15 important laws effective from January 1, 2026: What citizens and businesses need to know.
From January 1, 2026, a series of new laws enacted by the National Assembly during the 2024-2025 period will officially come into effect, directly impacting social life, production and business activities, education, labor, and state management. These include many new policies on taxation, employment, personal data, education, energy, transportation, etc., which citizens and businesses need to understand early.
This group of laws directly impacts citizens.
NotablyJudicial LawThe law on juvenile offenders, passed by the National Assembly on November 30, 2024, clearly demonstrates humanity by reducing the maximum prison sentence for offenders under 18 years of age, while maintaining strict penalties for serious crimes against life, health, and drugs.The law will come into effect on January 1, 2026.
Law on Teachers,Issued on June 16, 2025, this law for the first time unifies the remuneration system for teachers in both public and private schools; it also expands support policies regarding housing, healthcare, and attracting high-quality human resources to the education sector. The law officially takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Besides,Personal Data Protection LawThe law, passed on June 26, 2025, sets strict requirements for the collection, use, and storage of personal data; it emphasizes the responsibility of businesses in managing employee information after contract termination. The law takes effect from January 1, 2026.
This group of laws directly relates to businesses.
From 2026,Law on Special Consumption TaxThe law, enacted on June 14, 2025, expands the scope of taxable items to include high-sugar beverages; it also adjusts the tax scope for several popular consumer goods and services that directly impact market prices. The law takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Employment Law,Approved by the National Assembly on June 16, 2025, the law expands unemployment insurance coverage, simplifies procedures, and increases flexibility in contributions and benefits, directly impacting both employees and employers. The law takes effect from January 1, 2026.
In addition, laws enacted in 2025 include the Law amending and supplementing certain articles ofAdvertising Law, Law amending and supplementingLaw on Product and Goods QualityandAmended Law on Technical Standards and RegulationsAlso effective from January 1, 2026, these measures tighten requirements for information transparency, traceability, and corporate responsibility in the digital business environment.
Law group on infrastructure, energy and security
A series of new laws includeRailway Law(promulgated on June 27, 2025), Atomic Energy Law (promulgated on June 27, 2025)Chemical Law(issued on June 14, 2025) andLaw amending the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy(Issued on June 18, 2025) and effective from January 1, 2026, aim to strengthen safety management, control risks, and gradually phase out outdated technology.
Remarkable,State Budget LawThe (amended) law, passed on June 25, 2025, readjusts the budget decentralization according to a two-tiered local government model, increasing the autonomy of communes, wards, and localities in handling urgent situations; the law takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Affirming the role and position of the nation.
Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping ForcesThe law, enacted on June 26, 2025, creates a comprehensive legal framework for Vietnam's deeper participation in peacekeeping activities, thereby enhancing its international standing and prestige. The law takes effect from January 1, 2026.
Also effective from January 1, 2026, several other laws will impact state administration and social life, including:Law on Digital Technology Industry(issued on June 14, 2025) with many preferential policies to attract high-quality human resources in the field of digital technology;Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy(issued on June 18, 2025) aims to gradually phase out outdated equipment and encourage the consumption of high-efficiency energy; andAmended Law on Technical Standards and Regulations(Issued on June 14, 2025), enhancing transparency in standards, regulations, and the responsibility of businesses to declare conformity.
5 laws that citizens need to pay the most attention to:
1. Personal Data Protection Law
The buying and selling of personal data is strictly prohibited; businesses must delete employee data after contract termination (except where permitted by law). Social media platforms are not allowed to request images, videos, or identification documents for verification.
2. Employment Law (amended)
Expanding the scope of unemployment insurance coverage, simplifying procedures, and offering flexible contribution levels will benefit both employees and employers.
3. Law on Special Consumption Tax
Adding sugary soft drinks to the list of taxable items; adjusting the tax base for certain popular consumer goods and services that directly impact market prices.
4. Law on Teachers
For the first time, regulations have been standardized regarding the remuneration system for teachers in both public and private schools; policies supporting housing, healthcare, and attracting teachers to disadvantaged areas have been expanded.
5. Juvenile Justice Law
Reduce the maximum prison sentence for offenders under 18, emphasizing education and rehabilitation; while maintaining strict penalties for serious offenses.
