Procedures for issuance, re-issuance and renewal of an architecture practicing certificate in Vietnam

Procedures for issuance, re-issuance and renewal of an architecture practicing certificate in Vietnam (Internet image)

1. Application for issuance of an architecture practicing certificate in Vietnam

An application for issuance of an architecture practicing certificate in Vietnam includes:

- An application form made using the form in the Appendix III hereof enclosing 02 portrait pictures (4x6 cm) of the applicant on a white background which was taken within the last 06 months;

- University degree or diploma issued by a lawful training institution in conformity with the contents of the certificate to be issued; a degree or diploma issued by a foreign training institution must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized or certified in accordance with Vietnam’s law;

- A decision on task assignment by an organization to the individual or a written certification provided by the legal representative of the investor of typical tasks completed by individuals in accordance with the contents declared by such individuals. The person signing the certification shall be responsible for the truthfullness of the contents he/she certifies. Regarding an independent practitioner, there must be a contract and record on commissioning of declared typical tasks that have been completed by such practitioner.

- A legal document on residence or a work permit issued by a Vietnamese competent authority if the applicant is a foreign national;

- Valid results of the test that the applicant has passed;

- The documents specified in above (except for application for issuance of an architecture practicing certificate) must be certified true copies or files containing color photos taken from the originals or copy presented together with their originals for comparison.

(Clause 1, Article 27 of Decree 85/2020/ND-CP)

2. Procedures for issuance, re-issuance and renewal of an architecture practicing certificate in Vietnam

In the case of issuance, re-issuance or renewal of an architecture practicing certificate:

- The applicant shall submit an application prescribed in Article 27 of Decree 85/2020/ND-CP to the authority that has power to issue practicing certificates (hereinafter referred to as “the issuing authority”), whether online or by post or in person;

- Upon receipt of a sufficient and valid application, the issuing authority shall issue the practicing certificate within 15 days in the case of issuance; 05 days in the case of re-issuance; 10 days in the case of renewal of the practicing certificate.

If the application is insufficient or invalid, the issuing authority shall notify the applicant once in writing within 05 days from receipt of the application;

- The applicant shall pay fees upon applying for issuance, re-issuance or renewal of the practicing certificate. The collection, payment and management of such fees shall comply with regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

(Clause 1, Article 28 of Decree 85/2020/ND-CP)

3. Requirements for practice of architecture in Vietnam

- 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 of the Law on Architecture 2019.

- 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.

- Entities providing architectural services must meet qualification requirements specified in Article 33 of the Law on Architecture 2019.

4. Rules of professional conduct for practicing architects in Vietnam

- The code of professional conduct of practicing architects must be consistent with the provisions of law and have the following basic contents:

+ Principles of practice;

+ Competition in practice;

+ Ensuring gender equality rights;

+ Intellectual property rights;

+ Professional behavior towards colleagues and customers.

- Code of professional conduct of practicing architects shall be applied to organizations and individuals practicing architecture.

(Article 22 of the Law on Architecture 2019)

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