Licenses & Permits You Actually Need
Beyond the company registration — the sector-specific licenses that many entrepreneurs forget until it is too late.
Licenses & Permits You Actually Need
Your IRC and ERC get you a company. They do not necessarily let you operate. Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses. Missing these is a leading cause of businesses being forced to shut down or pay heavy fines.
Food Safety Certificate (Giấy chứng nhận VSATTP)
Required for any F&B business — restaurants, cafes, food production.
- Issued by the District Health Authority
- Requires premises inspection, staff health certificates, food safety training records
- Renewal: annual
Fire Safety Certificate (PCCC)
Required for most commercial premises (offices over 300m², restaurants, hotels, retail).
- Issued by the District Police Fire Prevention Department
- Inspectors check fire exits, extinguishers, sprinklers, electrical systems
- This is often the most time-consuming license to obtain — plan for 4–8 weeks
Advertising License
Required if you put up outdoor signage / billboards. Often overlooked by new businesses.
Education Operating License
Required for language centers, tutoring centers, vocational training. One of the more complex licenses — requires qualified teachers on staff, premises inspection, Ministry of Education approval.
Sub-licenses by Sector
| Sector | Required license | Issuing authority |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant / cafe | Food safety + fire safety + alcohol permit | District health + police + DOIT |
| Language school | Education operating license | Dept. of Education |
| Spa / salon | Business license + health certificate | District authority |
| Import / export | Import-export code registration | Customs |
| Hotel / guesthouse | Tourism accommodation license | Dept. of Tourism |
Rule: Ask your lawyer for a full compliance checklist specific to your sector before signing any lease. Discovering you need a fire safety retrofit after you've spent $50k on fitout is an expensive lesson.