Applying for sub-licenses for Chinese-invested companies in Vietnam is an important process that allows enterprises to operate legally and effectively in a highly competitive business environment. In particular, for companies with foreign investment, complying with all legal regulations not only protects the rights and interests of the enterprise but also contributes to promoting trade and investment relations between Vietnam and other countries. In this article, we will explore the procedures, requirements, and important considerations when applying for sub-licenses for Chinese-invested companies in Vietnam.

Currently, the Investment Law 2025 and its related legal documents do not provide a specific definition of the term “sub-license”.
A sub-license, also commonly referred to as a business license, is a term used to describe licenses confirming that a business establishment or enterprise has met all necessary conditions to operate in conditional business sectors.
The types of sub-licenses required depend on the business sector and relevant legal requirements. Each conditional business line requires different types of licenses. Some common sub-licenses include:
Alcohol trading sector:
Alcohol distribution license
Alcohol retail license
Alcohol wholesale license
On-site alcohol consumption registration certificate
Travel and tourism sector:
Domestic travel service business license
International travel service business license
Food and beverage businesses (restaurants, cafés):
Certificate of food safety and hygiene eligibility
Road transport business:
Automobile transport business license
In addition, there are many other types of sub-licenses depending on the specific characteristics of each business sector.
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Chinese-invested companies operating in Vietnam must apply for sub-licenses when engaging in conditional business sectors or industries requiring special approvals under Vietnamese law. These sectors often involve requirements related to environmental protection, labor safety, food hygiene, or other regulatory conditions to ensure safe and lawful operations.
Specifically, a sub-license is required in the following situations:
Operating in Conditional Business Sectors
The list of conditional business sectors is provided in Appendix IV of the Investment Law 2025.
If a company intends to operate in sectors that require special permits, such as:
Food and beverage business: requires a Food Safety and Hygiene Certificate
Transportation services (cars, trucks, passenger vehicles): requires a Transport Business License
Pharmaceutical business: requires a Pharmacy Practice Certificate and Drug Circulation License
Alcohol trading: requires alcohol distribution, wholesale, or retail licenses
Businesses with Environmental or Labor Safety Requirements
Companies engaged in manufacturing, processing, or other activities that may impact the environment (such as wastewater discharge, chemical use, etc.) must obtain an Environmental Permit.
Businesses in construction, industrial production, or sectors with higher occupational risks must obtain Labor Safety Certification.
Businesses Requiring Fire Prevention and Fighting Approval
Companies operating in sectors with potential fire or explosion risks (such as manufacturing or storing flammable materials) must obtain a Fire Prevention and Fighting Certificate issued by the competent authority.
Businesses with Other Special Conditions
Certain sectors such as education services, tourism services, pharmaceutical retail, and passenger transport require additional licenses before operations can begin.
Application Dossier for a Sub-license
Application form for the sub-license
Copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate
Company Charter
Proposed business operation plan
Copies of ID cards, citizen identification cards, or passports of the business owner, founding shareholders, or capital-contributing members
Documents proving the professional qualifications and experience of individuals directly managing the business operations
Other legal documents depending on the requirements of the specific business sector
Procedures for Obtaining a Sub-license
Each business sector has different submission procedures and processing timelines depending on the nature of the license and regulatory requirements. Some examples include:
International Travel Business License
The application dossier must be submitted to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The processing time is typically 10–15 working days from the date a valid application is received. The actual timeframe may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the dossier.
Fire Prevention and Fighting License
Applications are submitted to the Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security or the local Fire Prevention and Fighting Police Division.
The processing time is generally 5–15 working days, depending on the complexity of the application and the on-site inspection conducted by the authority.
Food Safety Certificate
Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, or the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, depending on the specific business sector.
The typical processing time is about 15 working days after receiving a complete and valid dossier.
Depending on the type of license and the competent authority, procedures and processing times may vary. Therefore, businesses should carefully prepare their dossiers and strictly comply with regulatory requirements to ensure a smooth approval process.
BKC Law provides professional support services for Chinese-invested companies in Vietnam in completing necessary legal procedures to ensure lawful business operations. With a team of experienced lawyers, BKC Law offers consultation and guidance on preparing application dossiers, submitting sub-license applications, and monitoring the approval process with competent authorities.
Our services help businesses save time, minimize legal risks, and ensure full compliance with legal requirements for conditional business sectors in Vietnam.
For free legal consultation, please contact our lawyers through the following information:
Phone: 0901 333 341
Email: info@bkclaw.vn
District 1 Office:
9th Floor, Diamond Plaza Building
34 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Binh Tan Office:
41 Ten Lua Street, An Lạc Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
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0901 3333 41
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