Documents and costs for factory construction permit in 2026

Factory construction permit costs in 2026 are a major concern for many businesses when launching new projects. Based on practical experience in consulting and delivering industrial factory projects, BMB Steel compiles and analyzes the required cost components, influencing factors, competent licensing authorities, and permit processing timelines in the article below, helping investors plan their budgets proactively and minimize risks during the completion of legal procedures.

1. What costs are included in a factory construction permit?

Factory construction permit costs are not a fixed figure but consist of various cost items. For investors in the industrial sector, understanding each cost component helps ensure better financial planning and effective control over project implementation progress.

In general, factory construction permit costs are typically divided into the following three main groups:

Read more: What is the pre-engineered steel building? The optimal solution for your projects

1.1. Government fees

This is a mandatory fee paid to the People’s Committee and the competent construction management authorities. The fee level usually depends on the total floor area, the type of construction, and the project location. These fees cover the receipt, appraisal, and issuance of the construction permit.

1.2. Technical design and legal documentation costs

Before submitting the permit application, investors must prepare a complete set of technical documents, including architectural drawings, structural drawings (particularly essential for steel structure factories), fire prevention and fighting system designs, and MEP documentation. Well-prepared and standards-compliant design documents help shorten the approval process, reduce requests for revisions, and avoid unnecessary additional costs.

1.3. Consulting and legal service costs

For companies that do not have an in-house legal or technical team, using professional consulting or legal service providers is a common solution. These units assist with document preparation, liaising with competent authorities, and handling procedures arising during the permit application process. Although this increases initial costs, it helps save significant time and minimizes the risk of administrative errors.

Read more: 13+ Modern popular industrial building drawings

2. Which factors affect construction permit costs?

The total cost of obtaining a factory construction permit can vary considerably, as multiple factors influence it. Understanding these factors helps businesses prepare a more realistic budget and minimize unexpected costs during project implementation. The main factors affecting construction permit costs include:

Project scale, complexity, and location

• The larger the factory’s construction area, the higher the government fees and related costs, as these are usually calculated based on total floor area.
• A standard factory typically undergoes a simpler appraisal process compared to projects with special technical requirements, such as factories equipped with overhead cranes, chemical storage facilities, or cleanroom areas.
• Each province or city applies its own fee framework and regulatory approach. Generally, projects located in major industrial parks or central areas tend to incur higher costs than those in newly developed zones or suburban areas.

Compliance requirements and changes in legal regulations

• Construction permit costs also depend on the applicable legal compliance requirements at a given time. Building codes, structural safety standards, and fire prevention and fighting regulations are frequently updated, requiring design documents to be adjusted accordingly.
• In addition, for certain manufacturing industries, preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is mandatory before a construction permit can be issued. The preparation and appraisal of the EIA increase the overall initial project cost.

Read more: Professional pre-engineered steel building construction process

3. Estimated factory construction permit costs in 2026

To help businesses better visualize and proactively plan their budgets, below is a reference cost estimate for obtaining a factory construction permit in 2026 for a medium-scale project in Vietnam.

Note: The above figures are for reference only and may vary depending on local regulations, factory scale, or investment incentive policies applied in each industrial park in 2026.

Read more: Latest factory construction cost quote

4. Competent authority for issuing construction permits

In construction activities, a construction permit is considered the legal “passport” of each project. It is a legal document issued by a competent state authority, allowing individuals or organizations to carry out the construction, repair, renovation, or relocation of residential buildings in accordance with approved planning, technical standards, and applicable laws.

The authority responsible for issuing construction permits is determined based on the scale, nature, and location of the project. According to Clause 1, Article 4 of Decree 140/2025/ND-CP, effective from July 1, 2025, the authority to issue construction permits belongs to the commune/ward-level People’s Committee. This authority is responsible for issuing permits for projects that are subject to construction permit requirements within its administrative jurisdiction.

Note: The authority that issues construction permits is also responsible for related procedures such as adjusting, extending, reissuing, or revoking construction permits for projects under its management scope.

5. How long does it take to obtain a factory construction permit in 2026?

The timeline for obtaining a factory construction permit in 2026 is clearly stipulated in Article 102 of the 2014 Law on Construction (amended and supplemented in 2020) and Decree 15/2021/ND-CP of the Government. Depending on the type of project and the level of management, the processing time for a construction permit application may vary. Specifically:

• For single-family houses owned by households or individuals, the permit issuance period does not exceed 10 working days from the date the competent authority receives a complete and valid application dossier.
• For large-scale projects or Grade III and Grade IV constructions, the construction permit must be issued within 15 working days from the date a complete and valid dossier is received.
• For adjusted construction permits or relocation permits, the processing time is 20 working days for construction projects and 15 working days for single-family houses, counted from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier.

In practice, the actual permit processing time may be longer than the statutory timeframe if the application dossier is incomplete or if the project is located in an area requiring additional review of planning compliance, building density, construction boundaries, or protection corridors for technical infrastructure. In such cases, the licensing authority will issue a written notice once, requesting the investor to supplement and complete the dossier. After resubmission, the appraisal timeline will continue to apply for the remaining statutory period.

In addition, for factories with special characteristics or projects located in industrial parks, export processing zones, high-tech parks, or economic zones, the construction permit process may require consultation with specialized regulatory authorities. As a result, the actual timeframe to complete the permit procedures may range 15-30 working days, depending on the complexity of each project.

Factory construction permit costs in 2026 consist of multiple components, including government fees, technical design documentation costs, and related legal consulting services. The actual cost level depends on the project scale, construction location, technical requirements, and the legal regulations applied at each specific time.

With extensive experience in delivering factory projects and steel structure construction, BMB Steel not only supports investors in design and construction but also assists them in understanding and complying with legal requirements related to construction permits. Proactive preparation from the permitting stage establishes a solid foundation for smooth factory construction, ensuring compliance, timely execution, and long-term project success.