated religious practice;

c/ To invite Vietnamese religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and religious practitioners to conduct religious rituals and preach religion; to invite foreign religious dignitaries and religious practitioners to preach religion;

d/ To enter religious life at religious establishments and to study at religious training institutions or religious training courses;

dd/ To bring with them religious publications and religious articles for their personal religious practice.

3. Foreign religious dignitaries and religious practitioners lawfully residing in Vietnam may preach religion at religious establishments or other lawful premises in Vietnam.

Article 11. Rights of religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations

1. To conduct religious activities in accordance with the charter, statutes or other documents of equivalent nature (below collectively referred to as the charter) of the religious organisations.

2. To organise religious practice.

3. To publish religious scriptures and other religious publications.

4. To produce, export and import religious cultural products and religious articles.

5. To renovate, upgrade and construct religious establishments.

6. To receive lawful property voluntarily donated by domestic and foreign organisations and individuals.

7. To enjoy other rights as provided by this Law and other relevant laws.

Article 12. Rights of organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities

1. To organise religious ceremonies, religious practice, religious preaching and instruction in religious doctrines.

2. To appoint, elect or nominate religious functionaries.

3. To repair and renovate their headquarters.

4. To carry out charitable and humanitarian activities.

5. To convene congresses for the adoption of their charter.

Article 13. Obligations of organisations, residential communities and individuals in exercising the right to freedom of belief and religion

1. Organisations, residential communities and individuals participating in belief and religious activities shall comply with Article 3 of this Law.

2. Religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners, representatives and management boards of belief establishments shall guide believers and persons participating in belief and religious activities to conduct such activities in accordance with law.

Chapter III

BELIEF ACTIVITIES

Article 14. Representatives and management boards of belief establishments

1. A belief establishment must have a representative or a management board responsible before law for activities conducted at the belief establishment.

The representative or members of the management board of a belief establishment shall work on a term basis. The term of office, responsibilities and powers of the representative or members of the management board of the belief establishment shall be determined by the residential community in its regulations approved by a competent state agency specified in Clause 3 or 4 of this Article.

2. A representative or member of the management board of a belief establishment must fully satisfy the following conditions:

a/ Being a Vietnamese citizen permanently residing in Vietnam;

b/ Having full civil act capacity;

c/ Having prestige within the residential community;

d/ Not falling into any of the following cases: currently serving a decision on application of an administrative handling measure; being subject to penal liability examination; having been convicted and not having had the criminal record expunged; or having been convicted and having had the criminal record expunged, or not being considered to have a criminal record but having been convicted of a crime infringing upon national security.

3. The commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the belief establishment is located shall coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee at the same level in organising the election or nomination of a representative or members of the management board of the belief establishment by the residential community where the belief establishment is located.

Based on the election or nomination results and the conditions specified in Clause 2 of this Article, the commune-level People’s Committee shall, within 5 working days from the date of election or nomination, issue a decision recognising the representative or members of the management board of the belief establishment.

4. For a belief establishment located across the administrative areas of several communes, wards or special zones within a province or city, the provincial-level People’s Committee shall coordinate with the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee at the same level in organising the election or nomination of a representative or members of the management board of the belief establishment by the residential community where the belief establishment is located.

Based on the election or nomination results and the conditions specified in Clause 2 of this Article, the provincial-level People’s Committee shall, within 5 working days from the date of election or nomination, issue a decision recognising the representative or members of the management board of the belief establishment.

5. The election or nomination of a representative or members of the management board of a clan worship house is not required to comply with Clause 3 or 4 of this Article.

6. A belief establishment that has been included in the relic inventory or classification list shall assign an organisation or a representative to manage the establishment in accordance with the law on cultural heritage.

Article 15. Notification and registration of belief activities

1. Belief activities conducted at belief establishments shall be notified to competent state agencies before being conducted, except belief activities at clan worship houses.

2. Notification of belief activities at belief establishments:

a/ For a belief establishment located within the administrative area of one commune, ward or special zone, the representative or management board shall provide written notification of belief activities to the commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the belief establishment is located;

b/ For a belief establishment located across the administrative areas of several communes, wards or special zones within a province or city, the representative or management board shall provide written notification of belief activities to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the belief establishment is located;

c/ At least 30 days before the date on which a belief establishment commences operation, its representative or management board shall provide written notification of annual belief activities conducted at the establishment to the competent state agency specified in Point a or b of this Clause;

d/ Notification of belief activities shall be made only once, except the belief activities specified in Point b, Clause 3 of this Article. For belief activities not included in the written notification, the representative or management board of the belief establishment shall provide supplementary notification at least 20 days before the date on which such belief activities take place.

The organisation of a first-time belief festival, a restored belief festival or a periodical belief festival with changes must comply with Article 17 of this Law.

3. Registration of belief activities outside belief establishments:

a/ Organisations and individuals may conduct belief activities outside belief establishments;

b/ Organisations and individuals shall, before organising complicated and large-scale belief activities outside belief establishments, register such activities with the competent state agency specified in Point a or b, Clause 2 of this Article.

4. Belief activities forming part of intangible cultural heritage included in the inventory list or inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage, or conducted at belief establishments included in the relic inventory or classification list, must comply with the law on cultural heritage.

Article 16. Organisation of periodical belief festivals

1. The representative or management board of a belief establishment shall provide written notification to a competent state agency of the organisation of a periodical belief festival at least 20 days before the date of organisation of the festival, specifically as follows:

a/ The commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the festival is organised shall receive notifications, for belief festivals organised within one commune, ward or special zone;

b/ The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the festival is organised shall receive notifications, for belief festivals not falling into the case specified in Point a of this Clause.

2. The organisation of periodical belief festivals that form part of intangible cultural heritage included in the inventory list or inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage, or the organisation of festivals at belief establishments included in the relic inventory or classification list, must comply with the law on cultural heritage.

3. The competent state agencies specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall ensure that the organisation of belief festivals is conducted in accordance with the notified contents.

Article 17. Organisation of first-time belief festivals, restored belief festivals or periodical belief festivals with changes

Before organising a first-time belief festival, a belief festival restored after a period of interruption, or a periodical belief festival with changes in scale, content, duration or location, the representative or management board of the belief establishment shall submit a written registration to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the festival is to be organised, except belief festivals forming part of intangible cultural heritage included in the inventory list or inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage, or organised at belief establishments included in the relic inventory or classification list.

Article 18. Management and use of revenues from the organisation of belief festivals

1. The representative or management board of a belief establishment shall manage and use revenues generated from the organisation of belief festivals for proper purposes, and ensure publicity and transparency.

2. Within 20 days from the date of conclusion of a belief festival, the representative or management board of the belief establishment shall provide written notification of the revenues and use purposes of such revenues to the competent state agency that has received the notification or registration for organisation of the festival under Clause 1, Article 16, and Article 17, of this Law.

3. The competent state agency specified in Clause 1, Article 16, and Article 17, of this Law shall examine the management and use of revenues generated from the organisation of belief festivals.

Chapter IV

REGISTRATION OF CONCENTRATED RELIGIOUS PRACTICE AND REGISTRATION OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Article 19. Conditions for registration of concentrated religious practice, and competence to approve and revoke documents approving registration of concentrated religious practice

1. Religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations shall register concentrated religious practice for believers in localities where conditions for establishing subordinate religious organisations have not yet been satisfied; organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall register concentrated religious practice for their members when fully satisfying the following conditions:

a/ Having lawful premises for concentrated religious practice;

b/ Having a representative who satisfies the conditions specified in Points a, b and d, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;

c/ Ensuring that the name of the group conducting concentrated religious practice does not coincide with the name of a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities, the name of a political organisation or socio-political organisation, or the name of a notable figure or national hero;

d/ Ensuring that the content of religious practice does not fall into any of the cases specified in Article 7 of this Law.

2. Persons following a religion who do not fall into the case specified in Clause 1 of this Article may register concentrated religious practice if they have religious doctrines and religious law and fully satisfy the conditions specified in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. The commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the proposed venue for concentrated religious practice is located shall provide a written response regarding the registration of concentrated religious practice.

4. A group conducting concentrated religious practice may change its venue for concentrated religious practice or change its representative in accordance with law.

5. If a group conducting concentrated religious practice fails to conduct religious practice within 6 months, the document approving the registration of concentrated religious practice issued by the commune-level People’s Committee will become invalid, except in force majeure cases as specified by the civil law.

6. The commune-level People’s Committee may revoke the document approving the registration of concentrated religious practice in any of the following cases:

a/ The group conducting concentrated religious practice commits any of the acts specified in Clause 4 or 5, Article 7 of this Law;

b/ At the request of the religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities specified in Clause 1 of this Article;

c/ At the request of the representative of the group conducting concentrated religious practice specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 20. Conditions for issuance of a certificate of registration for religious activities, and competence to approve and revoke documents certifying registration of religious activities

1. An organisation shall be issued a certificate of registration for religious activities when it fully satisfies the following conditions:

a/ Having religious doctrines, law, rituals and activities that do not fall into any of the cases specified in Article 7 of this Law;

b/ Having principles, purposes and operational regulations that are not contrary to law;

c/ Ensuring that the name of the organisation does not coincide with the name of a religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities, the name of a political organisation or socio-political organisation, or the name of a notable figure or national hero;

d/ Having a representative or leader who satisfies the conditions specified in Points a, b and d, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;

dd/ Having lawful premises for its headquarters.

2. Competence to issue certificates of registration for religious activities:

a/ The provincial-level People’s Committee shall provide a written response regarding the issuance of a certificate of registration for religious activities to an organisation whose area of operation is within its province or city;

b/ The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the issuance of a certificate of registration for religious activities to an organisation whose area of operation covers several provinces and/or cities.

3. If an organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities fails to conduct religious activities within 1 year, the certificate of registration for religious activities issued by the competent state agency will become invalid, except in force majeure cases as specified by the civil law.

4. The competent state agency specified in Clause 2 of this Article may revoke a certificate of registration for religious activities in any of the following cases:

a/ The organisation possessing the certificate of registration for religious activities commits one of the acts specified in Clause 4 or 5, Article 7 of this Law;

b/ At the request of the representative of the organisation possessing the certificate of registration for religious activities.

Chapter V

RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

Section 1

RECOGNITION AND DISSOLUTION OF RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS; ESTABLISHMENT, DIVISION, SEPARATION, MERGER, CONSOLIDATION AND DISSOLUTION OF SUBORDINATE RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

Article 21. Conditions and competence to recognise religious organisations

1. An organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall be recognised as a religious organisation when it fully satisfies the following conditions:

a/ Having conducted stable and continuous activities for at least 5 years from the date of issuance of a certificate of registration for religious activities;

b/ Ensuring that contents of religious activities do not fall into any of the cases specified in Article 7 of this Law;

c/ Having a charter in accordance with Article 22 of this Law;

d/ Having a representative or leader who satisfies the conditions specified in Points a, b and d, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;

dd/ Having an organisational structure in accordance with its charter;

e/ Having property independent of other individuals and organisations and assuming responsibility with its own property;

g/ Participating independently in legal relations in its name.

2. Competence to recognise religious organisations:

a/ The provincial-level People’s Committee shall provide a written response regarding the recognition of a religious organisation whose area of operation is within its province or city;

b/ The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the recognition of a religious organisation whose area of operation covers several provinces and/or cities.

Article 22. Charters of religious organisations

1. The charter of a religious organisation must contain the following basic contents:

a/ The name of the organisation;

b/ The principles, purposes and principles of operation;

c/ The area of operation and headquarters;

d/ Finance and property;

dd/ The legal representative;

e/ The functions, tasks, powers, organisational structure and seal specimens of the religious organisation and subordinate religious organisations;

g/ The tasks, powers and terms of office of the leadership board and members of the leadership board of the religious organisation and subordinate religious organisations;

h/ Conditions, standards, competence and procedures for conferring religious ranks, appointing, electing, nominating, transferring, dismissing, removing from office or suspending religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and religious practitioners;

i/ Conditions, competence and procedures for dissolution of the religious organisation; establishment, division, separation, merger, consolidation and dissolution of subordinate religious organisations;

k/ Organisation of conferences, seminars and congresses; procedures for adoption of decisions and amendment and supplementation of the charter; principles and methods of settlement of internal disputes within the organisation;

l/ Principles and responsibilities for conducting religious activities in cyberspace;

m/ Relationships between the religious organisation and its subordinate religious organisations, and between the religious organisation and other related organisations and individuals.

2. Amendment of a charter:

a/ A religious organisation wishing to amend its charter shall register such amendment with the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 21 of this Law;

b/ A religious organisation may operate under its amended charter from the date it is approved by the competent state agency.

Article 23. Names of religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations

1. A religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation must have a name in Vietnamese; such name must not coincide with the name of another religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities, the name of a political organisation or socio-political organisation, or the name of a notable figure or national hero.

2. The name of a religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall be recognised and protected by law and may be used in relations with other organisations and individuals.

3. A religious organisation wishing to change its name must obtain approval from the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 21 of this Law.

4. In case a subordinate religious organisation wishes to change its name, the religious organisation shall file a request to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 26 of this Law for approval.

Article 24. Change of headquarters of religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations

1. A religious organisation wishing to change its headquarters shall obtain approval from the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the new headquarters is to be located and provide written notification to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 21 of this Law.

2. A subordinate religious organisation wishing to change its headquarters shall obtain approval from the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the new headquarters is to be located and provide written notification to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 26 of this Law.

Article 25. Establishment, division, separation, merger and consolidation of subordinate religious organisations

1. Religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations may establish subordinate religious organisations; divide or separate a subordinate religious organisation into new subordinate religious organisations; merge subordinate religious organisations into other subordinate religious organisations; or consolidate subordinate religious organisations into a new subordinate religious organisation.

2. After division, the divided subordinate religious organisation shall cease to exist; the rights and obligations of the divided subordinate religious organisation shall be transferred to the new subordinate religious organisations.

3. After the separation, the separated subordinate religious organisation and the subordinate religious organisation resulting from the separation shall exercise their rights and perform their obligations in accordance with their operational purposes.

4. After the merger, the merged subordinate religious organisation shall cease to exist; the rights and obligations of the merged subordinate religious organisation shall be transferred to the subordinate religious organisation into which it is merged.

5. After the consolidation, the former subordinate religious organisations shall cease to exist from the time the new subordinate religious organisation is established; the rights and obligations of the former subordinate religious organisations shall be transferred to the new subordinate religious organisation.

Article 26. Conditions and competence to establish, divide, separate, merge and consolidate subordinate religious organisations

1. A religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation may establish, divide, separate, merge or consolidate subordinate religious organisations when fully satisfying the following conditions:

a/ The charter of the religious organisation contains provisions on the establishment, division, separation, merger and consolidation of subordinate religious organisations;

b/ The contents of activities of the subordinate religious organisation(s) before division, separation, merger or consolidation do not fall into any of the cases specified in Article 7 of this Law;

c/ Having a representative or leader who satisfies the conditions specified in Points a, b and d, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;

d/ Having lawful premises for its headquarters.

2. Competence to approve the establishment, division, separation, merger and consolidation of subordinate religious organisations:

a/ The provincial-level People’s Committee shall provide a written response regarding the establishment, division, separation, merger or consolidation of subordinate religious organisations whose area of operation is within its province or city;

b/ The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the establishment, division, separation, merger or consolidation of subordinate religious organisations whose area of operation covers several provinces and/or cities.

3. After obtaining approval from the competent state agency, a religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall issue a document on the establishment, division, separation, merger or consolidation of a subordinate religious organisation(s) and provide written notification to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

Past 1 year from the date of approval by the competent state agency, if the religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation has not established, divided, separated, merged or consolidated a subordinate religious organisation(s), the approval document will become invalid.

Article 27. Legal entity status of religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations

1. A religious organisation shall become a non-commercial legal entity from the date of recognition by a competent state agency.

2. A religious organisation shall request the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the headquarters of the subordinate religious organisation is located to grant registration of non-commercial legal entity status to the subordinate religious organisation when the conditions specified in Points dd, e and g, Clause 1, Article 21 of this Law are satisfied.

Article 28. Dissolution of religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations

1. A religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall be dissolved in any of the following cases:

a/ As stated in its charter;

b/ It does not conduct religious activities for 1 year from the date on which the competent state agency recognises or approves its establishment, division, separation, merger or consolidation; or it suspends religious activities for 1 whole year;

c/ Upon the expiry of the period of suspension of all religious activities, it has failed to remedy the causes leading to such suspension.

2. Competence to dissolve a religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation:

a/ The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the headquarters of the religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation is located shall provide a written response regarding the request for dissolution of the religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation as specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article;

b/ The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the headquarters of the religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation is located shall dissolve, or request the religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation to dissolve, a subordinate religious organisation that falls into the case specified in Point b or c, Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Before its dissolution, a religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall fully perform its property obligations. The property of a dissolved religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall be dealt with in accordance with the civil law.

Section 2

CONFERRAL OF RELIGIOUS RANKS, APPOINTMENT, ELECTION, NOMINATION, TRANSFER, DISMISSAL, REMOVAL FROM OFFICE AND SUSPENSION OF RELIGIOUS DIGNITARIES, RELIGIOUS FUNCTIONARIES AND RELIGIOUS PRACTITIONERS

Article 29. Conferral of religious ranks, appointment, election and nomination of religious dignitaries and religious functionaries

1. Religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations may conduct the conferral of religious ranks, appointment, election and nomination in accordance with the charters of the religious organisations.

2. Persons who are conferred religious ranks, appointed, elected or nominated must satisfy the conditions specified in Points a, b and d, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Law.

3. The conferral of religious ranks, appointment, election and nomination involving foreign elements must comply with Article 47 of this Law.

Article 30. Notification of persons conferred religious ranks or nominated as religious dignitaries

1. A religious organisation shall, within 20 days from the date of conferral or nomination, provide written notification to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of persons conferred religious ranks or nominated as most venerable, venerable, elder Bhikkhuni and Bhikkhuni of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha; bishops and priests of the Catholic Church in Vietnam; pastors of Protestant organisations; dignitaries holding the rank of archbishop or higher of Cao Dai Churches; dignitaries holding the rank of lecturer or higher of the Pure Land Buddhist Association of Vietnam; and holders of equivalent ranks of other religious organisations.

2. For cases of conferral of religious ranks or nomination of religious dignitaries not specified in Clause 1 of this Article, within 20 days from the date of conferral or nomination, the religious organisation shall provide written notification to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the religious dignitary resides and conducts religious activities.

3. In case a person conferred a religious rank or nominated as a religious dignitary fails to comply with Clauses 1 and 2, Article 29 of this Law, the competent state agency specified in Clause 1 or 2 of this Article shall issue a written request for the religious organisation to cancel the result of the conferral or nomination of the religious dignitary.

Within 20 days from the date of receipt of the written request, the religious organisation shall cancel the result of the conferral or nomination of the religious dignitary and shall provide written notification of such cancellation to the competent state agency specified in Clause 1 or 2 of this Article.

Article 31. Registration of persons appointed, elected or nominated as religious functionaries

1. Before appointing or nominating the following religious functionaries, a religious organisation shall submit a registration dossier to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs:

a/ Members of the leadership of a religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation whose area of operation covers several provinces and/or cities;

b/ Members of the leadership of a religious training institution.

2. For cases not specified in Clause 1 of this Article, before appointing or nominating religious functionaries, a religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall submit a registration dossier to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the religious functionary resides and conducts religious activities.

3. Before appointing or nominating religious functionaries, an organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall submit a registration dossier to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of this Law.

4. A religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall provide written notification of the results of the appointment or nomination of religious functionaries to the competent state agency specified in Clause 1, 2 or 3 of this Article within 20 days from the date of appointment or nomination.

5. Within 10 working days from the date on which the results of the election of religious functionaries are available, a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall submit a registration dossier to the competent state agency in accordance with Clause 1, 2 or 3 of this Article.

6. For persons expected to lead organisations as specified in Articles 26 and 34 of this Law, after being approved by the competent state agency, the organisations concerned shall notify the results regarding the persons appointed, elected or nominated in accordance with Clause 4 of this Article.

Article 32. Transfer of religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and religious practitioners

1. Before transferring religious dignitaries, religious functionaries and religious practitioners, a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall provide written notification to the provincial-level People’s Committees of the locality from which the concerned person is expected to be transferred and the locality to which the concerned person is expected to be transferred at least 20 days in advance.

2. Before transferring religious dignitaries, religious functionaries or religious practitioners who currently have criminal records, a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall submit a written registration to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality to which the concerned person is expected to be transferred.

3. Before simultaneously transferring and appointing a religious functionary, a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall comply with Article 31 of this Law and notify such to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality from which the concerned person is expected to be transferred.

Article 33. Dismissal, removal from office and suspension of religious dignitaries and religious functionaries

1. A religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall dismiss, remove from office or suspend religious dignitaries and religious functionaries in accordance with its charter.

Within 20 days from the date of issuance of a document on the dismissal, removal from office or suspension of a religious dignitary or religious functionary, the religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation shall provide written notification to the competent state agency specified in Clause 1 or 2, Article 30, or Clause 1 or 2, Article 31, of this Law.

2. An organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall dismiss, remove from office or suspend religious functionaries in accordance with its operational regulations.

Within 20 days from the date of issuance of a document on the dismissal, removal from office or suspension of a religious functionary, the organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall provide written notification to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of this Law.

3. The competent state agency specified in Clause 1, 2 or 3, Article 31 of this Law has the competence to suspend, or request a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities to suspend, a religious functionary from holding office in any of the following cases:

a/ The religious functionary commits any of the acts specified in Article 7 of this Law;

b/ The religious functionary violates the conditions and standards for the conferral of religious ranks, appointment, election, nomination, transfer, dismissal or removal from office of religious dignitaries, religious functionaries or religious practitioners;

c/ The religious functionary uses forged documents to be appointed, elected or nominated as a religious functionary.

Section 3

RELIGIOUS TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND RELIGIOUS TRAINING COURSES

Article 34. Conditions and competence to establish religious training institutions

1. A religious organisation may establish a religious training institution for religious training when it fully satisfies the conditions specified in Clause 1, Article 26 of this Law and the following conditions:

a/ Having physical facilities for religious training activities;

b/ Having regulations on organisation and operation consistent with the principles and purposes of the religious organisation; and having enrolment regulations;

c/ Having training programmes and contents that are not contrary to law; and including subjects on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese law in the training programmes;

d/ Having managerial and teaching personnel who satisfy training requirements.

2. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the establishment of a religious training institution.

3. After obtaining approval from the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, the religious organisation shall issue a document establishing the religious training institution.

Past 3 years from the date of approval by the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, if the religious organisation has not established the religious training institution, the approval document will become invalid.

4. Religious training institutions do not belong to the national education system.

Article 35. Operation of religious training institutions

1. At least 20 days before the date on which a religious training institution commences operation, the representative of the religious training institution shall provide written notification to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the operation of the religious training institution, together with the establishment document, regulations on organisation and operation, enrolment regulations, list of members of the leadership, and report on financial resources and physical facilities for operation.

2. The organisation of training and enrolment by a religious training institution must comply with the notified regulations on organisation and operation and enrolment regulations.

3. A religious training institution wishing to amend its regulations on organisation and operation or enrolment regulations shall register such amendment with the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

A religious training institution may operate under the amended regulations after obtaining approval from the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

4. A religious training institution shall provide written notification to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the results of each training course within 20 days from the date of completion of the course.

5. The training level, training form and training methods of a religious training institution must conform with the Government’s training programme standards.

6. The study of foreigners at religious training institutions in Vietnam must comply with Article 45 of this Law.

Article 36. Guidance on programmes and contents of teaching subjects on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese law

The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with related ministries and sectors in, providing guidance on the programmes and contents of teaching subjects on Vietnamese history and Vietnamese law for religious training institutions.

Article 37. Organisation of religious training courses

1. A religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities that organises religious training courses for persons engaged in specialised religious activities shall provide written notification to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the course is organised at least 20 days before the opening date of the course.

2. A religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities that organises religious training courses not falling into the case specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall provide written notification to the commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the course is organised at least 20 days before the opening date of the course.

3. In case the organisation of a religious training course involves any of the acts specified in Article 7 of this Law, the competent state agency specified in Clause 1 or 2 of this Article shall issue a written request for the religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities not to organise or to discontinue the training course.

Article 38. Dissolution of religious training institutions

1. A religious training institution shall be dissolved in any of the following cases:

a/ Upon decision of the religious organisation;

b/ Past 3 years from the date on which the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs approves its establishment, the religious training institution still fails to conduct training activities;

c/ Past the period of suspension of all religious training activities, the religious training institution has not remedied the causes leading to such suspension.

2. Competence to approve dissolution of a religious training institution:

a/ The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the headquarters of the religious training institution is located shall provide a written response regarding a religious organisation’s request for dissolution of a religious training institution as specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article;

b/ The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the headquarters of the religious training institution is located shall dissolve, or request the religious organisation to dissolve, the religious training institution in the case specified in Point b or c, Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Before their dissolution, the religious organisation and religious training institution shall perform all of their property-related obligations. The property of the dissolved religious training institution shall be handled in accordance with the civil law.

Chapter VI

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES; PUBLISHING, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, SOCIAL PROTECTION, CHARITABLE AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES OF RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

Section 1

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES

Article 39. Notification of lists of religious activities

1. A religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall provide written notification of the list of annual religious activities within 30 days from the date of recognition, approval or issuance of a certificate of registration for religious activities, specifically as follows:

a/ An organisation whose area of religious activities is within one commune, ward or special zone shall send notification to the commune-level People’s Committee;

b/ An organisation whose area of religious activities covers several communes, wards or special zones within one province or city shall send notification to the provincial-level People’s Committee;

c/ An organisation whose area of religious activities covers several provinces or cities shall send notification to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

2. Notification of the list of annual religious activities shall be made only once. For religious activities not included in the notified list, the representative of the organisation shall provide supplementary notification to the competent state agency specified in Clause 1 of this Article at least 20 days before the date on which such activities take place.

Article 40. Conferences and seminars of religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations

1. A religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation organising an annual conference shall provide written notification to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2, Article 41 of this Law at least 20 days before the date of organisation of the conference.

2. A religious organisation or subordinate religious organisation organising a seminar, interfaith conference or conference involving foreign elements shall submit a written request to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the event is expected to be held.

Article 41. Congresses of religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations and organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities

1. Before organising a congress, a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall submit a dossier of request to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. Competence to approve the organisation of congresses:

a/ The commune-level People’s Committee shall provide a written response regarding the organisation of a congress of a subordinate religious organisation whose area of operation is within one commune, ward or special zone;

b/ The provincial-level People’s Committee shall provide a written response regarding the organisation of a congress of a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities whose area of operation covers several communes, wards or special zones within one province or city;

c/ The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the organisation of congresses not falling into the case specified in Point a or b of this Clause.

Article 42. Religious ceremonies and preaching outside registered religious establishments and lawful premises

1. Before organising a religious ceremony outside a registered religious establishment or lawful premises, a religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities shall submit a written registration to the competent state agency specified in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. Before preaching outside the assigned area of responsibility or a registered religious establishment or lawful premises, a religious dignitary, religious functionary or religious practitioner shall submit a written registration to the competent state agency specified in Clause 3 of this Article.

3. Competence to approve the organisation of religious ceremonies and preaching activities outside religious establishments and lawful premises:

a/ The commune-level People’s Committee of the locality where the religious ceremonies or preaching activities are expected to be organised shall provide a written response regarding the organisation of religious ceremonies or preaching within one commune, ward or special zone;

b/ The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the religious ceremonies or preaching activities are expected to be organised shall provide a written response regarding the organisation of religious ceremonies or preaching not falling into the case specified in Point a of this Clause.

4. The competent state agency of the locality where religious ceremonies or preaching activities are organised shall support the maintenance of security and order for such ceremonies or preaching activities.

Section 2

RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES INVOLVING FOREIGN ELEMENTS

Article 43. Conditions for registration of concentrated religious practice, competence to approve registration and revoke written approvals for registration of concentrated religious practice by foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam

1. Foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam may register for concentrated religious practice in Vietnam when they fully satisfy the following conditions:

a/ Having religious doctrines, religious law and contents of religious practice that do not fall into any of the cases specified in Article 7 of this Law;

b/ Having a lawful place for concentrated religious practice;

c/ Having a representative who satisfies the conditions specified in Points b and d, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Law;

d/ Ensuring that the name of the group conducting concentrated religious practice must not be identical to the name of any religious organisation, subordinate religious organisation or organisation possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities, the name of any political organisation or socio-political organisation, or the name of a notable figure or national hero.

2. The provincial-level People’s Committee shall provide a written response regarding the registration of concentrated religious practice by foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam.

3. A group registered for concentrated religious practice may change its place of concentrated religious practice or its representative in accordance with law.

4. If, within 6 months, a group conducting concentrated religious practice fails to organise religious practice, the written approval for registration of concentrated religious practice issued by the provincial-level People’s Committee will become invalid, except in force majeure cases as specified by the civil law.

5. The provincial-level People’s Committee shall revoke the written approval for registration of concentrated religious practice in any of the following cases:

a/ The group conducting concentrated religious practice commits any of the acts specified in Clause 4 or 5, Article 7 of this Law;

b/ At the request of the representative of the group conducting concentrated religious practice as specified in Point c, Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 44. Religious activities and international religious relations activities of foreign organisations and individuals in Vietnam

1. Before inviting foreign organisations or individuals into Vietnam to conduct religious activities or international religious relations activities, religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations shall submit dossiers of request to the competent state agency specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. Competence to approve religious activities and international religious relations activities of foreign organisations and individuals in Vietnam:

a/ The provincial-level People’s Committee shall provide a written response regarding the invitation of foreign organisations or individuals into Vietnam to conduct religious activities in one province or city;

b/ The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding the invitation of foreign organisations or individuals into Vietnam to conduct religious activities in more than one province or city, or to conduct international religious relations activities.

3. Before inviting foreign religious dignitaries or religious practitioners or Vietnamese persons holding religious dignitary positions in foreign religious organisations to preach, organisations possessing a certificate of registration of religious activities shall submit dossiers of request to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where such dignitaries or practitioners are to preach.

4. Before inviting foreign religious dignitaries or religious practitioners to preach, a group conducting concentrated religious practice of foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam shall submit a written request to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the group’s place of concentrated religious practice is located.

5. During preaching activities, foreign religious dignitaries and religious practitioners shall respect the regulations of religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations and organisations possessing a certificate of registration of religious activities in Vietnam and comply with Vietnamese law.

Article 45. Foreigners studying at religious training establishments in Vietnam

1. Foreigners studying at religious training establishments in Vietnam must be lawfully residing in Vietnam, comply with Vietnamese law, voluntarily register for study and have their dossiers of request submitted by the religious training establishment to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the religious training establishment is located.

2. The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the religious training establishment is located shall provide a written response regarding foreigners studying at religious training establishments in Vietnam.

Article 46. Participation in religious activities and religious training abroad

1. Before sending religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners and believers to participate in religious activities abroad, religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations shall submit dossiers of request to the provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where such dignitaries, functionaries, practitioners and believers reside and conduct religious activities.

2. Before sending religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners and believers to participate in religious training activities abroad, religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations shall submit dossiers of request to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

3. The competent state agencies specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article shall provide written responses regarding the sending by religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations of religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners and believers to participate in religious activities and religious training abroad.

Article 47. Ordination, appointment, election and nomination involving foreign elements

1. Ordination, appointment, election and nomination involving foreign elements include the following cases:

a/ Foreign religious organisations ordaining, appointing, electing or nominating Vietnamese citizens in Vietnam;

b/ Religious organisations in Vietnam ordaining or nominating religious ranks for foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam.

2. Persons ordained, appointed, elected or nominated as specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article must fully satisfy the conditions specified in Clause 2, Article 29 of this Law.

3. Persons ordained or nominated for religious ranks as specified in Point b, Clause 1 of this Article must fully satisfy the following conditions:

a/ The conditions specified in Points b and d, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Law, for persons ordained or nominated as religious dignitaries;

b/ Having received religious training at a religious training establishment in Vietnam;

c/ Complying with Vietnamese law.

4. Competence to approve ordination, appointment, election and nomination involving foreign elements:

a/ The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding ordination, appointment, election and nomination involving foreign elements as specified in Point a, Clause 1 of this Article;

b/ The provincial-level People’s Committee of the locality where the concerned foreigner resides and conducts religious activities shall provide a written response regarding the ordination or nomination of religious ranks for foreigners lawfully residing in Vietnam.

5. For Vietnamese citizens who are ordained, appointed, elected or nominated by foreign religious organisations abroad and return to Vietnam to serve as religious dignitaries or religious functionaries, the managing religious organisations or subordinate religious organisations shall submit registration dossiers to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Article 48. International relations activities of religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners and believers

1. Religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners and believers shall conduct international relations activities in accordance with the charter of religious organisations and in conformity with Vietnamese law.

2. When conducting international relations activities, religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations, religious dignitaries, religious functionaries, religious practitioners and believers shall comply with Vietnamese law and the laws of concerned foreign countries.

Article 49. Accession to foreign religious organisations

1. Before acceding a foreign religious organisation, a religious organisation shall submit an application dossier to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

2. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall provide a written response regarding a religious organisation’s application for accession to a foreign religious organisation.

3. When terminating participation in a foreign religious organisation, a religious organisation shall provide written notification to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Section 3

PUBLISHING, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, SOCIAL PROTECTION, CHARITABLE AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIVITIES

Article 50. Publishing, production, export and import of cultural products

Religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations may publish religious scriptures and other publications on belief and religion; produce, export and import cultural products relating to belief and religion, and religious articles in accordance with the law on publishing and other relevant laws.

Article 51. Education, healthcare, social protection, charitable and humanitarian activities

Religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations may participate in education and healthcare activities; and may conduct social protection, charitable and humanitarian activities to serve national development, ensure social welfare, and strengthen the great national unity bloc in accordance with relevant laws.

Chapter VII

PROPERTY BELONGING TO BELIEF ESTABLISHMENTS AND RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS

Article 52. Management and use of property belonging to belief establishments and religious organisations

1. Property belonging to belief establishments and religious organisations includes property formed from contributions by members of organisations; donations and gifts from organisations and individuals; and other sources as specified by law.

2. Property belonging to belief establishments and religious organisations shall be managed and used for proper purposes, in a public and transparent manner, and in accordance with law.

3. Belief establishments and religious establishments formed according to customs, contributed, donated or jointly given by members of a residential community, or formed from other lawful sources to serve the belief and religious needs of the residential community, are property under the common ownership of that residential community.

4. The conversion, transfer, donation, lease, mortgage or capital contribution involving property in the form of land use rights must comply with relevant laws.

5. The receipt and management of donations from foreign organisations and individuals by religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations; and donations collected by representatives and management boards of belief establishments, religious organisations and subordinate religious organisations must comply with law.

Article 53. Land for belief activities and land for religious activities

Land for belief activities and land for religious activities shall be managed and used in accordance with the land law.

Article 54. Renovation, upgrading, preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and construction of belief works, religious works and auxiliary works

1. The renovation, upgrading and construction of belief works, religious works and auxiliary works must comply with the construction law and other relevant laws.

2. The preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of belief establishments and religious establishments that are relics included in the relic inventory list or have been ranked by competent state agencies must comply with the law on cultural heritage, the construction law and other relevant laws.

Article 55. Relocation of belief works and religious works

The relocation of belief works and religious works for the purposes of national defence, security and socio-economic development, or national and public interests must comply with the land law, the construction law, the law on cultural heritage and other relevant laws.

Chapter VIII

STATE MANAGEMENT OF BELIEF AND RELIGION

Article 56. Contents of state management of belief and religion

1. Formulating and submitting to competent agencies for promulgation, or promulgating within competence, legal documents on belief and religion.

2. Disseminating and educating the law on belief and religion.

3. Guiding the application of legal documents; receiving and handling proposals and recommendations regarding legal documents; providing training, further training, and professional guidance on belief and religion.

4. Inspecting, examining and supervising compliance with the law on belief and religion.

5. Settling complaints and denunciations and handling violations of the law on belief and religion.

6. Conducting international cooperation on belief and religion.

7. Reporting on the implementation of the law on belief and religion.

8. Applying, and promoting the development of, science, technology, innovation and digital transformation in state management of belief and religion; developing, managing and exploiting databases on belief and religion.

9. Decentralising and delegating competence over contents of state management of belief and religion.

Article 57. Competence for state management of belief and religion

1. The Government shall perform the unified state management of belief and religion nationwide.

2. The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs shall be accountable to the Government for performing the state management of belief and religion.

3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-attached agencies and provincial-level People’s Committees shall, within the ambit of their functions, tasks and powers, coordinate with the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in performing tasks within their competence related to belief and religion.

4. People’s Committees at all levels shall, within the ambit of their tasks and powers, perform the state management of belief and religion in their respective localities.

Article 58. Specialised inspection of belief and religion

1. Specialised inspection of belief and religion is inspection activities conducted by competent state agencies with respect to agencies, organisations and individuals regarding compliance with the law on belief and religion.

The Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs has the competence to conduct specialised inspections of belief and religion nationwide. Chairpersons of People’s Committees at all levels have the competence to conduct specialised inspections of belief and religion within the scope of state management of their respective People’s Committees.

2. Specialised inspectors of belief and religion shall perform the following tasks:

a/ Inspecting People’s Committees at all levels in implementing policies and laws on belief and religion;

b/ Inspecting organisations and individuals in implementing the law on belief and religion;

c/ Inspecting cases showing signs of violations of the law on belief and religion.

Article 59. Complaints, denunciations and lawsuits regarding belief and religion

1. Representatives and management boards of belief establishments; religious organisations; subordinate religious organisations; organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities; religious dignitaries; religious functionaries; religious practitioners; believers; and other organisations and individuals with related rights and obligations have the right to file complaints, initiate administrative or civil lawsuits, or request courts to resolve civil matters to protect their lawful rights and interests in accordance with law.

2. Individuals have the right to denounce acts violating the law on belief and religion. The settlement of denunciations of violations of the law on belief and religion must comply with the law on denunciations.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 60. Effect

1. This Law takes effect on January 1, 2027.

2. Law No. 02/2016/QH14 on Belief and Religion, which has a number of articles amended and supplemented under Law No. 84/2025/QH15, will cease to be effective on the date this Law takes effect, except the case specified in Clause 1, Article 61 of this Law.

3. The Government shall detail Article 8; Clause 5, Article 9; Clauses 1, 3 and 4, Article 14; Clause 2, and Point b, Clause 3, Article 15; Clause 1, Articles 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21; Clause 2, Article 22; Clauses 3 and 4, Article 23; Articles 24 and 26; Clause 2, Article 27; Clauses 2 and 3, Article 28; Articles 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41; Clauses 1, 2 and 3, Article 42; Article 43; Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4, Article 44; Articles 45 and 46; Clauses 4 and 5, Article 47; Article 49; and Clause 5, Article 52, of this Law, as well as measures for organising and guiding the implementation of this Law.

Article 61. Transitional provisions

1. In case administrative procedure dossiers have been received by competent state agencies before the effective date of this Law, the provisions of Law No. 02/2016/QH14 on Belief and Religion, which has a number of articles amended and supplemented under Law No. 84/2025/QH15, and relevant legal documents shall continue to apply.

2. For organisations that were have been issued a certificate of registration for religious activities before the effective date of this Law, the period for recognition as religious organisations as specified in Clause 1, Article 21 of this Law shall be counted from the date of issuance of such certificate.

3. Within 30 days from the effective date of this Law, religious organisations, subordinate religious organisations and organisations possessing a certificate of registration for religious activities that have not yet notified their lists of religious activities in accordance with Articles 43 and 67 of Law No. 02/2016/QH14 on Belief and Religion, which has a number of articles amended and supplemented under Law No. 84/2025/QH15, shall notify the lists of annual religious activities to the competent state agencies specified 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 notified their belief activities in accordance with Articles 12 and 67 of Law No. 02/2016/QH14 on Belief and Religion, which has a number of articles amended and supplemented under Law No. 84/2025/QH15, shall notify their annual belief activities to the competent state agencies specified in Point a or b, Clause 2, Article 15 of this Law.

This Law was passed on April 23, 2026, by the 16^th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at its first session.

Chairman of the National Assembly
TRAN THANH MAN