An Australian business partner has shown significant interest in Vietnam's tourism investment sector for several years. He previously discussed with me the strong development potential of homestay models in coastal areas. After a period of market research, he plans to acquire a land plot in a central Vietnamese province to establish a long-term homestay business.

Through a real estate agent, he was introduced to a residential land plot within a populated area. The agent advised him that he could "buy it and have a Vietnamese citizen register the property on his behalf" to facilitate the investment. He has asked for my assistance in understanding some issues before making a decision.

I would like to ask: Are foreigners permitted to buy land in Vietnam to open a homestay? If not, are there any legal methods to implement this investment plan in accordance with Vietnamese law?

Jone Nguyen, reader

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