What licenses do I need to open a small café in Ho Chi Minh City, and how long does approval take?

Sincerely,

Ascendance International Organization

If you plan to rent a shopfront and sell coffee and light food in Vietnam, it is important to complete several legal and administrative procedures before opening. Food and beverage businesses are regulated under multiple legal frameworks, and failure to comply may result in administrative penalties or even suspension of operations.

1. Business registration

First, you must establish a legally registered business entity. This can be done either as a household business (business household) or a company depending on the scale of your operation. The registration must include the appropriate business lines relating to food and beverage services.

2. Food safety certificate

If your shop prepares or sells food and beverages (including coffee, snacks, or light meals), you will typically need a Certificate of Food Safety Eligibility issued by the competent authority, such as the local Department of Health or relevant district-level authority.

To obtain this certificate, several conditions must generally be satisfied, including:

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  Suitable premises and hygiene conditions

  
  


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  Proper food storage and preparation areas

  
  


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  Staff trained in food safety practices

  
  


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  Health certificates for employees directly involved in food preparation

  
  

Operating without this certificate can lead to administrative fines and possible closure of the business.

3. Fire safety requirements

Coffee shops and restaurants must also comply with fire prevention and firefighting regulations. Depending on the size and layout of the premises, you may need to:

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  Prepare a fire safety management plan

  
  


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  Install appropriate fire extinguishers and safety equipment

  
  


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  Obtain confirmation or approval from the local fire prevention authority

  
  

For smaller establishments, the requirements may be simplified but compliance is still mandatory.

4. Other practical compliance matters

In addition to the above, a café owner should also consider:

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  Lease agreement compliance with zoning or commercial use regulations

  
  


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  Environmental hygiene and waste management requirements

  
  


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  Proper tax registration and invoicing obligations

  
  


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  Displaying required business information at the premises

  
  

Careful legal preparation before opening can help avoid fines, inspections, or forced suspension of the business.

5. Why legal advice can be helpful

The exact licensing requirements may vary depending on the size of the café, whether food is prepared on-site, and the location of the premises. A legal review before opening can ensure all required permits are obtained and that the business is fully compliant from day one.

About La Défense

La Défense is a Vietnam-based law firm advising both local entrepreneurs and international investors on business establishment, licensing procedures, regulatory compliance, and commercial operations in Vietnam. Our team regularly assists clients in setting up restaurants, cafés, retail stores, and other service businesses while ensuring full compliance with Vietnamese regulations.

We would be pleased to assist you in establishing and operating your business in Vietnam smoothly and lawfully.