Social Work Practice Registration Certificate Guide

Obtaining a new Social Work Practice Registration Certificate is a mandatory legal procedure for individuals and organizations practicing social work in Vietnam. This certificate provides the legal foundation for lawful practice. It also validates professional competence, ethical standards, and the capacity to support social welfare.

Conditions for Social Work Practice

According to Article 31, Decree 110/2024/NĐ-CP (dated August 30, 2024), individuals (Vietnamese citizens, foreigners, overseas Vietnamese) must meet specific criteria to practice social work:

• Possess good moral qualities and comply with the Constitution and laws of Vietnam.
• Hold a degree (intermediate, college, university, or post-graduate) in social work, sociology, psychology, special education, or other relevant social sciences as defined by law.
• Maintain adequate health to perform social work duties.
• Not be subject to the prohibitions defined in Article 32 of Decree 110/2024/NĐ-CP or other administrative violation sanctions.
• Hold a valid Social Work Practice Registration Certificate issued by a competent state agency.

Dossier for a New Social Work Practice Registration Certificate

Applicants must prepare one (01) complete dossier, based on Decision 970/QĐ-BYT (issued March 21, 2025). The dossier includes:

• An application form for social work practice registration (Form 07, Appendix of Decree 110/2024/NĐ-CP).
• A certificate confirming social work practice results.
• Certified copies of diplomas or certificates in relevant fields (social work, sociology, psychology, special education).
• A valid health certificate issued by a competent medical authority. The certificate must be issued no more than 12 months prior to the submission date.
• Two (02) 4×6 cm color photographs (white background, taken within 06 months of the submission date).

Competent Authority for Resolution

According to Decision 970/QĐ-BYT, the competent authority responsible for processing the practice registration is the Department of Health (Sở Y tế).

This jurisdiction applies to the locality where the applicant’s employer (social work facility, training center, vocational school) is headquartered. It also applies to independent social work practitioners.

Procedure for Issuance

The process follows Decision 970/QĐ-BYT:

• Step 1: The applicant submits one (01) complete dossier to the relevant Department of Health. Submission can be made in person or online.
• Step 2: Within 07 working days of receiving a valid dossier, the Department of Health will issue the practice certificate (Form 06, Appendix of Decree 110/2024/NĐ-CP).
• Note: If the dossier is invalid or incomplete, the Department must provide a written response stating the reasons within 03 working days.

The Department of Health is responsible for publicizing the list of registered practitioners on the electronic portals of the provincial People’s Committee and the Department of Health.

Consulting and Procedural Services by Long Phan Consulting Company

The procedure for a new practice certificate involves complex legal documents and strict compliance. Long Phan Consulting Company provides expert services to ensure this process is accurate, fast, and compliant.

Our scope of service includes:

• Providing comprehensive consultation on the legal conditions for the certificate.
• Reviewing and assessing the validity of the client’s existing degrees and certificates.
• Assisting in the preparation and standardization of the application dossier.
• Managing certified translation (for foreign-issued diplomas) and notarization of required documents.
• Acting as the authorized representative to submit the complete dossier to the competent authority.
• Monitoring the application status and liaising with state agencies to address any requests for clarification.
• Receiving the final certificate and delivering it to the client.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the validity period of the certificate?

The practice certificate is valid for 05 years (Clause 2, Article 38, Decree 110/2024/NĐ-CP).

What is the scope of the certificate’s validity?

The certificate is valid nationwide (Clause 2, Article 38, Decree 110/2024/NĐ-CP).

Who is exempt from this registration?

Foreigners or overseas Vietnamese already holding a foreign social work license are exempt if they are in Vietnam for short-term projects, training cooperation, or technical skills transfer (Clause 4, Article 44, Decree 110/2024/NĐ-CP).

Can the dossier be submitted online?

Yes, applicants may submit the dossier online through the National Public Service Portal.

Conclusion

Holding a Social Work Practice Registration Certificate is the legal basis for professional and compliant social work activities. This procedure demands high accuracy in legal documentation. For assistance in ensuring a smooth issuance process, please contact Long Phan Consulting Company via Hotline 1900636389 for timely legal support.