Introduction
Canada and Vietnam share growing bilateral trade relations, and Canadian entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals are increasingly looking at Vietnam’s fast-growing dental market. With rising demand for high-quality dental care and a relatively open investment environment, Vietnam presents attractive opportunities for Canadian investors. This article addresses whether Canadians can legally own and operate a dental clinic in Vietnam, and what steps are required.
Can Canadians Own a Dental Clinic in Vietnam?
Yes. Canadian nationals and Canadian-registered companies can own and operate dental clinics in Vietnam as foreign investors. Under Vietnam’s Law on Investment 2020 and the country’s WTO commitments regarding healthcare services, foreign investors — including Canadians — are permitted to establish medical examination and treatment facilities, which include dental clinics, in Vietnam.
Ownership Structures Available to Canadian Investors
Canadian investors may structure their dental clinic investment in one of two ways:
- 100% Canadian-Owned Entity: Canadian investors can establish a wholly foreign-owned limited liability company (LLC) or other corporate entity to own and operate the dental clinic. This structure allows full management control and is available to Canadian investors under Vietnam’s market access commitments.
- Joint Venture with Vietnamese Partner: Canadians may also invest in a joint venture with a Vietnamese partner. This can reduce some regulatory complexities and may provide local market knowledge and network advantages.
Regulatory Requirements for Dental Clinic Ownership and Operation
Canadian-owned dental clinics must comply with the same regulatory framework applicable to all dental clinics in Vietnam under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Decree No. 96/2023/ND-CP.
Physical Facility Requirements (Articles 40 and 47, Decree 96):
- Fixed premises compliant with structural safety (per Construction Law 2014 and Clinic Design Standard 3977:2018), fire safety (per Decree 105/2025/ND-CP), infection control (per Decision 5991/QD-BYT), and radiation safety (per Circular 59/2025/TT-BKHCN if X-ray is used);
- Patient reception area;
- Examination room: minimum 10 m²;
- At least one dental chair; minimum 5 m² per chair;
- Separate implant room of at least 10 m² if implant procedures are offered;
- Emergency anaphylaxis kit and emergency medications.
Personnel Requirements (Article 47.2, Decree 96):
- The responsible clinical manager must be a doctor holding a valid Vietnamese medical practice license with a scope in dentistry or specialized dental surgery.
- All clinical staff must hold valid Vietnamese medical practice licenses.
Step-by-Step Process for Canadian Investors
Step 1 – Business Planning: Define the clinic’s service scope, location (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, etc.), and investment scale.
Step 2 – Enterprise Registration: Register the legal entity and obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).
Step 3 – Investment Registration: Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) from the provincial Department of Planning and Investment.
Step 4 – Premises and Fitout: Lease and fit out the clinic premises in compliance with Decree 96 requirements.
Step 5 – Recruit Licensed Professionals: Ensure all dental practitioners hold valid Vietnamese medical practice licenses.
Step 6 – Apply for Operating License: Submit the facility operating license dossier to the provincial Department of Health.
Step 7 – Additional Compliance: Obtain radiation safety permits, fire safety certificates, and environmental approvals.
Key Challenges for Canadian Investors
- Finding locally licensed dentists: The responsible clinical manager must hold a Vietnamese license; Canadian-licensed dentists must complete the foreign license recognition and Vietnamese licensing process first.
- Land use: Foreign-owned companies in Vietnam cannot own land; they must lease premises.
- Profit repatriation: Canadian investors should understand Vietnam’s foreign exchange regulations for profit remittance.
- Ongoing compliance: Dental clinics must remain in compliance with infection control, radiation safety, fire safety, and other regulatory requirements on an ongoing basis.
Conclusion
Canadian investors can own and operate dental clinics in Vietnam, either as fully Canadian-owned entities or through joint ventures with Vietnamese partners. The process requires compliance with both investment registration requirements and healthcare facility licensing under Decree 96/2023/ND-CP. With the right legal and regulatory guidance, establishing a successful Canadian-owned dental clinic in Vietnam is entirely achievable.
TTVN Legal offers comprehensive legal services for Canadian investors in Vietnam’s healthcare sector. Contact us to discuss your dental clinic investment plans.
📞 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/
