What Is an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)?

An Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) is an official document issued by Vietnamese authorities that approves a specific investment project carried out by a foreign investor in Vietnam. The IRC is a key requirement for foreign-invested enterprises that are established based on an investment project in Vietnam.

Purpose of the Investment Registration Certificate

The IRC provides formal approval for a foreign investment project before the company can be legally established. It outlines key details of the investment project, including:

• The name and details of the investor
• The project objectives and business activities
• The investment capital and contribution schedule
• The location of the project
• The duration of the investment project

This document helps ensure that the investment project complies with Vietnam’s Law on Investment and other applicable regulations.

Who Needs an IRC?

An IRC is typically required in the following cases:

• A foreign individual or company establishes a business in Vietnam
• An IRC is generally not required for capital contributions or share purchases in an existing Vietnamese company, unless the transaction involves establishing a new investment project or falls under specific regulatory approval requirements
• A new foreign-invested project is being launched in Vietnam

However, some smaller capital contributions or share purchases may not require an IRC depending on the structure of the transaction and the specific industry involved.

The IRC in the Company Formation Process

For investment projects involving foreign investors, obtaining an IRC is typically the first step before applying for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC). After the IRC is approved, the investor can proceed with applying for the ERC, which officially establishes the company as a legal entity.

The IRC application process typically involves submitting documents related to the investor’s financial capacity, the investment proposal, and the proposed business activities.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Investment regulations and administrative procedures in Vietnam may change over time.