Effortlessly incorporate and manage your company in Vietnam with Vepapu—offering all-in-one services from registration to compliance, banking, and visa support.
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Unlock Growth Opportunities in an Emerging Market
Reduced operational costs, including labour, rent, & overheads.
Simplified compliance requirements and regulatory processes.
A large and young population provides a dynamic workforce.
Allows for foreign shareholding up to 100% in the company.
Everything You Need for Seamless Company Formation
Experience seamless company formation from anywhere with Vepapu. Our digital incorporation services ensure you can register your company online without the need to travel or submit paperwork in person.
We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing support for any incorporation-related queries.
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Meet the local requirements online with Vepapu. Having a local registered office address is mandatory for your company's registration and we will help you meet this requirement. We will receive, scan, and email you if any mail is received from the authorities at your address.
You can also build a physical presence in the country by opting for our nominee director services, who will act as your company's director while you retain total control over your company.
You can capitalise on our strong banking relationships with traditional banks as well as digital-first banking providers.
You would need to physically visit the bank's location if you opt for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, while modern digital banking providers welcome you with an online onboarding process.
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Leverage Vepapu’s expertise to navigate the visa application process for your business needs. Whether you require work visas for your team or investor visas to secure your investment rights, we facilitate the entire process.
Our services include comprehensive guidance on meeting eligibility criteria, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting applications efficiently to minimize wait times and complications.
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Mandatory documents and information required for your company formation
A certified true copy (scanned version) of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), Resumé, or Linkedin profile.
One of the scanned copies of a bank reference, bank statement, Utility bill, or Driver license.
It should clearly show the holder's full name along with a physical address written in English (P.O. Box addresses are not accepted).
It must be the most recent version and dated within the last 3 months.
Please provide us with certified true copy (scanned version) of the following company documents:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association / Constitution
Register of Director
Register of Shareholder / UBO
Extract of the company’s details from the Registrar of Companies, which can include any of the following: Business Profile / Certificate of Incumbency / Certificate of Good standing (valid for within 6 months if any).
All members of the corporation, including Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact persons, must provide identity and address proofs as mentioned above.
From Paperwork to Approval: Making Company Formation Fast and Straightforward
Click here and fill out the short form to let us know your requirements.
Afterwards, our team will get in touch with you to guide you through the process.
Begin the company incorporation process by sharing the requested documents, as listed here. This enables us to begin the mandatory KYC and due diligence procedures to comply with local and international laws.
During the process of due diligence, our team might request additional information, documents, or clarification as needed.
If you ever feel lost while organising the documents, please contact us, as your dedicated manager from Vepapu will guide you through it.
Our team will now have the required information and documentation in hand to proceed with completing the required paperwork involved in incorporating your company.
We will complete one or multiple application forms as required and coordinate with the registry to submit them for their official approval.
We will do timely follow-ups with the registry and actively work with them if they require any further clarification or documentation before their approval.
If there are any other registrations with different government departments that are generally required before commencement of any business, required for your specific business industry, or that you have chosen voluntarily, we will promptly complete them.
As Vepapu strongly believes that company incorporation is just the first step in any business journey, we will accompany you throughout your business's life cycle by keeping it in good standing with local rules and regulations.
We will take care of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual reports and return filings with the authorities. We will timely inform you of the upcoming compliance deadlines, such as conducting an annual general meeting, for your prompt action.
Get in touch and ask us anything. We'd love to help.
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In Vietnam, the following business entity types are available for foreign businesses, founders, and investors:
This entity type is owned by a single individual or organization. The owner's liability is limited to their capital contribution. This structure allows for full control over the company's operations, making it a popular choice for small and medium-sized enterprises. The management structure is relatively simple, with fewer regulatory requirements compared to other entities.
This type of LLC can have between 2 and 50 members, who can be individuals or organizations. The members' liability is limited to their capital contributions, similar to a single-member LLC. This structure is suitable for businesses where the owners want to limit their liability while still having a collective management approach. Decision-making and profit distribution are governed by the charter and agreements among the members.
A branch office is an extension of a foreign company that is allowed to conduct business activities in Vietnam. Unlike a subsidiary, a branch office is not a separate legal entity and operates under the parent company's name and management. It can generate revenue, sign contracts, and engage in commercial activities, but the parent company bears full responsibility for its operations.
A representative office is a non-revenue-generating entity that represents the interests of a foreign company in Vietnam. It is limited to conducting market research, promoting the parent company’s business, and overseeing business contracts. It cannot engage in direct commercial activities or generate revenue, making it ideal for companies seeking to explore the Vietnamese market before committing to a full-scale business operation.
Yes, foreigners can fully own and operate a company in Vietnam through various legal structures, most notably a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which can be either single-member or multi-member. Vietnam allows foreign investors to own 100% of their company in most industries, with certain sectors requiring local partnerships. The incorporation process involves obtaining an investment registration certificate and an enterprise registration certificate, which typically takes between one and three months. Vietnam's legal environment is supportive of foreign direct investment, making it an increasingly attractive destination for global businesses.
Additionally, foreign-owned companies in Vietnam can benefit from various incentives, such as tax holidays, reduced corporate income tax rates, and exemptions from import duties on certain goods. These benefits are particularly appealing for investors in sectors prioritized by the Vietnamese government, such as high-tech industries, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. By incorporating in Vietnam, foreign investors also gain access to a rapidly growing market, a young and skilled workforce, and strategic positioning within Southeast Asia, making it a compelling option for expanding their business operations in the region.
An LLC in Vietnam must have at least one director, who is responsible for managing the daily operations of the company. The director can be a foreign national or a Vietnamese citizen, but if the director is a foreigner, they must obtain a valid work permit and reside in Vietnam. Corporate directors are not allowed; the director must be a natural person. Nominee directors are not officially recognized, meaning that the director listed in the company documents must genuinely fulfill the role.
In a single-member LLC, there is only one shareholder, while a multi-member LLC must have at least two and can have up to 50 shareholders. These shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities of any nationality, allowing for 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Shareholders' liability is limited to their capital contribution, and nominee shareholders are not officially recognized in Vietnam.
The LLC must appoint a legal representative, who is typically the director. This individual must reside in Vietnam and can be either a Vietnamese national or a foreigner with a valid work permit. The legal representative is responsible for representing the company in legal matters and must have a registered address in Vietnam.
There is no minimum capital requirement for an LLC in Vietnam, but the declared charter capital should be sufficient to cover the company's operational needs. This capital must be fully contributed within 90 days of the company’s incorporation. The amount of capital required may vary depending on the industry and specific business activities.
An LLC in Vietnam must have a registered physical office address. This can be a traditional office space or, in some cases, a virtual office, depending on the business type and the location within Vietnam. Certain industries, such as manufacturing, may require a physical office space.
To incorporate a company in Vietnam, you need to prepare and submit various documents. These documents are essential to comply with Vietnamese regulations and ensure your business operates legally. The documents will be used in KYC due diligence procedures, application preparation, and document submission to the authorities.
You need to prepare several documents, including the application for enterprise registration, the company charter, the list of members (for multi-member LLCs), and other relevant documents. These documents must be submitted to the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) in the province where your business will be located.
For foreign-owned companies, the first official step is to apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). This certificate is required if your business has foreign investors, and it allows you to invest in and operate a company in Vietnam. The process typically takes about 15 working days.
Once you have the IRC, you must apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), which legally establishes your company in Vietnam. The ERC includes important details such as the company's name, business code, and registered office address. This process takes around three working days.
After obtaining the ERC, your company must complete several post-registration procedures, including publishing the business registration content on the National Business Registration Portal, making a company seal, opening a bank account, and registering for taxes. You'll also need to apply for any specific business licenses required for your industry.
The shareholders must contribute the charter capital within 90 days from the date of issuance of the ERC. This capital is used to cover the initial expenses and operations of the company.
Depending on your business activities, you may need additional licenses or permits. These could range from import/export licenses to specific operational permits for industries such as manufacturing or education.
Finally, if you plan to hire employees, your company must register for social insurance and comply with labor regulations, which include filing employee contracts with the local labor authorities.
Incorporating a company in Vietnam comes with several post-incorporation compliance requirements that companies must adhere to in order to maintain their legal standing and operate smoothly. Here's a summary of the key compliance obligations:
After obtaining the Business Registration Certificate, the company must register with the local tax department. The company will receive a registration code that serves as both a tax code number for filing quarterly and annual tax returns and for other required reports. VAT registration is also mandatory, and companies must issue VAT invoices using the credit or direct method depending on their business activities.
All companies must secure a business license to operate legally in Vietnam. An annual Business License Tax (BLT) must be paid by January 30th each year, with new companies being exempt for the first year. Additionally, companies have 90 days from registration to fully contribute the charter capital as stated in their registration documents.
Companies must register their employees, both local and foreign, for mandatory social insurance contributions. The company is also responsible for ensuring that foreign employees have valid work permits and for submitting bi-annual labor use reports. For companies employing foreign workers, quarterly reports must be filed to justify the employment of foreign personnel.
Companies in Vietnam are required to submit various reports throughout the year. These include quarterly VAT and Personal Income Tax (PIT) returns, Corporate Income Tax (CIT) payments, and labor reports. Annual compliance includes filing audited financial statements, finalizing CIT and PIT, and submitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) reports. These reports must be submitted within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year.
After fulfilling all tax obligations, foreign-owned enterprises (FOEs) can remit profits abroad. Companies planning to remit profits must notify the relevant tax office at least seven working days before the remittance.
Companies must retain various types of documentation for specified periods: five years for general management documents, ten years for accounting data and financial statements, and indefinitely for documents of significant national importance.
In Vietnam, there are several visa options available for foreign investors and employees, each serving different purposes and offering varying durations of stay.
The Investor Visa is designed for foreign investors who wish to invest or start a business in Vietnam. There are four categories of Investor Visas (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4), differentiated by the size of the investment and the nature of the business. The DT1 visa, for example, is for investors who contribute capital of over VND 100 billion (~USD 4.3 million) or invest in sectors prioritized by the Vietnamese government. The visa duration can range from 1 to 10 years depending on the category, with DT1 and DT2 allowing for the longest stays. This visa also enables investors to apply for temporary residency in Vietnam, making it ideal for those who plan to reside in the country for an extended period.
The Work Visa is required for foreign nationals employed by Vietnamese companies. To obtain this visa, the foreign employee must first secure a work permit, which requires proof of professional qualifications and experience. The work permit is typically valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed. Once the work permit is issued, the foreign employee can apply for the LD Visa, allowing them to legally work and reside in Vietnam during their employment period. The LD visa is often tied to the validity of the work permit.
The Business Visa is intended for foreign nationals who need to enter Vietnam for short-term business activities, such as attending meetings, signing contracts, or conducting market research. This visa is not tied to employment and does not require a work permit. The DN Visa is usually valid for 3 to 12 months and can be single-entry or multiple-entry. It is suitable for business travelers who do not plan to work in Vietnam but need to frequently visit for business-related purposes.
These visas provide flexibility for foreign investors and employees depending on their role and the length of time they plan to stay in Vietnam. For those seeking long-term residency or employment, the Investor and Work Visas are the most appropriate, while the Business Visa suits those with short-term or frequent business needs
Vietnam imposes VAT on the supply of goods and services at rates of 0%, 5%, and the standard rate of 10%. VAT applies to most goods and services used in Vietnam, including imports. Businesses typically use the credit method to calculate VAT, where the amount payable is the output VAT minus the input VAT. Companies must file VAT returns either monthly or quarterly, depending on their revenue, and payments are due on the 20th of the following month or quarter (Vietnam Briefing).
The standard CIT rate in Vietnam is 20% for most businesses. However, certain sectors, such as oil and gas exploration, may face higher rates ranging from 32% to 50%. Tax incentives are available for companies investing in specific industries or regions, potentially lowering the CIT rate to as low as 10%. Companies must make quarterly CIT payments based on estimated profits, with final annual payments adjusted for actual income. Any shortfall exceeding 20% of the final CIT liability is subject to interest (Vietnam Briefing).
Foreign companies and contractors working in Vietnam may also be subject to the Foreign Contractor Tax (FCT), which includes both VAT and CIT components. Additionally, special consumption taxes (SCT) apply to certain luxury goods and services, further affecting tax liabilities (Vietnam Briefing) (Vietnam Briefing).
