Foreigners Setting Up a Company in Vietnam
As Vietnam emerges as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets, an increasing number of international enterprises choose to establish companies here to expand across the Asia-Pacific region. Vietnam’s vibrant market and youthful population continue to draw substantial foreign investment, complemented by steadily improving infrastructure, stable economic growth, and a strategic geographic location—making it an ideal destination for global companies expanding into Southeast Asia.
Establishing a company in Vietnam not only grants tax incentives but also provides a competitive advantage in this developing market. The Vietnamese government offers numerous support policies for foreign-invested enterprises, especially in manufacturing, IT, and cross-border e-commerce. Foreign investors can opt for various investment forms—such as wholly foreign-owned enterprises, joint ventures, or representative offices—enjoying full operational freedom with no geographic constraints.
We focus on simplifying the enterprise setup process in Vietnam, from company registration to license acquisition, ensuring businesses can operate legally in the shortest possible timeframe. Our professional team provides comprehensive consulting and guidance so that each step meets Vietnamese legal requirements, helping your company land smoothly and operate successfully.
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Business Activities for a Vietnam-Based Company
Once you register a company in Vietnam, you can legally participate in a variety of industries. Below are some of the most common and popular business options:
- Goods import-export, wholesale and retail
- Representation of foreign companies
- Commercial production
- Raw material processing
- Construction, interior design, and graphic design
- Hotels and accommodation
- Tourism activities
- Healthcare
- Media and advertising
- Educational services
- Product and service sales
- Trading multiple product lines
- Corporate organization
- Management, engineering, legal, finance, and other consulting services
- Software development, IT consulting, and IT support
- Restaurants and cafés
- Event management licensing
- Real estate
- Financial services
Although the Vietnamese government supports a broad spectrum of industries, certain sectors may have specific approval requirements or regulatory standards. We recommend consulting us before registration to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Benefits of Setting Up a Company in Vietnam
Registering a company in Vietnam offers multiple significant advantages, particularly for international companies aiming to expand into the Southeast Asian market.
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, demonstrating strong economic growth, especially in manufacturing, services, and technology. Its youthful demographic also provides extensive opportunities for future market expansion.
The Vietnamese government presents attractive tax incentives for foreign investors, particularly in certain sectors like high-tech and manufacturing, where companies may enjoy tax reductions or tax holidays.
In recent years, Vietnam has liberalized more industries, allowing foreign investors to own 100% equity in most sectors—particularly in technology, manufacturing, and services—without the need for local partners or sponsors, giving investors greater flexibility.
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam is close to China, India, and other Asian markets. As the “factory of Asia,” Vietnam is an ideal gateway for many global firms entering the Asia-Pacific region.
Vietnam boasts a young, well-educated workforce. With continued government investment in education and skills training, the country is increasingly becoming a technology-intensive labor market that draws numerous foreign-invested enterprises.
The Vietnamese government is proactive about attracting FDI, offering policies that foster development in infrastructure, financial services, and more. Meanwhile, additional incentive programs are provided within various economic zones.
Vietnam has signed FTAs with the EU, South Korea, Japan, ASEAN, etc., making it an ideal location for import-export operations. By registering a company here, you gain easy access to these markets.
Operational expenses—particularly labor and office costs—are relatively low in Vietnam, enabling companies to reduce overall operating expenses, suitable for manufacturing and labor-intensive industries.
Vietnam is a major cross-border e-commerce hub in Southeast Asia, with continuous improvements in internet infrastructure and a rising trend of online shopping. The government is stepping up support for e-commerce platforms and gradually optimizing tax rules to favor cross-border e-commerce operations.
Vietnam is among the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets, attracting more and more global brands. Once you register in Vietnam, you can directly access this rapidly expanding market, expanding operations and building brand awareness.
Required Documents for Vietnam Company Registration
Depending on your industry, you may need different documents. Typically, you should have:
Company Name & Registered Address
Submit a preliminary name check and provide a registered address (which may be virtual or physical).
IDs for Shareholders & Directors
Provide copies of passports or ID cards of the shareholders and directors, along with their contact information. If a shareholder is another company, submit that company’s registration certificate.
Proof of Investment Capital
Demonstrate the origin of the funds, showing shareholders injected capital into the company account. This must satisfy any minimum capital requirement, which may vary by company type and scope.
Business Activities Description
Offer a detailed overview of the intended operations, ensuring they meet Vietnamese legal standards for your sector.
Company Charter & Internal Governance Files
Draft a charter defining objectives, shareholding structure, board members, and responsibilities. Internal governance documents—like resolutions, shareholder agreements—help ensure compliance.
Depending on your registration type and specific requirements, additional materials might be needed:
Bank Account Confirmation
Proof that the company has opened a bank account and deposited the registered capital.
Lease Contract
If you choose a physical office address, provide a lease to confirm your registration location.
Commercial Licenses
Some industries (food, pharmaceuticals, education, etc.) may mandate special permits or sector-specific licenses.
了解您在越南经营公司需要
哪些行业许可证
Vietnam Company Registration Process
越南正在迈向 一个共同的未来，需要显着的经济增长、投资和盟国之间更好的贸易关系。越南国家的经济财富使其成为开展新业务的理想地点，每年都有数百万人访问越南，亲眼目睹自己的公司开业。
Company Name Check
Before registration, you must confirm that your chosen name is not already taken. We assist with name searches to guarantee uniqueness. If there is a conflict, we suggest an alternative name while ensuring it aligns with local laws.
Submit Registration Application
Once the name is validated, gather all necessary documents and submit them to the Vietnamese Department of Planning and Investment (DPI). We ensure your documents comply with legal requirements and facilitate a smooth filing process.
Company Registration Approval
After submission, the DPI typically takes 15–30 working days to review, depending on your specific case. Once approved, you receive an official business license, indicating your company is legally established in Vietnam.
Tax Registration
Following company registration, we assist with tax registration to ensure your compliance with Vietnamese tax laws. This includes applying for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and registering for VAT, guaranteeing the legality of your commercial activities and tax payments.
Bank Account & Capital Injection
After incorporation, you need to open a local bank account in Vietnam. We help you navigate this process and confirm that your company’s capital meets Vietnamese requirements, with the proper deposit proof.
Other Administrative Procedures
Once registered, you may also have to complete social insurance enrollment and business license announcements. These formalities ensure that your company operates smoothly within Vietnam’s legal framework.
Setup Services
Besides assisting with company registration in Vietnam, we also help you structure related business forms and representative offices to ensure seamless operations. Below are our setup services:
Setting Up a Representative Office
Setting Up a Representative Office
Vietnam Company Value-Added Services
Business Licenses
Vietnamese law may require specific licenses for certain industries. We assist with applying for operating licenses, import-export permissions, or special industry certificates so that you can run a legitimate business.
Market Entry
We provide market analyses, regulatory briefings, and governmental approval support, helping you to enter the Vietnamese market rapidly and with minimized compliance risks.
Human Resources
We offer recruitment assistance, staff management, social insurance payment handling, and labor contract compliance, enabling you to build a local team fast.
Opening Bank Accounts
We help companies open Vietnamese bank accounts, streamline cash management, and meet international payment and foreign exchange standards.
Commercial Site Selection
Depending on your needs, we propose office spaces, registration addresses, co-working spaces, or factories, optimizing your operational costs.
Tax & Accounting
We manage tax registration, financial statements, VAT filings, and corporate income tax compliance, ensuring alignment with Vietnamese regulations and optimizing your tax structure.
Legal Services
Our services cover contract reviews, compliance counseling, shareholder agreements, and legal advisory, so your operations conform to Vietnamese law.
Secretarial Services
We provide corporate administration, document filing, meeting arrangements, and business translation services, boosting overall efficiency.
Visa Services
We help secure work visas, residence cards, business visas, and foreign-worker permits to ensure lawful status for foreign executives and employees.
Why Choose Us？
Professional Team Support
Our specialists deeply understand Vietnamese regulations, ensuring your application meets all legal demands.
Fast & Efficient
We pledge to complete the registration process as quickly as possible, so you can operate in Vietnam sooner.
Transparent Pricing
We provide a clear fee structure with no hidden costs, ensuring your budget is fully optimized.
Regardless of whether you are merely considering registering a company in Vietnam or are prepared to move forward, Vanzbon delivers end-to-end support. We simplify everything—from documentation to licensing—allowing you to focus on growing your business and effortlessly settling into Vietnam.
FAQs
In most cases, 15 to 30 working days, dependent on the business type, completeness of documentation, and the approval speed of the Vietnamese DPI. To expedite, we recommend preparing all mandatory materials beforehand.
Yes. The Vietnamese government openly welcomes foreign investment, allowing 100% foreign ownership in most industries. We’ll help you decide on the right structure and guide you through the entire process.
No, Vietnamese law permits wholly foreign-owned companies in most sectors without needing a local sponsor or partner. You retain complete ownership and control over your enterprise.
Yes. You must provide a registered address, whether it’s a rented office or a virtual address, which must comply with the Vietnamese DPI’s requirements. We can help identify a suitable location.
Key documents typically include:
- Company name & address.
- IDs for shareholders & directors (passport or ID)
- Capital investment proof.
- Scope of business activities.
- Company charter & internal management files.
We ensure your paperwork meets local standards for a successful registration.
Once registered, you get a business license. Depending on your industry, additional licenses such as import-export permissions or health permits might be needed. We’ll advise and help you file for any required approvals.
After incorporation, you should:
- Register with the tax authority, obtaining a tax code to meet Vietnam’s tax rules.
- Open a local bank account and deposit your charter capital.
- Recruit employees if necessary and handle social insurance.We offer full guidance to make sure every step is carried out smoothly.
Yes. Vietnamese companies pay corporate income tax based on profit, typically at 20%, but certain sectors have preferential rates. We’ll help you identify the relevant tax policies and stay compliant.
Yes. If you have multiple branches or operational sites, you must declare each one when registering. Some locations may require separate tax registration or specific permits. We’ll help you ensure each site complies with regulations.
