Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors

Overview

Consulting Services For Foreign Individuals/Investors by Long Phan Consulting Company provide essential support for navigating Vietnam’s dynamic market. We offer specialized expertise for foreign nationals and entities facing Vietnam’s intricate legal system, encompassing crucial areas such as work permits, temporary residence cards (TRCs), and real estate investment under the new Housing Law 2023 and Land Law 2024. Our services also cover complex business setup procedures and regulatory compliance. Long Phan Consulting Company delivers in-depth understanding and practical experience, empowering clients to confidently manage legal navigation, optimize processes, and secure their interests for sustainable success in Vietnam.

Reputable consulting services for foreign individuals/investors
Reputable consulting services for foreign individuals/investors

Introduction to Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors and Long Phan Consulting Company

The rapid increase of foreign individuals and investors in Vietnam in recent years has created an urgent need for professional consulting services. These services assist them not only in adapting to the new environment but also in achieving sustainable development. Professional Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors acts as a vital bridge. It helps foreigners and investors stay updated on legal regulations, optimize complex investment processes, and, most importantly, protect their legitimate rights in a sometimes challenging business and legal environment.

Understanding these needs, Long Phan Consulting Company has positioned itself as a reputable provider of consulting services. We have extensive experience and a team of experts with profound knowledge in supporting foreign individuals and investors in Vietnam. We commit to delivering comprehensive and effective solutions.

Overview of Needs

The growth of foreign individuals and investors in Vietnam necessitates professional consulting services for adaptation and development. This stems from Vietnam increasingly becoming an economic hub, attracting high-quality human resources and investment capital globally. They come to Vietnam for various purposes: working for multinational corporations, establishing their own businesses, investing in potential sectors, or seeking a new living environment.

Regardless of the purpose, understanding and complying with Vietnam’s legal system and related administrative procedures is crucial for long-term success and stability. This is a core component of effective Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors.

Role of Consulting Services

Assistance in legal compliance, investment process optimization, and safeguarding legitimate rights are core roles of professional consulting services. Consultants provide updated legal information, analyze and assess risks, and offer solutions tailored to specific cases.

Consultants help individuals and investors save time, reduce costs, and avoid errors in administrative procedures. This allows them to focus resources on core business and development activities.

Introduction to Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company is a reputable provider of consulting services with many years of experience. We have effectively supported thousands of foreign individuals and investors in Vietnam. Our team includes legal experts and consultants knowledgeable in local regulations and practices. We listen, analyze, and provide optimal solutions for each client’s specific needs. With the motto “Entrust Trust – Receive Solutions,” Long Phan Consulting Company commits to providing peace of mind and reliability. Our expertise in Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors is a cornerstone of our service.

Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors at Long Phan Consulting Company

Consulting services for foreign individuals/investors are designed and built by Long Phan Consulting Company to meet the needs of foreigners living and working in Vietnam. Currently, our consulting services cover four main areas: Work Permits, Temporary Residence Cards, Real Estate Investment in Vietnam, and Business Procedures in Vietnam.

Work Permit Consulting Services

Long Phan Consulting Company’s Work Permit consulting services assist foreign employees and employers in Vietnam with legal procedures. We ensure processes are quick, accurate, and compliant with Vietnamese labor law. A work permit is mandatory for most foreigners working in Vietnam. Possessing it secures the employee’s rights and obligations during their employment. This is a critical aspect of Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors.

Applicable Subjects

According to Clause 1, Article 11 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, except for exemption cases, foreign nationals working in Vietnam under the following forms must apply for a work permit:

  • Executing a labor contract.
  • Intra-company transfer.
  • Working for foreign non-governmental organizations or international organizations in Vietnam permitted to operate under Vietnamese law.
  • Volunteers.
  • Managers, executive directors, experts, technical workers.
  • Participating in the execution of bidding packages or projects in Vietnam.
  • Executing contracts or agreements in economics, commerce, finance, banking, insurance, science and technology, culture, sports, education, vocational training, and healthcare.
  • Service providers under contract.
  • Offering services.
  • Individuals responsible for establishing a commercial presence.

Each position has specific criteria and requirements under Vietnamese law, necessitating meticulous dossier preparation to prove suitable capabilities and experience (Article 3, Decree 152/2020/ND-CP).

Below is a summary table of main subjects requiring a work permit:

Subject Description and Main Requirements
Intra-company transferee A manager, executive director, expert, or technical worker of a foreign enterprise that has established a commercial presence in Vietnam, temporarily transferred within the enterprise to its commercial presence in Vietnam, and employed by the foreign enterprise for at least 12 continuous months prior.
Volunteer A foreign worker in Vietnam working voluntarily without salary to implement an international treaty to which Vietnam is a member, with confirmation from a foreign diplomatic mission or international organization in Vietnam.
Expert A foreign worker who: 1. Holds a bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent) and has at least 3 years of work experience in the trained field relevant to the proposed job in Vietnam; OR 2. Has at least 5 years of experience and a practicing certificate relevant to the proposed job in Vietnam; OR 3. Special cases decided by the Prime Minister upon proposal by the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs.
Manager A person managing an enterprise as defined in Clause 24, Article 4 of the Law on Enterprises, or the head or deputy head of an agency or organization.
Executive Director The head who directly manages a unit affiliated with an agency, organization, or enterprise.
Technical Worker A foreign worker who: 1. Has been trained in a technical or other specialized field for at least 01 year and has worked for at least 03 years in that trained field; OR 2. Has at least 5 years of experience in a job relevant to the proposed position in Vietnam.
Contractual Service Provider A foreign worker employed for at least 02 years (24 months) by a foreign enterprise without a commercial presence in Vietnam and meeting expert criteria.
Service Offeror A foreign worker not residing in Vietnam and not receiving remuneration from any source in Vietnam, participating in activities related to representing a service provider to negotiate service consumption, provided they do not directly sell services to the public or directly provide services.
Responsible for Establishing Commercial Presence Commercial presence includes foreign-invested economic organizations; representative offices, branches of foreign traders in Vietnam; executive offices of foreign investors in business cooperation contracts.

Work Permit Application Process

The process for obtaining a work permit for foreigners in Vietnam involves multiple complex steps. It requires close coordination between the employee, the employer, and competent state agencies. Proper adherence to these steps is crucial for timely issuance.

  • Step 1: Registering the Demand for Foreign Labor Usage

According to Article 4 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP (amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP), except for exemption cases, at least 15 days before the intended employment date of foreign workers, the employer (excluding contractors) must determine the demand for foreign labor for each position that Vietnamese workers cannot fill. A report must be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Department of Home Affairs where the foreign worker is expected to work, using Form No. 01/PLI Appendix I of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP.

Note: From January 1, 2024, recruitment notices for Vietnamese workers for positions intended for foreign workers must be posted on the Ministry’s portal or the portal of the employment service center designated by the provincial People’s Committee chairman for at least 15 days from the intended date of reporting to the Ministry or Department where the foreign worker will work. The recruitment notice includes: job position and title, job description, quantity, qualification and experience requirements, salary, working time, and location. After failing to recruit Vietnamese workers, the employer determines the demand for foreign labor as regulated.

  • Step 2: Preparing the Work Permit Application Dossier

The dossier components are detailed in Article 9 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP (amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP). Some required documents include a health certificate, criminal record, degrees, and work experience proof. Foreign employees and businesses need to prepare a complete and valid dossier. These documents must be consular legalized and notarized translated into Vietnamese if issued abroad. Health certificates must be from eligible medical facilities in Vietnam or abroad.

  • Step 3: Submitting the Dossier and Receiving Results

According to Article 11 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, at least 15 days before the foreign worker’s intended start date, the enterprise submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Department of Home Affairs where the worker will be. Within 05 working days of receiving a complete application, the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Department of Home Affairs issues the work permit. If not issued, a written response stating the reason is provided.

Long Phan Consulting Company’s Work Permit Services

Long Phan Consulting Company offers comprehensive, professional support throughout the work permit application process. We help clients save time, effort, and ensure high success rates. We understand each case is unique; our services are tailored accordingly. (Reference source: vanluat.vn for standard procedure).

  • Consultation for complete and accurate dossier preparation: Our specialists review each document for legality, validity, and completeness, minimizing rejections or supplement requests. We guide on consular legalization and notarized translation.
  • Client representation for dossier submission and progress tracking: Long Phan Consulting Company submits the completed dossier on the client’s behalf to the competent authority. We monitor progress, provide regular updates, and address issues promptly.
  • Support for permit renewal and re-issuance: Beyond new applications, Long Phan Consulting Company assists with renewals for expiring permits or re-issuance for lost, damaged, or content-changed permits. This ensures continuous legality for foreign workers in Vietnam. Work Permit Consultation at Long Phan Consulting Company. This is a vital part of Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors.
Work permit consulting at Long Phan Consulting Company
Work permit consulting at Long Phan Consulting Company

Temporary Residence Card (TRC) Consulting Services

Long Phan Consulting Company’s TRC services provide comprehensive legal support for foreigners needing long-term legal and convenient stay in Vietnam. A TRC is an important identification document and offers practical benefits, helping foreigners stabilize their life and work.

Benefits of a Temporary Residence Card

A TRC offers significant benefits for foreigners living and working long-term in Vietnam.

  • Allows long-term residence without frequent visa extensions. This saves time, cost, and effort. TRC validity can be 1 to 5 years, depending on type and purpose.
  • Facilitates travel and work. TRC holders can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the card’s validity without new visas. This is useful for frequent international travelers. TRCs also simplify civil transactions, bank account opening, and utility registration.

Conditions and Required Dossier

According to Clause 14, Article 1 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (amended 2019), TRCs are issued to foreigners in one of two main cases:

  • Group 1: Members of diplomatic missions and international organizations:

    • Specific subjects: Foreign members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of UN international organizations, or intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam. This also applies to spouses, children under 18, and domestic helpers accompanying them during their term.
    • TRC symbol: NG3.
  • Group 2: Individuals entering with specific visa types:

    • Specific subjects: Foreigners who entered Vietnam using visas with symbols: LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ1, LĐ2, TT.
    • TRC symbol: Corresponds to the visa symbol used for entry (e.g., LĐ1 visa leads to LĐ1 TRC).

To obtain a TRC, foreigners must meet specific legal conditions and prepare a complete, accurate dossier.

  • Passport valid for at least 13 months. This ensures the passport remains valid sufficiently long after TRC issuance (TRC validity is usually 1 month shorter than remaining passport validity).
  • Work permit or investment certificate. Depending on residency purpose, provide a work permit (for employees), investment certificate (for investors), or other documents proving legal purpose (e.g., letter confirming head of representative office, board member).
  • Sponsorship documents from a company or organization in Vietnam. The employer or sponsoring organization prepares legal documents of the enterprise to submit with the TRC application.

Basic dossier components typically include:

  • Written request for TRC (Form NA6 for organizations; Form NA7 for individuals).
  • TRC application form for foreigners (Form NA8) with photo.
  • Original passport with required validity.
  • Documents proving purpose of stay: Work permit/work permit exemption certificate; Investment certificate/enterprise registration certificate; Representative office establishment license; Board member confirmation letter; Marriage certificate (if applying as spouse of a Vietnamese citizen), etc.
  • Proof of temporary residence declaration with local police.
  • 02 photos (2x3cm).

Long Phan Consulting Company’s TRC Services

With professional TRC consulting services, Long Phan Consulting Company assists foreign clients in completing procedures efficiently.

  • Consultation on suitable TRC type: Based on client status (investor, employee, relative of Vietnamese citizen, etc.), we advise on the most appropriate TRC type (LV1, LV2, ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, NN1, NN2, TT, etc.) with suitable validity and benefits.
  • Guidance on dossier preparation and submission: Our specialists provide detailed document checklists, verify document validity, assist with form completion, and represent clients in submitting dossiers to the Immigration Department or provincial/city Police Immigration Office.
  • Progress tracking and result notification: We monitor dossier processing, liaise with authorities if needed, promptly inform clients of results, and assist with TRC collection and delivery. This service is integral to comprehensive Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors.

Real Estate Investment Consulting Services in Vietnam

Long Phan Consulting Company’s real estate investment consulting services are designed for foreign individuals, investors, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign-invested economic organizations. We help them seize investment and property ownership opportunities in Vietnam. We ensure safe, transparent solutions compliant with the latest laws, especially Housing Law 2023 and Land Law 2024. Market evolution and legal updates present investment opportunities and demand greater legal understanding.

Relevant Legal Regulations

Real estate investment in Vietnam is governed by multiple laws. The Housing Law 2023 and Land Law 2024 are key, introducing new points affecting the rights and obligations of foreign investors, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign-invested economic organizations.

  • Regarding housing ownership (Housing Law 2023):

    • Foreign individuals: Permitted to enter Vietnam can buy and own commercial housing (apartments and individual houses in housing construction projects), excluding areas related to national defense and security.
      • Limits: Own no more than 30% of apartments in one condominium; or no more than 250 individual houses (villas, terraced houses) in an area equivalent to a ward-level administrative unit.
      • Ownership term: Maximum 50 years (renewable). Foreign individuals married to Vietnamese citizens or overseas Vietnamese can own housing stably, long-term, with rights similar to Vietnamese citizens.
    • Foreign-invested economic organizations: Can own housing by investing in housing construction projects in Vietnam per the Housing Law and related laws.
  • Regarding land use rights (Land Law 2024): The Land Law 2024 has expanded and clarified land access rights for overseas Vietnamese and foreign-invested economic organizations.

    • Overseas Vietnamese (still Vietnamese citizens): Have full land-related rights like domestic Vietnamese citizens. They can receive transfer of all or part of real estate projects under real estate business law; use land allocated by the State with land use fee collection, or leased land with one-off rental payment for the entire lease term for housing construction projects for sale or sale combined with lease; receive land use rights in housing development projects.
    • Overseas Vietnamese (no longer Vietnamese citizens): Permitted to enter Vietnam can buy, lease-purchase housing attached to land use rights under housing law; receive land use rights in housing development projects; inherit land use rights and other land types on the same plot with housing under civil law.
    • Foreign-invested economic organizations:
      • Can lease land from the State with annual rental payment or one-off payment for the entire lease term for production, business, service, or infrastructure projects.
      • Can use land for housing construction projects for sale or sale combined with lease under housing law.
      • Can receive transfer of investment capital as land use right value.
      • Have rights and obligations corresponding to the form of land allocation, lease, or recognition by the State; form of land use fee or rent payment. This specific area of Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors requires deep legal insight.

Investment Process

The real estate investment process for foreigners, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign-invested economic organizations involves basic steps needing diligence and understanding of the market and new laws:

  • Step 1: Define objectives, needs; research and select suitable projects/properties. Investors determine investment purpose (residence, rental, long-term investment, project development), financial capacity, and criteria. Then, research the market, potential areas, assess developer credibility (if buying in a project), and select suitable properties.
  • Step 2: Conduct comprehensive legal due diligence of the property/project and seller/transferor. This is critical. Thoroughly check legal documents: Certificate of Land Use Rights, Ownership of Housing and Other Assets Attached to Land; construction permit (if any); 1/500 detailed plan; investment policy approval; legal status of seller/transferor, ensuring compliance with Housing Law 2023, Land Law 2024, and Law on Real Estate Business. For foreign-invested economic organizations, ensure the project aligns with the Investment Registration Certificate.
  • Step 3: Negotiate, sign contracts, and fulfill financial obligations. After due diligence, parties negotiate terms and sign contracts (sale and purchase, land use right transfer, land lease, etc.). Then, make payments per schedule and fulfill other financial duties (taxes, fees as regulated).
  • Step 4: Complete ownership/use right registration procedures. After fulfilling financial obligations, investors complete procedures at competent state agencies to obtain the Certificate of Land Use Rights, Ownership of Housing and Other Assets Attached to Land (pink book) in their or their organization’s name.

Long Phan Consulting Company’s Real Estate Investment Services

Long Phan Consulting Company assists foreign investors, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign-invested economic organizations throughout the real estate investment process in Vietnam. With extensive experience, understanding of Housing Law 2023 and Land Law 2024, and a network of partners, we offer comprehensive, effective, professional consulting solutions:

  • Consultation on selecting suitable projects/properties: We analyze clients’ needs, investment goals, and financial capacity to offer strategic advice on property types, potential areas, and suitable projects, optimizing investment benefits.
  • Detailed legal due diligence and assessment: Our legal experts conduct comprehensive due diligence of property/project legal dossiers and sellers/transferors, ensuring compliance with Housing Law 2023, Land Law 2024, and related laws, helping clients identify and mitigate legal risks.
  • Support in negotiation, contract signing, and transfer/registration procedures: We review and advise on contract terms (sale, transfer, lease); assist in negotiations (if needed); and guide through notarization, tax declaration, land registration, and obtaining Certificates.
  • Consultation on rights and obligations of overseas Vietnamese and foreign-invested economic organizations: We provide updated information and clear explanations of new regulations on land use rights, housing ownership, investment conditions, incentives (if any), and financial obligations under Land Law 2024 and Housing Law 2023. Real Estate Investment Consulting in Vietnam. This is a specialized field of Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors.
Real estate investment consulting services in Vietnam
Real estate investment consulting services in Vietnam

Business Procedure Consulting Services in Vietnam

Long Phan Consulting Company‘s business procedure consulting services offer comprehensive support for foreign investors. This ranges from initial research and choosing investment forms to completing legal procedures for establishing and operating businesses legally and effectively in Vietnam. We understand navigating a new legal and business environment can be challenging; professional support is crucial.

Investment Forms

Foreign investors can choose various investment forms in Vietnam under the Law on Investment 2020, depending on their goals, scale, business sector, and long-term strategy. Each form has characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and different legal requirements.

  • Establishing a 100% foreign-owned company. This popular form allows foreign investors full control. Companies can be limited liability companies (single-member or multi-member) or joint-stock companies, depending on investor numbers and capital mobilization plans.
  • Contributing capital, purchasing shares in Vietnamese enterprises. Foreign investors can enter the market by contributing capital to become members or shareholders of existing Vietnamese enterprises (forming joint ventures) or acquiring capital contributions/shares from existing members/shareholders. This form leverages the network and experience of Vietnamese partners.
  • Establishing a representative office or branch.
    • Representative Office (RO): No direct profit-making business functions. Mainly conducts trade promotion, market research, and liaison for the parent company abroad.
    • Branch: A dependent unit of a foreign enterprise, permitted to conduct direct profit-making business activities in Vietnam under license. Its scope is often limited to certain sectors per Vietnam’s international commitments.

Popular investment forms include:

  • Establishing an economic organization (e.g., LLC, JSC) with 100% foreign investment.
  • Investing by contributing capital, purchasing shares, or acquiring capital contributions in Vietnamese economic organizations.
  • Investing under a PPP (Public-Private Partnership) contract.
  • Investing under a BCC (Business Cooperation Contract) contract.
  • Establishing a representative office or branch of a foreign trader in Vietnam. Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors covers all these forms.

Implementation Process

The process for establishing a business or implementing an investment project in Vietnam for foreign investors requires significant legal steps and thorough preparation of dossiers and time. Correct adherence to the sequence facilitates a smoother, faster process.

  • Step 1: Apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). For foreign investor projects (e.g., establishing a 100% foreign-owned company, or contributing capital to a Vietnamese enterprise in certain cases), obtaining an IRC is the first, mandatory step. Dossiers are submitted to the provincial/city Department of Planning and Investment or Management Boards of Industrial Parks/Export Processing Zones (depending on project location and scale).
  • Step 2: Register the enterprise with the Department of Planning and Investment. After obtaining the IRC (if required), investors proceed with procedures for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) to formally establish a legal entity. Dossiers are submitted to the Business Registration Office under the Department of Planning and Investment.
  • Step 3: Complete post-registration procedures such as seal carving, bank account opening, tax registration. After ERC issuance, the enterprise undertakes necessary actions to operate: carving a legal entity seal and announcing the seal specimen (many businesses may now opt out of traditional round seals), opening a Direct Investment Capital Account (DICA) and payment account at a bank, initial tax registration with tax authorities, purchasing a digital signature, and issuing electronic invoices.

Long Phan Consulting Company’s Business Procedure Services

To simplify and expedite market entry for foreign investors, Long Phan Consulting Company offers comprehensive support packages. These range from initial consultation to procedure completion and post-establishment support. We commit to optimal, cost-effective, and time-saving solutions.

  • Consultation on choosing a suitable enterprise type: Based on business sector, capital scale, investor numbers, and development strategy, we analyze pros and cons of each type (LLC, JSC, RO, branch, etc.). We advise clients on the optimal form, compliant with Vietnamese law and commitments (WTO, EVFTA, CPTPP, etc.).
  • Drafting and submitting investment and enterprise registration dossiers: Our legal specialists assist clients in preparing all necessary documents, notarized translation (if any), drafting dossiers per prescribed forms, and representing clients in submitting dossiers and tracking progress with competent state agencies.
  • Support in post-registration procedures and regular legal consultation: After establishment, we continue supporting clients with post-licensing procedures like seal making, bank account opening, initial tax declaration, and obtaining sub-licenses (if any). Long Phan Consulting Company also provides regular legal consultation to ensure ongoing compliance. This level of detail is a hallmark of our Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors approach.

Reasons to Choose Long Phan Consulting Company for Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors

Selecting a reliable consulting partner is crucial for the success and convenience of foreign individuals and investors in Vietnam. Long Phan Consulting Company delivers superior value, becoming the top choice for many clients due to our extensive experience, professional work style, and comprehensive support commitment. We provide legal solutions and act as a trusted companion on your development path in Vietnam.

  • Experience: Long Phan Consulting Company‘s expert team has extensive practical experience from years of advising foreign individuals and investors in Vietnam. We have successfully handled thousands of complex cases in diverse fields: work permits, temporary residence cards, real estate investment, enterprise establishment, and related legal issues. Our deep understanding of Vietnam’s legal system and regular work with state agencies enable us to offer optimal, effective solutions.
  • Professionalism: Long Phan Consulting Company‘s work process is professional, clear, transparent, and efficient. From initial request intake, we listen carefully to understand each client’s specific needs. All consultation information and service quotes are presented clearly and understandably. We strictly adhere to professional ethics, ensure client information confidentiality, and proactively update work progress.
  • Comprehensive Support: Long Phan Consulting Company provides comprehensive “A to Z” support, accompanying clients from initial steps to procedure completion and throughout subsequent operations. We address specific legal issues and offer strategic advice, helping clients anticipate risks and maximize opportunities. We aim to be a reliable, long-term partner, contributing to client success and sustainable development in Vietnam. Benefits of using services at Long Phan Consulting Company. Our Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors commitment is to your success.
Benefits of using services at Long Phan Consulting Company
Benefits of using services at Long Phan Consulting Company

Contact Us for Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors

For detailed consultation and professional support regarding services for foreign individuals and investors in Vietnam, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company:

Long Phan Consulting Company is your partner for success in Vietnam!

Conclusion

This article has outlined Long Phan Consulting Company‘s Consulting Services for Foreign Individuals/Investors. These include support for work permits, temporary residence cards, real estate investment advice, and business procedures under current Vietnamese law. With experience and professionalism, we are a trusted legal partner, accompanying your development. For in-depth, effective consulting solutions, contact Long Phan Consulting Company today!

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