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.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies | Single-member limited liability company Multiple-member limited liability company Joint stock companies are allowed to issue shares and have at least 3 shareholders. Limited liability companies in Vietnam will not be allowed to issue shares and have the number of members from 1 to 50 people.
|
Minimum share capital for LTD Company | There is no minimum capital requirement for foreign investors that intend to establish an LLC in Vietnam. |
Minimum number of shareholders for Limited Company | Multi-member limited liability company: at least 2 members, with a maximum of 50 members. |
| Time frame for the incorporation | From 30-45 working days, it depends on company size, kind of project and activities etc. |
| Corporate tax rate | Standard rate – 20% Enterprises operating in the oil and gas industry – 32% – 50% Enterprises engaging in prospecting, exploration, and exploitation of mineral resources (e.g. silver, gold, gemstones) – 40% – 50% |
| Dividend tax rate | Dividends paid to individual investors are subject to withholding tax of 5%. |
| VAT Rate | The standard VAT rate in Vietnam is 8%. There are 0% or 5% reduced VAT rate on specific products/services. |
| New established companies in Vietnam 2024 | 14,187 |
| Do you supply a Registered Address/Virtual Office? | Yes, depending on the location of the company. |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Annual Meeting Required | No |
| Foreign investment capital in Vietnam 2024 | 31.4 billion USD |
| Electronic Signature | Yes |
| Is Accounting/Annual Return Required? | Yes |
| Foreign-Ownership Allowed | Yes, however it depends on the kind of business activities of the company. |
| Applicable legislation | Law on Investment and Law on Enterprises |
Legal forms available for foreign companies in Vietnam | Joint venture, Foreign-owned enterprise, Representative office |
Special registration requirements for foreign investors (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Minimum number of directors | At least 1 director |
| Company secretary required (YES/NO) | No |
| Availability of company secretary services | Yes, usually provided by third party companies |
| Online registration possibility (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Availability of local representative services (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Local address requirements | A registered office address in Vietnam is required |
| Business incorporation steps | Name registration, Investment registration certificate, Business registration certificate, Tax registration, Other permits depending on the business type |
| Documents required to open a company in Vietnam | Application form, Investment plan, Official proof of the legal status (for foreign investors), Proof of the company’s charter |
| Business licensing requirements (if any) | Specific business licenses required, depending on the business industry (e.g.: finance) |
| Possibility to hire local employees (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Registration for employment requirements | Employees must be registered to benefit from social insurance |
| Support in setting up a company in Vietnam (YES/NO) | Yes, we provide support with any type of company incorporation in Vietnam |
| Any Tax incentives | Preferential CIT rates of 10%, 15%, and 17% are available when certain criteria are met. |
| Any Tax Exemptions Available? | Enterprises can benefit from the following tax incentives if the stipulated conditions and requirements are met: – corporate income tax (CIT) incentive; – import duty exemption for fixed assets; – exemption of land rental fee. |
Here is also 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:
- the foreign-owned limited liability company, which can be set up by foreign investors exclusively;
- the free zone company, which is available for both local and foreign investors in Vietnam’s free zones;
- the joint venture, which is available for foreign investors interested in partnerships with local companies in Vietnam;
- 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:
- apply for the Foreign Investment Certificate;
- prepare the incorporation documents;
- file the registration documents and Foreign Investment Certificate to the Companies Register;
- open the Direct Investment Capital Account;
- apply for a tax identification number with the Tax Department;
- apply for the required business license;
- 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:
- applying for the company seal;
- opening the corporate bank account;
- registering for employment purposes;
- paying the business license tax;
- 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.