After submitting an application for a first-time land use right certificate (the “red book”), many people wonder: how long may the authorities take to process it? Under Decree 151/2025/ND-CP (effective 01/7/2025), the total processing time is no more than 20 working days from the date a complete and valid dossier is received — 3 days shorter than the old rule under Decree 101/2024/ND-CP.
1. The key figure: no more than 20 working days, in two stages
- First-time land registration: no more than 17 working days;
- Certificate issuance: no more than 3 working days;
- Total: no more than 20 working days from receipt of a complete, valid dossier.
Note on the applicable regulation: previously, Decree 101/2024/ND-CP set registration at ≤ 20 days plus issuance at ≤ 3 days = 23 working days. Since 01/7/2025, Decree 151/2025/ND-CP has replaced it, cutting registration to 17 days. When researching or dealing with the authorities, cite Decree 151/2025 (Appendix I – Part V – Section A – item II), not the old 23-day figure.
2. Difficult areas: 10 extra days
For mountainous communes, islands, remote areas, and areas with difficult or especially difficult socio-economic conditions, processing time is extended by 10 working days — i.e., up to 30 working days. Whether an area qualifies is determined by the competent authority’s published list; applicants should confirm at submission which timeline applies to their case.
3. New authority: Chairperson of the commune-level People’s Committee
Under Decree 151/2025/ND-CP, first-time red book applications are now handled by the Chairperson of the commune-level People’s Committee — consistent with the two-tier local government model now in operation. Applicants submit dossiers and collect results at the commune level, rather than going up to the district as before.
4. Periods NOT counted in the 20 days
- Time the land user takes to fulfil financial obligations (land use fees, registration tax, charges);
- Weekends and public holidays (only “working days” count).
In practice: if the applicant delays paying after receiving the tax notice, that delay does not count toward the authority’s 20-day deadline — and conversely, the authority may not invoke it to extend its own processing time.
5. The clock starts when the dossier is complete
A commonly misunderstood point: the 20 working days run from the date the receiving agency has a complete and valid dossier, not from the first submission date. If documents are missing and must be supplemented, the clock starts only once the dossier is complete. Therefore:
- When submitting, request a receipt stating the receipt date and the list of documents submitted;
- If supplementation is requested, complete it in one go and obtain confirmation of the date the dossier became complete;
- If the 20 working days (or 30 in difficult areas) pass without a result, the applicant may file a complaint or denunciation about the delay under the complaints and denunciations legislation.
6. Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum time for first-time red book issuance?
No more than 20 working days from receipt of a complete, valid dossier (registration ≤ 17 days + issuance ≤ 3 days), under Decree 151/2025/ND-CP. Difficult areas: up to 30 working days.
Is the 23-working-day figure still correct?
No. That was the timeline under Decree 101/2024/ND-CP, which has been replaced. Since 01/7/2025, the 20-working-day timeline under Decree 151/2025/ND-CP applies.
Does waiting time for land use fee payment count toward the 20 days?
No. Time for fulfilling financial obligations, weekends and holidays are excluded from the processing time.
Where do I submit the application now?
At the commune-level People’s Committee — its Chairperson is the competent authority under Decree 151/2025/ND-CP.
What if the 20 days pass without a red book?
Check the receipt to pin down the “complete dossier” date and exclude non-counted days; if the authority is overdue, the applicant may complain under the Law on Complaints.
Sources
- Decree 151/2025/ND-CP — effective 01/7/2025, in force as of 14/10/2026: first-time land registration ≤ 17 working days, certificate issuance ≤ 3 working days (Appendix I – Part V – Section A – item II); authority of the commune-level People’s Committee Chairperson; +10 days for difficult areas;
- Decree 101/2024/ND-CP — for historical reference on the old 23-working-day timeline only; no longer applicable to processing times.
For reference only; not legal advice. This article was drafted by AI and quality-checked by the AI Legal Council of FLAT Law Firm; it has not been reviewed or approved by a human lawyer. Regulations may change; please check the current legal texts before applying.
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- Land Use Right Certificate (Red Book) 2026: Conditions and Procedures
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Preparing a first-time red book dossier and need a review of conditions and procedures? Contact FLAT Law Firm for advice.