Effortless Company Formation in Vietnam for Foreign Investors
Vietnam Company Formation
Vietnam is one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors, offering a strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, a dynamic and young workforce, and a rapidly growing economy. Whether you’re looking to set up a manufacturing hub, a tech startup, or a trading business, Vietnam provides a business-friendly environment with flexible corporate structures, investment incentives, and competitive operational costs. AJSI.com is your trusted partner in establishing your company in Vietnam efficiently and hassle-free.
How AJSI can help you
Your Gateway to Business Success in Vietnam
Vietnam Company Registration
Vietnam is one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors, offering a strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, a dynamic and young workforce, and a rapidly growing economy.
Why Choose Vietnam for Your Business?
Strategic Location: Situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers well-equipped infrastructure for international trading and access to global markets.
Flexible Corporate Structures: Foreign investors can set up a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) or a Joint Venture (JV) with a local partner.
Low Capital Requirement: No initial paid-up capital is required for most activities, but registered capital must be fully paid within 90 days of registration.
Large Domestic Market: With a population exceeding 97 million, Vietnam offers vast consumer opportunities and a rising middle class.
Competitive Manufacturing Hub: Vietnam is a promising alternative to China, with lower labor costs, a young and dynamic workforce, and efficient supply chains.
Economic & Political Stability: The country enjoys socio-political stability, a well-regulated business environment, and macroeconomic resilience.
Investment Incentives: Vietnam is transforming into a market-oriented economy with significant tax benefits and incentives for foreign investors.
Global Trade Agreements: Vietnam has signed 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area) and EVFTA (European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement), facilitating seamless international trade.
Company Formation Options in Vietnam
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE)
100% foreign ownership
Full control over business operations
Suitable for manufacturing, trading, IT, consulting, and other industries
Joint Venture (JV) with a Local Partner
Shared ownership with a Vietnamese entity
Beneficial for industries requiring local participation (e.g., real estate, tourism)
Leverages local expertise and networks
Representative Office (RO)
No direct business activities (e.g., sales, contracts)
Ideal for market research and liaison purposes
Requires a Chief Representative
Branch Office
Extension of a parent company
Can conduct commercial activities
Subject to local taxation
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in Vietnam
Choose a Business Structure
Decide between WFOE, JV, RO, or Branch Office.
Select a Business Sector
Ensure your industry is open to foreign investment (some sectors require special approvals).
Register the Company Name
Verify and reserve a unique company name with the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI).
Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
Required for foreign-owned businesses
Issued by the DPI within 15-30 days
Apply for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Official company registration with the Business Registration Office
Typically takes 5-7 working days
Open a Corporate Bank Account
Required for financial transactions and capital deposits
Obtain Necessary Business Licenses
Depending on your industry, additional licenses may be required (e.g., trading, manufacturing, food & beverage).
Register for Taxes & Social Insurance
Obtain a tax code from the General Department of Taxation
Register for VAT, corporate income tax (CIT), and personal income tax (PIT)
Enroll employees in social insurance programs
Hire Employees & Start Operations
Recruit and onboard employees, ensuring compliance with Vietnam’s labor laws.
Business Sectors Open to Foreign Investment
Manufacturing & Export
E-commerce & Digital Services
IT & Software Development
Education & Training
Retail & Consumer Goods
Hospitality & Tourism
Agriculture & Food Processing
Renewable Energy & Infrastructure
Tax Incentives & Benefits for Foreign Investors
Corporate Income Tax (CIT): Standard rate of 20%, but preferential rates (10% or 15%) apply to certain industries.
VAT Exemptions: Some export-oriented businesses qualify for VAT exemptions or reduced rates.
Tax Holidays: Investment projects in priority sectors may enjoy tax holidays (e.g., 2-4 years tax-free, followed by reduced rates for up to 9 years).
Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Additional tax benefits and reduced land lease costs.
Visa Options for Foreign Business Owners & Employees
Investor Visa (DT Visa)
Issued to foreign investors and company owners
Can be valid from 1 to 10 years
DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4 subcategories depending on investment amount
Work Permit & Business Visa (LD Visa)
Required for foreign employees working in Vietnam
Valid for up to 2 years
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Available for foreign investors and executives
Valid for up to 5 years
Eliminates the need for visa renewals
Dependent Visa for Family Members
Allows spouses and children of business owners to reside in Vietnam
Additional Information for Foreign Investors
Office & Virtual Address: A registered business address is mandatory; virtual offices can be an option for service businesses.
Accounting & Compliance: Monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reports are required.
Trademark Registration: Recommended to protect your brand.
Import & Export Licenses: Needed for businesses involved in international trade.
Government Regulations & Compliance: Adhering to labor laws, safety standards, and financial reporting is essential.
Why Work with AJSI.com?
Expert Guidance: Our team of professionals will navigate you through Vietnam’s legal and business framework.
Hassle-Free Process: We handle everything from registration to post-incorporation compliance.
Tailored Solutions: Whether you’re a startup or an established corporation, we provide solutions customized to your needs.
Ongoing Support: We offer accounting, tax advisory, and HR services to ensure your business stays compliant.
FLL Company
US$790/member
Formation of a Joint Venture Company (Foreign-Invested Enterprise – FII):
- Verification of company name availability
- Issuance of Business Registration Certificate (BRC)
- Securing a local registered business address
- Creation of the company seal
- Official publication of company incorporation
- Tax registration after company formation
Branch Office
US$2399
Formation of a Branch Office:
- Verification of branch name availability
- Issuance of Branch Establishment Certificate
- Securing a local registered business address
- Creation of the branch seal
- Official announcement of branch registration
- Tax registration following establishment
Foreign Owned LLC
US$2199
Formation of a Wholly Foreign-Owned Company:
- Verification of company name availability
- Issuance of Business Registration Certificate (BRC)
- Obtaining the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
- Securing a local registered business address
- Creation of the company seal
- Official publication of company incorporation
- Tax registration following company setup
Learn more about Vietnam
FAQ about Vietnam Company Formation
Yes, foreigners can establish a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in most business sectors. However, some industries require a Joint Venture (JV) with a local partner due to government regulations.
The company registration process typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on the business type and industry. Additional licenses or approvals may extend this timeline.
There is no initial paid-up capital requirement for most businesses, but registered capital must be fully paid within 90 days from the registration date. Some sectors, such as finance and real estate, may require higher capital investments.
Foreign investors can choose from:
- Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) – Full control over business operations.
- Joint Venture (JV) – Partnership with a Vietnamese entity.
- Representative Office (RO) – No direct commercial activities, for market research only.
- Branch Office – An extension of a parent company that can conduct business in Vietnam.
Yes, foreign investors and employees can apply for various visas, including:
- DT Visa (Investor Visa) – Valid for 1-10 years, depending on investment amount.
- LD Visa (Work Visa) – Issued to foreign employees, valid up to 2 years.
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC) – Valid for up to 5 years, eliminating the need for frequent visa renewals.
- Dependent Visa – Available for spouses and children of foreign business owners.
No, a local director is not mandatory. A foreigner can be the sole director and legal representative of the company. However, having a local nominee can be beneficial for certain industries.
Foreign-owned businesses must comply with:
- Corporate Income Tax (CIT): Standard rate of 20%, but some businesses qualify for lower rates (10%-15%) based on incentives.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Typically 10%, with exemptions for certain goods and services.
- Personal Income Tax (PIT): Progressive tax for employees ranging from 5% to 35%.
- Social Insurance Contributions: Employers must contribute around 21.5% of employees’ salaries.
Yes, foreign-owned companies can open a corporate bank account in Vietnam after registering their business. Required documents include the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), Investment Registration Certificate (IRC), and company charter.
Vietnam offers:
- 100% foreign ownership in most industries
- Competitive labor costs and a skilled workforce
- No initial paid-up capital requirement for most sectors
- Strategic location with strong trade agreements (AFTA, EVFTA, CPTPP, etc.)
- Government incentives, tax reductions, and special economic zones
No, foreign individuals and companies cannot directly own land in Vietnam. However, they can lease land for up to 50 years and extend it as per Vietnamese law. Foreign companies can also enter joint ventures with local entities to acquire land-use rights.
Start Your Business in Vietnam Today!
Let AJSI.com be your trusted partner in company formation and business expansion in Vietnam. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward success!
