Introduction
Vietnam is emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic healthcare markets, attracting foreign medical professionals from across the globe, including highly qualified doctors from the United States. If you are a US-licensed physician considering practicing medicine in Vietnam, understanding the legal framework is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, procedures, and practical steps for US doctors who wish to practice in Vietnam.
Legal Framework Governing Foreign Doctors in Vietnam
The practice of medicine in Vietnam by foreign nationals is regulated primarily by:
- The 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.
Under Vietnamese law, a US medical license is not automatically recognized. Unlike some bilateral trade or professional recognition agreements, the United States and Vietnam currently do not have a specific treaty providing for direct mutual recognition of medical licenses. Therefore, US doctors must follow a formal two-step licensing process.
Step 1 – Recognition of Foreign Medical Practice License
The first mandatory step is having your US medical practice license formally recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (MOH) under Article 29 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023.
Conditions for Recognition:
- The license must be recognized under an international treaty to which Vietnam is a party, OR issued by an authority assessed and recognized by the Ministry of Health;
- The license must remain valid at the time of the recognition application;
- The license must correspond to a professional title recognized under Vietnamese law.
Since no direct bilateral treaty exists between the US and Vietnam for medical license recognition, the US licensing authority (such as a state medical board) must be assessed and approved by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. This assessment examines the professional training system, licensing conditions, and recognized professional titles in the US.
Applicant Eligibility:
- Vietnamese citizens; OR
- Foreign nationals currently working at a medical facility in Vietnam; OR
- Foreign nationals holding a valid work permit in Vietnam.
Required Documents:
- Application form for recognition of medical practice license;
- Certified true copy of the US-issued medical practice license (with consular legalization and Vietnamese translation).
- Certified true copy of Passport;
- Proof of work permit or employment contract in Vietnam (where applicable).
Processing Time:
- 30 days from receipt of a complete dossier where the licensing authority has been previously recognized by MOH;
- Extended timeline if the US state medical board has not yet been assessed by the Vietnamese MOH — the assessment process itself may add significant additional time.
Step 2 – Issuance of a Vietnam Medical Practice License
After recognition, the US doctor must apply for a Vietnamese medical practice license pursuant to Article 30 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Article 14.1 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP.
Conditions include:
- Possession of a recognized foreign medical practice license;
- Adequate health to practice;
- Meeting Vietnamese language requirements (or having a qualified interpreter with a labor contract);
- No prohibition from practice under Article 20 of the Law and no outstanding administrative sanctions.
Documents Required:
- Application form for license issuance;
- Recognized medical practice license;
- Original or certified true copy of Health Certificate (from a qualified Vietnamese medical facility, within 12 months);
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Two portrait photos (4×6 cm);
- Vietnamese language proficiency certificate or interpreter documentation;
- 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
In addition to a medical practice license, US doctors who are foreign nationals must also obtain a work permit before commencing practice. The work permit is a prerequisite for eligibility under the recognition procedure if the doctor is not yet employed at a Vietnamese medical facility.
Practical Considerations
US doctors planning to practice in Vietnam should anticipate the following practical challenges:
- Document legalization: US documents must be apostilled or consular-legalized and officially translated into Vietnamese.
- Language requirements: Vietnam requires medical practitioners to communicate adequately with patients; an interpreter contract may be required.
- Assessment of US medical board: If your state board has not been assessed by the Vietnamese MOH, additional assessment time applies.
- Ongoing compliance: Once licensed, foreign doctors must renew licenses and remain compliant with Vietnamese medical law.
Conclusion
Yes, US doctors can practice medicine in Vietnam — but the process requires careful navigation of Vietnamese medical licensing law. The two mandatory steps (foreign license recognition + Vietnamese license issuance) must be completed sequentially and in compliance with the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Decree 96/2023/ND-CP. Professional legal support is strongly recommended to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
TTVN Legal specializes in healthcare licensing for foreign professionals in Vietnam. Contact us today for a consultation.
📞 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/
