Le Huu Tien

Paralegal

The incidence of fires and explosions in apartment complexes and high-rise buildings in Vietnam has become increasingly complex in recent times, resulting in significant damage to both human life and property. Despite enhanced fire prevention and firefighting measures, fire incidents continue to occur with notable frequency, posing a direct threat to the safety of residents and community. In light of these circumstances, alongside the adoption by the National Assembly of the Law on Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue No. 55/2024/QH15 dated 29 November 2024, the Government has promptly promulgated Decree No. 105/2025/ND-CP dated 15 May 2025, detailing certain provisions and enforcement measures of the aforementioned law (“Decree 105”).

Accordingly, it is noteworthy that Decree 105 amends and supplements a number of types of facilities in the list of facilities required to obtain mandatory fire and explosion insurance as follows:

1. Apartment buildings and collective housing with a height of five floors or more, or with a total floor area of at least 1,000 m², are required to purchase mandatory fire and explosion insurance. This provision has been adjusted to be stricter than the current regulatory framework. Previously, Decree No. 67/2023/ND-CP dated 06 September 2023 reuqired that apartment buildings, collective housing, and dormitories of seven floors or higher or with a total volume of at least 10,000 m³, as well as mixed-use buildings of five floors or higher or with a total volume of at least 5,000 m², must purchase fire and explosion insurance. This amendment constitutes a significant advancement in fire prevention efforts and the safeguarding of residents in high-density housing, where the risk of fire and explosion is persistent.

2. In addition, Decree 105 revises the conditions applicable to certain other types of facilities, including: nurseries, kindergartens and preschools with 50 or more children or a floor area of at least 500 m²; Primary, secondary, high schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions of three floors or more or with a floor area of at least 1,500 m²; Medical facilities of three floors or more or with a floor area of at least 300 m²; Sports halls, stadiums, swimming pools, and shooting ranges with seating capacity of at least 1,000 seats or floor area of at least 1,000 m²; and Government agencies, enterprises, and socio-political organizations of three floors or more or with a floor area of at least 500 m²

3. The scope of other types of facilities required to purchase fire and explosion insurance has also been broadened to include conference centers, libraries, museums, passenger and cargo stations, aquariums, entertainment, dining, and lodging establishments; as well as residential buildings combined with production or commercial activities, provided that they meet the applicable criteria concerning area or function under current regulations.

4. For facilities under the Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security serving national defense and security purposes, insurance providers are required to strictly observe security and confidentiality protocols when delivering services to facilities with assets classified as state secrets.

The enactment of Decree 105/2025, effective as of 01 July 2025, constitutes a decisive step forward in enhancing fire prevention and firefighting capabilities, while simultaneously reflecting the Government’s resolute commitment to the protection of citizens’ lives and property. This new regulation not only establishes a robust foundation for community safety but also affirms the responsibilities of property owners and residents in safeguarding themselves and others.

Here is our advice on Apartment buildings of five floors or more are required to purchase fire and explosion insurance from 01 July 2025. If you are interested in or need legal advice regarding the above regulations. Please visit our DIMAC Website and other News Category to get the latest updates on legal advice and market experience sharing.