How to Start a Business in Vietnam as a Foreigner Successfully

LHD Law Firm is a leading Vietnamese law firm that provides comprehensive legal, tax, and business advisory services to foreign investors and domestic enterprises. With over a decade of experience, LHD has built strong expertise in navigating Vietnam’s complex legal landscape, especially for clients entering or expanding in the market.

If you are planning to invest in Vietnam, understanding how to register company in Vietnam as a foreigner is the first and most important step. Vietnam has become one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors thanks to its stable economy, young workforce, and open-door policies. However, the process of business registration in Vietnam involves specific legal procedures that every foreigner should know in advance.

The procedure to set up company in Vietnam starts with preparing an investment project. Foreign investors are required to apply for the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) from the Department of Planning and Investment in the city or province where the company will be located. This document proves that your business idea is approved under Vietnamese investment laws. After obtaining the IRC, the next step is to apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), which officially recognizes the legal existence of your company in Vietnam.

Once you have both IRC and ERC, you can proceed with post-licensing procedures. These include engraving the company seal, publishing the business registration information, registering for tax obligations, opening a corporate bank account, and complying with labor and social insurance requirements. Depending on your industry, additional permits or licenses may be needed to operate legally.

The timeline for company registration in Vietnam usually takes from 30 to 45 working days, depending on the completeness of your documents and the type of business activity. To save time and avoid unnecessary risks, many foreign investors choose to work with professional consultants who specialize in foreign company registration in Vietnam.

With the right guidance, foreigners can successfully establish 100% foreign-owned companies, joint ventures, or representative offices. Understanding how to register company in Vietnam as a foreigner will not only help you comply with legal regulations but also create a strong foundation for your business growth in this dynamic market.

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