Can the legal representative of a company in Vietnam be a foreigner?

This is a common question for foreign-invested businesses when establishing a company in Vietnam – especially in the context of more and more international investors expanding their operations in this potential market.

✅ Short answer: Maybe!

According to current legal regulations, foreign individuals can be appointed as legal representatives of enterprises in Vietnam, if they meet the following conditions: 📌 Necessary conditions for foreigners to be legal representatives:

1. Have a valid visa or temporary residence card , for the purpose of working or investing in Vietnam

2. Have a work permit in Vietnam , except for cases exempted under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP

3. Legally reside in Vietnam  during the entire term of office, with a clear and declared residential address

Appointing the right legal representative is an important factor in the process of establishing and operating a business, because this is the person who bears the highest legal responsibility before Vietnamese law.

If you are considering a foreign individual for this role, make sure that he or she is fully prepared with the legal documents and understands his or her legal duties and responsibilities.

🎯 Vinex – Legal consulting unit accompanying foreign enterprises

At Vinex, we have assisted many foreign-invested enterprises in successfully completing the procedures for appointing representatives, as well as establishing companies, applying for investment licenses and fulfilling related legal obligations.

📩 Send us a message to schedule a private consultation 📞 Hotline: 0981 111 811