Chinese-invested advertising companies in Vietnam are becoming increasingly common. However, many investors still struggle with key questions: Is the advertising sector open to 100% foreign ownership? What licenses are required? What legal risks may arise if mistakes are made from the outset?
This article helps you clearly understand the applicable conditions, restrictions, and safe legal solutions.
In recent years, the wave of Chinese-invested advertising enterprises entering Vietnam has become more apparent. Vietnam is regarded as a highly potential market thanks to reasonable operating costs, a young workforce, and rapid growth in digital advertising.
However, many investors focus only on “business opportunities” while overlooking mandatory legal requirements. As a result, after establishment, companies may be unable to operate their services, be required to amend licenses, or even face administrative penalties or suspension of operations.
So how does Vietnamese law regulate Chinese-invested advertising companies? Is 100% foreign ownership allowed, or is a joint venture mandatory? These are issues that must be properly understood from the very beginning.
Under Vietnam’s WTO commitments and relevant free trade agreements, advertising services are not prohibited for foreign investors, including Chinese investors. However, advertising is a conditional business sector, meaning registration alone does not automatically permit operation.
In practice, many Chinese-invested advertising companies are denied licenses or required to amend their applications due to incorrect service scopes, improper industry descriptions, or failure to meet specific regulatory conditions.
This places investors in a passive position, wasting time and costs while disrupting initial business plans.
To be legally licensed and operate in Vietnam, a Chinese-invested advertising company must simultaneously satisfy multiple groups of conditions.
Chinese investors may choose one of the following common forms:
Establishing a 100% Chinese-owned company
Capital contribution or joint venture with a Vietnamese company
Vietnamese law does not require mandatory joint ventures in the advertising sector. However, during the licensing review process, investment authorities carefully assess:
The investor’s financial capacity
Experience in the advertising industry
Business models involving sensitive elements (advertising content, media, digital platforms, etc.)
Selecting the appropriate investment structure significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) on the first submission.
A very common mistake is registering an overly broad advertising scope, leading to requests for clarification or license amendments.
Under current regulations, Chinese-invested advertising companies in Vietnam may engage in activities such as:
Advertising and media strategy consulting
Advertising content design
Planning and implementing advertising campaigns
Advertising through legally permitted channels
However, certain activities are restricted or subject to additional conditions, for example:
Advertising related to press, broadcasting, and television
Advertising involving sensitive political or social content
Cross-border digital advertising on online platforms
Without proper legal advice, companies may unintentionally register activities beyond the permitted scope.
With extensive experience advising FDI enterprises across various sectors, DEDICA Law recognizes that the key issue is not only whether investment is permitted, but whether it is done correctly from the outset.
DEDICA Law typically applies a clear 4-step process:
Step 1: Assess the actual business model
→ Determine whether the company engages in pure advertising or includes technology, digital platforms, or digital content elements.
Step 2: Advise on appropriate business lines and operating scope
→ Adjust industry descriptions to ensure legal compliance while maintaining commercial feasibility.
Step 3: Apply for the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
→ Standardize investor capacity documents and clearly explain capital sources and experience.
Step 4: Establish the company & obtain sub-licenses (if required)
→ Avoid the risk of “suspended operations” after incorporation.
This approach helps investors save time and costs while minimizing future legal risks.
Many Chinese-invested advertising companies in Vietnam encounter issues such as:
Holding licenses but being unable to conduct actual services
Repeated requests to amend IRCs or ERCs
Inspections due to operating beyond registered business lines
Difficulties opening investment capital accounts or remitting profits abroad
These risks are entirely preventable with proper legal advice from the investment preparation stage.
DEDICA Law is a professional law firm based in Ho Chi Minh City, with a reputable team of lawyers. We understand the mindset, challenges, and legal barriers commonly faced by Chinese investors entering the Vietnamese market.
DEDICA provides comprehensive legal services for FDI enterprises, including:
Company establishment & investment registration in Vietnam
Ongoing legal advisory services
Investment license application and amendment
Contract advisory, dispute resolution, and legal compliance
Are you planning to establish a Chinese-invested advertising company in Vietnam?
Are you concerned about legal risks or license rejection?
Contact DEDICA Law today for a tailored legal strategy from the very beginning.
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat & Zalo supported)
🕒 Working hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
Contact us now for your first free consultation with our professional legal team.
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