Licensing Consulting Service for
Licenses
Private Clinics
Operating a private general or specialty clinic is a conditional business line. To operate lawfully, organizations and individuals must obtain a business registration/license and medical examination and treatment operation license issued by the Department of Health — before receiving or providing medical examination and treatment to any patient.
Serious Legal Consequences
Three Groups of Entities
Required to Obtain a Private Clinic License
Under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment and its guiding regulations, organizations and individuals in the groups below must complete the procedures for business registration/licensing and the medical examination and treatment operation license before receiving patients.
Domestic individuals seeking to establish a clinic as an individual household business must register a household business with the appropriate medical examination and treatment business line and obtain an operation license from the Department of Health.
Limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, or private enterprises with domestic capital seeking to establish a private general or specialty clinic in corporate form.
Foreign individuals and organizations seeking to invest in and open a clinic in Vietnam must additionally obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) before carrying out medical operation licensing procedures.
VND 5.7 million
Requirements for Opening a
Private Clinic in Detail
To obtain an operation license, a private general or specialty clinic must concurrently satisfy all requirements regarding facilities, medical equipment, personnel, and complete legal documentation as prescribed by law.
& Medical Equipment
Private Clinic License
Process &
Licensing Timeline
The application dossier for a private clinic operation license is submitted to the Department of Health where the clinic is located. The total time to complete the procedure is approximately 120 days depending on each specific case.
Include the medical examination and treatment business code
Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (foreign investors)
Timeline: 5 days (domestic enterprises)
25–30 days (foreign investors)
Install adequate medical equipment
Recruit personnel with valid practice certificates
Obtain fire prevention and fighting approval/certificate
Prepare complete legal dossiers
Department of Health reviews the dossier
On-site inspection at the clinic
Issuance of licensing decision
Timeline: approximately 90 days
Analyze the clinic model, determine the appropriate form (general/specialty), advise on all regulations and requirements for opening a general or specialty clinic, and provide a detailed service quotation.
Assist in establishing a household business or enterprise with the appropriate medical examination and treatment business code; obtain an Investment Registration Certificate for foreign investors as quickly as possible.
Review all existing conditions — facilities, medical equipment, personnel, and practice certificates — identify deficiencies and guide completion in accordance with Ministry of Health regulations.
Prepare the complete operation license dossier: facility declaration, practitioner list, professional technical scope, and all related documents. Free notarization included.
Submit the dossier to the Department of Health on behalf of the client; monitor the entire process, coordinate the on-site clinic appraisal, and promptly respond to any supplementation requests.
Advise on post-licensing legal obligations; assist with fire prevention and fighting approval, health insurance contract registration, and procedures arising when adding specialties or new facilities.
More Than 500 Private Clinics
Have Trusted Vlic
Feedback from organizations and individuals that have completed private clinic licensing procedures with Vlic Consulting — from small family clinics to nationwide general clinic chains.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Practical situations clients often encounter when applying for licenses to open private general and specialty clinics.
Ask a Consultation Question →The total time to complete the procedure is approximately 120 daysincluding: 5 days to obtain business registration for domestic enterprises; 25–30 days to obtain an Investment Registration Certificate for foreign investors; and approximately 90 days for the Department of Health to review the dossier and conduct an on-site clinic appraisal. Vlic provides a written timeline commitment.
A general clinic is a form of organization in the medical examination and treatment sector. To operate lawfully, you need to complete two main steps: (1) obtain business registration with the appropriate medical examination and treatment business code; (2) obtain the medical examination and treatment operation license (sub-license) from the Department of Health. In addition, you must complete obtaining fire prevention and fighting approval/certification and ensure a compliant medical waste treatment system.
Yes. Foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises may operate clinics in Vietnam, but must additionally complete the procedure to obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) at the Department of Planning and Investment (25–30 days) before proceeding with the medical operation licensing steps at the Department of Health (approximately 90 days). Vlic supports the entire process for foreign investors.
The procedure for opening a private clinic includes two main steps and several concurrent procedures such as obtaining fire prevention and fighting approval, satisfying facility and medical equipment requirements, and collecting practice certificates for all personnel. If handled independently, it will take at least 5–6 months. Vlic helps shorten the timeline and ensures the dossier meets requirements on the first submission.
The service fee for obtaining business and operation licenses for a private specialty or general clinic depends on each specific case — including the clinic type, location, number of registered specialties, and current dossier status. Vlic provides free consultation and a detailed, transparent quotation before contract signing. Contact us to receive a quotation today.
