The president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the head of state of Vietnam, elected by the National Assembly of Vietnam from delegates of the National Assembly. Since Vietnam is a single-party state, the president is generally considered to hold the second highest position in the political system, practically after the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. In addition, the president appoints the head of government, the prime minister. As head of state, the President represents Vietnam both domestically and internationally, and maintains the regular and coordinated operation and stability of the national government and safeguards the independence and territorial integrity of the country.

The vice president of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, known as the deputy chairman of the Council of State from 1981 to 1992, is the deputy head of state of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The vice president is appointed on the recommendation of the president to the National Assembly. The president can also recommend the vice president's dismissal and resignation from office. Upon the president's recommendation, the vice president has to be approved by the National Assembly. The main duty of a vice president is to help the president in discharging his duties—in certain cases, the vice president can be empowered by the president to replace him in the discharge of some of his duties. If the president cannot discharge his duties, the vice president becomes acting president. In case of vacancy, the vice president will remain acting president until the National Assembly elects a new president.