For foreign medical graduates seeking to practise medicine in Vietnam, recognition of the foreign-issued medical degree is an important first step in the licensing process. The recognition procedure must be carried out in accordance with Vietnamese regulations applicable to foreign-issued qualifications.
1. Recognition Procedure
The procedure for recognition of foreign-issued degrees is governed by Circular No. 65/2026/TT-BGDĐT, which takes effect on September 26, 2026.
In principle, the recognition procedure is processed within 20 working days from receipt of a complete and valid application. Where verification of the degree information with the foreign educational institution or a foreign verification authority is required, the processing period may be extended for the time necessary to complete such verification.
2. Key Documents
The document checklist generally includes:
The official foreign medical degree;
The corresponding academic transcript; and
Any additional documents that may be required to verify the authenticity and validity of the qualification.
For foreign medical graduates, the accuracy and consistency of the information stated in the degree and academic transcript are particularly important, as the competent authority may conduct verification with the issuing educational institution or relevant foreign authority.
3. Legalization and Vietnamese Translation
Documents issued by foreign authorities must generally be consularly legalized, certified, and translated into Vietnamese in accordance with Vietnamese law.
An exemption may apply where the documents are exempt from consular legalization or certification under an applicable international treaty, international agreement, or other relevant legal provision.
Accordingly, foreign medical graduates should prepare and legalize their qualification documents before commencing the recognition procedure in Vietnam.
Note: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The views and interpretations expressed herein represent those of TTVN Legal at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.