CONDITIONS FOR ESTABLISHING A LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION CENTER IN VIETNAM FOR FOREIGN-INVESTED ENTERPRISES

Amid rapid economic growth and the proliferation of digital technologies, the increasing reliance on electronic devices among young people, particularly children, has become a notable trend. This development has led to a gradual neglect of practical life values. In response, life skills education centers have emerged as a practical solution, enabling children to explore the world around them, develop essential soft skills, and achieve holistic development. At the same time, participation in experiential activities helps reduce excessive exposure to digital devices.

This article provides businesses, particularly foreign-invested enterprises, with an overview of the legal framework and key requirements for implementing life skills education activities in Vietnam.

1. What is "Life Skills Education"?

The Ministry of Education and Training has issued guidelines on life skills education activities, in which, life skills education activities are defined as educational activities that enable learners to develop positive and healthy habits, behaviors, and attitudes in handling personal life situations and participating in social life. Through such activities, learners are supported in developing their personality and orienting their personal growth on the foundation of core life values[1].

2. Business Lines Registration

2.1. Prior to conducting life skills education activities, enterprises are required to register the business line “Other education not elsewhere classified (Code 8559) – specifically: Life skills education” in accordance with Appendix I of Decision No. 36/2025/QD-TTg.

2.2. Pursuant to Point (a), Clause 2, Article 30 of Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP, where an enterprise does not conduct life skills education activities at its head office but at a separate location, it must establish a branch or business location at the intended place of operation after completing the addition of the relevant business line and notifying the establishment of such business location.

2.3. For foreign-invested entities engaging in educational activities, under Vietnam’s WTO Schedule of Commitments, the market has been opened to allow foreign investors to provide education services under CPC Code 929.

Accordingly, foreign-invested enterprises may register to conduct life skills education activities in Vietnam. However, during the registration process, the licensing authority will assess factors such as the investor’s financial capacity and human resources to determine the suitability and decide whether to approve the registration of this business line.

Read more: Legal Procedures for Outbound Investment: What You Need to Know

3. Procedures for Establishing and Operating a Life Skills Education Center

3.1. Company Establishment and Registration of Relevant Business Lines

Investors shall carry out company establishment procedures in accordance with the laws on enterprises, while registering business lines related to life skills education, soft skills training, or non-formal education.

3.2. Operational Conditions

Enterprises providing life skills education must ensure the following conditions to operate:

• Training program content 
• Qualifications of teachers and instructors 
• Facilities and teaching equipment

Enterprises providing life skills education should note that they are not required to apply for a license to conduct such activities[2]. Instead, upon establishment, the enterprise bears legal responsibility for ensuring it meets the aforementioned conditions to operate in this sector.

3.3. Implementation of Activities

Upon completion of company establishment procedures and fulfillment all of applicable conditions, the enterprise may proceed to organize life skills education activities in accordance with the registered and approved content.

4. Basis Conditions for Life Skills Education Activities[3]

4.1. Facilities

4.1.1. Classrooms and functional rooms must be adequately lit and comply with school hygiene standards as prescribed by law.

4.1.2. Teaching equipment must ensure safety and be appropriate to the training content, activities, and the psychological characteristics of learners at different age groups. 

4.2. Teachers, Lectures, and Trainers

4.2.1. Must meet health requirements.

4.2.2. Must possess good moral character; must not be subject to disciplinary measures from a reprimand level or higher, and must not be under criminal prosecution.

4.2.3. Must hold a pedagogical certificate and have knowledge or expertise in life skills or related educational activities.

4.3. Curriculum and Materials 

Adequate curricula and teaching materials must be available, as issued or approved by the Ministry of Education and Training. 

5. Key Considerations After Fullfill Conditions Life Skills Education Activities[4]

5.1. In case of suspension or termination of operations, the enterprise must notify the licensing authority at least ten (10) days in advance and publicly inform learners. At the same time, it must refund any fees collected corresponding to the unfulfilled content or duration due to such suspension or termination.

5.2. The enterprise must ensure the quality of life skills education and extracurricular educational activities.

5.3. When organizing activities, the enterprise must ensure the safety of learners and instructors, as well as their lawful material and moral rights. In addition, the enterprise is responsible for ensuring that learners are covered by appropriate risk insurance.

5.4. The enterprise must manage and retain records, including: dossier proving eligibility for operations, lists of instructors, lists of learners, plans and training materials, and financial records in accordance with applicable regulations.

5.5. The enterprise is subject to inspection and supervision by competent authorities and education management agencies at all levels and must fully comply with reporting obligations as required.

In summary, the above outlines key issues that enterprises engaging in life skills education activities should take into account, particularly foreign-invested enterprises. For detailed advice and support in implementing legal procedures efficiently, businesses may contact Lexsol for comprehensive assistance throughout their operations.