Karaoke Business License Procedure in Vietnam

The Karaoke Business License procedure is a critical legal process ensuring that organizations and individuals in this service sector meet all statutory conditions. Correctly executing this procedure enables legal operation and contributes to social order, fire safety, and public security. This analysis by Long Phan Consulting Company provides a detailed breakdown of the current procedure.

Conditions for Obtaining a Karaoke Business License

The procedure for issuing a Karaoke Business License is detailed in Subsection 1, Section I, Part II of the Administrative Procedures amended in the cultural sector, issued with Decision No. 3520/QD-BVHTTDL on November 19, 2024.

Applicants for a Karaoke Business License must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be an enterprise or business household established under the law.
• Ensure conditions for fire prevention, fighting, security, and order as stipulated in Decree No. 96/2016/ND-CP (July 1, 2016) and Decree No. 56/2023/NĐ-CP (July 24, 2023).
• Singing rooms must have a usable area of 20m² or more, excluding auxiliary areas.
• No bolts or locks may be installed on the inside of singing room doors, and no alarm devices are permitted (except for fire and explosion alarm systems).

Competent Licensing Authority

The authority responsible for issuing the Karaoke Business License is the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism or the Department of Culture and Sports, depending on the specific locality.

Applicants can submit their dossier to the competent Department via one of the following methods:

• Direct submission at the Department’s headquarters.
• Online submission through the National Public Service Portal.
• Submission via postal service.

Required Application Dossier

Applicants for a Karaoke Business License must prepare one complete dossier set, which includes:

• An application form for a Karaoke Business License (Form No. 01, Appendix of Decree No. 148/2024/ND-CP dated November 12, 2024).
• A certified copy, or a copy presented with the original for comparison, of the Certificate of eligibility for security and order.

Procedure for Obtaining the License

The procedure for issuing the Karaoke Business License includes the following steps:

• Step 1: Dossier Submission An enterprise or business household submits one (01) complete dossier to the relevant Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism / Department of Culture and Sports (the receiving authority).
• Step 2: Dossier Review & Appraisal Team Formation If the dossier is non-compliant, the receiving authority will issue a written notice requesting completion within 01 working day. If the dossier is complete, within 03 working days, the authority will appraise it and report to the provincial-level People’s Committee to establish an on-site Appraisal Team. This team inspects the business location to verify compliance with business conditions. The team consists of no more than 07 members from relevant agencies (Police, Culture, Construction).
• Step 3: On-site Appraisal Within 04 working days of its establishment, the Appraisal Team will conduct the on-site inspection and issue a formal appraisal result.
• Step 4: License Issuance Within 03 working days of receiving the appraisal result, the provincial People’s Committee will issue the Karaoke Business License or delegate this authority. If the license is not granted, a written response stating the reasons will be provided. The issuing authority sends the license to the applicant, the relevant business registration body, and the local police, while retaining a copy and publishing the issuance on its official web portal.

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Long Phan Consulting’s Licensing Services

Completing the licensing procedure is essential for legal and safe business operations. Long Phan Consulting Company offers professional services to navigate this process efficiently and correctly.

Pre-Application Advisory & Preparation

• Provides expert consultation on the specific conditions for facilities, fire safety, security, and order applicable to the business.
• Assists in drafting and preparing a complete and compliant application dossier according to legal standards.
• Conducts a preliminary review of the business location to verify its readiness for the official on-site appraisal.

Dossier Submission & Agency Liaison

• Acts as the client’s authorized representative to submit the application dossier to the competent state authority.
• Monitors the status of the application throughout the entire processing period.
• Manages all communication with state agencies, providing clarifications and additional information as required.

Result Finalization & Post-Licensing Support

• Represents the client to receive the official Karaoke Business License upon its issuance.
• Ensures the secure handover of the license and all related documents to the client.
• Offers guidance on post-licensing obligations and operational compliance to maintain legal standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below are common questions regarding the Karaoke Business License procedure.

What is the legal definition of “Karaoke Service”?

According to Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree 54/2019/ND-CP, karaoke service is a service that provides sound, lighting, music, lyrics, and images on a screen (or similar format) for singing activities at establishments that meet the business conditions specified in this Decree.

Who is eligible to apply for a Karaoke Business License?

As per Decision No. 3520/QD-BVHTTDL, eligible applicants are enterprises and business households that meet all legal conditions for providing karaoke services and intend to operate this type of business.

What is the fee for the Karaoke Business License procedure?

Decision No. 3520/QD-BVHTTDL specifies the following fee structure:

• In centrally-run cities and provincial cities/towns:
  • 1 to 3 rooms: VND 4,000,000/license.
  • 4 to 5 rooms: VND 6,000,000/license.
  • 6 rooms or more: VND 12,000,000/license.
• In other areas:
  • 1 to 3 rooms: VND 2,000,000/license.
  • 4 to 5 rooms: VND 3,000,000/license.
  • 6 rooms or more: VND 6,000,000/license.

What is the total processing time for the license application?

Based on the procedure outlined in Decision No. 3520/QD-BVHTTDL, the total processing time is 10 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier.

Conclusion

Completing the procedure for the Karaoke Business License is a fundamental step for legal and stable business operations. The process demands thorough preparation and strict adherence to the required steps. For efficient and compliant assistance, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via hotline 1900636389 for timely and effective support.