Security Service Business Licensing Service in Vietnam

The Security Service Business Licensing Service is essential for businesses to legalize operations in this specific field. This sector demands strict adherence to legal regulations on security and order. Due to procedural complexity and stringent conditions, choosing a professional consulting unit like Long Phan Consulting Company supports your enterprise. We help save time, optimize costs, and ensure a solid legal foundation for effective, lawful operation.

Latest Conditions for Security Service Business

Operating a security service business is a conditional business line under Decree 96/2016/ND-CP. To be licensed in this field, enterprises must meet the following conditions:

General Conditions for Security and Order:

• The business establishment must be registered, licensed, or established according to Vietnamese law.
• The person responsible for security and order at the business establishment must not fall into cases specified in Clause 2, Article 7 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP. Examples include individuals prosecuted criminally where procedural bodies are investigating, prosecuting, or trying; individuals with criminal records for national security offenses or other intentional crimes with sentences over 03 years imprisonment whose records are not yet expunged.
• The business establishment must meet fire prevention and fighting safety conditions as per legal regulations.

Specific Conditions for Security Service Business:

• The security service business must be established as an enterprise.
• The person responsible for security and order of the security enterprise must hold a college degree or higher.
• The responsible person must not be someone whose Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order was revoked indefinitely within the 24 consecutive months prior (unless specified in Clause 2, Article 22 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP).

Conditions for Joint Ventures or Foreign Investment:

Based on Article 11 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, Vietnamese security enterprises can only form joint ventures with foreign enterprises when:

• Investment in machinery and technical means for security work is needed.
• It is executed with the foreign enterprise contributing capital to purchase machinery and technical means for security work.

Simultaneously, the foreign enterprise contributing capital must meet:

• Continuous operation in the security service business for at least 05 years.
• The representative of the capital contribution has not been sanctioned by foreign legal authorities for violations related to security service activities from a warning level upwards.
• The capital contribution is used only to purchase machinery and technical equipment for security work.
• The minimum contributed investment capital is USD 1,000,000.

Thoroughly understanding these conditions is the initial step in the Security Service Business Licensing Service process.

Procedures to Undertake for Operating a Security Service Business

To officially operate in the security service sector, enterprises must complete two main procedures: business registration and applying for a Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order.

Registering a Security Service Company

The first step is business registration. Enterprise registration procedures must comply with the Law on Enterprises 2020, including:

• Step 1: Prepare dossier for enterprise establishment.

The required dossier depends on the company type. However, certain documents are common across enterprise types. Key documents include:

• • Application for enterprise registration.
  • Company Charter.
  • List of members/shareholders.
  • Personal identification documents of members/shareholders/business owner (notarized copy).
  • Other documents depending on specific cases. This is based on Articles 19, 20, 21, and 22 of the Law on Enterprises 2020.

When registering a security service business, clients should use these industry codes:

• Step 2: Submit dossier. The enterprise submits the dossier to the Business Registration Office under the provincial/municipal Department of Planning and Investment (or Department of Finance, as applicable) where the enterprise is headquartered. Processing time: Within 03 working days from receiving a valid dossier.

Applying for Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order

After completing business registration, the enterprise must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order. This is per Article 14 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, amended by Clause 2, Article 1 of Decree 56/2023/ND-CP. The application process is:

Step 1: Prepare dossier.

Based on Article 19 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, amended by Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree 56/2023/ND-CP, the dossier for a new Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order, generally applicable to all sectors, includes:

• Written request for the Certificate from the business establishment (Form No. 03, Appendix to this Decree).
• A valid copy of one of the following:
  • Business registration certificate / Enterprise registration certificate.
  • Investment registration certificate (if any).
  • Registration certificate for branch/subsidiary operation.
• Resume (Form No. 02) with a judicial record certificate or Personnel Declaration (Form No. 02b) of the person responsible for security and order:
  • For Vietnamese citizens: Resume certified by the commune-level People’s Committee of permanent residence; Judicial record certificate.
  • For overseas Vietnamese holding foreign passports and foreigners: Personnel Declaration with valid copies of Passport, Permanent/Temporary Residence Card, or Visa valid in Vietnam.

For security service businesses, per Article 20 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, additional documents include:

• • Valid copy of the diploma proving the educational level of the person responsible for security and order.
  • If the security service business has foreign investment capital: Consularly legalized documents proving the foreign enterprise meets conditions in points a and b, Clause 4, Article 11 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, from the Vietnamese diplomatic mission in the foreign enterprise’s home country/territory.
  • If the security service business has a security guard training function: Curriculum and training program for security guards.

Step 2: Submit dossier.

The enterprise submits 01 set of dossiers to the competent licensing authority via:

• Direct submission to the competent Police authority.
• Public postal service.
• National Public Service Portal or Ministry of Public Security Public Service Portal. This is based on Article 23 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, amended by Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree 56/2023/ND-CP.

Furthermore, per Article 24 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, amended by Article 1 of Decree 56/2023/ND-CP, the licensing authorities are:

• • Provincial Police Department for Administrative Management of Social Order: Issues certificates to standard security service businesses.
  • Police Department for Administrative Management of Social Order (C06), Ministry of Public Security: Issues certificates to foreign-invested security service businesses and those with security guard training functions.

• Step 3: Dossier processing and result.

The competent authority reviews conditions. If met, the certificate is issued. Refusal requires written justification. Dossier amendment may be requested if incomplete. Processing time for the Certificate from receipt of a valid dossier:

• • Not exceeding 05 working days for new issuance.
  • Not exceeding 04 working days for renewal or re-issuance.

Obtaining Fire Safety Permit

Although point c, Clause 3, Article 19 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP (amended by Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree 56/2023/ND-CP) states security service businesses do not need to submit documents proving fire safety compliance with their security license application, Article 7 of Decree 96/2016/ND-CP still requires businesses to ensure fire safety conditions.

Enterprises must comply with fire safety regulations for their offices under Decree 136/2020/ND-CP and Decree 50/2024/ND-CP (effective until July 1, 2025). Offices need basic fire safety equipment: fire extinguishers, alarm systems, emergency exits, and other necessary devices. This is a key consideration within the Security Service Business Licensing Service.

Security Service Business Licensing Service at Long Phan Consulting Company

We provide a full-package Security Service Business Licensing Service – fast, lawful, and timely.

Scope of Service Provision

Long Phan Consulting Company offers comprehensive support for obtaining a security service business license. This covers legal condition consultation, dossier drafting, representation with authorities, and result collection.

In-depth Consultation for Security Service Business Licensing

Long Phan Consulting Company offers professional consultation. Our experienced legal team will assist with:

• Conditions for establishing a security service enterprise.
• Dossier and procedures for business registration and obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order.
• Legal regulations related to security service business operations.
• Conditions for foreign-invested security enterprises.
• Conditions for training security service personnel.

Dossier Drafting for Security Service Business Licensing Procedures

Long Phan Consulting Company assists clients in drafting all necessary documents:

• Company Charter.
• Application for enterprise establishment.
• List of members/founding shareholders and other documents for business registration.
• Written request for the Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order.
• Resume or Personnel Declaration of the person responsible for security and order.
• Guidance and support in collecting other related documents.

Authorized Representation for Procedures and Result Collection

Long Phan Consulting Company provides authorized representation for administrative procedures:

• Submitting business registration dossiers to the Business Registration Office.
• Submitting applications for the Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order to the competent Police authority.
• Monitoring dossier processing progress.
• Receiving results and handing them to clients.
• Assisting in resolving issues arising during procedures.

Service Provision Process for Security Service Business Licensing

The process at Long Phan Consulting Company includes:

• Step 1: Receive request and initial consultation. We gather information about your security service business registration needs. We provide preliminary advice on conditions, procedures, costs, and timelines.
• Step 2: Fee quotation and service contract agreement. We provide a transparent, detailed quote for the full-package service, clearly defining the scope of work. Upon agreement on fees and payment methods, a service contract is drafted and signed.
• Step 3: Information and document collection. After contract signing, we collect necessary information and documents from you, providing guidance. Legal specialists review the legality and completeness of provided documents.
• Step 4: Dossier drafting. We draft the dossier according to legal requirements. The completed dossier is submitted for your review and approval before submission to competent state agencies.
• Step 5: Execute business registration procedure.
• Step 6: Execute procedure for Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order.
• Step 7: Execute procedure for fire safety permit.
• Step 8: Deliver results and post-registration guidance. Upon approval, we receive and deliver results, along with guidance for post-licensing steps.

We commit to preparing accurate dossiers, submitting them, and closely monitoring progress. We provide regular updates. If authorities require amendments, we coordinate with you for completion.

After-Sales Policy and Customer Care

Long Phan Consulting Company has a comprehensive after-sales policy for the Security Service Business Licensing Service. After licensing, we assist with post-licensing administrative procedures: seal registration, labor declaration, and others. Our legal team is ready to answer queries about legal regulations during business operations. Long Phan Consulting Company commits to partnering with your enterprise’s development, supporting legal issue resolution, and ensuring compliance. Our after-sales care is based on dedication, professionalism, and effectiveness. We offer special incentives to returning clients.

Confidentiality and Service Quality Commitment

Long Phan Consulting Company commits to:

• Absolute confidentiality of client information by law.
• Adherence to professional ethics and legal regulations.
• Providing high-quality, professional, and timely services.
• A legal team with in-depth knowledge of the security service business field.
• Regular updates on the latest legal regulations.
• Prompt resolution of client complaints and requests.
• Refunding service fees if work is not completed as per contract. We commit to providing a professional, convenient, and effective service experience.

Contact Information for Security Service Business Licensing Service

For detailed consultation on the Security Service Business Licensing Service, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company:

• Head Office Address: TM7 Commercial Lot, Lavita Garden Apartment, 17 Street No. 3, Truong Tho Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
• Working Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Online Consultation Hotline: 1900.63.63.89
• Email: info@longphanpmt.com
• Zalo: 0906.735.386 – Long Phan
• Facebook: Long Phan Investment Consulting and Legal Services LLC

Our team is available Monday to Saturday for consultation. Appointments for direct office consultation can be scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Security Service Business Licensing Service

Below are some common questions:

What is the validity period of the Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order for security service businesses?

The Certificate is valid for 05 years from the issuance date. Enterprises should monitor this to renew before expiry.

How do I obtain a license to provide security services in multiple provinces/cities?

The enterprise needs a Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order at its headquarters’ locality. For branches in other provinces/cities, register branch operations and obtain a separate Certificate for each branch from the provincial police where the branch operates.

Is it mandatory to establish an enterprise to operate a security service business?

Yes, under Decree 96/2016/ND-CP, security service businesses must be enterprises. Operation as a sole proprietorship or non-enterprise form is not permitted.

In what cases can a security enterprise’s Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order be revoked?

Revocation can occur if: security and order conditions are not maintained; serious violations of security and order regulations occur; a fraudulent certificate is used; operations cease for 06 months or more without notifying authorities; or other legal violations related to security service operations occur.

Can security service businesses provide personal bodyguard services?

Yes, they can, but must strictly comply with protection laws. Bodyguards must be professionally trained, certified, and adhere to regulations on using weapons and support tools.

Can security service businesses be equipped with military weapons?

No, they are not permitted to be equipped with military weapons. However, in special cases and with competent authority approval, they may be equipped with support tools: rubber batons, electric batons, tear gas sprays, and other protective devices as regulated.

What conditions must security service personnel meet?

Personnel must: be Vietnamese citizens; be 18 years or older; have a clear background, no criminal record for intentional crimes; be healthy enough for the job; be professionally trained in security as regulated; and not be under administrative education measures at the commune level or in compulsory education/rehabilitation centers.

Conclusion

Obtaining a security service business license is a multi-step, complex legal process. It requires strict adherence to conditions from company establishment, obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility for Security and Order, to complying with fire safety and specific rules for foreign-invested enterprises.

This article detailed necessary legal requirements and procedures. To ensure this process is quick, accurate, and minimizes risks, Long Phan Consulting Company offers a professional, full-package Security Service Business Licensing Service. We commit to partnering with your enterprise from initial consultation, dossier preparation, representation with state agencies, to post-licensing support. Contact Long Phan Consulting Company now via hotline 1900.63.63.89 for detailed consultation or to use our tailored subsidiary licensing registration service.