Vietnam Incorporation: Complete Guide to Company Registration in Vietnam (2025 Update)

Planning to expand your business into Vietnam? You’re not alone. Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing investment destinations.

In this updated 2025 guide, Vinex International walks you through every essential step of Vietnam Incorporation — from selecting the right business structure and understanding ownership requirements to completing your registration efficiently and legally.

Whether you are a foreign entrepreneur or a corporate investor, mastering the Vietnam Incorporation process ensures a smooth market entry.

Ho Chi Minh City at night — symbolizing Vietnam’s vibrant business landscape and foreign investment

1. Choosing the Right Business Structure for Vietnam Incorporation

The foundation of successful Vietnam Incorporation is choosing the right structure for your business goals.

Popular options include:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC): Ideal for SMEs; provides flexible management and limited liability.

• Joint Stock Company (JSC): Suitable for larger enterprises; requires at least three shareholders.

• Representative Office (RO): Perfect for market research or networking; cannot engage in sales.

• Joint Venture (JV): Combines local and foreign ownership — used for industries with foreign ownership limits.

Each structure carries different tax and compliance obligations within the Vietnam Incorporation process.

2. Basic Conditions for Company Registration

Any individual aged 18 or older can establish a company in Vietnam. There is no limit on how many businesses an individual may own. However, certain regulated sectors — such as banking, education, or logistics — may require extra licenses or capital.

By meeting these requirements early, you can fast-track your Vietnam Incorporation application.

3. Foreign Ownership and Capital Requirements

Foreign investors can own up to 100% of most businesses under Vietnam Incorporation regulations. However, specific sectors like advertising or travel services may require local partners.

Business Type	Minimum Charter Capital	Approx. (USD)
Limited Liability Company	VND 10 million	~USD 440
Joint Stock / Foreign-Owned Enterprise	VND 30 million	~USD 1,320

Some sectors such as banking or real estate require higher thresholds. Vinex advises investors to allocate sufficient charter capital to support visa and credibility requirements.

4. Registered Office and Legal Address

Every Vietnam Incorporation must have a verified business address approved by the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI).

You can use:

• A physical office: For active, on-site operations.

• A virtual office: For startups seeking a cost-effective setup.

Tip: A verified virtual office in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi helps accelerate your company registration in Vietnam.

5. Visa and Residency Requirements

Foreign founders must obtain the proper visa before completing Vietnam Incorporation:

• Work Visa: For foreign-owned companies.

• Investor Visa: For JSC shareholders.

• Business Visa: For LLC members.

After incorporation, you may apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) linked to your company to stay and manage operations legally.

6. Resident Director

Vietnamese law requires every company under Vietnam Incorporation to appoint a Resident Director — a Vietnamese citizen or foreigner with residence status responsible for compliance and daily management.

If you are a foreign investor, Vinex can provide a trusted local representative during the registration phase.

7. Cost of Vietnam Incorporation

The average cost for Vietnam Incorporation, including legal, accounting, and licensing services, is around USD 2,700 for an LLC. Costs vary depending on the company structure, business line, and location.

Working with Vinex’s incorporation services ensures cost transparency and compliance from the start.

8. Step-by-Step Vietnam Incorporation Process

Step 1: Obtain the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

This certificate approves your investment project and is mandatory for foreign investors. Documents required:

• Investment project application form

• Legal documents (Business License or Passport)

• Project proposal with objectives, capital, and schedule

• Proof of financial capacity

• Office lease agreement

Processing time: ~15 working days.

Step 2: Apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

After the IRC approval, you’ll register your company as a legal entity. Documents required:

• Enterprise registration form

• Company charter

• List of shareholders and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)

• Notarized ID of legal representative

• Copy of IRC

Processing time: ~3 working days.

Step 3: Post-Registration Procedures

After completing your Vietnam Incorporation, finalize:

• Tax code registration

• Digital signature setup

• Bank account opening

• Company seal creation

• Initial tax declaration

Total process duration: Around 4–6 weeks from start to finish.

9. Key Documents Required from Investors

No.	Document	Copies	Legalization	Translation
1	Certificate of Incorporation / Business License	2	Yes	Vietnamese (Notarized)
2	Financial Statements / Bank Proof	1	Yes	Vietnamese (Notarized)
3	Passport/ID of Legal Representative	2	Yes	Vietnamese (Notarized)
4	Office Lease Contract	1	Yes	Notarized
5	Investor’s Passport	1	Yes	Vietnamese (Notarized)

10. Capital Guidance for Vietnam Incorporation

Vietnam recognizes three types of capital:

• Investment Capital: The total project investment.

• Charter Capital: The investor’s equity contribution, payable within 90 days after ERC issuance.

• Legal Capital: The minimum required by law for regulated sectors.

Recommendation: At least USD 10,000 in charter capital for smoother visa issuance and business credibility.

11. Estimated Timeline

Stage	Description	Duration
Preparation	Gather legal and financial documents	7–10 days
IRC Application	Investment Registration Certificate	15 working days
ERC Application	Enterprise Registration Certificate	3 working days
Post-Setup	Tax, seal, bank account	5–7 days

Total Duration: 4–6 weeks.

12. Work with Vinex – Your One-Stop Vietnam Incorporation Partner

Step 1: Consultation: Our experts analyze your goals and advise on the right ownership structure.

Step 2: Address & Representation: Vinex helps secure a verified address and appoint a legal representative if needed. 

Step 3: Licensing & Documentation: We handle the entire IRC, ERC, and business licensing process. 

Step 4: Compliance Support: Ongoing services include tax reporting, payroll, and accounting setup.

With Vinex, your Vietnam Incorporation becomes seamless, compliant, and stress-free.

13. Why Choose Vinex

• Bilingual legal and business consulting team

• Expertise in foreign direct investment (FDI) procedures

• Transparent pricing and fast turnaround

• Full post-registration support

Vinex – Your One-Stop Business Setup Partner in Vietnam From incorporation to operation, we help foreign investors establish, manage, and grow their business legally and efficiently.

Contact Us:  Email: contact@vinex.com.vn Hotline: +84 98 1111 811