Establishing a Foreign Restaurant Business in Vietnam

Vietnam is currently an attractive destination for foreign investors in the restaurant sector due to its diverse culinary culture and increasing number of tourists. However, establishing a restaurant business in Vietnam requires strict compliance with various legal regulations, particularly regarding Food Safety Certification and Fire Prevention and Control. This article will detail the necessary steps to establish a restaurant business and the key legal requirements.

Conditions for Establishing a Restaurant Business

To establish a restaurant business in Vietnam, foreign investors must follow these steps:

1. Preparing the Registration Dossier for a 100% Foreign-Owned Restaurant Business

• Investment registration certificate for foreign investors
• Business registration application form
• Company charter
• List of members or shareholders
• Notarized copies of valid ID cards or passports of individuals
• Power of attorney
• Submission location: Business registration office under the Department of Planning and Investment where the enterprise's head office is located
• Processing time: 20-30 working days for Investment registration certificate (IRC) and 5 working days for Enterprise registration certificate (ERC)

For detailed procedures on establishing a foreign-owned business in Vietnam, refer to: Procedures for Establishing a 100% Foreign-Owned Business.

2. Food Safety Certification

To ensure the quality and safety of food for customers, a restaurant must obtain a Food Safety Certification. The steps to apply for this certificate include:

• Required Documents:
  • Enterprise registration certificate (ERC)
  • Health certificates of the business owner and food processing staff
  • Training documents on food safety knowledge
  • Diagram of the food production and processing process as per regulations
  • Certification of the origin of ingredients and water quality used
  • Invoices and documents from suppliers with food safety certificates
  • Other forms and documents as required
• Submission Location:

Submit the application at the Food Safety Division or the district/municipal Health Department where the business is located

• Inspection and Certification:
  • The competent authority will conduct an on-site inspection of the business premises
  • If requirements are met, the certificate will be issued within 15 working days

Note:

• Preparation Time: Gathering and notarizing necessary documents can take a considerable amount of time, so businesses should start early and plan thoroughly.
• Staff Training: Ensure that all food processing staff are trained in food safety.
• On-Site Inspection: Maintain food safety conditions consistently as authorities will conduct inspections.

For detailed procedures on obtaining a Food Safety Certification, refer to: Procedures for Applying for a Food Safety Certification for Restaurants and Hotels.

3. Fire Prevention and Control

Fire safety is a critical requirement for restaurant businesses. To meet this requirement, the following steps must be taken:

Preparing the Fire Safety Permit Application

• Application form for a fire safety certificate
• Copy of business registration certificate
• Fire safety system design drawings
• Fire safety system acceptance test record

Submission Location

Submit the application to the local Fire Police Department where the business is located

Inspection and Certification

• The Fire Police will conduct an on-site inspection of the business premises
• If requirements are met, the certificate will be issued within 10-15 working days

Ensuring fire safety is crucial for protecting assets and lives. Here are some practical tips for restaurant businesses:

Detailed Fire Safety Plan

• Analyze fire risks: Identify high-risk areas such as kitchens, storage areas, and electrical systems

• Develop a fire safety plan: Include preventive measures, emergency exits, and firefighting procedures

Install Standard Fire Safety Systems:

• Fire alarm systems: Equip with automatic fire alarm systems in high-risk areas

• Firefighting equipment: Provide adequate fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and other firefighting equipment as per standards

• Emergency exits: Ensure exits are always clear and clearly marked

Staff Training:

• Fire safety training: Organize fire safety training sessions for all employees, especially kitchen staff

• Fire drills: Regularly conduct fire drills to ensure employees are familiar with evacuation procedures and firefighting equipment usage

Regular Maintenance:

• Electrical system checks: Periodically inspect and maintain the electrical system to prevent fire hazards.

• Fire safety equipment maintenance: Regularly check and maintain fire alarm and firefighting equipment to ensure they are in good working condition.

Legal Compliance:

• Update on new regulations: Stay updated and comply with the latest fire safety regulations from authorities
• Fire safety certificate: Ensure the business has a valid fire safety certificate.

Other Practical Tips:

• Keep emergency exits unobstructed: Ensure emergency exits are always clear and not blocked by any objects
• Proper storage of flammable materials: Store flammable materials such as oil, alcohol, and gas in separate, safe areas
• Check gas and kitchen systems: Ensure gas cylinders and kitchen systems are safely installed and regularly inspected for leaks
• Update fire safety knowledge and skills: Regularly organize training sessions to enhance fire safety knowledge and skills for all employees.

Establishing a restaurant business in Vietnam requires strict compliance with legal regulations, particularly regarding food safety and fire prevention. Understanding and adhering to these procedures will help foreign investors ensure smooth and sustainable business operations. Hopefully, this article provides all the necessary information to help you start your restaurant business in Vietnam.