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

Opening a coffee shop in Vietnam requires a few key licences before you can start serving customers. First, you must register the business with the Department of Planning and Investment and obtain a Business Registration Certificate. Because a coffee shop is a catering‑type activity, you also need a Food Safety (Hygiene) Certificate issued by the provincial Department of Industry and Trade/Health, which involves submitting an application, a description of your facilities, and health certificates for anyone handling food . In parallel, a Fire Safety Certificate is mandatory; the fire authority reviews a fire‑prevention design appraisal and may require fire alarms, extinguishers and an approved evacuation plan before you can begin operations .

Depending on the size of the outlet and its waste‑treatment needs, you may also have to secure an Environmental Protection Certificate and ensure compliance with local waste‑water and waste‑collection rules . All of these permits should be obtained before opening the shop to avoid fines (which can reach tens of millions of VND) or a shutdown order. It’s advisable to work with a local consultant or law firm familiar with Vietnamese hospitality regulations to prepare the dossiers and navigate the approval process smoothly so let us know if you would like one.