Can foreign investors open a gym or yoga center in Vietnam?
The rapid growth of Vietnam’s fitness and wellness market in recent years has attracted significant interest from foreign investors. Far more than a budding trend among young consumers, gyms and yoga studios have become a highly profitable business sector. Yet many investors still wonder: Can foreigners open gyms or yoga centers in Vietnam? And if so, what are the necessary steps to operate legally?
Legal Regulations on Investing in Gyms and Yoga Studios in Vietnam
Vietnam is currently a very attractive destination for investors in the health and fitness industry, especially when it comes to internationally-standardized gyms and yoga studios. However, the legal framework behind this growth is not always well understood. To launch this type of business legally and successfully, investors must know the current regulations—from the Investment Law to licensing procedures for sports-related activities.
Many investors have spent months just adjusting their business scope or had their applications rejected because they didn’t meet basic requirements. That’s why the very first step in establishing a gym or yoga model in Vietnam is exactly to understand: “Am I legally allowed to invest?” And if so, “What must I do to operate compliantly?”
Is this business category restricted for foreign investors?
According to Vietnam’s current laws—especially Investment Law 2020 and its implementing decrees—the business of sports services (gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers) is NOT on the list of banned or restricted industries for foreign investors. This means foreign investors can indeed establish a 100% foreign-owned enterprise in this sector in Vietnam.
However, this industry is considered a conditional sector, meaning foreign investors must also meet additional legal requirements such as:
Ensuring proper facilities and exercise equipment
Complying with licensing procedures for sports operations
Having a qualified team of trainers and staff
Getting approval for structured training programs if offering formal courses.
What are the common investment forms for this model?
Foreign investors may choose one of two popular investment models:
Establish a 100% foreign-owned company: Ideal if the investor wants full control and management rights.
Contribute capital or purchase equity in a Vietnamese company: Suitable for partnering with a local party that already has premises or a customer base.
Which model to choose depends on the investor’s short-term and long-term strategy, financial capability, and familiarity with the Vietnamese market.
How does DEDICA support foreign investors implementing gym/yoga models?
Setting up a company is one task—but successfully operating a gym or yoga business in Vietnam—with shifting legal frameworks and complex administrative procedures—is another level entirely.
At DEDICA, we understand that foreign investors need more than just a flawless dossier. They need a trusted partner who knows both the legal terrain and the operational landscape—someone who helps them avoid risks while saving time and cost. With hands-on experience from numerous FDI projects, we assist not only in investment registration, but also deal with details like lease contracts, training content, specialist staffing, and legal strategies for expansion.
Case Study: Client B’s Premium Fitness Chain in HCMC
Client B, an investor from Singapore, wanted to develop a high-end fitness chain integrating yoga, pilates, and fitness with international standards in Ho Chi Minh City. Although already experienced in gym management abroad, Client B faced some local challenges:
Difficulty in defining the right business scope for registration
Time-consuming licensing processes for sports operations
Lack of clarity on the legal process to open investment accounts and repatriate profits
DEDICA supported Client B from day one with:
Strategic investment consulting and selecting the appropriate company structure
Preparing applications and liaising with the Department of Planning & Investment to obtain an investment certificate and business registration
Guiding preparations for facilities and trainer dossiers to get sports operation permits
Advising on financial management, taxation, and legally transferring profits abroad
Thanks to thorough preparation and legal support from DEDICA, Client B successfully opened their first location in under four months and is now expanding with two additional sites in Hanoi and Da Nang.
Key Notes to Avoid Legal Risks
From a practical standpoint, DEDICA has distilled essential experience to help foreign investors launch gyms or yoga businesses in Vietnam smoothly:
Don’t stop after company formation: Licensing is a separate—and crucial—step toward lawful operation.
Keep complete legal and investment records: This helps avoid administrative penalties and facilitates profit repatriation.
Focus on lease contracts with protective terms: An unsuitable premise can delay or jeopardize licensing.
Stay updated on legal changes: Sports service regulations can be amended by new circulars from the Ministry of Culture–Sports & Tourism or local authorities.
DEDICA – Your Legal Partner in Vietnam
With extensive experience advising on dozens of foreign-invested projects across various sectors, DEDICA’s legal team deeply understands the challenges of investing in Vietnam. We not only assist foreign investors in setting up compliant business models but also provide comprehensive strategic advice for sustainable, safe, and effective long-term operations.
Are you planning a fitness venture in Vietnam but unclear about where to start?
Contact DEDICA Law Firm for in-depth legal consultation!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Available via WhatsApp, WeChat, and Zalo)
🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Working Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
Reach out now to receive a free first-time consultation from our team of professional lawyers!
