Are you a foreign investor looking to launch your business in Vietnam? This guide will walk you through the legal, procedural, and practical steps required to set up a 100% foreign-owned company in Vietnam – updated for 2025.
✅ Why Set Up a Foreign-Owned Company in Vietnam?
Vietnam continues to be a hot spot for foreign direct investment (FDI) thanks to:
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Rapid economic growth and political stability
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Competitive labor costs and skilled workforce
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Trade agreements and business-friendly reforms
With the right guidance, you can legally own and operate your company in Vietnam with full control and compliance.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a 100% Foreign-Owned Company
1. Choose Your Business Sector and Legal Structure
Vietnam allows full foreign ownership in most sectors, but some industries may have conditions (e.g., logistics, education, advertising).
Common legal structures:
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Limited Liability Company (LLC)
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Joint Stock Company (JSC)
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Representative Office (for non-commercial activities)
2. Prepare Required Documents
You will typically need:
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Passport or business license (if a corporate investor)
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Bank statement showing investment capital
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Business plan or description of activities
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Power of attorney (notarized and legalized)
Our team can assist you with the correct templates and legalization process.
3. Apply for the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
The IRC is issued by the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) or Industrial Zone Authority, depending on where your company is based.
This certificate proves the government approves your foreign investment project.
📍 Timeline: 10–15 working days
4. Apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Once the IRC is granted, you’ll submit an application to obtain the ERC, which officially registers your company under Vietnamese law.
📍 Timeline: 5–7 working days
5. Complete Post-Licensing Procedures
After obtaining your ERC, you’ll need to:
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Carve your company seal
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Register for tax code and electronic invoicing
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Open a corporate bank account
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Contribute charter capital within 90 days
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Register for social insurance and labor declaration
📄 Estimated Timeline and Cost
| Step | Duration | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| IRC Application | 10–15 days | $800 – $1,200 |
| ERC Application | 5–7 days | $300 – $500 |
| Post-License Tasks | 5–10 days | $200 – $400 |
💬 We offer all-in-one packages from only $1,500 for full setup services.
🔍 Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Choosing restricted business sectors without legal guidance
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Not contributing the registered capital on time
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Misunderstanding licensing timelines or renewal procedures
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Operating without a registered Chief Accountant (if required)
🤝 Why Work with Us?
At FDIinVietnam.com, we’ve helped hundreds of foreign investors launch businesses in Vietnam since 2007.
We offer:
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Full bilingual support
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Transparent pricing
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Local legal insight
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Fast, compliant, and stress-free service
📞 Ready to Start?
Let’s make your expansion into Vietnam smooth and successful.
👉 [Request a Free Consultation]
👉 [Download Our Company Setup Checklist]