How to Invest in Hair Salon, Hair Washing and Styling Services in Vietnam Using South Korean Capital
How to Invest in a Hair Salon in Vietnam with Korean Capital?
The beauty industry, especially hair salons offering haircut, shampoo, and styling services, is booming in Vietnam. With Vietnamese consumers’ increasingly refined aesthetic tastes and the strong influence of Korean culture, it is easy to see the attractive profit potential in opening a Korean-style salon in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. However, to invest effectively, Korean investors need to understand the legal process, specific conditions, and practical considerations in establishing a business.
Legal Conditions for Korean Investors Opening a Hair Salon in Vietnam
When investing in haircare and styling services—classified as a conditional business line in Vietnam—Korean investors must comply with certain regulations.
Industry regulations and ownership ratio: Beauty care services (including haircut, shampoo, styling) are not restricted for foreign investment but are conditional. According to Vietnam’s WTO commitments and current Investment Law, Korean investors may contribute capital or establish a wholly foreign-owned company in this field. Licensing authorities, however, will carefully review factors such as location, scale, staffing, and compliance with Vietnamese laws in the beauty sector.
Investment license and business registration: To establish a salon company, Korean investors must obtain an Investment Registration Certificate and an Enterprise Registration Certificate. The application must specify the business model, capital contribution ratio, financial plan, business location, and intended business activities.
Practice conditions and facilities: Investors must ensure hygiene, labor safety, and staffing conditions. Salons offering services like dyeing, perming, or special treatments may be considered beauty establishments, requiring a sufficient-condition license, especially if modern techniques, specific chemicals, or regulated equipment are used.
Practical Notes for Operating Korean Salons in Vietnam
Labor recruitment and management: Investors must sign labor contracts, pay social insurance, and comply with Vietnam’s Labor Code. Hiring Korean experts requires work permits and appropriate visas. Non-compliance (e.g., verbal contracts, no insurance, overtime violations) risks complaints and penalties.
Brand registration and protection: Investors should register the salon’s trademark with the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam to prevent imitation and lay the foundation for expanding a salon chain. Branding elements like design, uniforms, and signage must also comply with local construction and cultural regulations.
Legal and financial risk control: Imported equipment and chemicals must comply with Vietnamese technical and safety standards. Proper tax filing, accounting, and financial management are essential to avoid penalties and unexpected costs.
DEDICA – Partnering with Korean Investors
Many Korean investors face challenges with administrative procedures and language barriers. Choosing a reliable legal advisor is key to a smooth, cost-efficient, and lawful investment process.
With extensive experience supporting foreign investors, especially Koreans in the service sector, DEDICA Law Firm provides comprehensive legal services—from investment registration and licensing to ongoing operational support.
Contact DEDICA Law Firm for expert legal consultation!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)
🏢 Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
🕒 Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 18:00)
