With an open economic environment, Vietnam’s education system is gradually becoming an attractive destination for foreign investors. However, to establish an international school (an educational institution with foreign investment) in Vietnam, investors must meet strict legal requirements, especially regarding capital conditions and curriculum standards. This article will help you understand the current regulations and key considerations when investing in the education sector.

Legal Regulations on Investment Capital for Establishing International Schools in Vietnam
According to Decree 86/2018/ND-CP and Decree 24/2022/ND-CP, foreign investors wishing to establish a general education institution in Vietnam must ensure the following minimum capital:

Minimum investment: VND 50 million per student (excluding land-use costs).
Total investment must not be less than VND 50 billion per project.
Land use area: at least 6 m² per student.

These requirements ensure adequate infrastructure, teaching equipment, faculty, and international-standard training quality. At least 50% of the registered capital must be disbursed before operational licensing is granted.

Capital Contribution Schedule and Legal Risks of Delay
Investors must contribute capital according to the registered schedule. Failure to comply may result in suspension, administrative penalties, or even revocation of the investment license. Transparent and stable financial planning is therefore essential for smooth licensing and sustainable operations.

Legal Requirements for the Curriculum

For foreign students: Schools may apply a fully foreign curriculum, provided it meets international accreditation standards or those of the issuing country.
For Vietnamese students: The curriculum must integrate compulsory Vietnamese subjects such as history, geography, Vietnamese language, and culture. These must be taught in Vietnamese by qualified Vietnamese teachers. International programs may be integrated but cannot fully replace the national curriculum.

Requirements for Teachers and Facilities

Foreign teachers must hold relevant qualifications, teaching experience, and pedagogical certificates (or equivalents).
Vietnamese teachers must meet national education standards and hold teaching certificates.
Facilities must include adequate classrooms, functional rooms, libraries, playgrounds, sports areas, and meet hygiene standards.

School Name and Scope of Operation
Vietnamese law does not recognize “international school” as a separate legal type. Institutions often fall under:

Private schools applying international curricula.
Foreign-invested educational institutions.

School names must follow the format: "School + level + proper name" and avoid misleading or culturally inappropriate terms.

In summary, foreign investors must prepare solid financial capacity, teaching programs, qualified staff, and transparent investment plans. Understanding legal regulations is crucial to minimize risks and increase competitiveness.

DEDICA Law Firm is your trusted legal partner. We provide comprehensive support from licensing to operation in full compliance with Vietnamese law.

📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)
🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Working Hours: Mon – Fri (8:30 – 18:00)

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Subject

Message