Vietnam is quickly becoming a prime destination for foreign investors eager to expand their businesses in Southeast Asia. The rising middle class and growing focus on health and wellness are driving significant growth in Vietnam’s fitness industry. As a result, gyms, fitness centers, and yoga studios are emerging as lucrative investment opportunities for those looking to capitalize on the country’s potential.
This comprehensive article serves as your ultimate guide to opening a gym, fitness center, or yoga studio in Vietnam. Discover the essential conditions, requirements, and processes involved in starting a successful fitness business in this thriving market.
Can I Open a 100% Foreign-Owned Gym/Fitness Center in Vietnam?
Foreign investors from ASEAN countries can invest in gym and fitness centers in Vietnam, thanks to established trade agreements. However, to adhere to local regulations, these investors must form a joint venture with a Vietnamese partner, ensuring that foreign ownership does not exceed 70%.
Foreign investors looking to invest in countries outside the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFAS) should consult the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism before making any investment decisions. This step ensures compliance with local regulations and helps safeguard your investment.
Conditions for Opening a Gym/Fitness Center in Vietnam
Operating a gym or fitness center requires meeting specific criteria that fall into two main categories: personnel and facility. To ensure success in the fitness industry, it’s essential to have qualified staff and a well-equipped facility.
Personnel Requirements
Regarding personnel, personal trainers and staff must meet one of the following requirements:
- To be a coach or athlete in registered business sports at the secondary level or higher, individuals must meet specific qualifications:
- Hold a certificate in physical and sports training at the intermediate level or above, aligned with the registered sports activities.
- Have professional sports training that complies with the regulations set by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Additionally, every training center should include a certified personal trainer, at least one security guard, and a qualified medical staff to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
Facility Requirements
When choosing a gym or fitness center, ensure it meets essential requirements for an optimal workout experience. The facility should offer a minimum floor space of 0.8m x 0.8m with a ceiling height of at least 3m for comfortable movement.
Key features to look for include:
- A flat, non-slip floor surface, ideally with carpeting to enhance safety.
- A robust sound system that delivers a minimum intensity of 90 dBA for motivating music.
- Adequate lighting, providing at least 150 lux for a well-lit environment.
Additionally, the gym should maintain a density of at least 2 square meters per person to ensure ample space during workouts. Personal trainers should limit their sessions to a maximum of 30 clients to provide attentive guidance. These features contribute to a high-quality fitness experience that supports your training goals.
When offering Yoga classes, it’s essential to meet specific requirements for a safe and effective experience. Each participant should have a minimum space of 2.5 square meters. For aerial yoga, a silk rope or strap with a load capacity of 300kg or more is necessary. Additionally, every student must bring their own yoga mat and any other required equipment.
Once all the necessary requirements are met, the process of establishing a gym or fitness center can begin.
Steps to Open a Gym/Fitness Center in Vietnam
To establish a business entity, it’s crucial to obtain two essential certificates from the Department of Planning and Investment: the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and the Business Registration Certificate (BRC). The IRC grants you the necessary business code, which is vital for operating legally. For gym and fitness center businesses, the specific code to use is CPC-96413.
To successfully establish a gym or fitness center, obtaining the necessary operating license or the Certificate of Eligibility to Conduct Physical Education and Sports Business Activities is essential. This certificate, issued by the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is crucial for ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the fitness industry. With this certificate, you can conduct business operations in physical education and sports smoothly and without any legal obstacles.
Step 1: Establishing a Fitness Training Center in Vietnam
To obtain the essential certifications for operating physical education and sports business activities in Vietnam, having a registered Business Address is crucial. While you can use a virtual address for general purposes, fitness centers must have a physical location to conduct business activities. Therefore, securing a registered physical location is imperative for your success. If you lack a facility, Iris International can help you find the perfect spot through our extensive real estate service network. We specialize in connecting businesses with suitable locations to ensure compliance and operational efficiency in the fitness industry.
One important requirement for Vietnam businesses is the appointment of a Legal Representative, a mandatory role for all companies. This representative can be either a local or foreign resident with a permanent address in Vietnam, including yourself. If you currently lack a suitable candidate for this position during the processing period, you have the option to use our director nominee for up to six months. This gives you time to find the right candidate or hire someone on your own.
When it comes to investment capital for starting a business, there is no legal requirement for a specific initial investment amount. However, it’s crucial to have a fair amount of funding to cover essential operational costs. These costs include facilities, salaries, taxes, and various other expenses until your
The registration processing time typically takes about 4-6 weeks after submitting your application. However, if there are any challenges or questions regarding the practicality of your application, the process may take longer. Additional weeks may be needed for the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) to address any concerns.
Know more from our channel for 10 steps to open and operate a business in Vietnam.
Step 2: Apply for the License for Gym/Fitness Center Operations
Acquiring a license from the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is a straightforward process. To begin, simply complete the application form and submit it. After submission, officials will conduct a site visit to ensure your premises meet the required standards. Once your application is approved, you can expect to receive your license within 5 business days, allowing you to start your operations promptly.
If your application faces challenges or needs further information, the processing time may be extended. To streamline the process and reduce costs, it’s advisable to hire an experienced consultancy firm.
It’s important to remember that your license needs to be renewed every two years. The good news is that the renewal process is much quicker than the initial application, making it easier to keep your credentials up to date.
How Can Iris International Assist You?
As a leading consulting firm in Vietnam, we specialize in comprehensive support for company incorporation and business operations. Our experienced team can help you choose the best locations or facilities for your business and offer a director nominee if needed. We excel in obtaining necessary sub-licenses to speed up your business processes.
In addition to incorporation services, we provide Employer of Record (EOR) solutions, seamlessly managing your business operations. Our EOR services cover payroll management, tax compliance, benefits administration, and team management, ensuring your business runs smoothly.
With a commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness, we are trusted by thousands of businesses in Vietnam for their consulting needs. Book a meeting with our consultant and start your venture in Vietnam today.
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