Foreign-Owned Company Registration (Vietnam)
We support foreign investors with Vietnam company setup end-to-end, including IRC/ERC preparation, business scope planning, filings with the Department of Planning and Investment, and post-licensing steps such as tax code, seal, and bank account readiness.
Who is it for / Suitable for
Foreign individuals or companies wishing to operate a business legally in Vietnam.
Investors planning to engage in: trading, services, manufacturing, consulting, IT, or export-import activities.
Businesses involved in e-commerce or tech development.
Companies offering professional services and requiring a legal presence to hire staff, sign contracts, and conduct commercial operations.
Key Requirements
A clear business plan aligned with Vietnam’s permitted foreign-investment sectors.
Registered business address in Vietnam.
Minimum capital requirement depending on industry (often USD 10,000+ for basic service businesses).
Foreign investor(s) must obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) before company establishment.
Company must obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) after IRC approval.
Legal representative must be a Vietnam resident (can be a foreigner with a residence permit).
Clients need to provide the following information / documents
Document Name
Notarized
Passport of foreign investor(s)
Valid for at least 6 months
Yes
Parent company documents (if corporate investor)
Certificate of Incorporation, MOA/AOA
Yes
Bank statement / proof of financial capacity
Shows ability to inject capital
No
Proposed company name(s)
2–3 options
No
Business plan / scope of activities
Required for IRC
No
Office lease agreement
Needed for IRC & ERC filings
No
Power of Attorney for local consultant
Authorizing filings
Yes
Investor’s legal address abroad
For IRC forms
No
Average Processing Time
IRC (Investment Registration Certificate): 2–4 weeks; ERC (Enterprise Registration Certificate): 1 week; post-licensing (tax, seal, bank): 1–2 weeks. Total: ~4–7 weeks depending on business scope.
What you would get when the application is complete
Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Company Tax Code
Company Seal / Digital Seal Certificate
Registered Business Address Confirmation
Bank Account Opening (foreign-invested capital account and operating account)
On-going Compliance Requirements
After incorporation, companies must maintain ongoing compliance:
Monthly or quarterly tax filings (VAT, CIT, PIT depending on activity)
Annual financial statements audited by a licensed Vietnamese auditor
Capital contribution must be fully injected within the registered timeframe (often 90–180 days)
Maintain an office address and legally appointed representative
Annual business license tax payment
Compliance with labor, payroll, and social insurance rules for employees
Government Agencies Involved
Government agencies involved / overseeing this application:
Department of Planning and Investment (DPI)
Issues IRC & ERC.
General Department of Taxation
Tax registration and reporting oversight.
Vietnam Social Security (VSS)
Oversees employee insurance compliance.
Ministry of Public Security
Handles company seal registration (digital signature).
State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)
Oversees foreign capital account compliance.
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