Establishing a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) in Vietnam, where the company is 100% foreign-owned, generally takes around 2 to 4 months, depending on the nature of the business and company type. For those looking for a quicker setup, a Representative Office can be established in about half the time; however, the permitted business activities for Representative Offices are more limited.

Step 1: Pre-Investment Approval

For large-scale investment projects, companies may need to obtain approval from Vietnamese authorities before proceeding with the business setup process. This step is crucial to determine if your investment project falls under the category requiring special government approval, and if so, to prepare the necessary documents in advance and accommodate potential processing delays.

Projects that often require special approval include:

• Residential housing developments;
• Airports, air transport businesses, cargo terminals, and seaports;
• Petroleum processing facilities;
• Casinos and betting businesses;
• Industrial zone and export-processing zone infrastructure;
• Nuclear power plants;
• Golf course developments;
• Special land use rights projects;
• Projects in sensitive locations, such as islands, borders, coastal areas, and other defense-sensitive zones;
• Heritage or protected area projects;
• Projects that involve relocating inhabitants; and
• Projects requiring the conversion of forests or agricultural land, such as rice fields.

For projects that fall under these categories, understanding the specific requirements and preparing for potential delays is critical.

See more: how can to get work permit in Vietnam

Registered Address and Resident Director Requirements

1. Company Registered Address: A legal address is required, with most businesses needing a physical location (e.g., office, manufacturing site). For certain service-based companies, a registered office may suffice.

2. Company Legal Representative: A company must appoint at least one legal representative with a residential address in Vietnam. While a foreign national can serve in this role, a work permit will be needed.

Lawyer: Mr. Tony

Phone: +84 919 195 939

Email: tuulawyer@nvcs.vn

Website: nvcs.vn