As environmental regulations continue to evolve in line with sustainable development goals, environmental permits are no longer viewed as merely administrative procedures. They have become one of the most critical legal requirements for investment projects and business operations in Vietnam. Beyond regulatory compliance, environmental permits are increasingly regarded as an essential tool for minimizing legal risks and ensuring long-term operational stability.
Based on updated regulations and professional reports compiled by SOLEN, several notable changes in 2026 are expected to significantly affect the process of preparing and obtaining environmental permit applications at both ministerial and provincial levels.
Overview: Which projects are required to obtain an environmental permit?
According to the current legal framework under the Law on Environmental Protection and related regulations, projects and facilities generating wastewater, emissions, dust, or hazardous waste requiring treatment before operation are generally subject to environmental permit requirements.
In addition, facilities involved in hazardous waste treatment and imported scrap activities are also required to obtain permits before operation.
The current system also establishes a clear distinction between projects managed at the ministerial level and those under provincial authority:
- Ministerial level: Mainly responsible for large-scale, complex, or inter-provincial projects, as well as projects falling under central government jurisdiction.
- Provincial level: Responsible for projects operating within local administrative boundaries based on specific criteria related to wastewater volume, emissions, and waste generation.
This decentralized management structure is expected to shorten processing times and improve administrative efficiency.
Environmental Permit Documentation: More than just administrative forms
One of the major reasons businesses encounter delays during the environmental permitting process is incomplete or improperly prepared documentation.
Under updated regulations, an application dossier generally includes:
- An application letter requesting the issuance of an environmental permit;
- An environmental permit proposal report;
- Relevant legal and technical documents associated with the project or facility.
For applications submitted under ministerial authority, updated forms and templates have been introduced, including:
- Form 22a: Environmental permit application request;
- Form 22b: Projects with approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA);
- Form 22c: Group II and III projects not subject to EIA requirements;
- Form 22d: Existing operating facilities.
These changes indicate a transition toward a more specialized and project-specific approach rather than applying a single standardized template to all cases.
Processing Time: From 15 Days to 45 Days Depending on Project Conditions
Processing time remains one of the most important concerns for businesses planning project implementation.
Under current regulations, the maximum processing period for environmental permits under ministerial authority is 45 days from the date complete and valid documents are received.
However, for projects not requiring trial operation of waste treatment systems or satisfying specific conditions, the processing period may be reduced to 15 working days.
The general procedure consists of four major steps:
- Submission of application documents
- Application review and acceptance
- Technical appraisal and assessment
- Issuance of results
In practice, however, requests for revision and supplementary documents remain a common cause of delays. Businesses may be granted up to 12 months to complete and resubmit required information.
Appraisal Fees: Costs Businesses Should Anticipate
Besides administrative procedures and processing time, appraisal fees should also be considered during project planning.
Based on current estimates:
- Group I projects: approximately VND 50 million
- Group II projects: approximately VND 45 million
- Hazardous waste treatment projects: approximately VND 40–70 million
- Imported scrap projects: approximately VND 35–75 million
- Environmental permit amendment applications: approximately VND 15 million
At the provincial level, appraisal fees may vary depending on resolutions and policies issued by local authorities.
Conclusion
As environmental governance requirements become increasingly stringent, environmental permits are no longer considered a procedural formality. They are becoming an important risk-management mechanism for businesses operating in Vietnam.
Proper preparation of documentation, accurate identification of competent authorities, and timely updates on legal changes can help businesses significantly reduce costs, avoid procedural delays, and minimize compliance risks.
With Vietnam moving toward a greener and more sustainable development model, environmental permits are expected to become an integral part of long-term corporate strategy rather than simply a prerequisite before project operation.
SEE MORE HERE:
Provincial Environmental Permit Report
Ministerial Environmental Permit Report
Comparative Report on Ministerial and Provincial Environmental Permits
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