Introduction
Australia produces some of the world’s most highly trained medical professionals, and many Australian doctors are interested in working in Vietnam — whether for humanitarian missions, private practice, or international healthcare projects. This article explains exactly how Australian doctors can obtain a medical practice license in Vietnam under the current legal framework.
Governing Legal Framework
The licensing of foreign medical professionals in Vietnam is governed by:
- Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023, Articles 29 and 30;
- Decree No. 96/2023/ND-CP, Articles 13, 14, 37, and 38;
- Decree No. 148/2025/ND-CP, Article 7.
Vietnam and Australia do not currently have a bilateral treaty for the automatic mutual recognition of medical licenses. This means Australian doctors must follow the same formal recognition and licensing pathway as other foreign medical practitioners.
The Two-Step Licensing Process for Australian Doctors
Australian doctors must complete two mandatory steps before practicing medicine lawfully in Vietnam.
Step 1 – Recognition of Australian Medical Practice License
Under Article 29 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Article 37 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP, an Australian medical practice license can be recognized if:
- It is valid at the time of application;
- It is issued by an authority recognized or assessed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health;
- It corresponds to a professional title recognized under Vietnamese law.
The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) is the primary licensing authority for Australian doctors. While Vietnam and Australia do not have a formal treaty, the MBA may be assessed by the Vietnamese MOH, provided sufficient documentation is submitted demonstrating Australia’s professional training standards and licensing rigour.
Eligible Applicants:
- Australian nationals currently employed at a medical examination and treatment facility in Vietnam;
- Australian nationals holding a valid work permit in Vietnam;
- Vietnamese citizens.
Application Dossier:
- Completed application form for recognition;
- Certified true copy of the Australian medical practice license (with apostille and Vietnamese translation);
- Passport copy;
- Proof of work permit or employment contract in Vietnam (where applicable).
Submission:
One dossier to the Department of Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health.
Processing time:
30 days from a complete dossier if the MBA is recognized; extended if the assessment process must first occur.
Step 2 – Application for a Vietnamese Medical Practice License
Following recognition, the Australian doctor must apply for a Vietnamese license under Articles 14 and 30 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP and the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023.
Conditions:
- Possession of a recognized foreign license;
- Good health status (Health Certificate from a Vietnamese facility within 12 months);
- Language requirement (Vietnamese proficiency or qualified interpreter with a labor contract);
- No disqualification from practice under Article 20 of the Law.
Required Documents:
- Application form for issuance of practicing license;
- Recognized Australian medical license;
- Health Certificate (original or certified copy);
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Two 4×6 cm portrait photos;
- Vietnamese language proficiency certificate or interpreter documentation with labor contract;
- Criminal record check.
Submission:
The application is submitted to the relevant Provincial Department of Health where the doctor intends to practice. The competent authority issues the license within 30 days from the day on which verification results are available.
Key Practical Tips for Australian Doctors
- Apostille your Australian documents: Documents issued in Australia require an Apostille under the Hague Convention before submission in Vietnam.
- Engage a Vietnamese translator: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Vietnamese.
- Secure a work permit first: If you are not yet working at a Vietnamese medical facility, a valid work permit may be needed to satisfy eligibility for the recognition procedure.
- Plan for language compliance: If you are not proficient in Vietnamese, secure a licensed interpreter and formalize the arrangement with a labor contract.
Conclusion
Australian doctors can legally practice medicine in Vietnam by completing the recognition and licensing process under Vietnamese law. The process is well-structured but requires thorough document preparation and an understanding of Vietnamese medical regulations. Engaging a qualified legal advisor with expertise in Vietnamese healthcare law is the most efficient route to practice authorization.
TTVN Legal’s healthcare team has extensive experience assisting Australian medical professionals seeking to practice in Vietnam. Reach out to us for comprehensive guidance.
📞 Contact TTVN Legal – Healthcare Setup Vietnam
📍 101 Nguyen Van Thu, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📱 +84 349661336
📧 tham@ttvnlegal.com.vn
🌐 https://ttvnlegal.com.vn/
