If you want to open a company in Vietnam in 2026, you need to respect the conditions of the Company Law. You can rely on us for support during and after the procedure of registration.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of local companies |
– limited liability company with one or more shareholders, – joint stock company, – partnership, – sole trader |
|
Legal forms available for foreign companies |
– branches, – subsidiaries, – liaison offices |
|
Minimum number of shareholders |
– 1 for limited liability companies, – 3 for joint stock companies |
| Minimum number of directors | 1 |
| Resident director required (YES/NO) |
No, there is no need to appoint a resident director. |
| Local legal address required (YES/NO) |
Yes, the company must have a local representative. |
| Minimum share capital |
None |
| Local bank account required (YES/NO) |
Yes, opening a bank account in Vietnam is necessary when setting up a company. |
| Business registration steps |
– documents drafting and filing, – tax registration, – obtaining an investment certificate (for foreign-owned companies), – bank account opening, – and employment registration if required |
| Registration documents |
– company charter, – a list of the company members, – details of the director, – declarations of the appointed officers accepting their positions |
| Visit required for incorporation (YES/NO) |
No, there is no need to visit Vietnam to open a company. |
| Taxes to pay |
– corporate tax, – value added tax, – withholding taxes fo foreign companies (foreign contractor tax), – excise taxes, – customs taxes, – land use taxes |
| Corporate tax rate |
20% |
| Advantages of opening a company in Vietnam |
– access to a large local market, – quick registration procedure, – simple company formation requirements |
| Business registration support (YES/NO) | Yes, you can rely on our lawyers in Vietnam for legal advice. |
| Entities available for foreign companies | Foreign companies can set up branches, subsidiaries, and liaison offices in Vietnam. |
|
Support for setting up companies with foreign ownership in Vietnam (YES/NO) |
Yes, we can assist with the creation of any foreign-owned business form. |
|
Pre-investment approval requirements for foreign companies (if any) |
Yes, for companies operating in certain special sectors, such as telecommunications. |
| Full foreign ownership allowed (YES/NO) | Yes, full foreign ownership is available in most sectors. |
| Individual shareholders allowed (YES/NO) |
Yes, natural persons can set up companies in Vietnam, including foreign citizens. |
| Corporate directors allowed (YES/NO) |
No, no matter the business form. |
| Possibility to register a company remotely (YES/NO) |
Yes, with the help of our law firm in Vietnam. |
| Possibility to set up free zone companies (YES/NO) |
Yes, free zone companies are available for registration. |
| Accounting requirements for companies |
Companies must file audited financial statements annually. The financial year is the same as the calendar year. |
| Virtual office address availability (YES/NO) | Yes, virtual office services can be used in Vietnam. |
| Licensing requirements (if any) |
Yes, for certain activities. |
| Special programs for foreign investors (if any) |
Foreign entrepreneurs can use the investor visa to incorporate companies in Vietnam. |
| Access to local workforce (YES/NO) |
Yes |
| Possibility to hire foreign staff (YES/NO) |
Yes, however, work visas are required for each employee. |
| Business registration timeframe (approx.) | 3 to 4 months |
Table of Contents
Is full foreign company ownership available in Vietnam?
Yes, in most sectors of activity.
What are the types of entities I can open in Vietnam as a foreigner?
If you plan to be the sole owner of the Vietnamese company, you can opt for a foreign-owned enterprise, which takes the form of a limited liability company.
Other business forms available are:
- the joint stock company;
- the branch office.
There is also the representative office, which can be set up by foreign companies and which bears a special status in Vietnam.
Are there specific aspects I should know if I want to open a company in Vietnam as a foreigner?
Yes, for foreign investors who decide to set up companies in Vietnam, the following steps must also be considered:
- the pre-approval stage which is necessary for large or strategic investment projects (such as construction operations, casino creation, airport constructions to name some examples);
- obtaining the Investment Registration Certificate, which is mandatory, no matter the type of investment.
What is the minimum capital to open a company in Vietnam?
There is no minimum amount imposed under the Company Law. However, there are sectors where the specific legislation imposes minimum capital requirements.
What are the management requirements when opening a company in Vietnam? Do I need to appoint a resident director?
A company must have at least one legal representative who is a Vietnamese resident.
NOTE: You can also appoint a foreign director for whom a Vietnamese work and residence permit must be obtained.
We also have an infographic on how to set up a business in Vietnam:
What are the steps to open a company in Vietnam in 2026?
The following:
- apply for the investment certificate;
- have the statutory documents drafted (our Vietnamese lawyers can handle this process swiftly);
- file the incorporation papers with the Trade Register;
- open a corporate bank account;
- register for taxation;
- apply for the necessary operating licenses.
What documents do I need to open a company in Vietnam?
A standard application form in which the business project is presented in detail;
- The investment project proposal, which must contain information about the land plot to be used;
- Proof of financial solvency;
- Valid passport;
- Details about the legal representative.
In the case of a local representative, the person can be a Vietnamese residence permit holder or an external agent with offices in this country.
Can I open a company in Vietnam remotely?
Yes, with representation from our law firm in Vietnam.
How long does it take to register a business in Vietnam?
Around one month, if also counting the procedure for obtaining the investment certificate. The registration with the Companies House is usually completed in 5 to 7 working days.
If you need support to open a company in Vietnam, contact our lawyers. You can also rely on our accountants in Vietnam for assistance in tax matters.