When establishing a foreign-owned company in Vietnam, one of the first and most essential legal steps is obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).
This guide will help you understand:
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What the IRC is
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Why it’s required
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How to obtain it
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Key documents and timelines involved in the process
Updated for 2025, this article is tailored for foreign investors looking to navigate Vietnam’s investment landscape with clarity and confidence.
✅ What Is the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)?
The Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) is a legal document issued by the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) or Management Board of industrial zones or high-tech parks.
It officially recognizes a foreign investor’s right to carry out an investment project in Vietnam.
In simple terms:
The IRC is the government’s approval for your foreign investment to operate in Vietnam.
🧾 When Is the IRC Required?
The IRC is required if:
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You are a foreign individual or organization holding any percentage of ownership in a Vietnamese company
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You are establishing a 100% foreign-owned business or a joint venture
Note: Vietnamese-owned companies do not need an IRC.
🔍 Key Information on the IRC
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Authority in charge | DPI or Management Board (depending on location/industry) |
| Validity period | Typically matches the investment project’s duration (5–50 years) |
| Language | Vietnamese (official); English version available on request |
| Form of investment | Direct capital contribution or establishment of new entity |
📄 Documents Required for IRC Application
Here is what most foreign investors need to prepare:
For Individual Investors:
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Certified copy of passport
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Bank statement showing sufficient capital
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Power of attorney (notarized and legalized if signed abroad)
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Office lease agreement in Vietnam
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Business plan or investment proposal
For Corporate Investors:
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Business registration certificate of parent company
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Legalized charter or incorporation documents
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Audited financial statements
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Authorized representative appointment letter
🧭 Steps to Obtain the IRC in Vietnam
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Consult on project scope and structure
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Prepare documents and translate into Vietnamese
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Submit application to DPI or Management Board
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Respond to clarifications or requests (if any)
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Receive the Investment Registration Certificate
📍 Estimated time: 10–15 working days (varies by province and industry)
💡 Common Issues That Delay IRC Approval
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Missing or incorrectly legalized documents
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Vague or incomplete business descriptions
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Ineligible business sectors or foreign ownership restrictions
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No physical office address in Vietnam at time of submission
🛡 Tip: Always double-check sector conditions under WTO Commitments and Vietnamese law, especially in sectors like logistics, education, advertising, or fintech.
🧮 IRC vs. ERC – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) | Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Approves the foreign investment project | Registers the legal business entity |
| Issued by | DPI / Zone Authority | Business Registration Office |
| Who needs it | Foreign investors only | All companies (foreign & local) |
| Timing | Obtained first | Obtained after IRC |
🤝 Why Choose FDIinVietnam.com?
We help you prepare and submit IRC applications with precision and speed. Our services include:
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Legal consulting on sector eligibility
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Complete document preparation
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Translation and notarization support
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Follow-up with government departments
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ERC, post-licensing, and ongoing tax support
💬 Let us handle the paperwork, so you can focus on business.
📞 Ready to Start?
📥 [Request a Free Consultation]
📄 [Download Our IRC Preparation Checklist (PDF)]