For forest countries preparing to implement REDD+ and receive results-based payments, a clear domestic legal framework of enabling policies and legislation is needed to ensure that national systems not only deliver permanent emission reductions, but can also guard against the social and environmental risks created by REDD+, while also delivering co-benefits. Reforms to domestic legal frameworks may be necessary to meet the key requirements of the UNFCCC and those of the World Bank Forest Carbon Partnership Facility in order to qualify for results-based payments. Furthermore, depending on their design and implementation, domestic legal frameworks can be used to address a number of broader governance issues which are also critical for achieving effective, efficient and equitable REDD+ such as reducing corruption, and ensuring rights of access to information and public participation.