Law on the Specialised Court at the International Financial Centre 2025, No. 150/2025/QH15

LAW

ON THE SPECIALISED COURT AT THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE^[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 the Specialised Court at the International Financial Centre.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Law prescribes the duties and powers; the organisational structure; jurisdiction, order and procedures for legal proceedings; the enforcement of judgments and decisions; Judges, Court Clerks and representatives of the parties; and the assurance of operations of the Specialised Court at the International Financial Centre (below referred to as the Specialised Court).

Article 2. Subjects of application

This Law applies to the Specialised Court, Members of the International Financial Centre, investors, agencies, organisations, and individuals involved in the resolution of cases falling within the jurisdiction of the Specialised Court.

Article 3. Principles of organisation and operation of the Specialised Court

1. Independence in the exercise of its adjudicatory jurisdiction.

2. Judges shall adjudicate independently and only in accordance with the law.

3. Ensuring equality before the law and before the Court.

4. Guaranteeing the regime that cases are subject to adjudication at both first‑instance and appellate levels.

5. The Court shall conduct hearings publicly, except in case in-camera proceedings are provided by this Law.

6. Cases shall be determined fairly, transparently, impartially, objectively, promptly, and effectively.

7. Ensuring adversarial proceedings in the adjudication of cases.

8. Procedural rules shall be flexible and specialised in conformity with international standards and practices.

9. Guaranteeing the right to self-determination of the parties.

Article 4. Interpretation of terms

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

1. Specialised Court at the International Financial Centre means a Court belonging to the People’s Court system that is organised and operates in accordance with this Law and has jurisdiction to hear and determine cases at the International Financial Centre.

2. Procedural Rules of the Specialised Court means legal regulations issued by the Supreme People’s Court for the resolution of cases at the Specialised Court (below referred to as the Procedural Rules).

3. Judge means a Judge of the Specialised Court appointed in accordance with this Law.

4. Court Clerk means a Clerk of the Specialised Court appointed in accordance with this Law.

5. Parties means the claimant (plaintiff, applicant), the respondent (defendant, adverse party), and the third parties.

6. Case management conference means a meeting convened by the Judge with the parties to discuss matters relating to the progress and process of case resolution, and to issue directions to ensure the case is determined promptly, fairly, and effectively.

Article 5. Principles for the application of law governing the organisation and operation of the Specialised Court

1. In case of any discrepancy between the provisions of this Law and those of other laws or resolutions of the National Assembly regarding the same matter, the provisions of this Law shall prevail.

In case of the existence of different legal documents containing conflicting provisions on the same matter, the legal documents detailing and guiding the implementation of this Law shall apply.

2. In case other laws or resolutions of the National Assembly promulgated after the effective date of this Law contain more specific or favourable provisions related to the Specialised Court, such provisions shall apply.

3. In case a treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a contracting party contains provisions that differ from those of this Law, the provisions of such treaty shall apply.

Article 6. Application of law for determining cases before the Specialised Court

1. The procedural law applicable to the determination of cases at the Specialised Court shall be the provisions of this Law and the Procedural Rules in the spirit of ensuring their flexibility and simplification.

2. The substantive law applicable to the determination of cases before the Specialised Court shall be applied as follows:

a/ Vietnam’s law, foreign law, or international commercial practices shall be applied as agreed upon by the parties in case the transaction involves at least one foreign individual or organisation, except the case specified in Point c of this Clause.

In case of the lack of agreement between the parties on the applicable law or an applicable law cannot be determined based on such agreement, the applicable law shall be that of the country with which the disputed relationship is most closely connected;

b/ The law governing investment and business activities at the International Financial Centre shall be applied in case the parties to the transaction are Vietnamese individuals or organisations;

c/ The law of the country where the immovable property is located shall be applied for cases related to ownership rights, other rights to immovable property, the lease of immovable property, or the use of immovable property as collateral.

3. Foreign law and international commercial practices shall not be applied in case the consequences of such application are contrary to the public order of Vietnam.

4. The Supreme People’s Court shall guide the implementation of this Article.

Chapter II

ORGANISATION OF THE COURT

Article 7. Organisation of the Specialised Court

1. The Specialised Court shall be established in Ho Chi Minh City.

2. The Specialised Court shall be composed of:

a/ The First-Instance Division;

b/ The Appellate Division;

c/ The assisting apparatus.

3. The Specialised Court shall have a Chief Judge, Deputy Chief Judge(s), Heads and Deputy Heads of Divisions, Judges, Court Clerks, other civil servants, and employees.

4. The Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court shall determine the establishment and stipulate the duties and powers of the assisting apparatus of the Specialised Court.

5. The Specialised Court shall use a seal bearing the National Emblem.

Article 8. Powers of the Specialised Court

1. Exercising the jurisdiction of the Court as provided in Article 13 of this Law.

2. The Court shall implement the provisions of this Law and the Procedural Rules for the determination of cases, including:

a/ Issuing case management decisions, decisions on the application of interim measures, suspension or termination of proceedings, and enforcement of decisions;

b/ Encouraging the parties to engage in negotiations, mediation, or other alternative dispute resolution methods;

c/ Exercising the power to request parties for the disclosure, presentation and submission of documents and evidence; and requiring attendance of witnesses;

d/ Imposing measures to deal with misbehaviours or acts obstructing judicial proceedings.

3. Resolving petitions, complaints, and denunciations relating to personnel organisation issues and operation of the Specialised Court.

4. Developing and applying judicial precedents.

5. Performing duties and exercising powers regarding the enforcement of judgments.

6. Performing other duties and exercising other powers in accordance with this Law and the Procedural Rules.

Article 9. Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge(s) of the Specialised Court

1. The appointment, relief from duty and dismissal of the Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge(s) of the Specialised Court are prescribed as follows:

a/ The Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge(s) of the Specialised Court shall be appointed, relieved from duty and dismissed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court;

b/ The term of office of the Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge(s) of the Specialised Court shall be 5 years, counting from the date of appointment;

c/ The Chief Judge and Deputy Chief Judge(s) of the Specialised Court shall be selected and appointed from among the Judges of the Specialised Court.

2. Duties and powers of the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court:

a/ Organising activities for adjudication and determination of cases before the Specialised Court; being responsible for ensuring the implementation of the principle of independence in the exercise of adjudicatory jurisdiction, and the principle that Judges adjudicate independently, and only in accordance with the law;

b/ Issuing procedural decisions and conducting procedural activities in accordance with this Law and the Procedural Rules;

c/ Performing duties and exercising powers relating to personnel organisation as delegated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court;

d/ Nominating foreign nationals and Vietnamese citizens as candidates for appointment as Judges of the Specialised Court;

dd/ Managing administrative affairs, being responsible for and reporting on the activities of the Specialised Court to the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court;

e/ Recommending to competent authorities on matters concerning the organisation and operation of the Specialised Court;

g/ Issuing regulations and guidance for litigants and representatives of parties participating in the proceedings before the Specialised Court;

h/ Organising adjudication and determination of cases in an electronic environment;

i/ Proposing the formulation and amendment of the Procedural Rules;

k/ Performing other duties and exercising other powers as provided by this Law, the Procedural Rules, and other relevant laws.

3. Duties and powers of a Deputy Chief Judge(s) of the Specialised Court:

a/ Performing duties and exercising powers as assigned by the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court;

b/ Being responsible before the law and the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court for the performance of the assigned duties and powers;

c/ Performing other duties and exercising other powers in accordance with the Procedural Rules and other relevant laws.

Article 10. Judges

1. Judges include:

a/ Foreign nationals appointed as Judges in accordance with Clause 2 of this Article;

b/ Vietnamese citizens appointed as Judges in accordance with Clause 3 of this Article.

2. A Judge who is a foreign national must fully satisfy the following criteria and conditions:

a/ Having been or being a Judge of a foreign jurisdiction; being a reputable lawyer or expert with good ethical qualities and appropriate professional expertise and competence in investment and business law;

b/ Having at least 10 years of experience in adjudicating or determining cases related to investment and business activities;

c/ Having sufficient English‑language proficiency to hear and determine cases before the Specialised Court;

d/ Being not older than 75 years and having sufficient health to ensure the performance of the assigned duties.

3. A Judge who is a Vietnamese citizen must satisfy the following criteria and conditions:

a/ In the case of appointing a Judge who is a civil servant, lawyer, arbitrator, university lecturer, scientist, or expert, such person must possess reputable standing, good ethical qualities, appropriate professional expertise, and competence in investment and business law; have at least 10 years of experience in hearing and determining cases related to investment and business activities; have sufficient English‑language proficiency to hear and determine cases at the Specialised Court; be not older than 75 years; and have sufficient health to ensure the performance of the assigned duties;

b/ In the case of appointing a Judge who is currently a Judge of the People’s Court under the Law on Organisation of People’s Courts, such person must have appropriate professional expertise, and competence in investment and business law; have at least 10 years of experience in hearing and determining cases related to investment and business activities; and have sufficient English‑language proficiency to hear and determine cases at the Specialised Court.

4. Judges shall be appointed by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam based on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court. The term of office of a Judge shall be 5 years from the date of appointment.

Judges may not act as representatives or lawyers before the Specialised Court. Judges shall perform their duties and exercise their powers in accordance with this Law and the Procedural Rules and comply with the Code of Ethics for Judges of the Specialised Court issued by the Supreme People’s Court.

5. Judges defined in Clause 2, and Point a, Clause 3, of this Article are not civil servants of the Court system, shall perform adjudicatory duties on a case-by-case basis as assigned by the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court; may hold other positions or perform other jobs, provided that there is no conflict of interest or interference with the performance of their duties at the Specialised Court.

The working regime, management, supervision, and responsibilities of Judges defined in Clause 2, and Point a, Clause 3, of this Article shall be prescribed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court.

6. Judges defined in Point b, Clause 3 of this Article are civil servants of the Court system and shall be subject to the retirement regime in accordance with the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants.

7. Judges may be relieved from duty for reasons of health, retirement, resignation, no-reappointment after the expiry of their term of office, job transfer, failure to fulfil the assigned duties, upon personal request, or other reasons.

8. Judges may be dismissed if convicted by a legally effective judgment of a court, or having breached ethical standards or committed misconduct rendering them unfit to serve as Judges.

9. Based on work requirements, Judges defined in Point b, Clause 3 of this Article may be seconded by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court to perform adjudication duties at a People’s Court; in such cases, they shall perform duties and exercise powers in accordance with the Law on the Organisation of People’s Courts.

10. The Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court shall issue regulations detailing the order and procedures for nomination and appointment, relief from duty, and dismissal of Judges; and shall determine the number of Judges.

Article 11. Protection of Judges

1. Judges shall have their honour and prestige respected, and be protected in accordance with law when performing their official duties or for the reason of official duties and in necessary circumstances.

2. Judges shall be immune from liability when performing their duties and exercising their powers in accordance with this Law and the Procedural Rules, unless there are grounds to believe that they have deliberately committed a serious violation of the law.

Article 12. Court Clerks

1. Court Clerks shall be recruited and appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court from among:

a/ Foreign nationals defined in Clause 2 of this Article;

b/ Vietnamese citizens defined in Clause 3 of this Article.

2. A Court Clerk who is a foreign national must fully satisfy the following criteria and conditions:

a/ Possessing good ethic qualities and appropriate professional knowledge and expertise;

b/ Having at least 3 years of experience in investment and business law;

c/ Having sufficient English-language proficiency to perform duties at the Specialised Court;

d/ Being not older than 60 years and having sufficient health to ensure the performance of the assigned duties.

3. A Court Clerk who is a Vietnamese citizen must satisfy the following criteria and conditions:

a/ For a person who is not a civil servant of the Court system, possessing good ethic qualities, appropriate professional knowledge and expertise; having at least 3 years of experience in investment and business law; having sufficient English-language proficiency to perform duties at the Specialised Court; and having sufficient health to ensure the performance of the assigned duties;

b/ For a person who is a civil servant of the Court system, having appropriate professional knowledge and expertise; having at least 3 years of experience in investment and business law; and having sufficient English-language proficiency to perform duties at the Specialised Court.

4. A Court Clerk has the following duties and powers:

a/ Performing clerical duties at court hearings and meetings;

b/ Performing duties relating to the administration of justice;

c/ Performing other duties and exercising other powers in accordance with this Law, the Procedural Rules, and the delegation of the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court.

5. Court Clerks defined in Clause 2, and Point a, Clause 3, of this Article are not civil servants of the Court system, shall work on a contractual basis. The working regime, management, and responsibilities of Court Clerks defined in Clause 2, and Point a, Clause 3, of this Article shall be prescribed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court.

6. Court Clerks defined in Point b, Clause 3 of this Article are civil servants of the Court system and shall be subject to the retirement regime in accordance with the Law on Cadres and Civil Servants.

7. The recruitment, appointment, relief from duty, and dismissal of Court Clerks shall be decided by the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court.

Chapter III

PROCEDURES AT THE SPECIALISED COURT

Section 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 13. Jurisdiction of the Specialised Court

1. The Specialised Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the following cases, except those related to public interests or the interests of the State:

a/ Cases arising out of investment and business activities conducted between Members of the International Financial Centre, or between a Member of the International Financial Centre and another organisation or individual that is not a Member of the International Financial Centre;

b/ Applications for the recognition and enforcement in Vietnam of judgments and decisions of foreign Courts or foreign arbitral awards arising from disputes between Members of the International Financial Centre, or between a Member of the International Financial Centre and another organisation or individual that is not a Member of the International Financial Centre;

c/ Applications related to arbitration matters between Members of the International Financial Centre, or between a Member of the International Financial Centre and another organisation or individual that is not a Member of the International Financial Centre, in accordance with the law on commercial arbitration;

d/ Other cases arising out of investment and business activities at the International Financial Centre in which least one party is a Member of the International Financial Centre, as prescribed by the Supreme People’s Court.

2. The First-Instance Division of the Specialised Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine the cases specified in Clause 1 of this Article according to the first-instance procedures.

3. The Appellate Division of the Specialised Court has the jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals against judgments or decisions of the First-Instance Division of the Specialised Court in accordance with this Law.

4. In case of a dispute as to whether a particular case belongs to the jurisdiction of the Specialised Court or of a People’s Court, the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court shall have the right to decide that such case belongs to the jurisdiction of the Specialised Court. The Supreme People’s Court shall resolve an appeal against the decision of the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court, if any. The decision of the Supreme People’s Court is final.

5. The Supreme People’s Court shall guide the implementation of this Article.

Article 14. Spoken and written language used before the Specialised Court

The spoken and written language used before the Specialised Court shall be English, or English accompanied by a Vietnamese translation. Judgments and decisions of the Court shall be issued in English, or in English accompanied by a Vietnamese translation.

Article 15. Composition of first-instance and appellate panels

1. First-instance cases shall be heard by 1 Judge. For complex cases, upon the request of the parties, the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court shall decide whether a first-instance case should be heard by a panel of 3 Judges. Appeals shall be heard by a panel of 3 Judges.

2. A Judge who has heard and determined a case according to first-instance procedures shall not be assigned to hear and determine the case on appeal.

3. The recusal or replacement of Judges or Court Clerks shall be decided in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

Article 16. Electronic proceedings

1. The filing and processing of statements of claim, service and notification of procedural documents; payment of charges, court fees, and other litigation costs; submission of documents and evidence; meetings, court hearings, and other procedural activities may be conducted in an electronic environment during the adjudication and determination of cases at the Specialised Court.

2. The adjudication and determination of cases in an electronic environment shall be conducted in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

3. The Supreme People’s Court shall develop an Electronic Specialised Court to hear and determine cases.

Article 17. Issuance, service, and notification of procedural documents

The issuance, service, and notification of statements of claim, documents, and other procedural documents shall be conducted in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

Article 18. Statute of limitations for initiation of proceedings or applications for determination of cases before the Specialised Court

Unless otherwise provided by the law on investment and business activities at the International Financial Centre or otherwise agreed by the parties, the statute of limitations for initiation of proceedings or applications for determination of cases shall be determined as follows:

1. For cases specified in Points a and b, Clause 1, Article 13 of this Law, the statute of limitations for initiating proceedings or applications is 6 years, counting from the date the event giving rise to the proceedings occurs;

2. The statute of limitations for applications specified in Point c, Clause 1, Article 13 of this Law must comply with the law on commercial arbitration.

Article 19. Representatives

1. Representatives of the parties participating in proceedings before the Specialised Court include:

a/ Vietnamese lawyers in accordance with the law on lawyers;

b/ Foreign lawyers holding a valid certificate for practicing law issued by a competent foreign agency or organisation;

c/ Legal representatives;

d/ Authorised representatives.

2. The representatives defined in Clause 1 of this Article are the lawful representatives of the parties participating in proceedings at the Specialised Court.

3. A legal person initiating or facing proceedings under this Law must be represented by a lawyer, unless otherwise provided by the Procedural Rules.

4. The participation of representatives in proceedings, and the rights and obligations of representatives, shall be subject to this Law and the Procedural Rules.

Article 20. Litigation costs at the Specialised Court

1. Litigation costs include court fees, charges, reasonable fees for lawyers, and other costs incurred in the determination of the case as decided by the Court.

2. The claimant shall pay an advance on litigation costs to guarantee the coverage of the costs to be incurred for the determination of the case as decided by the Court.

3. Parties shall bear the litigation costs corresponding to the extent of the request rejected by the Court, unless otherwise agreed by the parties. The Court shall decide on the obligations of the parties to bear litigation costs. The litigation costs decided by the Court shall be reasonable, necessary, and proportionate to the nature of the case.

4. The order, procedures, advance payment, and obligation to bear litigation costs shall be determined in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

5. The specific rates of litigation costs, and the collection, payment, management, and use of litigation costs must comply with regulations issued by the Supreme People’s Court after reaching agreement with the Ministry of Finance.

Section 2

PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINATION OF CASES AT THE SPECIALISED COURT

Article 21. Initiation of proceedings and dispatch of the statement of claim

1. Individuals and legal persons have the right to initiate proceedings at the Specialised Court to protect their lawful rights and interests.

2. The content and form of a statement of claim and accompanying documents; the procedures for dispatch of a statement of claim; and the order, procedures, and conditions for consideration of a statement of claim shall be determined in accordance with the Procedural Rules. A statement of claim and accompanying documents shall be duly served on the respondent.

3. Proceedings shall commence when the Court serves the statement of claim.

Article 22. Counterclaims by the respondent and claims by third parties

1. The respondent has the right to bring a counterclaim against the claimant or a third party.

2. A third party has the right to make a claim when the case relates to their rights and obligations.

3. The procedures for counterclaims by the respondent and claims by third parties shall be conducted in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

Article 23. Issuance of decisions on determination of the case

1. Upon the request of the claimant, the Court shall consider and render a default judgment when the respondent has been duly served with the statement of claim and accompanying documents but fails to send a written acknowledgment of the receipt of the statement of claim or a document setting out their response to the claim of the claimant within the prescribed time limit, unless there is a legitimate reason.

2. Upon the request of one party or more parties, the Court may issue a summary judgment at any stage of the proceedings when all of the following conditions are met:

a/ The claimant is unable to provide evidence supporting their claims or the respondent is unable to reject the claims of the claimant;

b/ There is no reason or persuasive basis for the case to proceed to trial.

3. Except the cases prescribed in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, the Court may issue other decisions determining the case in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

4. The conditions and procedures for considering applications for the issuance of decisions determining the case shall be determined in accordance with this Law and the Procedural Rules.

5. The review of decisions determining the case shall be conducted in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

Article 24. Case management conference

1. After the respondent has submitted a written response to the statement of claim, the Judge may convene a case management conference. The participants in the conference include:

a/ The Judge chairing the conference;

b/ The parties or their representatives;

c/ Other persons deemed necessary by the Court.

2. A case management conference shall address the following matters:

a/ The identification of the issues in dispute and the scope of the dispute;

b/ The possibility of negotiation or mediation for the settlement of the dispute;

c/ The disclosure and exchange of documents and evidence and the exchange of expert evidence (if necessary);

d/ The sequence and time limits for carrying out procedural steps;

dd/ The method of conducting proceedings, whether in person or in an electronic environment;

e/ Other relevant matters.

3. Based on the parties’ opinions, the Judge shall consider and decide on the matters specified in Clause 2 of this Article. The case management order must record the matters agreed upon by the parties, the matters not agreed upon, and the decisions of the Judge. The case management order shall be binding on the parties. In the course of its implementation, the case management order may subsequently be amended or supplemented by the Judge at the request of one party or more parties.

In case one party or more parties fail(s) to comply with the case management order prescribed in this Article, the Judge shall address such non-compliance in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

Article 25. Disclosure, presentation, and submission of documents and evidence

1. The parties have the obligations to disclose, present, and submit all documents and evidence under their management or in their possession, unless otherwise provided by the Procedural Rules.

2. Documents and evidence that a party presents or submits to the Court shall be served to the other parties. Where a party fails to serve documents or evidence to the other parties, such documents or evidence shall not be used by the Court as a basis for determining the case, unless otherwise provided by the Procedural Rules.

3. Upon the request of one party or more parties, the Court shall consider and make decision requiring agencies, organisations, or individuals to provide documents and evidence.

4. The disclosure, presentation, and submission of documents and evidence shall be conducted in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

Article 26. Expert evidence

1. The Court may permit the parties to agree on the appointment of an expert, or the Court itself may appoint an expert when necessary. Experts are responsible for providing independent, impartial, and objective opinions.

2. The appointment of experts; the provision and submission of expert reports and accompanying documents; the use of expert evidence; the responsibilities of experts; and other related matters must comply with the Procedural Rules.

Article 27. Application of interim measures

1. The disputing parties have the right to request the Court to apply interim measures during the proceedings or prior to the commencement of proceedings.

Decisions on the application of interim measures by the Court shall be kept confidential until they are announced.

2. The jurisdiction, order, procedures, and conditions for the application, modification, or cancellation of interim measures shall be determined in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

Article 28. Interim measures

1. Distraint of disputed assets.

2. Prohibiting the transfer of property rights regarding disputed assets.

3. Permitting the sale of assets or goods at risk of deterioration.

4. Freezing accounts at banks, other credit institutions, or the State Treasury; freezing assets.

5. Freezing, temporarily seizing, or managing assets of the obligor; inspecting, taking samples, or conducting tests on assets.

6. Prohibiting alteration of the current state of disputed assets.

7. Permitting access to immovable property owned or managed by a disputing party.

8. Necessary measures to protect evidence or witnesses; searching for and seizing documents or evidence at risk of destruction.

9. Ordering advance payment of compensation, debts, or litigation costs.

10. Ordering the submission of papers, documents, or evidence related to the case held by the parties, agencies, organisations, or individuals.

11. Prohibiting or compelling the performance of certain acts.

12. Temporarily prohibiting the obligor from exiting the country.

13. Suspending bidding closure and other activities related to bidding.

14. Arresting aircraft or seagoing ships to secure the determination of the case.

15. Other interim measures as provided in the Procedural Rules or deemed necessary by the Court for the determination of the case.

Article 29. Negotiation and mediation

1. During the course of proceedings, the Court may encourage and facilitate the negotiation or mediation between the parties to settle the dispute. Where negotiation or mediation is deemed feasible, the Court shall permit the parties to negotiate or mediate.

2. Where, through negotiation or mediation, the parties reach a settlement resolving the case, the Judge shall consider and decide to recognise the settlement or decide to recognise the result of successful mediation upon the request of the parties, unless otherwise provided by the law. The decision recognising the result of successful mediation shall take legal effect immediately.

Article 30. Suspension or termination of cases

The suspension or termination of a case; and the order, procedures, and legal consequences of the suspension or termination of a case must comply with the Procedural Rules.

Article 31. Pre-trial preparation

1. The Court may convene a pre-trial meeting to ensure the proper organisation of the trial.

2. The preparation of trial bundles, responsibilities, deadlines for submitting bundles, and other related matters must comply with the Procedural Rules.

3. The jurisdiction, order, and procedures for determination of a case at first-instance trials must comply with this Law and the Procedural Rules.

Article 32. First-instance hearings

1. Hearings shall be conducted in public. In case it is necessary to protect state secrets, preserve national traditions and customs, protect minors, or protect professional secrets, business secrets, or privacy upon the legitimate request of the parties, the Court may conduct the trial in-camera.

2. The Judge chairing the hearing shall ensure fair, expeditious, and efficient proceedings, which include:

a/ Directing the sequence and timing of the proceedings;

b/ Identifying the issues and scope of the dispute;

c/ Managing the adversarial proceedings; directing examination and questioning between the parties and their representatives;

d/ Managing the presentation by witnesses and the argument by expert witnesses;

dd/ Managing the provision and acceptance of new documents and evidence;

e/ Questioning the parties, witnesses, and expert witnesses (if necessary).

3. The Judge shall apply the judicial precedents of the Specialised Court to hear and determine the case.

4. Upon completion of adversarial proceedings, the Judge may pronounce the judgment immediately at the hearing or notify the parties of the time and place of pronouncement. In case the judgment or decision is not pronounced, the Judge shall notify the time and place for issuance of the judgment or decision.

5. The Judge shall issue the judgment in the name of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

6. The Supreme People’s Court shall guide the management of court hearings and the pronouncement and issuance of judgments and decisions in the Procedural Rules.

Article 33. Legal effect of first-instance judgments and decisions

1. First-instance judgments and decisions of the Specialised Court that are not appealed shall take legal effect.

2. First-instance judgments and decisions of the Specialised Court may be appealed by the parties. The legal effect of appealed first-instance judgments and decisions shall be determined in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

3. In case a first‑instance judgment or decision of the Specialised Court is appealed, the case shall be heard and determined in accordance with Articles 35 and 36 of this Law and the Procedural Rules.

Article 34. The right to appeal

1. The parties, their representatives, and other persons related to the judgment or decision of the Court have the right to appeal first-instance judgments or decisions or other decisions determining the case, decisions suspending the resolution of the case, and decisions terminating the resolution of the case of the First-Instance Division of the Specialised Court, to the Appellate Division of the Specialised Court for re-determination according to the appellate procedures.

2. The time limit for appealing a first-instance judgment or decision is 15 days, counting from the date of pronouncement or from the date of receipt of the judgment or decision.

3. The appellant shall serve on the other parties copies of the appeal petition, and supplementary documents and evidence submitted together with the appeal petition.

Article 35. Appellate procedures

1. The review and admissibility of appeals shall be determined in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

2. After the case has met all the conditions for appellate review, the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court shall form an appeal panel comprising 3 Judges to hear the appeal and assign one of them to act as the presiding judge.

3. The Appellate Division has the jurisdiction to uphold, amend, annul, or exercise other powers with respect to judgments and decisions of the First-Instance Division.

4. The appellate judgment or decision is final and shall not be subject to further appeal according to cassation or retrial procedures.

5. The Supreme People’s Court shall specify this Article in the Procedural Rules.

Article 36. Procedures for resolution of applications

The resolution of applications specified in Points b and c, Clause 1, Article 13 of this Law shall be conducted in accordance with the corresponding provisions of this Law and the Procedural Rules.

Section 3

ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS OF THE SPECIALISED COURT

Article 37. Competence to issue decisions on enforcement of judgments and decisions of the Specialised Court

The Specialised Court has the competence to issue decisions on the enforcement of the following legally effective judgments and decisions:

1. Judgments and decisions of the First-instance Division;

2. Judgments and decisions of the Appellate Division.

Article 38. Decision and organisation of enforcement of judgments and decisions of the Specialised Court

1. Within 6 years from the date on which a judgment or decision takes legal effect, the judgment creditor and the judgment debtor have the right to request the Specialised Court to issue an enforcement decision.

In case a time limit for the performance of an obligation is set in the judgment or decision, the 6-year time limit shall be counted from the date on which the obligation becomes due.

For judgments or decisions to be enforced periodically, the 6-year time limit applies to each period and shall be counted from the date on which the obligation becomes due.

The Specialised Court shall immediately enforce decisions imposing, replacing, or revoking interim measures and other measures in accordance with the Procedural Rules.

2. A Judge assigned by the Chief Judge of the Specialised Court to perform duties and exercise powers regarding enforcement (below referred to as the Enforcement Judge) shall issue enforcement decisions and organise the enforcement of judgments and decisions of the Specialised Court.

3. During the process of considering, issuing enforcement decisions, or organising enforcement, the Enforcement Judge may issue one or more decision(s) to secure the organisation of enforcement as follows:

a/ Freezing accounts and assets;

b/ Temporarily seizing assets and documents; searching for and seizing documents and evidence at risk of destruction, or assets at risk of dispersion;

c/ Suspending transactions, registration, transfer of ownership or use rights, or alteration of the current state of assets;

d/ Temporarily prohibiting exit from the country;

dd/ Prohibiting or compelling the performance of certain acts;

e/ Other decisions in accordance with this Law and detailing and guiding documents.

4. During the process of organising enforcement, unless otherwise provided by the law, the Enforcement Judge may issue one or more decision(s) applying coercive enforcement measures as follows:

a/ Deducting money from accounts; collecting money; handling valuable papers;

b/ Deducting income;

c/ Exploiting assets;

d/ Distraining and handling assets, including also assets currently held by a third party;

dd/ Handing over assets, objects, or documents;

e/ Compelling the performance or non-performance of certain jobs;

g/ Other measures as prescribed by this Law and detailing and guiding documents.

5. Enforcement decisions, notices, summons, and other documents related to enforcement shall be served on agencies, organisations, individuals, and third parties with related rights and obligations so that they may exercise their rights and perform their obligations according to the content of such documents.

6. The filing of appeals and complaints, and the competence, order, and procedures for resolving appeals and complaints regarding enforcement decisions must comply with the Procedural Rules.

7. The Government and the Supreme People’s Court shall detail and guide the implementation of this Article.

Article 39. Responsibilities of agencies, organisations, and individuals in the enforcement of judgments and decisions of the Specialised Court

1. Relevant agencies, organisations, and individuals shall strictly and promptly comply with judgments and decisions; and enforcement decisions, documents, requests, and recommendations of the Court related to the enforcement process.

2. For cases of resistance or obstruction to the enforcement of judgments or decisions, the Court may request the police force to coordinate in ensuring order and safety in accordance with the law.

Chapter IV

ASSURANCE OF THE OPERATION OF THE SPECIALISED COURT

Article 40. Remuneration, salaries, allowances, and other benefits

1. The State shall adopt specific preferential policies on remuneration, salaries, allowances, and other benefits for Judges, Court Clerks, other civil servants and employees of the Specialised Court.

2. The remuneration, salaries, allowances, and other benefits for the persons prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article must not be lower than the corresponding regimes applied to cadres, civil servants, public employees, persons receiving salaries and allowances, and employees working in the Executive Body and the Supervisory Body of the International Financial Centre; and shall be determined in accordance with regulations issued by the Supreme People’s Court after reaching agreement with the Government.

3. Judges defined in Clause 2, and Point a, Clause 3, Article 10 of this Law are entitled to remuneration and other benefits based on the cases assigned to them for adjudication and resolution. Court Clerks prescribed in Clause 2, and Point a, Clause 3, Article 12 of this Law are entitled to remuneration and other benefits under contractual arrangements.

4. Judges defined in Point b, Clause 3, Article 10 of this Law, and Court Clerks defined in Point b, Clause 3, Article 12 of this Law are entitled to salaries, allowances, and other benefits in accordance with Clause 2 of this Article.

Article 41. Training and professional development

The State shall adopt special policies for the training and professional development of Judges, Court Clerks, other civil servants, and employees to meet the requirements of adjudication at the Specialised Court.

Article 42. Funding and facilities

1. The State shall invest in facilities and ensure funding and operating conditions for the Specialised Court.

2. The local budget and the International Financial Centre shall provide support for investment in headquarters and facilities, the benefit regime, and ensure other operating conditions of the Specialised Court.

3. Revenues from court fees and charges at the Specialised Court shall be consolidated into the state budget and used to pay remuneration, salaries, allowances, and other benefits for Judges, Court Clerks, other civil servants, and employees of the Specialised Court.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 43. Amendments and supplements to relevant laws

Clause 2, Article 62 of Law No. 34/2024/QH15 on the Organisation of People’s Courts, which has a number of articles amended and supplemented by Law No. 81/2025/QH15, is annulled.

Article 44. Effect

1. This Law takes effect on January 1, 2026.

2. The Government and the Supreme People’s Court shall, within the ambit of their respective duties and powers, organise the implementation of this Law and issue regulations detailing and guiding the implementation of the articles assigned under this Law and other matters to ensure the organisation and operation of the Specialised Court.

 This Law was passed on December 11, 2025, by the 15^th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at its 10^th session.

Chairman of the National Assembly
TRAN THANH MAN