In recent years, Southeast Asia has become a hotspot for global economic growth, withVietnamWith its favorable geographical location, young and cost-competitive labor force, and increasingly open trade and investment policies, Vietnam has attracted a large number of international investors. Whether it is for manufacturing, establishing regional trade centers, or expanding into digital technology and services, Vietnam shows strong market potential.

If you are considering entering the Vietnamese market and setting up a company or factory, it is vital that you understand the clear and complete registration process and compliance requirements. In particularNew regulations for company registration in Vietnam in 2026After the implementation, there are simplified parts of the process and stricter compliance requirements. In this article, we will systematize the whole process from pre-preparation to post-operation from the perspective of science and technology to help you take the first step of investment in a safe manner.

I. Common Types of Vietnamese Companies and Suggestions for Selection

Vietnamese law allows foreign investors to set up a wide range of business entities, and choosing the right type is the first step to success. There are four main types as follows:

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This is the most popular form of foreign investment. It allows 100% foreign ownership, shareholder liability is limited to the amount of their capital contribution, and the structure is simple and straightforward. Under the new regulations, the registration cycle can already be shortened to about 30 days at the earliest. It is ideally suited for the vast majority of SMEs, especially first-time investors entering the Vietnamese market in the manufacturing, trading and technology services sectors.

2. Joint Stock Company (JSC)
If a company has plans for future listing or public financing, a joint stock company is a more appropriate choice. It requires at least three shareholders and can issue shares, but has a relatively complex corporate governance structure. It is usually suitable for larger and well-developed enterprises.

3. Representation
The representative office can only engage in market research, information liaison, brand promotion, etc.non-operationalActivities. It is low-cost and simple to set up, but cannot sign commercial contracts or generate income directly, and is used only for preliminary market inspections.

4. Branch offices
A branch is not a separate legal entity and its legal liability is borne by the overseas parent company. The establishment of a branch usually requires that the parent company has been in operation for a certain number of years (e.g. 5 years). It is suitable for enterprises that have stable operations overseas and wish to conduct business in Vietnam directly under the name of the parent company.

Core recommendations: For most investors seeking flexibility, risk segregation and efficient landedLimited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common and recommended choice.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

II. Three core preparations before registration

1.Planning registered capital: no uniform minimum, but "industry invisible thresholds"

• Although the law does not set a uniform minimum standard across the country, the registered capital must match the size of the investment, the nature of the industry, and must meet practical requirements such as visa applications.
• Trade/service companies: It is proposed that the registered capital should not be less than $100,000-$120,000to ensure smooth approval of the investment visa.
• Manufacturing companies: Requirements are usually higher and it is recommended that Above $200,000-$300,000and the total investment needs to be of a certain size.
• important rule: The capital shall be issued after the business license is issued Within 90 days 100% paid-in and proof of capitalization is required.

2.Determination of registered address: must be a valid physical address in Vietnam

• Proof of legal address (lease contract or proof of ownership) is required.
• production-orientedBusinesses must be located in government-planned industrial park maybe export processing zoneThe
• Regional Selection Reference::
  • North (Hanoi, Haiphong): Political center with mature manufacturing clusters suitable for electronics, machinery, etc.
  • South (Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong): Economic and financial center with active trade, suitable for service industry, cross-border e-commerce.
  • Central (Da Nang): Lower operating costs and is growing rapidly, suitable for textiles, light industry, etc.

3.Preparation of shareholder/director documents: foreign notarization and authentication are required in advance.

• At least one shareholder and one director are required, and there are no restrictions on nationality.
• All non-Vietnamese issued documents (e.g. passports, parent company registration certificates, etc.) are subject to "Level 3 certification": Local notarization → authentication by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or the corresponding agency) → authentication by the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in China, followed by translation notarization in Vietnam.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

Third, 2026 new regulations under the registration of the whole process in detail

The new 2026 regulations have driven electronic approvals and the process has been significantly optimized:

1. Pre-approval of company names: Submission of 2-3 alternative English names through Vietnam's National Business Registration Portal, with results in 1-3 working days.
2. Notarization and authentication of documents: Completion of transnational authentication of all necessary documents and notarization of local Vietnamese translations, as mentioned earlier.
3. Application for Investment Registration Certificate (IRC): Submit an investment application to the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, which is an entry permit for foreign investment projects. The approval time depends on the project and usually takes 15-25 working days.
4. Applying for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC, i.e., business license): Apply for company business license with IRC and other materials. Electronic approval is accelerated under the new regulations and takes about 3-10 working days.
5. Engraving and filing of official seals: It takes 1-2 working days to engrave the company's official seal at the designated organization of the Ministry of Public Security and to complete the statutory filing procedure.
6. tax registration: Simultaneous or subsequent registration with the tax office to obtain a tax code. The standard VAT rate is 10% and the standard corporate income tax rate is 20%.
7. Bank Account Opening and Capital Contribution: Open a corporate account with a Vietnamese bank and inject the registered capital in full within 90 days.

IV. Points for Compliance Operation after Registration

Successful registration is just the beginning, and continuous compliant operation is the guarantee for the company's sound development:

• Tax Declaration: Monthly/quarterly VAT returns and annual corporate income tax returns are required to be filed on time.
• Annual audit and annual report: The Company is required by law to conduct annual financial audits and after the end of each fiscal yearWithin 40 daysSubmission of annual reports to the competent authorities and completion of annual inspection procedures.
• Information change filing: If there is a change in important information such as company name, address, legal representative, registered capital or articles of association, it must be registered in a timely manner for government filing.
• special reminder: For Chinese investors, before making capital contributions to Vietnam, complete the Chinese domesticOutbound Investment (ODI) FilingIt is a prerequisite and crucial for funds to exit the country in a compliant manner, enjoy tax benefits and repatriate future profits.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

V. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can foreign investors 100% hold Vietnamese companies?
A: It is permitted in the vast majority of general industries (e.g. manufacturing, trade, IT services). However, there are restrictions on the percentage of foreign ownership in some special industries (e.g. telecommunications, finance, news media).

Q: How long does it take in total to register a Limited Liability Company (LLC)?
A: With complete preparation of materials and smooth process, the whole process can be shortened to about 30-45 days at the earliest according to the new regulations and through the assistance of professional organizations.

Q: Can the registered capital be increased subsequently?
A: Yes. The company may increase its registered capital by internal resolution and fulfill the governmental change registration procedures according to its development needs.

The Vietnam market presents both opportunities and challenges, and the new regulations in 2026 will increase the efficiency of approvals, while at the same time placing greater demands on investors in terms of prior preparation and long-term compliance. Understanding the rules, planning thoroughly, and seeking professional legal and business support when necessary will be the key to a sound first step and sustainable development of your investment in Vietnam.