Individual Houses with Floor Area Under 500m2 Exempt from Construction Permits

Individual Houses with Floor Area Under 500m2 Exempt from Construction Permits according to the latest regulations in the Law on Construction 2025. This policy reduces administrative burdens for investors and households when implementing small-scale projects in Vietnam. Long Phan Consulting Company provides detailed analysis and procedures below.

General regulations on construction permits as stipulated in the 2025 Construction Law.

According to Article 43 of the Law on Construction 2025, construction permits include:

• New construction permit.
• Repair, renovation, and relocation permit.
• Fixed-term construction permit.

Before commencing construction, investors must have a construction permit, except for exempt cases.

Conditions for granting a construction permit as stipulated in the 2025 Construction Law.

Based on Clause 1, Article 44, Law on Construction 2025, conditions include:

1. Conformity with land use purposes.
2. Conformity with urban/rural planning, urban design, or architectural management regulations.
3. Design ensures safety for the work and adjacent works; compliance with environmental protection, fire prevention, and infrastructure connection.

>>>See more: Construction Permit for Repair and Renovation of Grade III, IV Works and Individual Houses

Single-family houses with a floor area of ​​less than 500m2 are exempt from construction permits according to the provisions of the 2025 Construction Law.

According to Clause 2, Article 43 of the Law on Construction 2025, exempt cases include:

1. State secret works, emergency works, special public investment projects.
2. Public investment projects decided by the Prime Minister, Ministers, Heads of central agencies, or Chairmen of People’s Committees at all levels.
3. Linear works through two or more provincial administrative units; linear works outside urban development areas conforming to planning.
4. Offshore construction works, airports, and flight assurance works.
5. Advertising works not requiring permits; passive telecommunications infrastructure.
6. Works with appraised and approved Feasibility Study Reports.
7. Grade IV works and Individual Houses:
   • Scale: Under 07 floors.
   • Total Floor Area: Under 500 m2.
   • Location: Not located in: functional zones/urban development areas in city master plans; functional zones/rural residential areas/urban development areas in provincial/city/economic zone master plans; construction areas in commune master plans; or areas with architectural management regulations.
8. Repair/renovation works affecting the interior or non-road-facing exterior that do not change function or affect structural safety/fire safety/environment.

Summary: Individual houses exempt from July 1, 2026, must be under 07 floors, under 500 m2, and outside specific planned zones or areas with architectural management regulations.

What is the procedure for confirming exemption from a construction permit before construction begins?

Even if exempt, investors must perform the notification procedure before commencement. According to Point b, Clause 3, Article 43, Law on Construction 2025:

• Procedure: Send a Notice of Construction Commencement to the local competent state management agency regarding construction.
• Dossier: The notice must be accompanied by a dossier corresponding to the application for a construction permit (excluding the Application Form itself), such as design drawings and land papers.

>>>See more: New Construction Permit for Grade III, IV Works and Individual Houses

Long Phan Consulting provides consulting services on exemption from building permits for individual houses with floor area under 500m2.

Long Phan Consulting Company offers comprehensive solutions:

• Analysis: Determining exemption eligibility based on location, 1/500 planning, and scale.
• Advisory: Explaining rights and obligations for exempt works.
• Drafting: Preparing the Notice of Construction Commencement and reviewing design dossiers.
• Compilation: Organizing legal papers on land use rights.
• Representation: Submitting the dossier to the Commune People’s Committee or competent authority; working with authorities during inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Exemption from Building Permit for Detached Houses with Floor Area Under 500m2

Below, Long Phan Consulting provides some frequently asked questions regarding the exemption from building permits for individual houses with a floor area of ​​less than 500m2. We invite interested clients to refer to this information:

When does the exemption start?

From July 1, 2026. (Legal Basis: Clause 2, Article 43, Law on Construction 2025).

What is the floor limit for exemption?

Besides being under 500m2, the house must be under 07 floors. (Legal Basis: Point g, Clause 2, Article 43, Law on Construction 2025).

Is a house in an area with architectural management regulations exempt?

No. If the area has architectural management regulations or is a specific planning zone, it is not exempt. (Legal Basis: Point g, Clause 2, Article 43, Law on Construction 2025).

Do I need to do anything before building an exempt house?

Yes. You must send a Notice of Construction Commencement to the local authority. (Legal Basis: Point b, Clause 3, Article 43, Law on Construction 2025).

What documents are needed for notification?

Notice of commencement + Design drawings/Land papers (similar to permit application dossier). (Legal Basis: Point b, Clause 3, Article 43, Law on Construction 2025).

Conclusion

The regulation exempting Individual Houses under 500m2 from Construction Permits is a significant administrative reform. Clients should verify conditions carefully. For professional support, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via Hotline 1900636389.