Are you planning to expand your business to Vietnam? With its growing economy, strategic location, and open-door policies for foreign investors, Vietnam has become one of the top FDI destinations in Southeast Asia.
However, the registration process for a foreign-owned company in Vietnam is more complex than for local enterprises. It involves multiple legal steps, regulatory approvals, and strict documentation — but with the right guidance, the process can be smooth and successful.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to register a foreign-owned company in Vietnam in 2025.
✅ Step 1: Define Your Business Structure and Ownership
The first step is choosing the right legal entity and deciding how much foreign ownership you want.
Common Structures:
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100% Foreign-Owned LLC
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Joint Venture with a Vietnamese Partner
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Representative Office (non-commercial)
🛡 Tip: Some industries restrict foreign ownership. Make sure to check if your sector is on the “conditional list” under Vietnam’s WTO Commitments or investment laws.
✅ Step 2: Choose Your Business Location
Your business address will affect:
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Jurisdiction of government authority
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Applicable incentives (e.g., in industrial zones or economic zones)
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Licensing timelines
📍 Common options:
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Hanoi
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Ho Chi Minh City
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Da Nang
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Industrial parks or free trade zones
✅ Step 3: Apply for the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
The IRC is the government’s official approval for your investment.
Required Documents:
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Passport or incorporation certificate (legalized)
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Bank statement proving financial capacity
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Business plan with clear objectives
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Office lease agreement in Vietnam
📅 Timeline: 10–15 working days (may vary by location)
✅ Step 4: Apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Once the IRC is approved, you can register your company as a legal entity in Vietnam by obtaining the ERC.
Required Documents:
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Application form
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Charter (company constitution)
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Legal representative information
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Office lease and tax registration details
📅 Timeline: 5–7 working days
📝 The ERC gives your company a tax code and business license number, allowing you to operate officially in Vietnam.
✅ Step 5: Post-Registration Procedures
Many foreign investors forget about these important steps after registration:
You Must:
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Engrave your company seal
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Open a Vietnamese bank account
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Contribute charter capital within 90 days
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Register for VAT & invoicing system
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Hire a Chief Accountant or tax agency
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Register labor and social insurance if hiring employees
🛡 Tip: Missing post-licensing procedures can lead to penalties or even company suspension.
✅ Optional: Apply for Sub-Licenses (If Required)
Some industries require special licenses, such as:
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Education
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E-commerce
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Logistics
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Food & beverage
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Real estate
Let our experts help you determine what licenses apply to your business.
🔍 Summary of Company Registration Timeline
| Stage | Timeline (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Business planning & preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| IRC application | 2–3 weeks |
| ERC registration | 1 week |
| Post-licensing setup | 1–2 weeks |
| Total Time | 5–8 weeks |
💡 Why Work With FDIinVietnam.com?
We are a full-service consulting firm specializing in foreign-owned company registration in Vietnam. Our team handles everything — from strategy to setup to ongoing compliance.
Our Services:
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Legal consultation & business structuring
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IRC & ERC licensing
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Office & banking setup
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Tax & accounting support
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Ongoing compliance and annual filings
📌 Over 300 foreign investors trust us to launch and grow their companies in Vietnam.
📞 Ready to Set Up Your Company in Vietnam?
👉 [Book a Free Consultation]
👉 [Download Our Full Company Setup Guide (PDF)]
👉 [Get a Custom Quote for Your Business]