The exhibition and trade fair industry in Vietnam is rapidly developing, especially in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The demand for professional exhibition booth design is increasing, creating opportunities for foreign investors who want to enter this creative services market. However, in order to establish and operate an exhibition booth design company, investors must clearly understand the legal framework, specific conditions, and related procedures.

Legal Framework for Exhibition Booth Design
Exhibition booth design is categorized under creative and event support services. According to the Law on Investment 2020, this industry is not on the list of conditional business lines or market access restrictions for foreign investors. This means investors can either establish a wholly foreign-owned company or form a joint venture with a Vietnamese partner.

However, because the business is closely associated with event organization and advertising services, companies may also need to comply with the Law on Advertising 2012, the Law on Commerce 2005, and other related regulations. Particularly, if the company provides construction or installation of booths, it must ensure compliance with occupational safety, fire prevention and fighting requirements, and temporary construction standards.

Forms of Investment and Types of Enterprises
Foreign investors can choose one of the following forms:

Establish a one-member or multi-member limited liability company.
Establish a joint stock company with multiple shareholders.
Form a joint venture with a Vietnamese company to leverage local human resources, experience, and customer networks.

In practice, many investors prefer to establish a wholly foreign-owned company to maintain control. However, partnering with local businesses helps shorten the market entry process, especially in a field requiring close ties with event organizers, exhibition centers, and corporate clients.

Legal Conditions and Establishment Procedures
To open an exhibition booth design service company, foreign investors must complete two main procedures:

Apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).
Apply for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).

Required documents include: investment project proposal, company charter, investor information, office lease contract, and financial capability proof.

Additionally, during operations, companies may need temporary construction permits (if directly building booths) and fire prevention and fighting certificates for warehouses, model production workshops, or decoration material storage.

Personnel and Professional Requirements
Success in this field depends on having a team with expertise in industrial design, architecture, and construction techniques. Investors should prepare competency profiles, project portfolios, or contracts from past projects to build trust with clients and authorities.

If employing foreign workers, the company must comply with Decree 152/2020/ND-CP on conditions and procedures for work permits, as well as regulations on managing Vietnamese employees working for foreign organizations and individuals.

Tax Obligations and Financial Management
An exhibition booth design service company must fulfill all tax obligations in Vietnam, including:

Value Added Tax (10%) for services.
Corporate Income Tax (20%) on profits.
Personal Income Tax for employees.

If importing materials or equipment from abroad for booth construction, the company must also comply with customs procedures and import tax obligations.

Practical Implementation and Investor Recommendations
Vietnam’s exhibition booth design market is highly competitive, with participation from both local and international companies. Investors should prepare long-term strategies, focusing on creativity, construction quality, and after-sales services.

To minimize risks, investors should:

Consult professional legal advisors to structure a suitable investment model.
Sign transparent service contracts clearly defining liability for damages or delays.
Build occupational safety and fire prevention protocols for booth construction.

Conclusion
Opening an exhibition booth design service in Vietnam is a promising opportunity for foreign investors, driven by growing demand from trade events, fairs, and international exhibitions. Although not a restricted business sector, companies must strictly comply with investment, advertising, construction, and safety regulations.

With thorough preparation in legal, personnel, and financial aspects, along with support from reputable legal advisors, foreign investors can successfully establish and sustainably grow an exhibition booth design company in Vietnam.

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