No, squatting in Vietnam is illegal under the 2015 Civil Code and penalized under the 2015 Penal Code. Occupying land without legal title constitutes trespass, risking fines up to 500 million VND or imprisonment under Article 158. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) enforces land-use rights certificates, while local People’s Committees resolve disputes.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Vietnam
- Land Use Rights Certificates (LURC): Mandatory for legal occupancy; squatting voids any claim under Decree 43/2014/ND-CP. Unregistered land cannot be occupied without a court order.
- Criminal Liability: Article 158 of the Penal Code criminalizes forcible occupation, with penalties escalating for violence or damage to property. Repeat offenders face up to 5 years’ imprisonment.
- Dispute Resolution: Provincial courts adjudicate squatting cases under the 2015 Civil Procedure Code, prioritizing LURC holders. Local police (CA) may intervene pre-litigation to prevent escalation.
Recent 2026 amendments to the Land Law tighten enforcement, requiring digital verification of land records via the National Land Information System. Squatters risk immediate eviction by local authorities under MONRE’s 2025 circulars, which streamline forced removals for illegal occupancy. Foreigners face stricter scrutiny under the 2023 Housing Law, barring claims on occupied properties.