The Land Registration Office holds a vital position within the land management system, acting as an economic-technical link between the legal regulations on land and the practical use of land. In the context of land management receiving increasing attention, the role of agencies closely associated with land data becomes more essential, contributing significantly to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and process stability. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal status and functions of the Land Registration Office in current land management and use.
1. Definition
According to Clause 1, Article 13 of Decree No. 102/2024/ND-CP, which details the implementation of certain articles of the Land Law (effective from August 1, 2024), it clearly states:
“The Land Registration Office is a public service unit under the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, responsible for land registration and land-related assets; land survey, land management, updating cadastral maps and land databases; and providing land information.”
The 2024 Land Law (effective January 1, 2025) and Decree No. 102/2024/ND-CP have expanded the role, authority, and legal status of the Land Registration Office, transforming it into an official agency representing both the State and land users.
These regulations affirm the central role of the Land Registration Office in the land management system, emphasizing its pivotal role in both administrative and legal procedures. It helps ensure legal certainty and transparency for cadastral records. The focus on essential functions without limiting specific tasks enhances the quality of land administration in a more cohesive and efficient manner.
2. Functions and Authority of the Land Registration Office
Clause 2, Article 13 outlines the responsibilities of the Land Registration Office in the following key areas:
a) Register land-related rights for land allocated or leased by the State; land use rights, ownership rights over property attached to land;
b) Carry out registration for changes in land allocated or leased by the State, or managed by the State; changes in land use rights or property ownership;
c) Implement cadastral surveys, mapping, and data collection on land, land use rights, property attached to land; verify cadastral records, legal documents, and results of land registration as authorized;
d) Examine cadastral map extracts, verify and certify comparisons of land-attached assets provided by organizations and individuals for registration and certificate issuance;
e) Compile, update, store, and manage cadastral records; receive, manage the use of certificate templates as prescribed by law;
f) Update, organize, synchronize, and disclose land database information; build, manage, and operate the land information system in accordance with legal regulations;
g) Implement land statistics, land inventory, and prepare reports on land use status;
h) Register security measures to ensure land use rights, ownership rights to land-attached assets in accordance with legal provisions;
i) Provide records, copies, information, and data on land and land-attached assets to organizations and individuals as stipulated by law;
k) Collect fees and charges as prescribed by law and relevant service revenues related to land registration under Article 154 of the Land Law;
l) Perform other tasks assigned by competent authorities suitable to the unit’s capacity and legal regulations;
m) Manage staff, laborers, finances, and assets of the Land Registration Office; implement reporting regimes in accordance with the law and in assigned areas of responsibility.
Clause 2, Article 13 of Decree No. 102/2024/ND-CP affirms the central position of the Land Registration Office in the land management system, highlighting its key role in the professionalization, digital transformation, and modernization of land registration services. It grants the Office the authority to collect, update, and provide cadastral information and land data, contributing to transparency and legal certainty in transactions, and laying a solid foundation for digital transformation in land administration.
A notable highlight is the expansion of authority to provide land information and data services, helping enhance inspection, monitoring, and transparency in land administration.
In summary, these are foundational regulations that contribute significantly to improving the efficiency of land management, especially in the ongoing process of administrative reform and Government modernization.
3. Organizational Structure and Leadership Responsibilities
The Land Registration Office has a clearly defined organizational structure to ensure effectiveness in land management. Under current regulations, this office typically operates under the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment and includes the following administrative components:
Organizational Structure
According to Article 4 of Joint Circular No. 15/2015/TTLT-BTNMT-BNV-BTC, the Land Registration Office consists of:
- Executive Board: Includes a Director and up to two Deputy Directors, responsible for overall management.
- Professional Departments:
- Registration and Certificate Issuance Division: Handles dossiers related to land use right registration.
- Surveying and Mapping Division: Conducts land surveys and manages cadastral records.
- Information Technology Division: Manages the land data information system.
- Administration Division – General Affairs: Provides administrative and management support.
- Leadership Responsibilities:
Leadership Responsibilities
- Director:
- Fully responsible for the operation of the Land Registration Office.
- Signs decisions related to land registration.
- Reports to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment on the office’s performance.
- Deputy Director:
- Assists the Director in management and administration.
- In charge of specific technical areas such as registration, surveying, and information technology.
In summary, the provisions on organizational structure and leadership responsibilities of the Land Registration Office have established a streamlined, professional, and efficient system, which ensures lawful and transparent land administration. Continued innovation in this structure contributes to both administrative reform and the protection of legitimate rights and interests of land users during the process of land transactions.
4. Financial Resources for Operations
This section begins by affirming that under Clause 4, Article 13 of Decree 102/2024/ND-CP, the financial sources of the Land Registration Office and its branches include:
a) State budget allocations as prescribed for public service units;
b) Revenues from service operations, including fees and charges as prescribed by law, service charges related to land, and other lawful revenues in accordance with legal regulations.
Ensuring financial stability is a necessary condition for the Land Registration Office to operate effectively, especially in the context of increasing demands for public services and investments in human resources. These provisions help address issues related to funding shortages and reduce financial dependency that may arise in dossier processing. However, it is essential to manage revenues and expenditures transparently to avoid loss or misuse.
It can be seen that the Land Registration Office not only performs administrative tasks but also plays an essential role in linking legal regulations with the practice of land use. When it operates effectively, the office contributes to the lawful, transparent, and reliable application of legal rules, earning the trust of both individuals and organizations involved in land transactions.
In the current context, where land issues are receiving increasing public attention, the continued improvement of organizational structure and capacity building of the Land Registration Office is a fundamental step toward a public, effective, and people-oriented land management system.
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