Can a torn architectural practice certificate be reissued in Vietnam?

1. Can a torn architectural practice certificate be reissued in Vietnam?

Pursuant to Article 30 of the 2019 Architecture Law stipulating withdrawal and reissuance of architecture practicing certificates as follows:

1. Architecture practicing certificate shall be withdrawn under the following circumstances:

a) The holder has no longer been qualified for issuance and renewal of architecture practicing certificates as provided in Article 28 herein;

b) Application documentation for issuance, reissuance and renewal of architecture practicing certificate is forged;

c) There is none of serious violations against rules of professional conduct for practicing architects;

d) Professional and technical faults arising from rendering of architectural services has led to severe consequences according to conclusions of competent regulatory authorities;

dd) The affected holder is prohibited from practicing or performing activities related to architecture according to the Court’s legitimate judgment or decision.

2. Architecture practicing certificate may be reissued under the following circumstances:

a) Architecture practicing certificate has been lost or damaged;

b) Personal information inscribed in architecture practicing certificate is changed.

3. In case of being revoked or withdrawn, the architecture practicing certificate falling into the situations prescribed in point c and d of clause 1 of this Article may be reissued 12 months after the revocation or withdrawal date, or the architecture practicing certificate falling into the situations prescribed in point dd of clause 1 of this Article may be reissued 12 months after the expiry date of prohibition on practicing architecture or performing activities related to architecture, only when the requirements specified in clause 1 of Article 28 herein are met.

4. The Government shall set out specific regulations on application and documentation requirements and procedures for revocation, withdrawal or reissuance of architecture practicing certificates.

Thus, if your architectural practice certificate is torn, it can be re-issued according to regulations in Vietnam.

2. What are procedures for re-issuance of a torn architectural practice certificate in Vietnam?

According to Clause 1, Article 28 of Decree No. 85/2020/ND-CP, procedures for issuance, re-issuance, renewal and revocation of an architecture practicing certificate are as follows:

1. In the case of issuance, re-issuance or renewal of an architecture practicing certificate

a) The applicant shall submit an application prescribed in Article 27 hereof to the authority that has power to issue practicing certificates (hereinafter referred to as “the issuing authority”), whether online or by post or in person;

b) Upon receipt of a sufficient and valid application, the issuing authority shall issue the practicing certificate within 15 days in the case of issuance; 05 days in the case of re-issuance; 10 days in the case of renewal of the practicing certificate. If the application is insufficient or invalid, the issuing authority shall notify the applicant once in writing within 05 days from receipt of the application;

c) The applicant shall pay fees upon applying for issuance, re-issuance or renewal of the practicing certificate. The collection, payment and management of such fees shall comply with regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

In addition, in Clause 3, Article 27 of Decree 85/2020/ND-CP stipulates as follows:

3. An application for re-issuance of an architecture practicing certificate includes:

a) An application form made using the form in the Appendix III hereof enclosing 02 portrait pictures (4x6 cm) of the applicant on a white background which was taken within the last 6 months;

b) A certified true copy or file containing a color photo taken from the original or a copy presented together with its original for comparison of the issued practicing certificate and document proving the information that needs changing.

According to this article, you must submit 01 set of documents online or by post or in person at the agency competent to issue your practice certificate according to the above procedures to apply for re-issuance of an architecture practicing certificate in Vietnam.

Best Regards!