Common Sub-Licenses Required for FDI Enterprises in Vietnam

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Common Sub-Licenses Required for FDI Enterprises in Vietnam

Date: 2025.11.05

Common Sub-Licenses for FDI Enterprises in Vietnam (Updated 2025)

Obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) is only the first step in setting up an FDI company in Vietnam.

After that, depending on the business sector, enterprises must also obtain industry-specific permits, commonly referred to as “sub-licenses.”

This article summarizes the most common sub-licenses required in Vietnam, updated to reflect the latest 2025 regulations, to help investors—especially Japanese enterprises—gain clarity and prepare thoroughly.

1. Business License

Applicable to: FDI enterprises engaged in wholesale, retail, logistics, e-commerce, etc.

Issuing authority: Department of Industry and Trade or Ministry of Industry and Trade (depending on the business line)

Requirements:

– Statutory capital (if applicable)
– International business experienc
– Commitment to consumer rights protection

Processing time: 15–25 working days

2. Certificate of eligibility for security and order

Applicable to: Businesses in security services, hotels, karaoke, logistics, conditional transport services, etc.

Issuing authority: Provincial/City Police Department

Requirements:

– Qualified manager with a clean personal record
– Suitable business premises with approved fire safety documentation

3. Fire prevention and fighting (FPF) certificate

Applicable to: Nearly all businesses with offices, warehouses, or factories

Issuing authority: Local Fire Prevention and Fighting Police

Requirements:

– Fire safety drawings and plans
– Proper fire prevention equipment
– Regular staff training on fire safety

Processing time: 5–10 working days (with complete documentation)

4. Food safety and hygiene certificate

Applicable to:Restaurants, food & beverage businesses, food processing facilities, supermarkets, café chains, etc.

Issuing authority: Department of Health or Food Safety Authority

Requirements:

– Health check and food safety training certificates for staff
– Lease/purchase contract of premises
– Equipment that meets hygiene standards

5. Environmental permit (replacing EIA/Environmental protection plan)

Applicable to: Factories, production facilities, warehouses, projects generating waste, emissions, or noise

Issuing authority: Department of Natural Resources & Environment or Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment

Update 2025: Under the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection, since 2022 all new projects with environmental impact must obtain the new standardized environmental permit.

6. Work permit for foreign employees

Applicable to: Foreign employees, experts, and executives working in FDI enterprises

Issuing authority: Department of Home Affairs

Required documents:

– Personal legal documents (degrees, experience records, passport)
– Justification for employing foreign workers
– Health certificate and criminal record

Processing time: 10–15 working days

7. Other industry-specific sub-licenses

Industry / Business Sector	Required Sub-License
Language centers, schools	Education operation license
Transportation companies	Transport business license
Publishing, printing	Printing operation license
Advertising, media	Advertising license, ICP license
Special sectors (healthcare, pharmaceuticals, clinics)	Professional practice & medical operation licenses

Notes for Japanese investors

– Many sub-licenses require documents in Vietnamese with certified translations.

– Failure to obtain sub-licenses on time may lead to penalties or suspension of business operations.

– It is advisable to engage a local consultant from the beginning to avoid overlaps and omissions.

– Although the Vietnamese government is promoting digitalization of procedures, in practice, in-depth expertise and local experience remain essential.

Help All support services

HelpAll provides comprehensive support for FDI enterprises in Vietnam:

– Preparation and submission of sub-license applications
– Document translation and notarization (Japanese ↔ Vietnamese)
– Post-establishment compliance support: bookkeeping, HR, insurance
– Tracking and renewal of license validity

Conclusion

Establishing an FDI company in Vietnam is just the first step—successful operation requires obtaining all relevant sub-licenses in accordance with the law. Don’t let minor legal procedures become major obstacles to your long-term investment strategy.

Let Help All be your trusted partner—from company setup to business operation.