A-to-Z Guide to Foreign Investment Registration in Vietnam
Registering foreign investment in Vietnam is the first and mandatory step for foreign investors who wish to establish a company or carry out business projects in Vietnam. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help investors complete the process lawfully, saving both time and costs.
Determine the Investment Plan and Prepare Documentation
Before starting legal procedures, investors must clearly define the investment method, check whether special conditions apply, and prepare the necessary documentation. This stage lays the foundation for the entire investment registration process in Vietnam.
Choose the Right Investment Method
Investors can choose among the following forms of investment:
Establishing a foreign-invested company;
Contributing capital or purchasing shares/equity in a Vietnamese company;
Investing under BCC or PPP contracts.
Accurate identification of the method determines the correct procedures to follow.
Initial Legal Documentation
Typical documents include:
Passport/ID (for individuals) or Business Registration Certificate (for organizations);
Financial statements, bank balance confirmation, or financial commitment;
Investment project proposal;
Office lease agreement, land use right documents.
Foreign documents must be notarized and legalized per Vietnamese regulations.
Seeking Approvals and Licensing
Once the investment direction is confirmed, the investor must carry out licensing procedures with authorities. This is the core part of the foreign investment registration process and must be done in sequence to avoid legal risks.
Apply for Investment Policy Approval (if required)
Some projects require prior approval, such as:
Projects with investment capital of VND 5,000 billion or more;
Projects located in border areas or affecting national security;
Projects requesting land allocation without auction.
Approval may be granted by the National Assembly, Prime Minister, or Provincial People’s Committee.
Apply for the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
This is a compulsory step. The application is submitted to the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI). Processing time is typically 15 working days. After receiving the IRC, investors continue with business registration (ERC) and other legal formalities.
Post-Investment Registration Procedures
After receiving investment approvals, foreign-invested enterprises must complete the remaining steps to operate legally, such as company registration, opening a bank account, capital contribution, and tax registration.
Establishing a Foreign-Invested Enterprise (FIE)
After obtaining the IRC, investors must apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).
Documents required:
Business registration application form;
Company charter;
List of members/shareholders;
IRC and personal/legal documents.
Processing time: 3–5 working days.
Post-Establishment Procedures to Note
After obtaining the ERC, investors should:
Open a bank account and notify the DPI;
Register for taxes, print, and issue VAT invoices;
Make the company seal and register its form;
Contribute capital within 90 days;
Register labor and social insurance if hiring employees.
DEDICA provides comprehensive services for foreign investment registration in Vietnam—from obtaining investment approvals to getting your company operational. With experienced legal experts, we ensure compliance, speed, and optimal solutions for each investment project.
Strictly following post-registration procedures ensures smooth business operations and helps avoid administrative penalties.
Foreign investment registration in Vietnam involves multiple steps and requires legal expertise. Investors are advised to prepare thoroughly and consider using professional legal services to ensure a fast, lawful, and effective process.
Contact DEDICA Law Firm today for expert legal advice!
Phone: (+84) 39 969 0012 (We are available on WhatsApp, WeChat and Zalo)
Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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