Many hotel owners in Vietnam still assume they need a star rating before they can open. In fact, Vietnamese law makes star rating a voluntary procedure — but advertising “stars” without an official recognition is prohibited. This guide covers the procedures, the TCVN 4391:2015 rating criteria, the competent authorities, and the 5-year validity of the recognition decision.
1. Star rating is voluntary, not a mandatory license
Article 50(1) of the Law on Tourism 09/2017/QH14 (effective since 1 January 2018) is explicit: rating of tourist accommodation establishments is voluntary. You are not legally required to hold a star rating to operate a hotel.
That said, “voluntary” does not mean unimportant. A star rating is a commercial benchmark: it drives room pricing, access to tour groups and international guests, and contracts with travel companies. More critically, Article 53 of the Law on Tourism 2017 prohibits accommodation establishments from using the word “star” or star images in advertising before being officially rated. Properties displaying “3-star standard” signage without a recognition decision are exposed to administrative penalties.
2. Which establishments can be rated 1–5 stars
Under Article 50(2) of the Law on Tourism 2017, the following may be rated:
- Hotels;
- Tourist villas;
- Tourist apartments;
- Tourist floating accommodation (cruise ships).
Ratings follow national standards, with grades of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 stars.
3. Rating criteria under TCVN 4391:2015
The applicable standard is TCVN 4391:2015 “Hotels — Rating” (issued with Decision 4095/QD-BKHCN, effective 31 December 2015, replacing TCVN 4391:2009). A check of the national standards system as of 14 October 2026 confirms TCVN 4391:2015 remains in force with no replacement standard.
The standard scores hotels across location, architecture, facilities and equipment, guest rooms, public areas, food & beverage services, and service quality — with requirements escalating by star grade. A careful self-assessment against TCVN before filing determines which grade you should apply for.
Minimum conditions to be considered
Beyond the TCVN criteria, hotels must meet the minimum conditions in Article 22 of Decree 168/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 142/2018/ND-CP): at least 10 guest rooms, a reception desk and common restrooms, 24/24 staffing, and parking for resort or roadside hotels. Also, no later than 15 days before commencing operations, the establishment must send a written notice to the provincial tourism authority (Article 29 of Decree 168/2017).
4. Application dossier for rating recognition
Article 50(4) of the Law on Tourism 2017 requires:
- Application form for recognition of accommodation rating, using Form No. 07, Appendix II of Circular 06/2017/TT-BVHTTDL (effective 1 February 2018);
- The establishment’s self-assessment of quality against the national standard;
- List of managers and service staff;
- Certified copies of diplomas, certificates, professional training certificates, and records of tourism-sector work experience of managers and department heads.
Note: Resolution 66.18/2026/NQ-CP on decentralization and administrative-procedure streamlining may have simplified some tourism dossiers in 2026. Verify the current dossier requirements with the competent authority before preparing your file.
5. Appraisal process and statutory timelines
Under Article 50(5) of the Law on Tourism 2017:
- The establishment files one dossier set with the competent authority;
- If the dossier is incomplete, the authority notifies the applicant to supplement it within 3 working days of receipt;
- The authority appraises the dossier (coordinating with tourism socio-professional organizations) and issues the recognition decision within 30 days of receiving a complete, valid dossier.
Authority by star grade
Article 50(3) of the Law on Tourism 2017 assigns competence as follows:
- Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (successor to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, reorganized under Decision 1536/QD-BVHTTDL in 2023) — appraises and recognizes 4- and 5-star ratings;
- The provincial specialized tourism agency — appraises and recognizes 1-, 2-, and 3-star ratings.
Note: following the 2025 two-tier local government reorganization, the exact name of the provincial tourism agency (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism vs. Department of Culture) should be confirmed locally before filing.
6. Five-year validity and re-rating
Article 50(6) of the Law on Tourism 2017: the rating recognition decision is valid for 5 years, not indefinitely. On expiry, an establishment seeking to retain its rating must repeat the rating procedure under Article 50(4), (5), and (7) — dossier, appraisal, and appraisal fees under the law on fees and charges.
Once recognized, the establishment must display the rating plaque at the main entrance area (Article 50(8)) — both a legal requirement and a branding asset.
7. Practical risks and recommendations
- Do not self-award stars: marketing a “4-star hotel” or using star imagery without a recognition decision violates Article 53 — complete the procedure before putting stars into your marketing.
- Track the 5-year expiry: many properties forget to re-apply, leaving their plaque and all marketing materials legally worthless. Set a reminder at least 2–3 months before expiry.
- Prepare the self-assessment carefully: dossiers are most often returned because the self-assessment does not line up with TCVN 4391:2015; reviewing each criterion first shortens appraisal time.
- Appraisal fees: charged under current fee-and-charge legislation; check the latest fee schedule when budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
Can I operate a hotel in Vietnam without a star rating?
Yes. Star rating is voluntary (Article 50(1), Law on Tourism 2017). However, you may not use the word “star” or star imagery in advertising without an official rating (Article 53).
Where do I file for 4–5 star recognition?
With the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism; 1–3 star applications go to the provincial tourism agency (Article 50(3)). Do not address filings to the “Vietnam National Administration of Tourism” — it was reorganized into the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism in 2023.
How long is a rating recognition valid?
5 years (Article 50(6)). After expiry, you must re-apply through the full procedure.
Which standard currently applies?
TCVN 4391:2015 — still in force as of 14 October 2026. TCVN 4391:2009 has been replaced and no longer applies.
Sources
- Law on Tourism 09/2017/QH14 — Article 50 (rating), Article 53 (advertising of ratings); effective 1 January 2018, in force.
- Decree 168/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 142/2018/ND-CP) — Articles 22, 29; in force.
- Circular 06/2017/TT-BVHTTDL — Form No. 07, Appendix II (application form); effective 1 February 2018, in force.
- TCVN 4391:2015 “Hotels — Rating” — in force (national standards system checked 14 October 2026).
- Decision 1536/QD-BVHTTDL (2023) — reorganization of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism into the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
Contact us
Preparing a star-rating application for your hotel, or need a compliance review of your accommodation business before opening? Contact FLAT Law Firm for advice under current regulations.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information for reference only and does not substitute legal advice for your specific case. Legal instruments may be amended; always verify the version in force at the time of application or consult a lawyer.
Transparency note: This content was quality-reviewed (QA) by FLAT’s AI Legal Council under internal procedures and submitted for approval before publication; it has not been reviewed by a human lawyer.