By the end of 2025, the number of provincial-level administrative units in Vietnam will be reduced from 63 to 34, through the merger of existing provinces into larger administrative regions.
Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình emphasized that the reform also aims to reshape leadership structures and create strong economic zones by combining the strengths of both mountainous and coastal areas. For example, merging Binh Duong, Ba Ria–Vung Tau, and Ho Chi Minh City could form an economic hub “comparable to Shanghai.”
Newly merged administrative units:
| Combined Locations (No Accent) | Representative Province/City | Center Location |
| Tuyen Quang + Ha Giang | Tuyen Quang | Tuyen Quang |
| Lao Cai + Yen Bai | Lao Cai | Yen Bai |
| Bac Kan + Thai Nguyen | Thai Nguyen | Thai Nguyen |
| Vinh Phuc + Phu Tho + Hoa Binh | Phu Tho | Phu Tho |
| Bac Ninh + Bac Giang | Bac Ninh | Bac Giang |
| Hung Yen + Thai Binh | Hung Yen | Hung Yen |
| Hai Duong + Hai Phong | Hai Phong City | Hai Phong |
| Ha Nam + Ninh Binh + Nam Dinh | Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Quang Binh + Quang Tri | Quang Tri | Quang Binh |
| Quang Nam + Da Nang | Da Nang City | Da Nang |
| Kon Tum + Quang Ngai | Quang Ngai | Quang Ngai |
| Gia Lai + Binh Dinh | Gia Lai | Binh Dinh |
| Ninh Thuan + Khanh Hoa | Khanh Hoa | Khanh Hoa |
| Lam Dong + Dak Nong + Binh Thuan | Lam Dong | Lam Dong |
| Dak Lak + Phu Yen | Dak Lak | Dak Lak |
| Ba Ria–Vung Tau + Binh Duong + Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Dong Nai + Binh Phuoc | Dong Nai | Dong Nai |
| Tay Ninh + Long An | Tay Ninh | Long An |
| Can Tho + Soc Trang + Hau Giang | Can Tho City | Can Tho |
| Ben Tre + Vinh Long + Tra Vinh | Vinh Long | Vinh Long |
| Tien Giang + Dong Thap | Dong Thap | Tien Giang |
| Bac Lieu + Ca Mau | Ca Mau | Ca Mau |
| An Giang + Kien Giang | An Giang | Kien Giang |
The following provincial-level units will remain unchanged:
- Hanoi Capital City
- Hue City
- Lai Chau Province
- Dien Bien Province
- Son La Province
- Lang Son Province
- Quang Ninh Province
- Thanh Hoa Province
- Nghe An Province
- Ha Tinh Province
- Cao Bang Province
What should foreigners be aware of?
If you’re a foreigner living, working, or investing in Vietnam, these changes may impact various aspects of your life and business:
Administrative addresses will change
Provinces such as Binh Duong, Long An, or Phu Yen will be merged and renamed. This could affect:
- Addresses listed on work contracts, visas, and residency permits
- Company documents, invoices, and bank accounts
- Mapping applications, GPS services, and global HR systems
Administrative procedures will be adjusted
The merging process entails changes to the location and structure of public authorities. Foreign nationals may need to:
- Update administrative documents (temporary/permanent residency, work permits, etc.)
- Familiarize themselves with newly assigned administrative offices for their place of residence or business
- Closely monitor announcements from local authorities
New investment and development opportunities
The mergers will create new growth hubs with larger populations and territories, paving the way for:
- Expansion in real estate, retail, and consumer services
- Development of high-tech zones, logistics, and supporting industries
- Unlocking tourism potential in previously underdeveloped areas
Updates to mapping and digital administration systems
National databases, digital navigation, and administrative systems will need time to synchronize. Foreigners should:
- Follow updates from government agencies, embassies, and foreign assistance organizations in Vietnam
- Double-check official information when handling paperwork, traveling, or conducting transactions
Partner with Hide and Seek
If you’re a foreign expert, investor, or business operating in Vietnam, the 2025 administrative changes are crucial developments not to be overlooked.
However, understanding, adapting to, and seizing opportunities from these changes is a journey that requires reliable companionship.
That’s where Hide and Seek comes in—let us be your trusted partner in navigating the evolving landscape of Vietnam, a nation on the rise.
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