Introduction
Canada is home to internationally respected medical professionals trained under one of the world’s most rigorous healthcare education systems. Canadian doctors interested in working in Vietnam will find a clear, if procedurally detailed, legal pathway. This article explains the legal requirements, procedural steps, and practical considerations for Canadian doctors seeking to work in Vietnam.
Legal Basis
The legal framework governing foreign doctors in Vietnam includes:
- Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 (effective January 1, 2024), particularly Articles 29 and 30;
- Decree No. 96/2023/ND-CP (effective January 1, 2024), particularly Articles 13, 14, 37, and 38;
- Decree No. 148/2025/ND-CP, particularly Article 7.
Canada and Vietnam do not have a bilateral medical license recognition treaty. Therefore, Canadian doctors must follow the standard two-step recognition and licensing process under Vietnamese law.
Can Canadian Doctors Work in Vietnam?
Yes, Canadian doctors can work in Vietnam — but they must first obtain a Vietnamese medical practice license, which requires recognition of their Canadian license followed by issuance of a new Vietnamese license. Working in Vietnam without a valid license is a violation of Vietnamese law and may result in serious penalties.
Step 1 – Recognition of Canadian Medical Practice License
Under Article 29 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Articles 37–38 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP, Canadian medical practice licenses (issued by provincial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons) can be considered for recognition if:
- The license is valid at the time of the recognition application;
- The issuing authority (e.g., the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or British Columbia) has been, or can be, assessed and recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health;
- The professional title corresponds to one recognized under Vietnamese law.
The recognition assessment by the Vietnamese MOH examines the Canadian training system, licensing procedures, and professional titles to determine equivalency. If the provincial licensing authority has not been previously assessed by the Vietnamese MOH, this assessment adds time to the process.
Eligibility Conditions:
- The applicant is a Vietnamese citizen; OR
- Currently working at a medical facility in Vietnam; OR
- Holds a valid Vietnamese work permit.
Application Documents:
- Application form for recognition of medical practice license;
- Certified copy of Canadian medical practice license (with Apostille and Vietnamese translation);
- Valid passport;
- Work permit or employment contract (where applicable).
Submission:
One dossier to the Department of Medical Services Administration, Ministry of Health. Processing: 30 days from complete dossier (if authority recognized); extended timeline if assessment is required.
Step 2 – Issuance of Vietnamese Medical Practice License
Following successful recognition, the Canadian doctor must apply for a new Vietnamese medical practice license under Article 30 of the Law and Article 14.1 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP.
Conditions:
- Recognized foreign license (from Step 1);
- Good health (Health Certificate from a Vietnamese facility within 12 months);
- Adequate Vietnamese language proficiency or qualified interpreter;
- No legal prohibition from medical practice.
Required Documents:
- Application form;
- Recognized Canadian medical license;
- Health Certificate (original or certified copy);
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Two 4×6 cm photos;
- Language proficiency certificate or interpreter 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.
Work Permit Requirement
Canadian doctors who are foreign nationals must also obtain a Vietnamese work permit from the relevant . The work permit must be secured before or alongside the license recognition process, as it is one of the eligibility conditions for the recognition procedure (unless the doctor is already employed at a Vietnamese medical facility).
Special Considerations for Canadian Doctors
- Provincial licensing: Canada has no single national medical licensing body; each province has its own College of Physicians and Surgeons. The specific provincial authority must be assessed by the Vietnamese MOH.
- Bilingual documentation: While Canada has English and French official languages, all documents submitted in Vietnam must be translated into Vietnamese.
- Language of practice: Vietnam requires adequate communication with patients; a qualified interpreter arrangement must be documented.
Conclusion
Canadian doctors can work in Vietnam through a clearly defined but procedurally detailed pathway. The two-step process — recognition of the Canadian license followed by issuance of a Vietnamese license — must be completed in sequence. Early preparation of documents and engagement of a qualified legal advisor in Vietnam will significantly streamline the process.
TTVN Legal’s healthcare licensing team is ready to assist Canadian doctors navigate Vietnam’s medical practice regulations efficiently and compliantly.
📞 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/
