Can a foreigner own a company in Vietnam?
Foreign investors can establish or invest in Vietnamese businesses in many sectors, but the available structure, ownership level, approvals, and licensing conditions depend on the activity, investor profile, location, and current foreign-investment rules. Some sectors have restrictions or additional conditions.
What is the usual route for setting up a company in Vietnam?
For many foreign-owned operating businesses, the process can involve an investment registration step, enterprise registration, tax and seal formalities, banking, and activity-specific licences where required. The exact sequence depends on the proposed business and location.
How long does company formation in Vietnam take?
Timing depends on the activity, investment structure, location, documents, capital plan, authority workload, and whether further approvals are required. We can explain the practical sequence and prepare the file, but final timing remains with the relevant authorities.
Is a local nominee required in Vietnam?
A local nominee should not be assumed to be necessary. The correct ownership and management structure depends on the activity, foreign-investment conditions, legal requirements, and the investor’s actual role. Any proposed arrangement should be reviewed carefully for legality, control, banking, tax, and enforceability.
Can a Vietnam company support work permits and residence for foreign staff?
A Vietnamese company can support appropriate work-permit and residence processes for eligible foreign personnel. The position depends on the person’s role, qualifications, company structure, local employment requirements, supporting documents, and current immigration rules. Final approval remains with the relevant authorities.
What are an IRC and ERC?
For many foreign-invested companies, the Investment Registration Certificate records the approved investment project and key investment terms. The Enterprise Registration Certificate establishes the enterprise itself. Not every case follows an identical path, so the precise filings depend on the activity, investors, location, and applicable foreign-investment conditions.
What is a Direct Investment Capital Account?
A Direct Investment Capital Account is a bank account used for certain capital contributions and investment-related transactions involving a foreign-invested enterprise. The required account structure and transaction route depend on the company, investors, currency, capital plan, and current banking rules. We confirm the practical banking sequence before funds move.
Do foreign investor documents need legalisation or translation?
Often, foreign corporate and individual documents need formalisation, legalisation, translation, or certified copies before use in Vietnam. The exact requirements depend on the investor, country of origin, document type, authority, and proposed structure. We confirm the document route before filing.
What ongoing obligations does a Vietnam company have?
Ongoing obligations can include accounting, tax filings, annual reporting, labour and payroll requirements, licence renewals, capital-contribution monitoring, corporate record maintenance, and activity-specific compliance. The applicable calendar depends on the company’s activity, location, employees, investment structure, and registrations.
