New Decree on Investment Registration (Amending Decree No. 31/2021/ND-CP) – Key Highlights and Notable Changes

On September 3, 2025, the Government issued Decree No. 239/2025/ND-CP, amending and supplementing several provisions of Decree No. 31/2021/ND-CP on the implementation of the Law on Investment. Below are the key highlights summarized by DEDICA:

Shortened Processing Time for Investment Registration Certificates (IRC)

The time limit for issuing an IRC has been reduced from 15 days to 10 days.
(Reference: Clause 12, Article 1 of Decree 239/2025/ND-CP – amending the first paragraph of Clause 3, Article 36 of Decree 31/2021/ND-CP).

Electronic Dossier with Digital Signature Required

When carrying out investment administrative procedures, investors must submit an electronic version of the dossier, which must include a digital signature in accordance with the Law on Electronic Transactions.
(Reference: Clause 2, Article 1 of Decree 239/2025/ND-CP – adding Clause 1a, Article 6 of Decree 31/2021/ND-CP).

Streamlined Investment Approval Procedures

Decree 239 significantly shortens the appraisal and approval process for investment policy decisions:

• For projects under the Prime Minister’s authority: the total processing time is reduced from approximately 65 days (3 + 15 + 40 + 7) to 38 days (3 + 10 + 20 + 5) — a reduction of 27 days.

• For projects under the Provincial People’s Committee’s authority: the process is shortened from 50 days (3 + 15 + 25 + 7) to 26 days (2 + 7 + 14 + 3) — a reduction of up to 24 days.
  (Reference: Clauses 9 and 10, Article 1 of Decree 239/2025/ND-CP – amending Articles 32 and 33 of Decree 31/2021/ND-CP).

Incentives for Digital Technology Development

Decree 239 introduces the concept of a “Concentrated Digital Technology Zone” into investment registration regulations. These zones are now granted the same preferential treatment and administrative mechanisms as industrial zones, export processing zones, and high-tech parks.
Additionally, a number of new industries have been added to Appendix II – List of Incentivized Investment Sectors.

Changes in Competent Authorities Due to Structural Mergers

The Ministry of Finance now replaces the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Department of Finance replaces the Department of Planning and Investment in relevant administrative responsibilities.