Vietnam Property Tax Guide 2026
Vietnam does not impose an annual property tax on residential property. Instead, property-related taxes include: (1) a registration fee of 0.5% upon acquisition, (2) non-agricultural land use tax at progressive rates of 0.03–0.15% of the land value bracket, and (3) transfer taxes: 2% capital gains tax on the sale price, 0.5% registration fee, and 10% VAT on the transferor. All amounts in VND.
Vietnam's property tax system includes several levies at acquisition, ownership, and transfer stages. For related guidance, see our Capital Gains Guide → and Inheritance & Gift Guide →.
Registration Fee (Lệ Phí Trước Bạ)
- Rate: 0.5% of the property value (assessed by the provincial People's Committee based on the land price framework).
- When payable: Upon acquisition of ownership rights — when purchasing a new apartment, house, or land use right.
- Filing: Paid to the local tax authority when registering the Certificate of Land Use Rights and Ownership (Sổ Đỏ).
Non-Agricultural Land Use Tax (Thuế Sử Dụng Đất Phi Nông Nghiệp)
- Progressive rates: This is the closest equivalent to an annual property tax in Vietnam. Rates are applied to the land value in progressive brackets:
- 0.03% — on land value up to the taxable threshold (first bracket)
- 0.07% — on the next bracket exceeding the threshold
- 0.15% — on the highest bracket (excess over the standard allowance)
- The tax is assessed on the land area multiplied by the official land price per square metre set by the provincial authority.
- Exemptions: Agricultural land, land used for public purposes, and land owned by households below the poverty line may be exempt.
- Filing: Annual return filed with the local tax office.
Property Transfer Taxes
- Capital gains tax (2%): When transferring property (house, land use rights, apartments), the seller pays a flat 2% CGT on the total sale price. This is in lieu of the standard 20% capital gains tax on net gains for property transactions.
- Registration fee (0.5%): Payable by the buyer upon registering the transfer of ownership.
- VAT (10%): If the transferor is a business entity or an individual engaged in property trading activities, VAT at 10% applies on the transfer price. For individuals selling their personal residence, the transaction is generally not subject to VAT.
Personal Income Tax on Property Transfers
- Individuals: Personal income tax on property transfers is calculated at 2% of the sale price (the default method). Alternatively, the taxpayer may elect to pay 20% on net gains (sale price minus cost basis) if they can document the acquisition cost.
- For most individuals, the 2% flat rate on the sale price is simpler and more commonly used.
- Exemptions: Transfers between spouses, parents and children, and siblings are generally exempt from personal income tax on property.