Latest "full" karaoke business license

Amidst the vibrant melodies and sparkling lights, karaoke business has always held a special place in the entertainment life of Vietnamese people. However, to ensure social order, safety and consumer rights, karaoke business licensing is always strictly regulated by law. This article will delve into latest regulations, providing a more comprehensive and realistic look at this challenging “license-seeking” journey.

Legal Framework

Instead of just referring generally to the Enterprise Law 2020 and Decree 31/2021/ND-CP, we need to clarify key points directly related to karaoke:

• Enterprise Law No. 59/2020/QH14: This is the highest legal foundation, regulating the right to establish and operate businesses, including karaoke service businesses. It is noteworthy that this law emphasizes the transparency and accountability of business to the community and customers.
• Decree No. 31/2021/ND-CP: This Decree specifies regulations on business registration, including necessary documents and procedures for establishing a business household or karaoke business enterprise.
• Specialized Legal Documents: This is the key factor that makes the difference. Karaoke activities are regulated by more specialized legal documents than you think:
  • Decree No. 96/2016/ND-CP stipulates security and order conditions for a number of conditional investment and business sectors and professions: This Decree details the security and order requirements that karaoke bars must meet, for example: Minimum area for each karaoke room (usually 20m² or more), alarm system, surveillance camera, and regulations on safe distance from sensitive areas (schools, hospitals).
  • Circular No. 47/2015/TT-BCA details fire prevention and fighting safety conditions for karaoke and discotheque business establishments: This Circular provides specific standards on Fire protection system (fire extinguishers, automatic sprinklers, emergency exits), Fireproof material, and Fire safety training for employees. For example: According to this circular, karaoke bars must have at least two independent exits , and emergency lighting system operating continuously.
  • Food Safety Law No. 55/2010/QH12 and guiding documents: If karaoke bars provide food services, they must strictly comply with food safety and hygiene regulations, from the origin of ingredients to processing and preservation procedures.
  • Law on Environmental Protection No. 55/2014/QH13 and guiding documents: Karaoke bars must have effective noise control measures to ensure that they do not affect surrounding residential areas. For example: Standards for maximum allowable noise levels are often specified for specific times of day.
  • Intellectual Property Law No. 50/2005/QH11 (amended and supplemented in 2009): The use of copyrighted songs in karaoke business requires agreement and payment of copyright fees as prescribed.

License Terms

Instead of listing them in general, let's go into detail about each condition:

“Standard” business registration

Registration is not just about having a business or household business registration certificate. It is important to The business line must be registered exactly as “karaoke service”. Many cases were fined due to registering inappropriate professions.

Land use rights “ID card” and safety “shield”

• Land use rights: Required Certificate of legal land use rights or Notarized/certified business premises lease contract. Business location must be in accordance with local planning on land use purposes.
• Security and order: This is one of the most strictly checked factors. The restaurant must have security plan, clear operating rules, 24/7 surveillance camera system and may have to Sign a commitment to ensure security and order with local police.
• Environment: Required environmental impact assessment dossier (if large scale) or environmental protection plan approved. Wastewater treatment, wastewater treatment and noise control must comply with regulations. For example: Many localities require karaoke bars to have soundproofing systems that meet standards so as not to exceed the allowable noise level in residential areas.
• Fire prevention and fighting (PCCC): This is an inviolable “red line”. Fire prevention records must be complete, including: Fire protection design approval certificate, Fire safety acceptance report, Approved fire fighting and rescue plan, Fire protection system works well , and Fire safety trained staff. Statistics show thatA number of serious karaoke bar fires in recent years have sounded the alarm about the importance of fire prevention work.

Safe “interior” and quality service

• Facilities and services: Must ensure electrical safety, light does not harm the eyes, Sound quality guaranteed standard, and have signs warning of potential hazards.
• Food safety: If there is food service, there should be Certificate of food safety qualified facility, clear food origin, and hygienic processing and preservation.
• Other conditions: Depending on local regulations, there may be additional requirements such as parking area, Number of staff serving in a karaoke room, etc.

Transparent "legal records"

• Tax: Must have tax code, perform declare and pay taxes fully according to the law.
• Labor: Comply with the regulations of Labor Law, yes labor contract with employees, ensuring insurance and employee benefits.
• Other legal documents: Depending on the size and type of business, additional licenses may be required such as Retail license for alcohol and tobacco (if applicable).

“Green consciousness” and community responsibility

Fully implementing environmental protection regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a factor in assessing the sustainable development of enterprises.

Registration Procedure

The procedure for applying for a karaoke license may vary by locality, but generally includes the following main steps:

Business Registration

• Submit application to the Department of Planning and Investment (for enterprises) or the Economic Department of the District People's Committee (for business households). Profile includes Business registration application form, Draft company charter (if enterprise), Copy of ID card/CCCD of owner/member, etc.
• Processing time: According to regulations, the time limit for granting a business registration certificate is 03-05 working days.

Fire safety registration

• Submit application to Fire Prevention and Rescue Police Department of Provincial/Municipal Police. Profile includes Application for approval of fire protection design, construction design drawing, Fire protection design explanation, etc.
• Fire protection design approval: Review time may be extended. 15-30 working days depending on the scale and nature of the project.
• Fire safety acceptance: After completing the project, it is necessary to conduct a fire safety inspection before putting it into operation. The inspection time is usually 07-10 working days.

Food safety registration (if any)

• Submit application to the Department of Food Safety and Hygiene under the Department of Health. Profile includes Application for certificate of food safety qualified facility, Description of facilities and equipment, processing, etc.
• Time for assessment and certification: Often fluctuates 15-20 working days.
• Submit other legal documents: Depending on the requirements of each management agency, it may be necessary to submit additional documents related to land, construction, environment, etc.

Permit Application Form

The karaoke business license application form is not just an administrative form. It is "commitment" of the investor on compliance with legal regulations. The content must clearly show information about the investor, business location, scale of operation and commitment to ensure business conditions according to regulations.

Download sample Application for a license to operate karaoke services here.

How Long Does It Take to Get a License?

The actual time to issue a karaoke business license often takes longer than the "theoretical" 30-60 days. According to a survey of some karaoke bar owners in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in 2024, this process may take from 2 to 6 months, even longer if the application is incomplete or contains errors.

Table of average licensing time in some major cities

To "reach the finish line" quickly, careful preparation of documents, Regularly contact the authorities to update progress , and timely explanation of additional requests is extremely important.

Consequences of "Underground" Business

Operating karaoke without a license is not only an administrative violation but also poses many potential risks to public order and security, fire safety and consumer rights. The administrative penalty for 2023 is stipulated in Decree 144/2021/ND-CP (replacing Decree 167/2013/ND-CP) with a fine of from 15.000.000 VND to 30.000.000 VND for the act of operating karaoke services without a business license or with an expired license.

In addition, the authorities have the right to suspension of business, confiscation of exhibits and means of violation and forced to take remedial measures. In case of serious consequences, the business owner may be prosecuted.

License Term

Under current regulations in 2023 (and no major changes expected in 2025), Karaoke business license is valid for 05 years from the date of issue.

To continue operating after the license expires, the business owner must carry out the procedures. license renewal at least before the expiration date 30 days. Renewal documents usually include Application for extension, Copy of old business license, business performance report and documents proving compliance with current business conditions.

Job Proactively monitor license expiration , and Carry out the extension procedure within the prescribed time It is the responsibility of every karaoke business owner to ensure continuous and legal operations.

The journey to obtain a karaoke business license in 2025 can be challenging, requiring patience, legal knowledge and careful preparation. However, strict compliance with regulations not only helps businesses operate legally but also contributes to building a healthy, safe and civilized business environment. With effort and responsibility, the "passport" to karaoke business will be within reach of genuine investors.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How much is the business registration fee for karaoke services according to current regulations?

According to Circular No. 47/2019/TT-BTC stipulating the collection rates, collection, payment, management and use of fees for providing business information, fees for registering business establishment are 100.000 VND/time apply directly or free if you apply online. Business registration fees may vary depending on local regulations, usually ranging from 20.000 VND to 100.000 VND.

2. What is the minimum area for each karaoke room according to Decree 96/2016/ND-CP in square meters?

Decree No. 96/2016/ND-CP stipulates the minimum area for each karaoke room is 20 square meters.

3. How many ABC 4kg powder fire extinguishers does a karaoke bar need to have for a business floor with 10 rooms?

According to Circular No. 47/2015/TT-BCA, karaoke service establishments must be equipped with at least 01 fire extinguisher for each 50 square meters floor or 01 fire extinguisher for each floor. With 10 rooms, assuming a total floor area of ​​200 square meters, the restaurant needs to be equipped with at least 4 fire extinguisher ABC powder 4kg, and more may be required depending on the specific layout.

4. How long does it usually take to approve a fire prevention and fighting design for a 5-storey karaoke bar?

The time for approving fire prevention and fighting design for a 5-storey building according to regulations can last from 15 to 30 business days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, according to Article 13 of Decree No. 136/2020/ND-CP detailing a number of articles and measures for implementing the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting and the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Fire Prevention and Fighting.

5. What is the maximum fine for operating karaoke without a license according to Decree 144/2021/ND-CP?

According to Article 12 of Decree No. 144/2021/ND-CP stipulating administrative sanctions for violations in the fields of security, order, and social safety; prevention and control of social evils; fire prevention and fighting; prevention and control of domestic violence, the fine for the act of operating karaoke services without a business license or with an expired license is from 15.000.000 VND to 30.000.000 VND.

6. How long is a karaoke business license valid from the date of issue?

According to current regulations, the duration of a karaoke business license is is 05 years from the date of issue.

7. How many days before the expiration date does a karaoke business owner need to submit an application to renew the license?

Karaoke business owners must carry out license renewal procedures at least 1 day before the expiration date. 30 days.

8. Which organization in Vietnam currently manages the music copyright for popular karaoke songs?

In Vietnam, there are two main organizations that manage music copyrights: Vietnam Center for Music Copyright Protection (VCPMC) , and Recording Industry Association of Vietnam (RIAV). VCPMC manages copyright (rights of musicians and singers), while RIAV manages related rights (rights of producers of sound and video recordings).

9. What is the maximum allowable noise level for karaoke bars operating after 22pm in residential areas in decibels (dB)?

According to the National Technical Regulation on Noise QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT, the maximum allowable noise level in normal areas (residential areas) from 22pm to 6am is 55 dB (A).

10. Are karaoke bars required to install surveillance camera systems in all singing rooms?

Decree No. 96/2016/ND-CP stipulates that karaoke service establishments must have a camera surveillance system. in common areas (hallways, lobbies, parking areas) and Store images for at least 30 days. Regulations on installing cameras in each karaoke room may vary depending on the locality.

11. What is the minimum number of service staff in a karaoke room?

Currently, there are no specific nationwide regulations on the minimum number of service staff in a karaoke room. However, some localities may have their own regulations on this issue to ensure service quality and security and order.

12. What type of certificate proves that a karaoke bar meets food safety and hygiene conditions if it serves food?

Karaoke bar with food service required Certificate of food safety qualified facility issued by the Department of Food Safety and Hygiene under the Department of Health.

13. Is an environmental impact assessment (EIA) required for all karaoke bars?

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) documents are usually only required for large-scale projects that pose a risk of causing adverse environmental impacts to a certain extent. For smaller karaoke bars, it may only be necessary to prepare an EIA. environmental protection plan simpler. Specific regulations depend on the size and location of the restaurant according to the Law on Environmental Protection No. 55/2014/QH13 and guiding documents.

14. The latest application form for a License to qualify for karaoke business is issued under which document?

Application form for a License to qualify for karaoke service business (Form No. 01) is issued herewith. Decree No. 148/2024/ND-CP dated November 12, 11 of the Government Amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No. 96/2016/ND-CP stipulating security and order conditions for a number of conditional investment and business sectors and professions.

15. In addition to the karaoke business license, does the bar need a retail license for alcohol and tobacco?

If the karaoke bar also sells alcohol or tobacco, they need to have additional Retail license for alcohol products according to Decree No. 17/2020/ND-CP and Tobacco retail license according to Decree No. 67/2013/ND-CP (amended and supplemented by Decree No. 08/2023/ND-CP).