Foreign entrepreneurs planning to establish a business in Vietnam should understand the legal requirements before starting operations. For foreign-owned companies, the process can involve both investment and enterprise registration procedures.
Understanding company registration in Vietnam allows investors to prepare the right documents and determine whether additional licenses are required.
1. Determine Your Business Activities
The first step is to identify the products or services the company will provide.
The first step is to identify the products or services the company will provide.
Investors should check whether their proposed business activities are open to foreign investment and whether any specific conditions apply. Certain sectors may have foreign ownership restrictions or require additional licenses.
2. Select a Company Structure
Foreign investors generally choose between an LLC and a JSC.
Foreign investors generally choose between an LLC and a JSC.
An LLC is commonly used for businesses with one or a limited number of owners, while a JSC may be suitable for businesses with multiple shareholders or future capital-raising plans.
The choice should reflect the company's ownership structure and long-term business strategy.
3. Prepare the Required Documents
The application may require documents relating to the investor, company, investment project, financial capacity, and registered address.
The application may require documents relating to the investor, company, investment project, financial capacity, and registered address.
For foreign investors, documents issued overseas may need to be legalized and translated into Vietnamese before submission.
Preparing complete and consistent documents can help reduce delays during the registration process.
4. Complete Investment Registration
Depending on the investment project, a foreign investor may need to apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).
Depending on the investment project, a foreign investor may need to apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).
The application generally contains information about the investor, investment objectives, capital, location, and implementation plan.
Projects requiring investment policy approval may follow additional procedures.
5. Complete Enterprise Registration
After the applicable investment procedure, the investor can apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).
After the applicable investment procedure, the investor can apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).
The ERC confirms the establishment of the company and records essential information, including its name, registered address, charter capital, business lines, and legal representative.
6. Complete Post-Registration Requirements
Company registration is not necessarily the final step.
Company registration is not necessarily the final step.
Depending on the business, the company may need to arrange a bank account, investment capital account, digital signature, electronic invoices, accounting systems, and other administrative requirements.
Some industries also require separate licenses before the company can legally provide services or sell products.
Company Information
LHD Law Firm provides legal and investment consulting services for foreign investors establishing and operating businesses in Vietnam. The firm assists with investment registration, enterprise registration, business licensing, tax and compliance matters, and ongoing corporate legal support.
LHD Law Firm provides legal and investment consulting services for foreign investors establishing and operating businesses in Vietnam. The firm assists with investment registration, enterprise registration, business licensing, tax and compliance matters, and ongoing corporate legal support.
Website: https://en.luathongduc.com/
Address:
+ HP Tower, 60 (Floor 7) Nguyen Van Thu Street, Tan Dinh Ward, HCM City, Viet Nam
+ Anh Minh Tower, 36 (Floor 4) Hoang Cau Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Ha Noi City, Viet Nam
+ No. 71 Ly Tu Trong Street, Thach Thang Ward, Da Nang City, Vietnam
