How do I register a company in Vietnam if I am a foreigner?

Foreigners are allowed to register their company in Vietnam for starting a business.In most industries, they can own 100% of the shares of their business. In a few selected industries, company registration in Vietnam is only allowed in a joint venture agreement with a Vietnamese individual or corporate shareholder.One IBC’ Vietnam company registration specialist will advise you with regards to the need for a joint venture partner.Read more: How to set up a company in Vietnam? Types of company in Vietnam

Does registration of a Vietnam business differ from registration of a foreign-owned one?

Yes. in many ways.Foreigners registering a new business in Vietnam are notably required to open a capital account in the country, which they will have to use in other to inject their company’s share capital.Read more: The first step in setting up a company in Vietnam

In Order to Carry Out an Investment Project in Vietnam in WFOE or JV Form, must an Investor Set Up a Vietnamese Legal Entity?

Not necessarily. A foreign investor may set up a new legal entity as a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (“WFOE”) or as a JV (and contribute capital to this entity): in this case, an investor must apply both for an investment registration certifcate (“IRC”) and an enterprise registration certifcate (“ERC”), which was formerly called a business registration certifcate (“BRC”). A foreign investor may also contribute capital to an existing legal entity in Vietnam, which does not require an issuance of an IRC or ERC.Thus, in respect of foreign investors carrying out their frst project in Vietnam, the incorporation of the Vietnamese legal entity takes place simultaneously with the licensing of their frst project. In other words, a foreign investor cannot incorporate a legal entity without a project. However, subsequent to the frst project, an investor may carry out additional projects either using the established legal entity or by setting up a new entity.Read more: Starting a business in Vietnam Types of company in Vietnam

What types of Vietnamese legal entities are available?

A foreign investor (just like a local investor) may select one of the following Vietnamese legal entities to carry out a project: A limited liability company (“LLC”), in the form of either a single-member LLC (“SLLC”) or an LLC with two or more (up to a maximum of 50) members (“MLLC”). A shareholding or joint stock company (“JSC”) which is a company with at least three shareholders but no maximum number of shareholders. A general partnership or a limited liability partnership. A private enterprise (akin to a sole proprietorship).Read more: Vietnam company formation Company registration fees in Vietnam

What factors should a foreign investor consider in deciding whether to choose a JV (Partly foreign-owned LLC (The Vietnam joint venture company)?

The two main factors that lead a foreign investor to choose a JV are: (i) some business sectors in Vietnam require a JV to establish a commercial presence in Vietnam; and (ii) the Vietnamese party has a key asset, local know-how and knowledge, or other factors that make the JV the preferred choice.For example, in real estate development projects, the Vietnamese party usually has the land use rights, which by law cannot be directly transferred to a foreign investor, but may be contributed into a JV.Read more: 100% foreign owned company in Vietnam Vietnam company registration

What are the best banks in Vietnam for foreigners?

In recent years, the finance-banking sector in Vietnam rapidly develops in both its scale and quality of services. Financial and banking services have made strong progress, playing a significant role in promoting the sustainable development of Vietnam's economy. With the high quality of services and high prestige, many banks in Vietnam have been the trusted partners of Vietnamese people and foreigners.

For foreigners looking for the best banks in Vietnam, this list of top banks for you to consider opening a bank account in Vietnam:

Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade (VietinBank)
Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank)
Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank)
Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV)
Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB Bank)
Vietnam International Bank (VIB)
Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB)
Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank)
Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB)
Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Maritime Bank)
Vietnam Prosperity Joint-Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank)

Set Up Now

Leave us your contact and we will get back to you the soonest!

Full Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Communication Channel *

Your inquiries *

How did you know about us *

Which country do you want to setup company ? *

Additional Request(s)

Will you allow One IBC to send you notifications?

What are the best banks in Vietnam for foreigners?

For foreigners looking for the best banks in Vietnam, this list of top banks for you to consider opening a bank account in Vietnam:

Leave us your contact and we will get back to you the soonest!

Related FAQs

Download One IBC Mobile App now

What the media say about us

About Us