The problem: opening a study-abroad consultancy requires a deposit — how much, and is the money locked forever? Quick answer: the deposit is VND 500 million at a commercial bank. It isn’t lost — it’s a security asset for clients: used for handling when the company ceases operations or must compensate counseled persons; withdrawable when conditions are met.
Deposit amount and purpose
Study-abroad consulting businesses must deposit VND 500,000,000 at a commercial bank. The deposit isn’t a state “fee” — the money remains the company’s property, but disposal rights are partly frozen to secure compensation capacity when client risks materialize (absconding, unmet commitments, damages).
Business conditions (Article 107, Decree 46/2017)
The deposit is just one condition. Under Article 107 of Decree 46/2017/ND-CP (amended by Decree 135/2018/ND-CP), consultancies must have:
- Lawful establishment; premises, facilities, and equipment for consulting;
- Direct consulting staff: university degree or higher, foreign language at level 4/6 or above under Vietnam’s framework, and a study-abroad consulting professional certificate from the Ministry of Education and Training;
- The VND 500 million bank deposit.
Licensing files go to the Department of Education and Training; within 15 working days of receiving a complete valid file, the Department Director appraises and issues the business registration certificate.
When can the deposit be withdrawn?
- Ceasing consulting operations: after settling all client obligations (fee refunds, compensation if any), the company files for deposit withdrawal.
- Certificate revoked: once compensation and refunds are completed, the remainder is released.
- Deposit used for compensation: where violations harm counseled persons and the company doesn’t compensate voluntarily, authorities may draw on the deposit — the very reason it exists.
The key: the deposit isn’t “pay and forget” — companies must monitor and maintain the full amount throughout operations. Early withdrawal or misuse both breach the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much deposit for a study-abroad consultancy?
VND 500,000,000 at a commercial bank. The money stays company property but with restricted disposal to secure client-risk compensation.
2. When can the deposit be withdrawn?
On ceasing consulting operations after settling client obligations, or after completing compensation where the certificate was revoked.
3. Can the deposit compensate clients?
Yes — that’s its purpose: where violations harm counseled persons without voluntary compensation, authorities draw on the deposit to compensate them.
4. What qualifications do consulting staff need?
University degree or higher, level-4/6+ foreign language, and the MOET study-abroad consulting professional certificate (Article 107, Decree 46/2017, amended by 135/2018).
5. How long does licensing take?
Within 15 working days of the Department receiving a complete valid file, the Director appraises and issues the certificate.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council.
