In the Vietnamese legal system, a “sub-license” – also known as a certificate of eligibility to do business – is one of the important legal tools, acting as a “passport” that officially allows businesses to operate in conditional business sectors and occupations . The lack of this type of license means that businesses cannot legally conduct business activities and may even be fined, suspended or terminated according to legal regulations.

Correct and complete understanding of sub-licenses is a prerequisite to help investors, especially foreign investors, ensure legality and legal safety when conducting business activities in Vietnam.

If you need in-depth advice on the process of applying for a business eligibility certificate, or are not sure whether your business is eligible for a sub-license or not – please contact Kien Dinh Law Firm’s legal team for detailed support and to accompany you throughout the entire investment journey.

Recommendations for investors

Due to the complexity and differences between each industry, investors – especially foreign investors – should proactively consult a specialized legal advisory unit to ensure:

• The dossier is fully prepared , in the correct form as required by each management agency;

• Shorten appraisal and licensing time ;

• Avoid the risk of being denied a license or being subject to administrative penalties due to missing documents;

• Ensure business operations are transparent, legal and sustainable from the start.

If you need a detailed list of sub-licenses for the industry you intend to invest in, or want full support from preparation to submission and tracking of documents, let the legal team at Kien Dinh Law Firm accompany you – fast, accurate and professional.

Common types of sub-licenses 2025

• International travel business license
• Printing industry license
• Certificate of eligibility for security and order
• Real estate trading floor license
• Food safety certificate
• Product standard certificate
• License to operate a foreign language center (IT)
• Apply for a veterinary medicine production license
• Apply for a license to establish a kindergarten
• Product circulation license
• Apply for a certificate of eligibility for the clinic
• Request product standard certificate
• Apply for import license
• Advertising license
• Basic vocational training license
• Liquor Retail License
• Wholesale Liquor License
• Liquor license
• ICP website operating license
• License for eligibility to trade in chemicals
• License for automobile transportation business
• Program Promotion License
• License to operate labor export services

Important notes when applying for a Sub-License in business investment activities in Vietnam

For foreign investors when conducting investment activities in Vietnam, applying for a sub-license – also known as a certificate of eligibility to conduct business in a conditional industry or profession – is a mandatory legal step and plays a decisive role in the ability to put the business into legal operation. To ensure that this process is carried out effectively, investors need to be aware of the following notes:

1. Clearly define legal regulations for conditional business lines and professions

Before proceeding with the procedure for applying for a sub-license, investors need to accurately look up current legal regulations related to the intended business sector. Sectors such as healthcare, education, food, transportation, security services, insurance, finance, etc. are all on the list of conditional business investment sectors.

2. Complete the profile with accurate and consistent information

Filling in the registration form correctly and completely is a mandatory requirement, especially for applications for sub-licenses – which are often accompanied by many supporting documents such as: documents proving financial capacity, personnel, certificate of right to use business location, degrees/practice certificates (if any), etc. Inaccuracies, omissions or inconsistencies in information can lead to refusal of licensing or prolongation of appraisal time .

3. Comply with regulations on submitting complete and correct application documents to competent authorities.

Investors need to submit their application at the right place, at the right time and with the right authority according to each type of license. Depending on the industry, the application can be submitted to the Department, specialized ministries or local specialized management agencies. Compliance with standard administrative procedures will help minimize legal risks and save time.

4. Processing time and situations to note

The processing time for sub-license applications is usually specified in specialized laws or specific guidance documents. However, in practice, the processing time may be longer due to additional documentation requirements or internal appraisal mechanisms. Therefore, investors need to budget a reasonable amount of time to ensure that project implementation progress is not interrupted.

5. Costs associated with the sub-license application process

In addition to the administrative fees and charges that are publicly disclosed as prescribed, investors need to consider the costs of preparing documents, notarization, consular legalization (if any), notarized translation of foreign documents , and service costs if using professional legal advice. A clear budget for the entire process is a necessary step to manage financial risks when investing in the Vietnamese market.

Recommendations from experts

Applying for a sub-license in Vietnam, especially for FDI investors, is a process that requires in-depth legal knowledge and the ability to handle administrative documents effectively . Therefore, investors should consider using reputable legal services to ensure:

• Procedures are carried out in accordance with legal regulations;

• Shorten processing time;

• Avoid unnecessary risks associated with operating licenses.

Why should you use Kien Dinh Law Firm ‘s Sublicense consulting services?

Kien Dinh Law Firm is one of the most prestigious addresses providing Sublicense consulting services in Vietnam today:

⭐ No additional costs, the service price for Sublicense consulting services in Vietnam is the most competitive on the market. 

⭐ Lawyer consultant > 15 years experience. 

⭐ Ensure absolute confidentiality of customer information

⭐ Contact Hotline : (VN) 0928 633966, (US) 1323-457-8888

And other related advice and notes. To learn more about the notes before implementing Sublicense consulting services in Vietnam, please contact Kien Dinh Law Firm for free advice.