The documentation checklist for establishing an advertising company for foreign investors often leaves many businesses confused due to complicated procedures and strict legal requirements. What documents are needed? In what order should they be prepared to avoid rejection? And how can foreign investors minimize risks when applying for an Investment Registration Certificate? All answers are provided in detail below.
When foreign investors enter the Vietnamese market, establishing an advertising company may seem simple but actually involves multiple layers of legal procedures — from industry-specific conditions to required documents. Without a proper checklist, investors may face repeated requests for additional documents and prolonged processing time. So, what groups of documents are included in the checklist, and what must be noted when preparing them?
Valid passport/legal identification
Individual investors must provide notarized copies of passports; corporate investors must submit their Business Registration Certificate. All documents must be consular-legalized.
Proof of financial capacity
This may include bank statements, audited financial reports, or financial commitment letters. Vietnamese authorities pay close attention to this set of documents.
Detailed investment project proposal
This is the “core component” of the documentation checklist, including: project objectives, description of advertising activities, capital structure, duration, labor demand, and expected socio-economic efficiency.
Lease contract for head office/business location
The law requires that the chosen location must have the correct permitted use. Many applications are rejected simply because the business address does not meet regulatory requirements.
After understanding the basic groups of documents, businesses must also consider legal requirements, common risks, and factors that may lead to application rejection. This helps ensure the documentation checklist is complete from the first submission.
Advertising services are conditional for foreign investors
Foreign investors may invest in advertising services but must comply with the Law on Advertising, WTO commitments, and other international treaties. Capital structure, investment method, and service scope must be clearly described.
Capital requirements and financial capability
Although no minimum capital is legally required, competent authorities still evaluate the investor’s financial strength to ensure operational feasibility.
Invalid consular-legalized documents
Applications are often rejected due to missing authentication stamps, inaccurate translations, or expired documents.
Incorrect or overly general project objectives
Misdescribing the scope of advertising activities can lead to multiple amendments and delays in obtaining approvals.
This section provides the most complete documentation checklist along with practical guidance to help investors “get it right from the start.” DEDICA Law also shares legal tips to increase approval rates.
Application for the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
Application form for the investment project
Investment project proposal
Legal documents of the investor
Proof of financial capacity
Office lease agreement
Technology explanation (if applicable)
Properly preparing the IRC dossier can shorten processing time by 30–45%.
Application for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Company charter
List of members/shareholders (foreign investors)
Legal documents of the legal representative
Advertising business lines with proper classification codes
Capital contribution resolution and representative appointment
Define the advertising scope clearly from the outset
The clearer the description, the higher the approval rate. Businesses should identify whether they will operate in: online advertising, outdoor advertising, production of advertising materials, or creative content services.
Verify head office location compliance with planning rules
DEDICA has supported many investors who were rejected because their rented offices did not meet regulatory conditions. We always verify legal compliance before signing any lease.
In reality, most foreign investors do not have the time or legal expertise to handle the documentation themselves. They often encounter difficulties with consular legalization, project descriptions, modifying business lines, or responding to authority inquiries.
A single mistake can delay licensing by months —
which is why many FDI enterprises trust reputable law firms like DEDICA Law.
Are you planning to establish an advertising company in Vietnam?
Are you concerned about application rejection or prolonged processing time?
Let DEDICA support you from start to finish — preparing documents, submitting applications, working with authorities, and obtaining both the IRC & ERC.
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