Procedures for Applying for a License to Establish a Foreign-Invested English Center in Vietnam

Definition of a Foreign-Invested English Center

A foreign-invested English center is an educational institution specializing in English language training, established and invested in by foreign individuals or organizations. It must comply with Vietnamese legal regulations to operate lawfully.

Forms of Investment for Establishing a Foreign-Invested English Center in Vietnam

Foreign language training centers, including English centers, fall under the service sector: “Other education services (CPC 929 – including foreign language training)”.
According to Vietnam's commitments under the WTO, foreign investors are allowed to provide English training services and establish English centers, with no current restrictions on investment forms.

Conditions for Establishing a Foreign-Invested English Center

1. Name of the Center

The name must follow this format: “Education or Training Center” + “Main training field/group” + “Proper name”.
Note: Names must not duplicate or confuse with registered educational institutions or the investor company’s name. Avoid using names that violate Vietnamese history, culture, morality, or traditions.

2. Learners

Learners may be Vietnamese or foreign nationals.

3. Investment Capital

• With premises construction: Minimum investment of 20 million VND/learner (excluding land use costs). The total capital is calculated based on the projected number of full-time learners at maximum capacity.
• With rented premises: Investment capital must be at least 70% of the above, still calculated per learner.

4. Facilities & Equipment

• Classrooms must meet lighting, seating, and teaching equipment standards.
• Minimum space: 2.5 m²/learner per session.
• Must include: Director’s office, teachers’ room, library, and other functional rooms.
• Required training and management equipment must be in place.

Note: Premises must be rented for a minimum of 5 years.

5. Educational Program

Allowed to teach short-term English training courses, including programs linked to international institutions.
Note: Educational content must not affect national security, public order, or promote religion or distorted history.

6. Organizational Structure

Must include: Director, Deputy Director(s) (optional), functional departments, and advisory boards (if applicable).

7. Teaching Staff

• Teachers include permanent, contract-based, Vietnamese, and native-speaking or foreign teachers.
• Teachers must have at least a college degree in English or equivalent. Foreign teachers must meet at least one of the following: Degree in English Language Teaching. Degree in English + appropriate language teaching certificate. Degree in another field + CEFR Level 5+ language certificate and teaching certificate.
• Teacher-student ratio: Maximum 25 students per teacher.

8. Operating Regulations

Must have official internal regulations on operations and management.

9. Teaching Method

• Classes may be in-person, online, or blended.
• Each class must have a designated teacher or supervisor.

10. Testing & Certification

• For national certification programs: The center must be eligible under MoET regulations to hold exams and issue certificates.
• For other courses: The center may issue certificates of completion.

11. Enrollment

• Each year, the center must publicly announce information about its programs, schedules, teaching materials, outcomes, teachers, fees, and policies.
• For customized programs: Public announcements must be made before the course begins.

12. Diplomas & Certificates

Certificates must be registered with competent authorities for recognition nationwide.

Licensing Procedures

Step 1: Apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
Step 2: Apply for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Step 3: Apply for the English Center Operational License

Required Documents

Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

To be prepared by investor/legal rep:

• Application form
• Project proposal
• Proof of financial capacity
• Explanation of compliance with foreign investment conditions
• Investor’s decision (if organization)
• Power of attorney (if applicable)

To be provided by the investor:

• Common:
  • Lease agreement (or MoU)
  • Copies of landlord’s enterprise/investment registration certificate, construction permit, and land use right certificate
• For corporate investors:
  • ​​​​​​​Legalized documents: business license, audited financial statements (last 2 years), bank statement
  • Notarized passport copies of legal rep and capital manager
• For individual investors:
  • ​​​​​​​Notarized passport copy
  • Notarized bank statement (proof of financial capacity)

Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

To be prepared:

• Company registration form
• Charter
• List of members/shareholders
• Investor’s decision (if organization)
• Power of attorney

To be provided:

• Common:
  • ​​​​​​​Copy of issued IRC
  • Notarized ID/passport of legal rep
• Corporate investors:
  • ​​​​​​​Legalized business license
  • Passport of legal rep and capital manager
• Individual investors: Notarized passport of investor

English Center Operational License

To be prepared: Application form
To be provided:

• Copy of IRC and ERC
• Bank statement showing capital contribution
• Training program & materials
• Certificate/diploma templates
• Equipment list
• Fire safety plan and certificate
• Lease contract + documents proving landlord’s legal status

Staff list and full profiles of key personnel, including:

• For Vietnamese directors/teachers/staff: Notarized ID, health certificate, degree & IT certificates, proof of experience, labor contract
• For foreign staff: Notarized passport, police clearance, health check, degree + teaching/IT certificates, work permit, labor contract
• For accountants/admin staff: Same as above, except educational requirement adapted accordingly.

This guide outlines the essential procedures and legal requirements for establishing a foreign-invested English center in Vietnam. We hope it helps you better understand Vietnamese legal procedures and simplifies your application process.