E-commerce business registration business lines in Vietnam

In the context of the current strong digital transformation, e-commerce (EC) has become a business field full of potential, contributing significantly to national economic development. However, to operate legally and transparently, selecting and registering the correct e-commerce business line is a mandatory requirement for every enterprise. Understanding legal regulations on business lines not only helps enterprises comply with the law but also creates a solid foundation for operation, expansion, and capital raising in the future. In the following article, Viet An Law will provide information related to E-commerce business registration business lines in Vietnam according to current legal regulations.

What is E-commerce?

According to Clause 1 Article 3 of Decree 52/2013/ND-CP, and Clause 16 Article 3 of Decree 52/2013/ND-CP supplemented by Clause 3 Article 1 of Decree 85/2021/ND-CP, terms related to e-commerce are explained as follows:

• E-commerce activity is the conduct of part or the whole of the process of commercial activity by electronic means connected to the Internet, mobile telecommunications networks, or other open networks.
• E-commerce service is an e-commerce activity whereby a trader or organization providing e-commerce services sets up an e-commerce website to provide an environment for other traders, organizations, and individuals to conduct trade promotion, sell goods, or provide services.

Thus, e-commerce business is the act of an organization or individual providing an electronic website, creating conditions in the cyberspace environment for other individuals and organizations to perform exchange, buying, and selling activities indirectly through the internet. Doing business in this service must meet the regulations of the law.

E-commerce business registration business lines in Vietnam

Since e-commerce business depends on the method and design of operation indirectly via the Internet, while business lines can freely choose their method of operation within the scope of the law, the e-commerce business line is not prescribed in a specific business line. The determination of the business line for e-commerce business registration will depend on the operational business line of the enterprise.

Viet An Law will provide you with a number of E-commerce business registration business lines in Vietnam according to Decision 36/2025/QD-TTg on the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification:

Business lines not allowed to conduct e-commerce business

Traders, organizations, and individuals are not allowed to use e-commerce websites to trade in the following restricted goods:

• Hunting guns and ammunition, sports weapons, support tools;
• Cigarettes, cigars, and other finished tobacco forms;
• Alcohol of all kinds;
• Rare and precious wild plants and animals, including living animals and their processed parts;
• Other restricted goods according to the provisions of law.

To determine if your business line can be registered under an e-commerce business line, please contact Viet An Law for detailed advice.

What activities does e-commerce business include?

• E-commerce sales websites;
• E-commerce service provision websites, including the following types:
  • E-commerce trading floors (Exchanges);
  • Online auction websites;
  • Online promotion websites;
  • Other types of websites as prescribed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

How is the e-commerce business line determined?

According to general regulations of the law on business lines, determining the e-commerce business line when registering an enterprise is determined as follows:

Unconditional business lines

• Must register according to the Level 4 business line, then supplement the Level 5 business line according to the provisions of law (if any);
• In case of wanting to record in more detail than the Level 4 business line: Select a Level 4 business line and then record the details below the business activities suitable for that Level 4 industry and business line.

Conditional business lines

Record according to the business line for business registration in the legal document prescribing that industry.

What are the conditions for registering e-commerce business?

Conditions for setting up an e-commerce sales website

Traders, organizations, and individuals may set up e-commerce sales websites if they meet the following conditions:

• Being a trader, organization, or individual who has been granted a personal tax identification number.
• Have notified the Ministry of Industry and Trade about the setting up of the e-commerce sales website according to the provisions of Article 53 of Decree 52/2013/ND-CP.

Conditions for setting up an e-commerce service provision website

Traders and organizations may set up e-commerce service provision websites prescribed in Sections 2, 3, and 4, Chapter III of Decree 52/2013/ND-CP when meeting the following conditions:

• Being a trader or organization established according to the provisions of law.
• Have a service provision scheme clearly stating the following contents:
  • Organizational model of operation, including service provision activities, promotion activities, and service marketing both in and out of the online environment;
  • Delineation of rights and responsibilities between the trader/organization providing e-commerce services and the parties using the service.
• Have registered the setting up of the e-commerce service provision website and received confirmation of registration from the Ministry of Industry and Trade according to the provisions of Articles 55 and 58 of Decree 52/2013/ND-CP.

Procedure for establishing an e-commerce business enterprise in Vietnam

Steps to establish an e-commerce business enterprise

Step 1: Prepare the dossier for establishing an e-commerce company

To prepare a complete dossier for establishing an e-commerce company, you can contact and use the support services of Viet An Law.

Step 2: Submit the dossier

The legal representative or authorized person submits the dossier for establishing the e-commerce company directly at the Business Registration Office at the Department of Planning and Investment (or Department of Finance depending on locale structure mentioned in source, usually DPI) where the company places its headquarters or submits the dossier online at the National Business Registration Portal.

Particularly for the 2 cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, establishment dossiers must be submitted online at the National Business Registration Portal. After preparing the dossier, you can authorize Viet An Law to carry out the dossier submission procedure.

Step 3: Receive results

Within 3-5 working days from receiving the enterprise establishment dossier, the Business Registration Authority will check and issue the Enterprise Registration Certificate to the e-commerce company.

Step 4: Publish on the National Business Registration Portal

Within 30 days from the date of receiving the Enterprise Registration Certificate, commercial companies must publish the enterprise registration content on the National Business Registration Portal.

Step 5: Perform post-establishment procedures

After establishment, the enterprise needs to carve a seal, make a company sign, perform obligations regarding tax declaration, purchase invoices, digital signatures, open bank accounts, and other related legal procedures.

To help customers be more convenient in this process, Viet An Law provides a full-package service supporting enterprises from the establishment step until going into operation and post-operation to minimize legal risks for customers.

Customers wishing for advice or support with procedures related to e-commerce business registration, please contact the establishment service of Viet An Law for the best support!