Starting July 1, 2026, Vietnam will begin applying new rules governing how official complaints are filed, processed, and resolved. The changes are set out in Decree No. 155/2026/ND-CP, which updates the country’s existing complaint resolution framework and brings it more closely in line with Vietnam’s broader push toward digital governance.
For foreign-invested businesses, this isn’t just a procedural update. It affects how disputes with administrative authorities are handled, how cases involving cross-border parties are managed, and how much accountability sits on the officials processing those cases.
Here’s what to know before July.
What Decree 155 Actually Changes
According to Vietnam Briefing, Decree 155 was issued on May 15, 2026 and amends Decree No. 124/2020/ND-CP, which guides how Vietnam’s Law on Complaints is implemented in practice.
Rather than creating new law, Decree 155 refines an existing one, and the refinements are substantive. It modernizes how complaints are tracked, clarifies how complex cases are handled, sets new rules for suspending and resuming proceedings, and tightens accountability for officials managing them.
As noted in Resolution No. 148/NQ-CP (May 2026), the government wants complaint-resolution mechanisms to work effectively, framing them as part of efforts to maintain social stability and support Vietnam’s double-digit growth target for 2026.
One of the more practical additions is Article 3a, which formally defines what counts as a “complex complaint case.” This matters because complex cases follow different procedural rules, including longer timelines and multi-agency coordination.
A complaint may now be classified as complex if it involves:
- Verification across two or more locations
- Two or more issues requiring separate verification
- Multiple complainants on the same matter
- Foreign complainants, complainants residing overseas, conduct occurring abroad, or evidence outside Vietnam
- Responsibilities across multiple agencies
- Differing opinions among authorities during resolution
- Conflicting evidence requiring extra verification or specialist input
For foreign businesses, the cross-border category is the one to watch. Cases involving overseas parties or evidence will now be formally treated as complex, with documentation built into the resolution dossier. That adds transparency, but also raises the bar for how foreign businesses prepare submissions.
Effective Date and Transitional Provisions
Decree 155/2026/ND-CP takes effect on July 1, 2026. Several transitional rules apply:
- New rules on complaint withdrawal, suspension, termination, and dialogue apply to complaints accepted before July 1 that don’t yet have a resolution decision
- Cases involving unlawful complaint resolution activities discovered before July 1, 2026 and still under review will continue under Decree 124
- For pre-effective-date disciplinary violations, authorities may apply either decree, whichever is more favorable to the official involved
Digital Transformation in Complaint Resolution
Decree 155 introduces Article 30a, which establishes a legal framework for using digital tools in complaint handling.
Authorities and individuals can now use technology to update, monitor, store, and share complaint data.
More importantly, all information generated during resolution must be uploaded to the National Database on Citizen Reception, Petition Processing, Complaint Resolution, and Denunciation Handling.
The implications are twofold:
- Complaint records become structured, traceable data within a centralized national system, making cases harder to delay or mishandle quietly
- Digital systems must comply with strict standards for transparency, cybersecurity, personal data protection, and state secrecy
For businesses, this means a clearer process, but a higher expectation that their own submissions are accurate, well-documented, and digitally compatible. This change runs in parallel with other moves toward digital administration in Vietnam, including the shift to centralized electronic labor contracts under Decree 337.
New Rules on Suspending and Resuming Cases
Decree 155 introduces a new Section 2a (Articles 28a and 28b) covering when complaint proceedings can be paused or terminated.
Article 28a lists force majeure events and objective obstacles that can trigger suspension:
- Natural disasters, epidemics, war, or hostile actions
- Accidents, illness, business travel, or study commitments in remote locations
- Documents or evidence being temporarily retained or sealed by authorities
Article 28b sets the procedure for resuming a case. Once the grounds for suspension no longer exist, the handling authority must issue a decision to continue within 3 working days. The statutory resolution clock then restarts from that date.
Stronger Accountability for Officials
Decree 155 revises Articles 40 and 41 to introduce four disciplinary measures for officials handling complaint cases: reprimand, warning, dismissal from position, and termination of employment.
These can apply when officials harass complainants, shield subjects of complaints, retaliate against complainants, falsify records, or refuse to accept complaints that legally should be accepted.
The newly added Article 41a also extends disciplinary liability to anyone who unlawfully interferes in the resolution process, even if they aren’t directly involved in the case.
What Foreign Businesses Should Do Before July 2026
Decree 155 places most procedural obligations on government agencies, but businesses still need to prepare:
- Review documentation practices for any administrative interactions that could lead to a complaint
- Map your potential complaint pathways, including which authorities are likely involved and whether your cases would qualify as complex
- Strengthen internal compliance records so submissions can be backed by clear evidence
- Identify the right local advisors to manage formal proceedings, especially for multi-agency or cross-border cases
How ERA Can Help?
Decree 155 raises the bar on documentation, accountability, and digital readiness. The simplest way for foreign businesses to stay ahead is to work with a local partner that handles the regulatory interface for you.
ERA’s Employer of Record (EOR) services in Vietnam let you operate compliantly without setting up a local entity. We manage:
- Labor contracts, payroll, and statutory insurance
- Local compliance reporting and documentation
- Coordination with Vietnamese authorities when issues arise
- Day-to-day HR administration aligned to current regulations
If your business is preparing for the changes under Decree 155 or reviewing your broader compliance posture in Vietnam, talk to ERA about EOR services for the Vietnam market.
Ms. Tracy has worked in human resource consulting for over 15 years. A driven entrepreneur focused on business expansion and people development. She previously worked as Country Manager for an international Australia firm that specializes in global workforce management, as well as several key roles as Business Growth Director and Executive Search Director for both large local firms to effectively drive their business growth. A strong emphasis is placed on aligning organizational priorities/objectives with business needs. She has a large network of local business leaders and a thorough understanding of the local market.
