In the context of Vietnam’s ever-evolving economy and its integration into the global market, the demand for professionally organized events that are both creative and compliant with legal regulations is on the rise. Particularly with the participation of foreign investors, events such as trade fairs, promotions, advertising, art performances, photography exhibitions, or press conferences are not only tools for trade promotion but also platforms for brand building and market expansion. However, organizing events in Vietnam is not solely a matter of financial capability or creative ideas—it also necessitates an in-depth understanding of the country’s unique legal framework and complex licensing procedures.

Each type of event, from promotions and advertising to art performances, carries specific legal conditions that investors must take into account. Failure to fully comprehend or strictly adhere to these regulations may result in the denial of licensing or, in more severe cases, administrative penalties. This article aims to provide investors with a comprehensive overview of the legal conditions, procedural requirements, and critical considerations necessary for organizing various types of events in Vietnam. By doing so, investors can not only minimize risks but also maximize their potential for success in this promising business environment.

1 .Events with Promotions

Scenario 1: Notification of Promotions

For promotions such as selling goods or providing services together with contest forms for customers, the winners will be selected by the announced rules and prizes. Or rewards based on the volume and value of purchased goods or services (e.g., loyalty cards or purchase acknowledgment vouchers).

Foreign investors must notify the Department of Industry and Trade in all localities where the promotions are conducted. This notification must be filed at least 03 working days before the commencement of the promotional program.

Note: If the total value of prizes is below VND 100 million or the promotions are conducted via e-commerce platforms, electronic transaction applications, online promotional websites, or mobile applications, the above notification requirement is waived.

Scenario 2: Procedure for Promotions Registration

For promotions (i) involving elements of chance (e.g., lucky draws, sweepstakes, scratch cards) or (ii) other forms approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, such as promotions using the internet, electronic devices, or IT applications.

If the program is limited to one province or centrally controlled municipality, registration should be made with the local Department of Industry and Trade where the promotion takes place. If conducted across 02 or more provinces, registration must be submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Department or Ministry will issue confirmation or rejection within 05 days of receiving the application.

2. Events with Advertising Activities

Advertising products and services must comply with several conditions. First, advertising is prohibited for certain items such as alcohol over 15 degrees, tobacco, infant formula as a substitute for breast milk, and other items as stipulated by law at any given time.

Advertised products must meet specific requirements, including having a valid business registration certificate for those goods and services; proof of compliance with applicable standards and regulations for advertised products, goods and services; certificates of ownership or usage rights for the advertised assets (if applicable); other conditions for each product, goods and service according to the provisions of advertising law. Moreover, organizing conferences, seminars, events and exhibitions must adhere to the Law on Advertising, ensuring urban aesthetics, environmental preservation, traffic safety, and public order.

If advertising is part of an art performance, the advertisements must follow both the provisions regarding advertising and art performance. For instance, advertising products are not allowed to be hung, placed, pasted or erected at the same level or higher than the name, logo, or main elements of the program. Additionally, the font size of advertisements should not exceed half the font size of the program’s name. Onstage advertising must maintain aesthetic standards and must not obstruct the audience’s view.

3. Events with Art Performances

When foreign investors organize events involving art performances, the organizing entity must be licensed for performing arts activities. Foreign investors are required to register the business activity under VSIC Code 9000 (“Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities”) to organize such activities and meet the mentioned conditions. Compliance with regulations on security, public order, environmental protection, health, and fire safety is mandatory. Additionally, investors must obtain written approval from the provincial People’s Committee overseeing the event location.

Furthermore, the performance program must adhere to copyright and intellectual property regulations, requiring written consent from the authors or copyright holders for any performed works. Regarding administrative procedures, investors submit 01 dossier to the provincial People’s Committee at least 07 working days before the event. The competent authority will review the application and issue approval within 05 working days.

4. Events with Beauty Pageants or Model Contests

Similar to art performances, organizing beauty pageants or model contests requires compliance with specific legal conditions: The entity must be registered for performing Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Activities (VSIC Code 9000); Investors must meet requirements for security, public order, environmental protection, health, and fire safety; Written approval from the competent authority is also mandatory.

For administrative procedures, foreign investors must submit 01 dossier either directly, via post, or online to the provincial People’s Committee where the event is conducted at least 30 working days before the anticipated date of the competition. Upon receiving a complete dossier, the competent authority will evaluate and issue an approval within 15 working days and post it on the electronic information system. Denials must be accompanied by written explanations.

5. Events with Press Conferences

According to Article 41(1) of the Press Law 2016, “Vietnamese agencies, organizations, and citizens have the right to organize press conferences to announce, declare, explain, and answer issues related to the functions, duties, or interests of such agencies, organizations, or individuals.” Similarly, foreign investors may organize press conferences to promote their brand.

Foreign investors intending to organize a press conference to declare, explain, and respond to information about the products and services they provide must notify the Provincial People’s Committee in writing at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of the conference. Upon receiving the notification, the competent press management authority (Provincial People’s Committee) will respond or not respond regarding the press conference. Foreign investors may proceed with the press conference after notifying the Provincial People’s Committee.

6. Trade Fairs and Exhibitions

Under Article 129 of the Commercial Law 2005, trade fairs and exhibitions are commercial promotion activities conducted in a concentrated manner at particular locations and for given periods of time for traders to display and introduce their goods, and services for to promote them and seek opportunities for entering into contracts for sale and purchase of goods or service contracts.

Trade fairs and exhibitions held in Vietnam must be registered and confirmed in writing by the competent state authority on trade management at the provincial or municipal level (specifically, the Department of Industry and Trade where the event is conducted). The registration procedure is as follows:

• Investors submit a dossier via post or directly to the Department of Industry and Trade where the events take place. Registration must be made no earlier than 365 days and no later than 30 days before the event’s opening.
• The Department of Industry and Trade will issue a written confirmation or denial within 07 working days of receiving a complete dossier. If denied, the Department of Industry and Trade must provide reasons.

Organizing events in Vietnam offers foreign investors opportunities to promote brands, expand markets, and connect with customers and partners in this promising business environment. However, each type of event entails distinct legal conditions and procedural requirements, necessitating meticulous preparation and a thorough understanding of applicable regulations.

Time of writing: 13/01/2025

The article contains general information which is of reference value, in case you want to receive legal opinions on issues you need clarification on, please get in touch with our Lawyer  at  info@cdlaf.vn

You can refer for more information:

• Business conditions in the field of waste and wastewater treatment in Vietnam: Legal regulations and solutions for sustainable development
• Conditions for establishing a company operating in the logistics field
• Conditions for conducting Organization of Conventions and Trade Shows: A legal perspective and advice for Foreign Investors