How to set up a company in Vietnam

Our team of consultants in company formation in Vietnam can help you with all the steps related to starting your own business here in 2026, as our specialists have extensive experience in this field. 

We invite you to watch our video on how to start a business in Vietnam:

What are the main business entities available for foreign investors in Vietnam?

Foreign investors can choose from various company types, depending on their investment strategies and the size of the company they want to establish here. According to the legislation in Vietnam, the following types of companies/entities are available for incorporation:

1. the foreign-owned limited liability company, which can be set up by foreign investors exclusively;
2. the free zone company, which is available for both local and foreign investors in Vietnam’s free zones;
3. the joint venture, which is available for foreign investors interested in partnerships with local companies in Vietnam;
4. branch and liaison offices, which are available for foreign companies seeking to have a presence in Vietnam.

An investor can incorporate a limited liability company in Vietnam as a one-member company or as a multiple-member legal entity. 

Are there any minimum share capital requirements to open a company in Vietnam?

No, there aren’t any minimum capital requirements for setting up a company in Vietnam.

What are the documents required to open a company in Vietnam?

When starting a company in Vietnam, investors should also prepare the following papers:

•           a list with the name and other details of the shareholders;
•           information on the capital participation of each shareholder of the company;
•           a feasibility study which must indicate how the business will help the local economy;
•           information on how the object of activity of the company will be carried out in accordance with the applicable law in the field;
•           an announcement about the registration of the company, which must be published three times in a row in a local newspaper.

Please note that all foreign-issued official documents must be translated into Vietnamese and authenticated before submission to the relevant authorities!

What are the steps for starting a foreign-owned business in Vietnam?

Here are the steps you need to complete, according to our local agents:

1. apply for the Foreign Investment Certificate;
2. prepare the incorporation documents;
3. file the registration documents and Foreign Investment Certificate to the Companies Register;
4. open the Direct Investment Capital Account;
5. apply for a tax identification number with the Tax Department;
6. apply for the required business license;
7. create an Electronic Identification account for the company.

IMPORTANT! Please note that this procedure is available for single and multi-member foreign-owned limited liability companies.

What are the post-licensing requirements to comply with in Vietnam?

After registering and obtaining the relevant license for your company in Vietnam, the following procedures must be completed:

1. applying for the company seal;
2. opening the corporate bank account;
3. registering for employment purposes;
4. paying the business license tax;
5. making the charter capital contribution.

Is it necessary for a foreign-owned company to appoint a local representative?

Yes, such companies must appoint at least one representative who is a Vietnamese resident. Our local specialists can offer local representation. Other than that, it can have as many other agents as it wants.

How long does it take to register a company in Vietnam?

Here is a timeline of the incorporation procedure in 2026:

• obtaining the Foreign Investment Certificate takes between 15 and 20 working days;
• registering the business with the Trade Register takes 5 to 7 working days;
• tax registration takes about 10 working days, as in Vietnam, the authorities require 2 meetings with the local representative;
• the opening of the account depends on the chosen bank (our agents can advise on some of the banks we collaborate with);
• the licensing procedure takes between 30 and 45 days, depending on the business permit requirements.

What are the documents to apply for a Foreign Investment License in Vietnam?

Here is the list of the documents required for this license:

• the application form, which must contain information on the project;
• the investment project proposal, which must specify the requirements for the business related to the use of land or leased premises;
• proof of having the necessary money to fund the project for a new company or the financial statements for the last 2 years in the case of existing ones;
• the documents attesting to the approval of using the premises for the development of the project.

Our Vietnamese company formation specialists can assist with the drafting and filing of these documents in Vietnamese and English.

What are the services provided by Company Incorporation Vietnam?

Here are the main company formation services available for you:

• tailored assistance in selecting the right business form in accordance with your needs and the industry you want to operate in;
• assistance in preparing all the documents to be submitted to the Vietnam Trade Register;
• virtual office services and nominee shareholder and director services are also available with us;
• assistance in various taxation matters – from tax registration to tax planning and minimization solutions;
• help in obtaining the necessary business permits and licenses for operating in Vietnam.

If you want to open a company in Vietnam and need help with the company registration procedure, please feel free to contact our local agents.