Executive Summary
In a decisive push to foster a more agile business environment for the technology and innovation sectors, the Government has issued Decree No. 15/2026/ND-CP, effective immediately as of mid-January 2026.
This omnibus decree amends seven prior decrees, drastically cutting administrative processing times, lowering the barrier to entry for technological evaluation services, and decentralizing licensing authorities. For multinational corporations (MNCs) and FDI investors in R&D, Pharmaceuticals, and Telecommunications, this represents a tangible reduction in “time-to-market” and compliance friction, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to becoming a high-tech hub.
The Regulatory Overhaul: Key Highlights
The Decree systematically dismantles several bureaucratic bottlenecks across different domains of Science and Technology (S&T):
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Digitalization of R&D Funding Requests: Organizations seeking State funding, recognition of R&D results, or State purchase of research outcomes can now submit dossiers directly via the National Public Service Portal, bypassing mandatory physical submissions.
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Lowering Barriers for Tech Experts: The prerequisite experience for experts and official appraisers applying for a certificate of eligibility to provide technology evaluation and appraisal services has been reduced from three years to two years.
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Accelerated Intellectual Property (IP) & Pharma Timelines: * Processing time for withdrawing an IP title application is cut from 2 months to 30 days.
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Processing time for handling patent compensation procedures due to delays in pharmaceutical marketing authorization is reduced from 3 months to 2 months.
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Decentralization of Radio Frequency Licensing: Provincial-level People’s Committees are now empowered to issue, modify, and revoke licenses for the use of radio frequencies and devices, regardless of the applicant’s registered locality.
Strategic Analysis: Implications for Business & Investment
At Lexora Partner, we advise our clients to look beyond the immediate administrative relief and understand the strategic leverage this Decree offers:
1. The “Speed-to-Market” Advantage in Pharma
The pharmaceutical industry operates on strict patent lifecycles.
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Analysis: The 30-day reduction in processing patent compensation for delayed marketing authorizations is a massive win for Big Pharma. It allows originators to enforce their patent extensions faster, securing their market exclusivity windows and projecting more accurate revenue forecasts for their Vietnam operations.
2. Talent Acquisition in a Tight R&D Market
The reduction of required experience for technology appraisers (from 3 to 2 years) is a highly pragmatic move by the Government.
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Analysis: Vietnam is currently facing a shortage of senior certified tech appraisers. By lowering the threshold, S&T organizations and consulting firms can promote talented junior engineers faster, expanding the pool of qualified personnel capable of signing off on critical technology transfers for FDI projects.
3. “Forum Shopping” in Telecommunications & IoT
The decentralization of radio frequency licensing is an unprecedented structural shift.
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Analysis: Because Provincial authorities can now issue these licenses regardless of where the applicant is headquartered, tech companies (especially those deploying IoT devices, drones, or localized telecom networks) can effectively engage in “administrative forum shopping.” Investors can bypass backlogged central ministries or slower provinces and route their applications through the most efficient Provincial People’s Committee, significantly accelerating project deployment.
Lexora’s Perspective: Actionable Counsel
The swift enactment of Decree 15 requires an immediate update to internal compliance protocols. Lexora Partner recommends the following action items:
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For Pharma & MedTech Clients: Immediately audit your pending patent compensation claims. Your legal teams should capitalize on the new 2-month processing window to push for faster resolutions with the authorities.
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For Technology & R&D Hubs: Transition all your R&D recognition and state-funding applications to the National Public Service Portal. Ensure your digital signatures and corporate e-credentials are fully updated to utilize this newly opened channel.
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For Telecom & Electronics Manufacturers: If you are facing delays in radio frequency licensing, consult with our team to strategize applying through more agile provincial authorities, leveraging the new jurisdictional flexibility.
Lexora Partner – Precision legal strategy for a fast-paced digital economy.
For in-depth advisory on Technology Transfer and IP Compliance, please contact Lexora Partner.
