Hanoi to process all building permit applications online

THE HANOI TIMES — All administrative procedures related to construction in Hanoi will be available online as of today [June 9], including the issuance of permits for construction, repairs, and renovations.

In a statement, the Hanoi Public Service Center announced that it will only accept applications for all construction-related procedures through a fully online public service platform.

These procedures include issuing construction operation permits, repair and renovation permits, permit adjustments, and extensions. The online process applies to row houses, special projects, and buildings classified as level I, II, III, and IV.

Construction projects are categorized into five levels based on their scale, capacity, and complexity. Special projects are those that are taller than 200 meters or have more than 50 floors. Level IV projects are the smallest, with a height of under six meters, one floor, and a total floor area of less than 1,000 square meters.

Until the end of this year, citizens and businesses submitting applications online will be exempt from fees and will pay a subsidized fee of VND26,000 (US$1) for home delivery of results. Under regulations, the maximum processing time for construction permits is 15 working days for terraced houses and 20 days for other projects. In the event of unforeseen issues, the permit process should not exceed an additional 10 days.

The Public Service Center said that online submissions help citizens avoid dependence on office hours, queues, and travel while preventing corruption.

Last week, the Minister of Construction ordered the reduction of paperwork for construction permit procedures for projects with approved 1:500 detailed planning or urban design. This directive follows Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s instructions to cut and simplify administrative procedures in the construction sector.