Vietnam corporate income tax (CIT) is charged at a standard rate of 20% on taxable profit. Smaller companies can pay 15% or 17%, depending on the previous year's revenue. Qualifying investment projects can get lower rates and tax holidays. Foreign-invested companies are set up under Vietnamese law, so they file and pay CIT like any other Vietnamese company. This guide explains the current rates, incentives, deductible costs, loss rules and filing deadlines under the 2025 CIT
Vietnam corporate income tax (CIT) is charged at a standard rate of 20% on taxable profit. Smaller companies can pay 15% or 17%, depending on the previous year's revenue. Qualifying investment projects can get lower rates and tax holidays. Foreign-invested companies are set up under Vietnamese law, so they file and pay CIT like any other Vietnamese company. This guide explains the current rates, incentives, deductible costs, loss rules and filing deadlines under the 2025 CIT
Most Vietnam tax deadlines 2027 follow a simple pattern. Monthly returns are due by the 20th of the next month. Quarterly returns and provisional corporate income tax (CIT) payments are due by the last day of the first month of the next quarter. For a calendar-year company, the big annual date is 31 March 2027, when the CIT finalization, the employer's PIT finalization and the 2026 financial statements are all due. This guide lists the recurring deadlines, the 2027 dates by m
A Hong Kong "certificate of good standing" is officially called a Certificate of Continuing Registration (CCR). The Companies Registry issues it for HK$170 for a live local company. For use in Vietnam, the certificate now normally needs an apostille from the Hong Kong High Court, because the Apostille Convention entered into force for Vietnam on 11 September 2026. In Vietnam, it then needs a notarised Vietnamese translation before it goes into an investment or enterprise regi
When founders compare Vietnam vs Singapore for business, the honest answer is that the two countries do different jobs. Singapore offers a 17% headline corporate tax rate, a fast online registration and a strong base for holding, finance and regional management. Vietnam offers a large workforce at a much lower wage level, a growing domestic market and a 20% standard corporate tax rate, with lower rates for small companies. Many Singapore groups use both: a Singapore holding c
Foreign investors in Vietnam usually choose between four structures: a single-member limited liability company (LLC), a multi-member LLC, a joint stock company (JSC), or a non-company presence such as a representative office or branch. Most foreign-owned businesses start as a single-member LLC because it is simple to run and can be 100% foreign-owned in most sectors. A JSC suits companies that plan to raise capital or bring in many shareholders, while a representative office
A foreign investor setting up a new company in Vietnam usually needs two licences. The Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) approves the investment project: what you will do, where, with how much capital and on what schedule. The Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) creates the company as a legal entity and gives it an enterprise code that is also its tax code. Under the Law on Investment 2025, effective 1 March 2026, a foreign investor can now obtain the ERC first,
A 13th month salary is not required by Vietnamese law. Under Article 104 of the Labour Code 2019, bonuses, including a Tet bonus, are decided by the employer based on business results and each employee's performance. However, once a 13th month salary or Tet bonus is promised in an employment contract, collective agreement or bonus policy, the employer must pay it. Tet bonuses are taxable employment income, and they are usually paid in the weeks before Lunar New Year, which fa
A 13th month salary is not required by Vietnamese law. Under Article 104 of the Labour Code 2019, bonuses, including a Tet bonus, are decided by the employer based on business results and each employee's performance. However, once a 13th month salary or Tet bonus is promised in an employment contract, collective agreement or bonus policy, the employer must pay it. Tet bonuses are taxable employment income, and they are usually paid in the weeks before Lunar New Year, which fa
Vietnam market entry requirements depend on what your business plans to do. A US company may sell through a Vietnam-based importer or distributor without establishing a local company. It may consider a representative office for permitted market research and liaison activities. If it plans to run its own operations in Vietnam, it should assess an appropriate company or investment structure. Start by identifying who will contract, import, invoice, employ and obtain the required
Vietnam FDI statistics for January–September 2026 show USD 50.36 billion in registered foreign investment and an estimated USD 21.07 billion in disbursed FDI. Registered investment measures new commitments, increases to existing projects, and foreign capital contributions or share purchases. Disbursed FDI measures investment implemented during the period. The two figures answer different questions and should not be treated as money committed and then fully paid out by the sam
A Vietnam work visa addresses a foreign employee’s immigration status. LĐ1 relates to a work-permit exemption; LĐ2 relates to work for which a permit is required. Neither visa category replaces the need to establish the person’s right to work. Employers should assess the actual job, labour documents, sponsor, and length of stay before preparing a visa application. What Is a Vietnam Work Visa? Three different documents answer different questions: Document Main question it answ
A foreign investor can acquire a business in Vietnam by buying shares or capital, purchasing selected assets, or completing a merger. The suitable route depends on the business being acquired, its liabilities, foreign investment conditions, and the requirements triggered by that specific transaction. Before making an offer, map the parties, ownership percentages, activities, assets, and intended payment route. What Are the Main Ways to Acquire a Business in Vietnam? Structure
A foreign business can apply to register a trademark in Vietnam without first establishing a Vietnamese company. It must choose the appropriate applicant and filing route, and may need to act through an authorised industrial property representative in Vietnam. The process is check the mark → choose goods and services → prepare and file → examination → decision. A trademark already registered in Hong Kong does not automatically receive protection in Vietnam. What Does Trademar
A Hong Kong "certificate of good standing" is officially called a Certificate of Continuing Registration (CCR). The Companies Registry issues it for HK$170 for a live local company. For use in Vietnam, the certificate now normally needs an apostille from the Hong Kong High Court, because the Apostille Convention entered into force for Vietnam on 11 September 2026. In Vietnam, it then needs a notarised Vietnamese translation before it goes into an investment or enterprise regi
A Hong Kong "certificate of good standing" is officially called a Certificate of Continuing Registration (CCR). The Companies Registry issues it for HK$170 for a live local company. For use in Vietnam, the certificate now normally needs an apostille from the Hong Kong High Court, because the Apostille Convention entered into force for Vietnam on 11 September 2026. In Vietnam, it then needs a notarised Vietnamese translation before it goes into an investment or enterprise regi
When founders compare Vietnam vs Singapore for business, the honest answer is that the two countries do different jobs. Singapore offers a 17% headline corporate tax rate, a fast online registration and a strong base for holding, finance and regional management. Vietnam offers a large workforce at a much lower wage level, a growing domestic market and a 20% standard corporate tax rate, with lower rates for small companies. Many Singapore groups use both: a Singapore holding c
Foreign investors in Vietnam usually choose between four structures: a single-member limited liability company (LLC), a multi-member LLC, a joint stock company (JSC), or a non-company presence such as a representative office or branch. Most foreign-owned businesses start as a single-member LLC because it is simple to run and can be 100% foreign-owned in most sectors. A JSC suits companies that plan to raise capital or bring in many shareholders, while a representative office
A foreign investor setting up a new company in Vietnam usually needs two licences. The Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) approves the investment project: what you will do, where, with how much capital and on what schedule. The Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) creates the company as a legal entity and gives it an enterprise code that is also its tax code. Under the Law on Investment 2025, effective 1 March 2026, a foreign investor can now obtain the ERC first,
Doing business in Vietnam involves more than just initial market entry. Once established, companies must manage a steady stream of contracts, internal approvals, corporate changes, and recurring compliance requirements. Once established, companies must manage a steady stream of contracts, internal approvals, corporate changes, and recurring compliance requirements. Without the right legal support for businesses in Vietnam, these administrative and regulatory tasks can quickly
Establishing a legal presence in Vietnam begins with one foundational step: completing formal business name registration before conducting any commercial activity. For foreign investors and FDI companies entering one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic markets, this process sets the legal and operational foundation for everything that follows, from opening bank accounts to signing supplier contracts and applying for sector-specific licenses.
Vietnam corporate income tax (CIT) is charged at a standard rate of 20% on taxable profit. Smaller companies can pay 15% or 17%, depending on the previous year's revenue. Qualifying investment projects can get lower rates and tax holidays. Foreign-invested companies are set up under Vietnamese law, so they file and pay CIT like any other Vietnamese company. This guide explains the current rates, incentives, deductible costs, loss rules and filing deadlines under the 2025 CIT
Vietnam corporate income tax (CIT) is charged at a standard rate of 20% on taxable profit. Smaller companies can pay 15% or 17%, depending on the previous year's revenue. Qualifying investment projects can get lower rates and tax holidays. Foreign-invested companies are set up under Vietnamese law, so they file and pay CIT like any other Vietnamese company. This guide explains the current rates, incentives, deductible costs, loss rules and filing deadlines under the 2025 CIT
Most Vietnam tax deadlines 2027 follow a simple pattern. Monthly returns are due by the 20th of the next month. Quarterly returns and provisional corporate income tax (CIT) payments are due by the last day of the first month of the next quarter. For a calendar-year company, the big annual date is 31 March 2027, when the CIT finalization, the employer's PIT finalization and the 2026 financial statements are all due. This guide lists the recurring deadlines, the 2027 dates by m
Running payroll in Vietnam means paying at least the regional minimum wage, withholding personal income tax (PIT), paying compulsory social, health and unemployment insurance, and filing on time every month. In 2026, employers pay about 21.5% of a Vietnamese employee's insurable salary in compulsory insurance (about 20.5% for eligible foreign employees), on top of gross pay. Residents are taxed on a new five-bracket PIT table from 5% to 35%, with a personal deduction of VND 1
As of November 2026, most goods made in Vietnam and imported into the United States pay an additional 12.5% tariff under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, on top of the normal US import duty for the product (EY, 24 July 2026; Vietnam Briefing, 26 July 2026). This rate took effect on 24 July 2026. The 20% "reciprocal" tariff that applied from August 2025 is no longer collected, because the US Supreme Court ruled on 20 February 2026 that the emergency-powers law used to imp
In most manufacturing and trading companies, the warehouse belongs to operations. Accounting books whatever the warehouse sends up, and the closing balance is whatever the system says it is. This arrangement works smoothly right up until a tax inspection team sits down and asks for three things at once: the stocktake minutes, the detailed inventory ledger, and a reconciliation between raw material consumption and finished output. When those three sets of numbers do not agree,
Vietnam tax compliance in 2026 entered a new phase on 1 July, when Decree 252/2026/ND-CP took effect as the implementing framework for the Law on Tax Administration 2025 (Law No. 108/2025/QH15). Issued on 30 June 2026, the decree replaced five earlier instruments and rewrote the operating rules for registration, filing, refunds, enforcement and cross-border digital trade. For foreign-invested enterprises, the headline is not the volume of new rules. It is the shift in how the
Employees in Vietnam are entitled to 12 paid public holiday days in 2027: the 11 days set by the Labour Code plus Vietnam Culture Day on 24 November, which became a paid day off from 2026. Tet 2027 (Lunar New Year) falls on Saturday, 6 February 2027. The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed a seven-day Tet break from 4 to 10 February 2027 for the public sector. Private employers choose one of three statutory options and must tell staff their schedule at least 30 days in adv
Employees in Vietnam are entitled to 12 paid public holiday days in 2027: the 11 days set by the Labour Code plus Vietnam Culture Day on 24 November, which became a paid day off from 2026. Tet 2027 (Lunar New Year) falls on Saturday, 6 February 2027. The Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed a seven-day Tet break from 4 to 10 February 2027 for the public sector. Private employers choose one of three statutory options and must tell staff their schedule at least 30 days in adv
This Vietnam Tax News 2026 roundup covers the updates foreign businesses should review now: a conditional corporate income tax reduction, 2026 payroll tax rules, VAT deductions, electronic invoices and tax administration. Start with the transactions your Vietnam operation actually makes, then check each rule’s effective date and assign someone to implement it. The guidance proposed for the newest corporate tax reduction is still a draft. Latest Vietnam Tax News 2026 at a Glan
Is Vietnam Business-Friendly for Foreign Companies? Vietnam can be an attractive market for foreign companies seeking customers, employees or a place in regional supply chains. Its suitability depends on the business model: an exporter working through a distributor faces different requirements from a company opening a factory or selling directly to consumers. Assess the opportunity alongside the market access, licensing and operating costs of your specific activity. Each pote
Vietnam working culture is the set of everyday practices through which people communicate, collaborate, make decisions and manage work in a particular workplace. National context may influence expectations, but it cannot tell a manager how an individual employee or team prefers to work. Why Workplace Practices Vary Across Vietnamese Companies A locally owned business and a foreign-invested company may use different reporting lines. An office team coordinating international pr
Vietnam has expanded the role of the VNeID account in electronic transactions under Decree No. 320/2026/ND-CP. Effective from September 28, 2026, the new framework requires specified electronic transaction accounts to be linked and authenticated with an appropriate electronic identification account. The change is relevant not only to individual users. Foreign-invested companies may also need to review the accounts they use for banking, e-commerce, electronic invoicing, teleco
Vietnam has solidified its position as a global manufacturing and service hub, witnessing a historic 297,500 new market entrants in 2025 . However, for foreign investors looking into Vietnam company incorporation or a large-scale factory setup, the practical reality of doing business depends entirely on the province you choose. Furthermore, market sentiment remains highly bullish, with 85.7% of surveyed enterprises stating they plan to maintain or expand their operations in t
The Vietnamese market is home to about 102.3 million people and produced a GDP of about US$514 billion in 2025, or roughly US$5,026 per person, according to Vietnam's National Statistics Office (NSO). The economy grew 8.02% in 2025 and 9.01% in the first nine months of 2026. Household demand is rising with incomes, and the digital economy reached an estimated US$39 billion in 2025. For foreign companies, the main questions are which customers to target and which entry route f
The Vietnamese market is home to about 102.3 million people and produced a GDP of about US$514 billion in 2025, or roughly US$5,026 per person, according to Vietnam's National Statistics Office (NSO). The economy grew 8.02% in 2025 and 9.01% in the first nine months of 2026. Household demand is rising with incomes, and the digital economy reached an estimated US$39 billion in 2025. For foreign companies, the main questions are which customers to target and which entry route f
Selecting effective business names represents foundational business decisions affecting brand recognition, customer memorability, and long-term market positioning. Entrepreneurs establishing Vietnam operations encounter unique naming challenges requiring understanding both international branding principles and local regulatory requirements.
For businesses and investors monitoring economic conditions affecting operational performance and investment decisions, understanding economic indicator timing and data sources proves essential for informed strategy development.
Understanding a country's economic performance is crucial for investors, entrepreneurs, and policy makers making strategic decisions in global markets. Whether you're entering Vietnam's fast-growing economy, expanding in Hong Kong, evaluating opportunities in the United States, or exploring the United Kingdom, mastering economic performance metrics and indicators helps you accurately gauge market potential, risks, and growth prospects.
Understanding the definition of money in economics proves essential for anyone engaging in business operations, financial planning, or investment decisions. Despite encountering definition of money macroeconomics frequently, many people struggle articulating precisely what money definition economics encompasses beyond recognizing physical currency.
For Taiwan enterprises establishing operations in Vietnam, understanding economic factors affecting business represents essential strategic intelligence informing operational decisions and financial planning. Vietnam's dynamic economy operates within macroeconomic frameworks combining government policy, market dynamics, and global trade relationships that directly impact business profitability and expansion timelines.
Since diplomatic normalization in 1995, Vietnam US trade and investment ties have moved from a modest starting point to one of the most dynamic economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific. The upgrade of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023 signaled that both sides see each other as long-term, strategic partners in trade, technology, and supply-chain resilience. By late 2025, the United States had firmly remained Vietnam’s largest export market, w
Since diplomatic normalization in 1995, Vietnam US trade and investment ties have moved from a modest starting point to one of the most dynamic economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific. The upgrade of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023 signaled that both sides see each other as long-term, strategic partners in trade, technology, and supply-chain resilience. By late 2025, the United States had firmly remained Vietnam’s largest export market, w
Vietnam’s digital economy is no longer “emerging”—it is scaling fast, getting tougher, and becoming more regulated by the month. The Vietnam e-commerce market 2025 is projected to hit US$26–28 billion in online retail, backed by young consumers, rising incomes, and aggressive platform investment. But growth doesn’t automatically mean easy wins. Competition is turning into a subsidy-driven battlefield, logistics costs are rising, and policymakers are moving toward stricter c
Vietnam has become one of Asia’s most attractive destinations for manufacturing, sourcing and consumer sales. But for many foreign businesses, the first real obstacle appears at the border: complex customs rules, strict licensing requirements, and the need for a local legal entity to import goods. If you don’t yet have a company in Vietnam, or you’re only shipping small volumes, setting everything up just to bring in a few shipments can feel excessive. That is where an Import
The tourism industries have transformed into essential drivers of international cooperation, reshaping how countries connect and celebrate their cultural heritage. In today's interconnected world, distinctive tourism industries serve as vital conduits between different societies, while exchanges tourism industries create substantial value that extends beyond simple border crossings.
The tourism industry has become one of the world’s most influential economic engines. According to UN Tourism , global tourism industries account for more than 10 percent of global GDP and sustain over 350 million jobs. Under the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) framework, each component of the tourism industry — from accommodation to transport — is measured by its direct contribution to visitor spending, employment, and growth. Vietnam’s tourism industry now ranks among Asi
The landscape of global industries is undergoing unprecedented transformation as the green transition reshapes manufacturing, trade, and investment patterns worldwide. Climate imperatives, regulatory pressures, and evolving consumer expectations are driving industries across all sectors toward sustainable practices. This shift represents not merely environmental compliance but a fundamental reimagining of how global industries operate, compete, and create value. Record rene
A 13th month salary is not required by Vietnamese law. Under Article 104 of the Labour Code 2019, bonuses, including a Tet bonus, are decided by the employer based on business results and each employee's performance. However, once a 13th month salary or Tet bonus is promised in an employment contract, collective agreement or bonus policy, the employer must pay it. Tet bonuses are taxable employment income, and they are usually paid in the weeks before Lunar New Year, which fa
Vietnam market entry requirements depend on what your business plans to do. A US company may sell through a Vietnam-based importer or distributor without establishing a local company. It may consider a representative office for permitted market research and liaison activities. If it plans to run its own operations in Vietnam, it should assess an appropriate company or investment structure. Start by identifying who will contract, import, invoice, employ and obtain the required
Vietnam FDI statistics for January–September 2026 show USD 50.36 billion in registered foreign investment and an estimated USD 21.07 billion in disbursed FDI. Registered investment measures new commitments, increases to existing projects, and foreign capital contributions or share purchases. Disbursed FDI measures investment implemented during the period. The two figures answer different questions and should not be treated as money committed and then fully paid out by the sam
A Vietnam work visa addresses a foreign employee’s immigration status. LĐ1 relates to a work-permit exemption; LĐ2 relates to work for which a permit is required. Neither visa category replaces the need to establish the person’s right to work. Employers should assess the actual job, labour documents, sponsor, and length of stay before preparing a visa application. What Is a Vietnam Work Visa? Three different documents answer different questions: Document Main question it answ
A foreign investor can acquire a business in Vietnam by buying shares or capital, purchasing selected assets, or completing a merger. The suitable route depends on the business being acquired, its liabilities, foreign investment conditions, and the requirements triggered by that specific transaction. Before making an offer, map the parties, ownership percentages, activities, assets, and intended payment route. What Are the Main Ways to Acquire a Business in Vietnam? Structure
A foreign business can apply to register a trademark in Vietnam without first establishing a Vietnamese company. It must choose the appropriate applicant and filing route, and may need to act through an authorised industrial property representative in Vietnam. The process is check the mark → choose goods and services → prepare and file → examination → decision. A trademark already registered in Hong Kong does not automatically receive protection in Vietnam. What Does Trademar
Before applying for a trademark in Vietnam, search Vietnamese trademark records and check relevant international records. Look beyond exact matches: compare similar words or logos, the goods and services involved, and the status of each result. A preliminary trademark search can reveal potential conflicts, but a clear result does not guarantee that the application will be accepted. Why Conduct a Trademark Search in Vietnam Before Filing? A trademark search helps a business id
: An employer of record (EOR) is generally a provider that signs an employment contract with a worker who performs work for a client. In Vietnam, the term “EOR” does not determine how the arrangement is treated under labour law. A foreign company should check who employs the worker, who directs daily work, what the provider is permitted to do, and whether the arrangement may fall under labour subleasing rules. It should also consider whether setting up its own Vietnam company
Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and Decree 356/2025/ND-CP have applied since 1 January 2026. Businesses that handle personal data within the law’s scope should identify what data they process, why they process it, who can access it, and whether it is stored or transferred overseas. The required measures depend on the business’s role, activities, and any applicable exceptions. What Is Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Law? Vietnam’s Personal Data Protection Law
“Capital gains tax” is a common search term, but Vietnam does not apply one tax rate to every sale of an investment. The answer depends on who sells, whether they sell capital or shares, and how the sale takes place. Identify those facts before calculating tax or agreeing on the payment route. Legal information reviewed: 7 October 2026. What Does Capital Gains Tax Mean in Vietnam? In this article, “capital gains tax” means the income tax that may arise when an investor sells
If a Vietnam company trades with its Singapore parent or another related company, it should check three things: who the related parties are, what transactions took place, and which declarations and records it must prepare. It should also keep evidence that supports each charge. Legal information reviewed: 7 October 2026. What Is Transfer Pricing in Vietnam? Transfer pricing refers to the prices used in transactions between related parties. These transactions may involve goods
Vietnam has no single import tax rate for all goods. An importer may need to pay import duty, import VAT and, for certain products, other taxes. To estimate the amount before shipping, identify the product’s HS code, determine its customs value, check its origin and confirm which tax rules apply. What Taxes Can Apply When Goods Enter Vietnam? “Import tax” is often used to describe the total tax cost of a shipment. For budgeting, it helps to separate the possible charges. Tax
When a company appoints a new legal representative, its VNeID organisational account may still show the previous person. Start with the company’s business registration record. Once the new representative appears in the National Enterprise Registration Database, check the organisational account and submit a change request in VNeID if the displayed information remains outdated. Updating VNeID is a separate task from registering the company’s change of legal representative. The
Vietnam does not require one universal “import license” for every product. Before shipping, check who will import the goods, whether that entity has the relevant import rights, and whether the specific product needs a permit, another approval or specialised inspection. Customs clearance is a separate step for the shipment. What Does “Import License” Mean in Vietnam? People use “import license” to describe three different questions: Requirement What it answers When to check Th
A foreign investor may use a virtual office address to register a company in Vietnam if the specific location supports the planned business and the provider can document the company’s right to use it. Check the building, agreement, address documents and on-site needs before you sign. What Is a Virtual Office in Vietnam? A virtual office gives a business an address and selected support services without a dedicated full-time office. A package may include mail handling, meeting
A Vietnam temporary residence card (TRC) allows an eligible foreign national to reside in Vietnam for a specified period and serves as a visa during its validity. Employees, qualifying investors, eligible family members and certain other applicants may be considered. Before preparing an application, confirm your TRC category, who will sponsor you, whether your current immigration status supports the application, and which documents prove your eligibility. What Is a Temporary
Foreigners aged 16 or over who live or have lived in Vietnam can request a criminal record certificate. Confirm the certificate type and purpose first. Then choose the route for your residence status. Foreigners can apply in person or by post; online filing requires access to the supported digital identity service. What Is a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate? A Vietnam police clearance certificate is an official record of a person’s criminal record status under Vietnamese
Foreign documents may need consular legalization for use in Vietnam. First, check for an exemption or the Apostille route. An Apostille can replace the consular step for eligible public documents. This route applies only where the Convention is in force between Vietnam and the issuing country. What Is Consular Legalization in Vietnam? Consular legalization in Vietnam is an official check of the seals, signatures and official titles on foreign documents. A competent Vietnamese
Vietnam has expanded the role of the VNeID account in electronic transactions under Decree No. 320/2026/ND-CP. Effective from September 28, 2026, the new framework requires specified electronic transaction accounts to be linked and authenticated with an appropriate electronic identification account. The change is relevant not only to individual users. Foreign-invested companies may also need to review the accounts they use for banking, e-commerce, electronic invoicing, teleco
E invoicing has become a core part of tax and accounting compliance for businesses operating in Vietnam. Beyond replacing paper invoices, an electronic invoicing system can help companies automate invoice processing, reduce manual errors, accelerate payment cycles and maintain more reliable tax records. Vietnam's e-invoice framework has also continued to evolve. From July 1, 2026, Decree 254/2026/NĐ-CP became the principal regulation governing electronic invoices and electron