Procedure for Obtaining a Press Conference Permit in Ho Chi Minh City

Procedure for Obtaining a Press Conference Permit must be assessed accurately at the planning stage because choosing the wrong filing route may lead to fines, event suspension, or a mandatory public apology. Vietnamese enterprises generally need to notify the competent authority before organizing a press conference, while foreign representative offices and foreign organizations must secure prior approval at least two working days before the event. If the press conference includes performances, promotion programs, exhibitions, or specialized product launches, businesses should also review additional sector-specific licensing requirements through Legal Updates.

Long Phan Consulting supports enterprises in structuring the correct procedure and managing compliance risks before event execution.

Distinguishing Between Press Conference Notification and Authorization

The primary control point for enterprises is correctly identifying whether an event requires a “notification” or formal “authorization.” Misidentifying this step may delay product announcements, M&A disclosures, launch events, or media crisis management timelines.

In principle, the right to organize a press conference is granted to Vietnamese agencies, organizations, and citizens, as well as foreign representative agencies and foreign organizations operating in Vietnam. However, each group is subject to different procedural mechanisms, pursuant to Clause 1, Article 37 of the 2025 Law on the Press (effective July 1, 2026).

Domestic Enterprises and Organizations

For domestic entities, the legal focus is on “notification” of the press conference, rather than a default “license application.” This mechanism applies to groups of agencies, organizations, and Vietnamese citizens entitled to organize press conferences to provide information to the press.

Foreign Representative Agencies and Foreign Organizations

For foreign representative agencies and foreign organizations in Vietnam, the legal focus is on securing formal “authorization” before the event proceeds.

Integrated Press Events

Beyond the standard press conference procedure, enterprises must audit the requirement for specialized permits if the event incorporates performances, promotional activities, exhibitions, or trade promotion activities.

>>> See more: Film Production Licensing Service

Application Dossier Structure and Determination of the Competent Receiving Authority in Ho Chi Minh City

A press conference application dossier should be prepared according to the legal status of the organizing entity rather than merely the event’s title. For enterprises, submitting the application to the wrong authority or omitting information about the chairperson may delay the announcement of products, projects, or M&A transactions.

For foreign organizations holding a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City, legal jurisdiction is determined by the locality where the event takes place. The application must be submitted to the People’s Committee of the province or centrally governed city where the press conference is organized (in this case, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee) in accordance with Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 04/2014/TT-BTTTT.

Required Documentation and Standards for the Spokesperson

For foreign organizations, the application for organizing a press conference must use Form No. 02/BTTTT. In addition, the dossier should be standardized to include the following categories of documents:

• Notification or Application Letter: Clearly specifying the date, venue, intended announcement, and media coverage scope.
• Press Conference Materials: Including press releases, presentation materials, product or project documents, and official announcement contents.
• Information on the Chairperson: Clearly identifying the representative capacity, title, and authority to preside over the event.
• Information on the Spokesperson: Ensuring the spokesperson possesses sufficient internal authorization to provide information to the press.
• Supporting Documents for Side Activities: Applicable where performances, demonstrations, exhibitions, promotional campaigns, or trade promotion activities are included.

These documentation requirements are prescribed under Article 18 of Decree No. 88/2012/ND-CP, as guided by Article 5 of Circular No. 04/2014/TT-BTTTT, effective from 5 May 2014.

If the designated spokesperson lacks the appropriate authority, the risk extends beyond requests for dossier clarification. The enterprise may also incur legal responsibility if information disclosed exceeds the scope approved internally.

Legal Jurisdiction and Practical Dossier Submission Procedures

In Ho Chi Minh City, it is important to distinguish between statutory jurisdiction and the actual administrative processing workflow.

Legally, foreign organizations must submit their applications to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the authority governing the locality where the press conference is held, pursuant to Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 04/2014/TT-BTTTT.

In practice, however, applications are generally processed through the specialized authority responsible for advising on press and media affairs. According to current administrative practice, the relevant specialized agency in Ho Chi Minh City is the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, acting through its competent professional division.

The safest compliance approach is to first determine the legally competent authority and then verify the actual submission channel before filing. This helps minimize the risk of submitting to the wrong office, delaying the press conference schedule, or having to revise the dossier shortly before the event.

Standard procedure for organizing press conferences for corporate clients

The process of organizing a press conference should be managed like a legal checklist, not just a communication plan. The goal is to determine the correct procedures, submit them to the right agencies, and control the content before public release.

For foreign organizations in Ho Chi Minh City, the application must be submitted to the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City no later than 2 working days before the press conference, in accordance with Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 04/2014/TT-BTTTT.

1. Determine the scope of procedures to which they apply: Businesses need to classify events as requiring notification, approval, or a specialized license. Foreign diplomatic missions and organizations may only hold press conferences after obtaining approval according to Clause 1, Article 3 and Clauses 1 and 2, Article 18 of Decree No. 88/2012/ND-CP.
2. Prepare the documents: The application must clearly state the purpose, content, time, location, participants, organizer, and side activities. Foreign organizations must use form No. 02/BTTTT, according to Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 04/2014/TT-BTTTT.
3. Submit the application to the competent authority: With the event in Ho Chi Minh City, the legal basis for determining the receiving agency is People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City location of submission. Internal businesses should check the actual submission process before submitting to avoid delays.
4. Monitor the regulatory response:Or2 days since receiving the application, if the competent authority does not respond, the press conference of the foreign organization is considered to have been approved, according to Clause 1, Article 5 of Circular No. 04/2014/TT-BTTTT.
5. Organize activities in accordance with the announced or approved content: The actual content must be consistent with the submitted documents. If any violations are detected, the management agency has the right to suspend the press conference in accordance with Clause 2, Article 37 of the 2025 Press Law and Clause 6, Article 18 of Decree No. 88/2012/ND-CP.

This process helps businesses mitigate risks at every touchpoint: entity status, documentation, receiving agency, management response, and disclosure content. For events involving international elements, pre-event review is a mandatory compliance management requirement.

>> See more: Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining an International Conference Permit

Risk Management Strategy and Administrative Sanctions in Press Activities

The risks associated with a press conference extend beyond monetary penalties. For businesses, the more significant consequences may include suspension of the event, loss of control over corporate information, and the emergence of a public relations crisis.

State authorities responsible for press management or the provincial People’s Committee may intervene upon detecting legal violations. This authority is provided under Clause 2, Article 37 of the 2025 Press Law and Clause 6, Article 18 of Decree No. 88/2012/ND-CP.

The group of behaviors that led to the decision to request an emergency press conference be stopped

Businesses need to review press conference content before releasing press releases, presentation materials, or making public statements. Even a single piece of unverified information can cause the event to be halted prematurely.

The following content groups could trigger the decision to halt a press conference:

• False information or fabricated stories to cause public alarm.
• Revealing state secrets, personal secrets or internal information that have not been authorized for disclosure.
• Insulting the organization’s reputation., the honor or dignity of an individual.
• Content that distorts revolutionary policies, history, or achievements.
• Content that incites violence, ethnic division, or discrimination based on belief or religion.

These actions fall under the category of prohibited content in journalistic activities and may lead to the suspension of press conferences, according to Clauses 1 to 10 of Article 8 and Clause 2 of Article 37 of the 2025 Press Law. From date01/07/2026Businesses need to standardize their content review processes in accordance with the 2025 Press Law to reduce the risk of event interference.

Administrative penalty framework and remedial measures

The penalties listed below apply to organizations that violate the regulations. Individuals committing the same offense will be subject to the same penalties.1/2 of the organization’s penalty amount, according to Clause 2, Article 4 of Decree No. 119/2020/ND-CP.

Details of the administrative penalty framework and remedial measures were discussed at the press conference.

Press Conference Licensing and Compliance Review Services at Long Phan Consulting

Press conference licensing should be approached as a compliance management process, rather than merely an administrative procedure. Long Phan Consulting assists businesses in determining the appropriate legal mechanism—whether notification, prior approval, or sector-specific licensing—required before the scheduled event.

Our team of legal professionals focuses on identifying and mitigating compliance risks that could lead to event suspension, unauthorized disclosures, or administrative penalties under Vietnam’s press regulations.

Our services include:

• Classifying the applicable legal procedures for Vietnamese enterprises, foreign organizations, representative offices, and FDI enterprises.
• Preparing notification letters, approval applications, and standardizing documentation regarding the event’s purpose, schedule, venue, and participants.
• Reviewing the legal status of the chairperson, spokesperson, and their authority to provide information to the press.
• Conducting legal due diligence on press releases, presentation materials, disclosure documents, and project documentation prior to the event.
• Assessing additional sector-specific licensing requirements where the press conference is combined with artistic performances, fashion shows, promotional campaigns, exhibitions, or trade promotion activities.
• Representing clients in communications and explanations with competent authorities during application submission, dossier supplementation, and follow-up procedures.
• Providing legal advice on media risk management where published information may require correction, public apology, or result in administrative sanctions.

Businesses may submit their application dossiers, press conference agendas, and disclosure materials via Email: info@longphanpmt.com or Zalo 0906.735.386 for a preliminary legal assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Service for Obtaining a Press Conference Permit in Ho Chi Minh City

Strict control over published content and adherence to administrative procedures are crucial for foreign investors to avoid media crises. Severe penalties can immediately suspend events if organizations violate legal boundaries or make mistakes regarding the authority to receive information. Understanding the mandatory standards when using press conference permit application services will maximize the protection of the company’s brand reputation.

Conclusion

Press conference licensing requires businesses to identify the correct legal procedure, competent authority, and disclosure requirements. Errors may result in event suspension, administrative penalties, or reputational risks.

To ensure compliance and a successful event, businesses should review their application dossier before the scheduled date. Contact Long Phan Consulting via Hotline: 1900636389  for professional legal assistance.