Can I practice without a certificate of practice of architecture in Vietnam?

Can I practice without a certificate of practice of architecture in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Article 21 of the 2019 Architecture Law, requirements for practice of architecture are as follows:

1. The person holding the title as the leader of architectural design, the person bearing professional responsibility for architecture who working for entities providing architectural services and self-employed practicing architects must hold the certificate of practice of architecture, unless otherwise provided in Article 31 herein.

2. Persons who do not hold the certificate of practice of architecture may provide architectural services under the control of architecture practicing entities or may enter into partnership with other self-employed practicing architects.

3. Entities providing architectural services must meet qualification requirements specified in Article 33 herein.

In Article 31 of the 2019 Architecture Law, there are regulations on practice of architecture by foreign nationals in Vietnam as follows:

1. Foreign citizens can practice architecture in Vietnam if they meet the following requirements:

a) Obtain architecture practicing certificates issued in Vietnam or valid ones issued by regulatory authorities in their home countries and recognized or converted in Vietnam;

b) Comply with Vietnam’s law and rules of professional conduct for practicing architects in Vietnam.

2. Recognition and conversion of architecture practicing certificates shall be subject to the following regulations:

a) Foreign nationals who have already held architecture practicing certificates in use issued by competent regulatory authorities in their home countries, or has participated in rendering of architectural services in Vietnam for less than 6 months, shall follow procedures for recognition of architecture practicing certificates, or for at least 6 months, shall follow procedures for conversion of architecture practicing certificates, at regulatory authorities specialized in architecture under the control of provincial-level People’s Committees;

b) Recognition and conversion of architecture practicing certificates between Vietnam and other countries on territories shall be subject to terms and conditions of international agreements or treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a signatory.

3. The Government shall promulgate specific regulations on the method of determination of period of rendering of architectural services in Vietnam; documentation requirements and procedures for recognition and conversion of architecture practicing certificates of foreign nationals practicing architecture in Vietnam.

Thus, those who do not have a certificate of practice of architecture in Vietnam can still practice architecture depending on each job according to the above regulations.

What are rules of professional conduct for practicing architects in Vietnam? 

According to Article 22 of the 2019 Architecture Law, rules of professional conduct for practicing architects are as follows:

1. Rules of professional conduct for practicing architects must be conformable to legislative regulations and must include the followings:

a) Practicing principles;

b) Competitiveness in practice of architecture;

c) Guarantee of gender equality;

d) Intellectual property rights;

dd) Interpersonal behaviors towards colleagues and customers.

2. Rules of professional conduct for practicing architects may be applied to entities and persons practicing architecture.

3. The Government shall set out specific regulations on authority over, processes and procedures for enforcement of rules of professional conduct for practicing architects.

Best Regards!