LATEST OVERSEAS STUDY CONSULTANCY SERVICE BUSINESS REGISTRATION 2026

Overseas study consultancy services require providers to meet statutory conditions, provide complete dossiers, and fulfill procedures for the issuance of the Overseas Study Consultancy Service Business Registration Certificate. Understanding legal requirements helps businesses operate lawfully and protects the rights of students.

1. Overview of overseas study consultancy 

Overseas study consultancy services involve providing information, guidance, and support related to study programs abroad.

1.1. Entities permitted to provide overseas study consultancy services

Entities permitted to conduct overseas study consultancy services are organizations under Clause 1, Article 115 of Decree No. 125/2024/ND-CP, specifically:

1.1.1. Enterprises and branches of enterprises established and operating under the Law on Enterprises;

1.1.2. Public service units with the function of providing overseas study consultancy services;

1.1.3. Foreign educational organizations operating lawfully in Vietnam.

In addition to the entities mentioned above, foreign-invested companies are also eligible. This is because overseas study consultancy services fall within the Education Services sector under Vietnam's WTO Schedule of Specific Commitments on Trade in Services, specifically Other Education Services (CPC 929). Under Vietnam's WTO commitments, foreign investors are permitted to invest in and provide overseas study consultancy services by establishing a 100% foreign-owned company, without any foreign ownership restrictions.

See more: Foreign Investment Legal Advisory in Vietnam  

1.2. Scope of overseas study consultancy services

Overseas study consultancy business includes activities specified in Clause 2, Article 115 of Decree No. 125/2024/ND-CP:

1.2.1. Introducing and consulting on information regarding education policies of countries and territories; advising on the selection of schools, courses, majors, and levels suitable for the abilities and aspirations of learners;

1.2.2. Organizing advertisements, conferences, seminars, fairs, and exhibitions on overseas study in accordance with the law;

1.2.3. Organizing student recruitment and enrollment for overseas study;

1.2.4. Organizing training for necessary skills for Vietnamese citizens going abroad to study;

1.2.5. Organizing the departure of Vietnamese citizens to study abroad; arranging for parents or guardians to visit training facilities abroad in accordance with the law;

1.2.6. Other activities related to overseas study consultancy services.

2. Conditions for overseas study consultancy business

The aforementioned organizations must meet the conditions prescribed in Article 116 of Decree No. 125/2024/ND-CP to operate: 

2.1. Have a stable head office, facilities, and equipment to organize consultancy activities; possess materials introducing education policies of countries and territories; and provide consulting materials on schools, courses, majors, and training levels.

2.2. Have a team of staff directly providing consultancy who meet the following requirements:

2.2.1. Hold a university degree or higher; possess proficiency in at least one foreign language at Level 4 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam or equivalent;

2.2.2. Possess a certificate of completion of overseas study consultancy professional training issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. Dossier for issuance of the overseas study consultancy service business registration certificate

The dossier includes documents specified in Clause 1, Article 117 of Decree No. 125/2024/ND-CP: 

3.1. An application for the Overseas Study Consultancy Service Business Registration Certificate according to Form No. 07, Appendix IV issued with this Decree;

3.2. A copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate, establishment decision, or Investment Registration Certificate;

3.3. A copy of the legal documents proving land use rights, house ownership, or the site lease agreement of the consultancy organization.

4. Procedures for issuance of the overseas study consultancy service business registration certificate

The Certificate is issued by the Director of the Department of Education and Training following the process in Clause 2, Article 117 of Decree No. 125/2024/ND-CP:  

4.1. Step 1: The permitted organization (per Section 1.1) submits 01 set of dossiers (per Section 3) via the National Public Service Portal, by post, or directly to the Department of Education and Training where the activities are conducted.

4.2. Step 2: Within 15 days from the date of receiving a valid dossier, the Department of Education and Training organizes an appraisal and prepares an appraisal report to evaluate the fulfillment of conditions in Section 2.

4.3. Step 3: Within 05 working days from the date of the appraisal report, if conditions are met, the Director of the Department of Education and Training issues the overseas study consultancy service business registration certificate; if not, a written notice stating the reasons must be sent to the applicant.

Note:

The Certificate shall be publicly announced on mass media.

The term of the Certificate shall not exceed 05 years and may be extended, with each extension not exceeding 05 years. The application for extension must be submitted 06 months prior to the expiry date.

5. Suspension or revocation of the overseas study consultancy service business registration certificate

Organizations committing violations will face suspension or revocation depending on the nature and severity of the case.

5.1. Suspension of business activities

An organization is suspended under Clause 1, Article 118 of Decree No. 125/2024/ND-CP if it:

5.1.1. Commits fraud to obtain the certificate;

5.1.2. Fails to maintain the conditions prescribed in Article 116 during operation;

5.1.3. Violates education laws to the extent of being administratively sanctioned with suspension;

5.1.4. Rents out or lends the Certificate;

5.1.5. Fails to fulfill the responsibilities of a consultancy organization as regulated;

5.1.6. Other cases as prescribed by law. 

5.2. Revocation of the certificate 

The Certificate is revoked under Clause 1, Article 119 of Decree No. 125/2024/ND-CP if:

5.2.1. The organization terminates its operations in accordance with the law;

5.2.2. The organization continues to operate during its suspension period;

5.2.3. The organization fails to remedy the causes for suspension upon the expiry of the suspension period;

5.2.4. Other cases as prescribed by law.

6. Lexsol's recommendations

At Lexsol, our lawyers recommend that providers take the following measures to ensure sustainable operations: 

6.1. Full Compliance: Understand and comply with Decree 125/2024/ND-CP, the Law on Enterprises, the Law on Investment, and the Law on Protection of Consumers' Rights.

6.2. Quality Management System: Establish clear consultancy processes and complaint handling procedures to ensure service commitments.

6.3. Qualified Personnel: Hire experienced staff and provide continuous training on legal changes and visa procedures.

6.4. Personal Data Protection: Implement security systems to protect client data according to regulations.

6.5. Facilities and Technology: Invest in CRM systems and online consultancy tools to provide high-quality services. 

7. Conclusion

Registering for overseas study consultancy services requires meeting statutory conditions and completing strict procedures. Clients should seek legal advice from experts to ensure full compliance. Lexsol is ready to assist you in completing the registration process quickly and effectively.