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Several new regulations take effect in May 2026, covering supplementary retirement insurance, electricity-sector enforcement, health and tobacco controls, deposit insurance crisis handling, emissions testing for motorcycles and mopeds, and penalties in civil status and family law.
From May 10, 2026, Government Decree 85/2026 on supplementary retirement insurance takes effect. The policy is designed to create a long-term accumulation channel alongside the existing social insurance system.
Under the decree, each participant has one or more personal retirement accounts that record contributions, investment results, and related costs. Accumulated funds are managed separately and paid to the worker when eligibility conditions under the regulations are met.
Contributions may come from both employees and employers, depending on agreements between the two parties. The decree also provides tax incentives for contributions under applicable law, supporting long-term savings for post-work life.
From May 25, 2026, Decree 133/2026 tightens penalties in the electricity sector, including higher fines for landlords who collect electricity from tenants above the regulated level.
Fines of 20–30 million VND apply to landlords who charge tenants for electricity above the regulated level when electricity is bought at retail price for domestic use. This means landlords may face fines up to 30 million VND if they charge above the regulated domestic rate.
From May 15, 2026, Decree 90/2026 sets penalties in the health sector for violations involving electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Sanctions also require destruction of electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco in certain cases.
For serious violations, outlets may be suspended for 1–3 months. Violating tobacco products must be withdrawn or destroyed if remedies cannot be applied.
From May 1, 2026, the amended Deposit Insurance Law allows the Deposit Insurance Organization to participate in handling crises at credit institutions. It may provide special lending from its contingency reserve to support resolution efforts.
This includes special loans to banks under special control to implement recovery plans and, if necessary, mandatory transfers. Deposit insurers can participate early in interventions, and authorities may use the insurer to withdraw funds from affected institutions to protect depositors.
Decision 13/2026 of the Prime Minister requires emissions testing for motorcycles and mopeds participating in road traffic. The schedule is as follows:
From May 18, 2026, Decree 109/2026 provides penalties in the fields of civil status, family law, and related matters.
Taken together, the May 2026 policy changes introduce new compliance requirements and potential financial exposure for individuals and businesses, including retirement savings arrangements, electricity billing and inspection compliance, restrictions and enforcement in tobacco and vaping-related activities, expanded deposit insurance involvement in crisis resolution, emissions testing timelines for vehicles, and penalties for civil status and family law violations.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
