HOW TO OPEN A SPA LEGALLY: 4 CRUCIAL LICENSES EVERY BUSINESS OWNER MUST KNOW
- Vinex Official
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Thinking of opening a spa or beauty clinic? While location and services are important, legal compliance is what keeps your business running. Many spas get fined—or even shut down—simply because they didn’t understand what licenses were required. This guide will help you launch legally and confidently.
HOW TO OPEN A SPA LEGALLY – A REAL CASE STUDY FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
CASE STUDY: TWO SPAS FINED OVER $11,000 FOR LACKING LEGAL PERMITS
In September 2024, Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Health issued heavy fines to two beauty service providers for violating key legal regulations:
Operating without a medical practice license
The director didn’t hold a medical license but still performed procedures
Invasive procedures were performed without proper legal approval
Illegal advertising of medical services without official clearance
Penalties:
Total fines: 280 million VND (~$11,000 USD)
Business operations suspended for 4.5 to 18 months
⚠️ This is not an isolated case. Many spas open without understanding health regulations and suffer costly legal consequences.
4 LICENSES YOU NEED TO OPEN A SPA LEGALLY IN VIETNAM
1. MEDICAL PRACTICE LICENSE
Under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment (2009, revised 2023), if your spa offers any of the following:
Botox or filler injections
PRP, laser, microneedling
Topical anesthetics or minor surgical procedures
👉 You must obtain a medical practice license from the Department of Health.
Penalties for non-compliance:
Fines from 30 to 50 million VND (~$1,200–2,000)
Suspension of business for up to 24 months
2. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATES FOR STAFF
Only licensed professionals may perform clinical or aesthetic medical procedures.
This applies to:
Doctors
Technicians who perform medical interventions
Violation results in:
Fines of 5 to 20 million VND (~$200–800)
Suspension from professional practice
3. APPROVED FACILITY FOR MEDICAL PROCEDURES
According to Decree 117/2020, invasive treatments (e.g., fillers, lasers, surgery) can only be performed at:
Licensed aesthetic hospitals
Licensed aesthetic specialty clinics
Medical facilities registered for non-surgical aesthetic services
Penalties:
Fines from 20 to 30 million VND (~$800–1,200)
Business suspension from 3 to 6 months
4. APPROVED ADVERTISING FOR HEALTH-RELATED SERVICES
To advertise any medical/aesthetic service, you need:
A valid medical practice license
An approved advertising content certificate from the Department of Health
Violations may lead to:
Fines from 15 to 30 million VND (~$600–1,200)
Mandatory removal of unauthorized ads
HOW TO LEGALLY OPEN A SPA – 5-STEP CHECKLIST
STEP 1 – REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS
Choose the right business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC) and register appropriate business codes related to beauty and wellness services.
STEP 2 – PREPARE A COMPLIANT FACILITY
Your spa must meet standards for:
Functional rooms, lighting
Sanitation and medical waste disposal
Medical-grade equipment as regulated by the Ministry of Health
STEP 3 – HIRE AND DOCUMENT QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
Staff performing medical services must have a valid practicing certificate
Maintain clear documentation of qualifications and specialization assignments
STEP 4 – APPLY FOR A MEDICAL PRACTICE LICENSE (IF REQUIRED)
This step is mandatory if you offer medical or invasive procedures. Ensure your application is complete to avoid delays or rejection.
STEP 5 – GET APPROVAL FOR MEDICAL SERVICE ADVERTISING (IF APPLICABLE)
Before promoting your services—whether on your website, social media, or flyers—you must get content approval from the Department of Health.
Opening a spa is not just about great service—it's about staying compliant. Failing to meet legal requirements for licensing, staffing, or advertising can cost you thousands in penalties and even shut down your business. The smart move? Know the law before you open your doors.
Source: thanhtra.com.vn
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