❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | FDI in Vietnam

Everything Foreign Investors Need to Know Before Starting a Business in Vietnam

1. Can a foreigner open a company in Vietnam?

Yes. Foreign investors are legally allowed to establish companies in Vietnam, either 100% foreign-owned or as a joint venture with local partners, depending on the industry. However, some sectors may require special approvals or licensing.

➡️ Related service: Company Formation for Foreigners

2. What is the minimum capital required for a foreign-owned company in Vietnam?

There is no fixed minimum capital for most business sectors, but your registered capital must be sufficient to cover planned expenses. Some industries, like education or real estate, may require higher capital by law or practice.

We can help you determine the right amount for approval.

3. How long does it take to register a foreign-owned company in Vietnam?

Typically, it takes 15–30 working days, depending on the business type, investment structure, and completeness of documentation. We offer fast-track incorporation with step-by-step legal support.

4. What documents are required from foreign investors?
  • Passport (for individual investors)

  • Legalized business registration certificate (for corporate investors)

  • Bank statements or financial proof

  • Power of Attorney

  • Office lease agreement in Vietnam

📝 We prepare and guide all required forms for you.

5. Do I need a local Vietnamese partner?

Not necessarily. Most sectors allow 100% foreign ownership. However, a few industries (e.g., tourism, logistics, advertising) may require joint ventures or local participation. We can help assess your case.

6. Do foreign companies need to rent an office in Vietnam?

Yes. A legal registered address in Vietnam is required for company registration. We also offer virtual office solutions for startups and small teams.

7. What are the ongoing tax and accounting obligations?

Foreign companies in Vietnam must comply with:

  • Monthly/quarterly VAT returns

  • Corporate income tax (20%)

  • Personal income tax for employees

  • Annual financial statements

  • Foreign contractor tax (if applicable)

📊 Our team handles monthly bookkeeping, tax filings, and compliance monitoring for FDI clients.

8. What’s the difference between a Representative Office and a Company?
Criteria Representative Office Company
Business Activities Non-commercial (e.g. market research) Full operations
Profit Generation ❌ Not allowed ✅ Allowed
Invoice Issuing ❌ No VAT invoices ✅ Can issue invoices
Best For Market entry, brand presence Revenue operations

💡 We advise on the best structure for your goals.

9. Can I sponsor visas for foreign staff or myself?

Yes. Once your company is established, it can apply for:

  • Work permits

  • Investor visas (DT1–DT4)

  • Temporary residence cards

📄 We support full immigration documentation for foreign founders and employees.

10. How much does it cost to open and maintain a company in Vietnam?

Costs vary depending on business type, licensing, and compliance needs. A typical FDI setup includes:

  • Company registration fee

  • Office lease

  • Legal and accounting service fees

  • Initial capital funding

  • Government licensing charges (if applicable)

💰 We offer transparent, fixed-price packages. Ask us for a quote.

1. What is the typical process for setting up a company in Vietnam with your support?

Our process includes 5 key steps:

  1. Initial consultation

  2. Feasibility check & document preparation

  3. Investment registration certificate (IRC)

  4. Enterprise registration certificate (ERC)

  5. Tax code, seal, and bank account setup

We guide you through each step and handle all paperwork.

2. How do we start working together?

Simply contact us through our website, email, or hotline. We’ll schedule a free consultation to understand your goals and advise the best structure. After that, we sign a service agreement and begin the incorporation process.

Do I need to be in Vietnam to start the process?

No. Most of the process can be done remotely. You can authorize us via Power of Attorney. However, some steps (like bank account opening or tax office verification) may require your physical presence or support from a local representative — which we can help arrange.

4. What documents do I need to prepare as a foreign investor?

For individual investors:

  • Passport (certified copy)

  • Bank statement or capital confirmation

  • Power of Attorney

For corporate investors:

  • Legalized business registration certificate

  • Company profile

  • Board resolution

We will provide a full checklist customized to your case.

5. What is included in your service packages?

Our service packages usually include:

  • Legal consultation & strategy

  • Company registration (IRC, ERC)

  • Tax code registration & invoice issuance setup

  • Support with opening a bank account

  • Monthly accounting & tax compliance (if requested)

We also offer virtual office, payroll, and HR advisory.

6. How long does the cooperation usually take?

Company setup takes 15 to 30 working days, depending on complexity. Ongoing services like accounting and tax reporting are delivered monthly, with a dedicated account manager assigned to your business.

7. How do we communicate during the process?

We provide updates through:

  • Email (daily or weekly reports)

  • Phone/WhatsApp/Telegram (direct support)

  • Zoom/Google Meet (for key consultations)

You’ll have a dedicated consultant throughout the project.

8. How is payment handled?

We offer multiple payment options:

  • Bank transfer (Vietnam or international)

  • Wise/Remitly

  • Cash (for clients already in Vietnam)

Invoices are issued in English/Vietnamese, with clear milestones.

9. Can you continue to support us after company setup?

Absolutely. We offer long-term services including:

  • Monthly bookkeeping & tax filing

  • Legal updates & compliance alerts

  • Payroll processing

  • Business license renewal

  • Internal audit & due diligence (for investors)

We aim for a long-term partnership, not just one-time service.

10. Is the information we provide kept confidential?

Yes. We operate under strict confidentiality policies. All client data, business plans, and documentation are securely stored and protected. NDAs can be signed upon request.

1. What does “service management” mean for foreign-owned companies in Vietnam?

Service management refers to the outsourcing of core business support functions such as accounting, tax filing, payroll, compliance, and administrative reporting to a professional team. This helps foreign investors focus on growth while staying compliant with local laws.

2. Why should FDI companies outsource accounting and tax services?

Outsourcing allows you to:

  • Ensure compliance with Vietnamese tax laws

  • Reduce overhead costs (no need to hire in-house staff)

  • Access expert knowledge in international accounting standards (IFRS/VAS)

  • Minimize risk of errors and penalties

It’s a smart solution for cost-efficiency and legal peace of mind.

3. What services are typically included in monthly management packages?

A standard monthly package may include:

  • Bookkeeping and financial reports

  • VAT, CIT, and PIT declarations

  • Payroll processing and labor reporting

  • Internal control setup

  • Business license maintenance

  • On-demand consulting

4. Do you offer customized service management plans?

Yes. Our services are flexible and tailored based on your company size, industry, transaction volume, and compliance needs. Whether you’re a startup or a large FDI firm, we build the right service scope for you.

5. How often do we receive financial reports?

Depending on your package, we provide:

  • Monthly profit & loss statements

  • Quarterly and annual reports

  • Custom reports for group consolidation or investors

All reports are delivered in English and Vietnamese, formatted for clarity and compliance.

6. Will your team help us prepare for tax inspections?

Yes. We provide full support during tax audits, including:

  • Organizing and reviewing all accounting records

  • Representing your company in discussions with tax authorities

  • Explaining the context of foreign transactions or unusual entries

7. How do you handle data confidentiality?

We sign NDAs with every client and store all financial data securely on encrypted systems. Only authorized personnel have access. Your privacy and trust are our top priorities.

8. Can your team work with our existing accounting software?

Yes. We’re proficient with:

  • QuickBooks

  • Xero

  • SAP

  • Odoo

  • FAST, MISA (Vietnamese software)

We can also recommend and implement the best solution for your setup.

9. How do I know if my company is fully tax compliant?

We perform regular compliance reviews, ensure on-time filing, and keep you informed of changes in tax law. We also provide quarterly risk assessments so you stay audit-ready year-round.

10. Do you provide internal management reports for group-level consolidation?

Absolutely. We prepare:

  • Consolidated financials

  • Department-level analysis

  • Management reports tailored for HQ use
    These reports follow international standards and are adapted to your investor’s requirements.

11. What happens if I miss a filing deadline?

Vietnam imposes fines and penalties for late tax filings. However, if you work with us, we ensure all deadlines are met. In rare urgent cases, we can help you submit late declarations with mitigated risks.

12. Is there a minimum contract period for service management?

We offer monthly, quarterly, and annual packages. For long-term clients, we provide preferential pricing and dedicated account managers. There’s no rigid lock-in — we believe in partnership based on trust and results.

🌟 Start Managing Smarter, Not Harder

Let us help you run your Vietnam business with confidence.
✅ Transparent pricing
✅ Expert support in English & Vietnamese
✅ Scalable with your business growth

👉 Contact Us for a Custom Proposal