Can foreign investors fully own an advertising company in Vietnam? Do current regulations truly “open the door,” or are there hidden conditions that businesses must navigate? If you plan to enter Vietnam’s highly competitive advertising and media market, the information below will help you avoid costly mistakes and understand the necessary legal roadmap.
How to set up a 100% foreign-owned advertising company is a common question among investors who see the rapid growth of Vietnam’s media industry. Although the law does not “close the door,” the process is complex and involves limitations that often confuse investors from the very first steps. To fully understand, investors must be aware of the Investment Law and international commitments related to advertising services.
According to WTO commitments and Vietnamese law, foreign investors are allowed to invest in advertising services in Vietnam, but with conditions.
Notable requirements include:
Investors must complete the investment registration process before establishing the enterprise.
Certain types of advertising (TV advertising, political advertising, copyright-related advertising, etc.) are restricted or tightly regulated.
Regulations on advertising content require businesses to have an internal content review unit and comply with Vietnam’s information standards.
Thus, foreign investors can establish a 100% foreign-owned advertising company, but must meet all legal conditions—a factor many businesses underestimate.
Many foreign businesses encounter difficulties early due to a lack of understanding of Vietnamese law. Common risks include:
Investment applications being returned multiple times due to insufficient feasibility explanations or lack of financial proof.
Incorrect selection of advertising service codes, leading to misjudgment of business scope.
Failure to anticipate content compliance requirements, resulting in mandatory license amendments after establishment.
Extended approval timelines affecting business rollout.
This is why many investors choose professional law firms specializing in foreign investment, such as DEDICA Law, to ensure progress and minimize risks.
After understanding investment rights and associated risks, the next step is knowing the exact requirements and an optimized procedure.
Key requirements include:
Investment registration dossier: clearly presenting goals, scope, and advertising services.
Financial capability: proving sufficient capital for the advertising sector.
Industry experience (optional but beneficial).
Legally compliant business location aligned with local planning.
Compliance with Vietnam’s advertising regulations: content must not violate culture, customs, or national security.
Given the sector’s regulatory sensitivity, investors must prepare thoroughly to avoid repeated revisions requested by authorities.
As a law firm specializing in investment and corporate services, DEDICA Law supports foreign clients through a streamlined 4-step process:
Assess investment eligibility based on Vietnam’s commitments.
Prepare the Investment Registration License (IRL) dossier with clear business models to increase approval rates.
Register and establish the company with accurate business codes.
Support post-establishment procedures: tax registration, digital signature, compliance consulting, and IP matters.
Establishing a 100% foreign-owned advertising company in Vietnam is feasible but requires navigating strict conditions and potential legal pitfalls. A clear legal strategy from the start helps investors save time, avoid mistakes, and protect their interests. If you're considering investing or need feasibility assessment, contact DEDICA Law for professional guidance and an optimized investment roadmap.
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