Introduction
Australian doctors who wish to practice medicine in Vietnam must obtain a Vietnamese medical practice certificate (also called a medical practice license). This is not simply a transfer or endorsement of the Australian license — it is a new Vietnamese license issued following a formal recognition procedure. This article provides a complete guide to obtaining a Vietnamese medical practice certificate for Australian doctors.
What is the Vietnamese Medical Practice Certificate?
Under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023 and Decree No. 96/2023/ND-CP, a medical practice certificate (Giấy phép hành nghề khám bệnh, chữa bệnh) is the official authorization issued by the Vietnamese government that allows a doctor to legally examine and treat patients in Vietnam. For foreign doctors, this certificate is granted through two sequential steps: (1) recognition of the foreign license, and (2) issuance of the Vietnamese certificate.
Step 1 – Recognition of Australian Medical Practice License
Before applying for a Vietnamese medical practice certificate, Australian doctors must have their Australian license formally recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health under Article 29 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023.
Conditions for Recognition:
- The Australian license must be valid;
- It must be issued by an authority recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health (e.g., the Medical Board of Australia), or the authority must undergo an assessment process;
- The professional title must correspond to a category recognized under Vietnamese law.
Recognition Procedure:
- Submit one dossier to the Department of Medical Services Administration, Ministry of Health of Vietnam;
- The MOH reviews and assesses the dossier;
- If the Medical Board of Australia has been recognized, the process takes 30 days from receipt of a complete dossier;
- If assessment is required, additional time will apply while the MOH evaluates Australia’s professional training standards, licensing conditions, and professional titles.
Required Documents:
- Application form for recognition (in Vietnamese);
- Certified true copy of the Australian medical practice certificate (apostilled and Vietnamese-translated);
- Valid passport;
- Proof of work permit or employment in Vietnam (where applicable).
Step 2 – Application for Vietnamese Medical Practice Certificate
After recognition, the Australian doctor applies for the Vietnamese medical practice certificate under Article 30 of the Law and Article 14.1 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP.
Eligibility Conditions:
- Possession of a recognized Australian medical practice license;
- Good health (Health Certificate from a qualified Vietnamese medical facility, valid within 12 months);
- Vietnamese language proficiency or qualified interpreter with a signed labor contract;
- No legal prohibition from practice under Article 20 of the Law;
- No outstanding administrative sanctions for unlicensed practice.
Application Documents:
- Application form for issuance of practicing license;
- The recognized Australian medical license;
- Health Certificate (original or certified copy);
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Two 4×6 cm portrait photos (white background, taken within 6 months);
- Vietnamese language proficiency certificate or interpreter documentation with labor contract;
- Criminal record check (apostilled and translated).
Submission:
To the Provincial Department of Health where the doctor intends to practice, in accordance with Article 7 of Decree No. 148/2025/ND-CP. The competent authority issues the license within 30 days from the day on which verification results are available.
Scope of Practice
The Vietnamese medical practice certificate specifies the professional title and scope of practice authorized for the holder. Australian doctors should ensure that their recognized qualifications match the scope of practice they intend to perform in Vietnam. Any practice outside the authorized scope is a violation of Vietnamese law.
Document Legalization Requirements for Australian Doctors
All Australian documents submitted in Vietnam must comply with legalization requirements:
- Apostille: Australia is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Australian public documents must carry an Apostille from DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) or other designated authority.
- Vietnamese Translation: All foreign documents must be officially translated into Vietnamese by a qualified translator.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Vietnamese medical practice certificate is achievable for Australian doctors through a clearly defined two-step process. Proper preparation of documentation, understanding of the recognition procedure, and compliance with language requirements are the keys to success. Engaging a specialized legal advisor in Vietnam ensures the process is managed efficiently and in full legal compliance.
TTVN Legal specializes in healthcare licensing for foreign professionals in Vietnam. We assist Australian doctors at every step, from document preparation to final license issuance.
📞 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/
