The government has issued Decree No. 45/2025, allowing Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to organize 15 departments, with each city permitted to increase the number of deputy directors by up to 10.

New structure for provincial and municipal departments

Decree No. 45/2025, which governs the organization of specialized agencies under provincial and district-level People's Committees, standardizes 12 departments across all localities. These include:

Department of Home Affairs

Department of Justice

Department of Finance

Department of Industry and Trade

Department of Agriculture and Environment

Department of Construction

Department of Science and Technology

Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism

Department of Education and Training

Department of Health

Provincial Inspectorate

Office of the People's Committee

Additionally, some localities may establish specialized departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, and Department of Tourism. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will have a unique Department of Planning and Architecture.

The decree grants Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City the authority to establish, reorganize, rename, or dissolve departments in accordance with their specific needs, as outlined in the Law on the Capital and other legal documents. Other provinces and cities may organize up to 14 departments.

Deputy director positions capped with exceptions for major cities

Under this new regulation, department directors are appointed by the provincial People's Committee Chairman and are responsible for the department’s functions and duties. Deputy directors are appointed upon the director’s recommendation.

On average, each department will have three deputy directors. However, depending on the number of departments established, provincial People's Committees will determine the specific number of deputy directors per department.

For Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to the standard number of deputy directors, each city is allowed to appoint up to 10 additional deputies.

The decree also states that if restructuring results in an excess of deputy directors beyond the legal limit, authorities must ensure compliance within five years from the date the restructuring decision takes effect.

Decree No. 45/2025 takes effect on March 1, replacing previous regulations.

Thu Hang