The steps to set up a company in Vietnam (updated 2026) include: choosing the type of business entity, naming the company, determining the registered office address, registering business lines, determining charter capital, preparing business registration documents, submitting the company establishment application, receiving the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), and completing post-establishment procedures as prescribed by law.
The demand for company formation in Vietnam, opening a company, and business registration in Vietnam is increasing among individuals, household businesses, and domestic and foreign investors. However, many people still face difficulties when carrying out company establishment procedures due to a lack of understanding of the process, required documents, business registration conditions, or legal obligations after obtaining a business license. For foreign investors, the procedure for establishing an FDI company in Vietnam also requires meeting additional conditions regarding investment and market access as prescribed by current law.
In this article, Viet An Law Firm will provide detailed guidance on the steps to establish a company in Vietnam in 2026, including the business registration process, required documents, processing time, estimated costs, and important considerations to help businesses quickly become legally operational.
The steps to set up a company in Vietnam are the legal procedures that individuals or organizations must follow to register their business and operate legally in Vietnam. The company establishment process typically includes choosing the type of business entity, preparing business registration information, drafting company establishment documents, submitting the documents to the business registration authority, receiving the ERC, and carrying out post-establishment procedures as prescribed by law.
This process applies to most company registration cases, from limited liability companies and joint-stock companies to set up an FDI company with foreign investment capital.
| Step | Step came | Notes / Reminders | Timeline / Duration |
| Step 1 | Preparing corporate information | It is necessary to accurately determine the company name, headquarters address, business lines, and charter capital right from the beginning. | 1-2 days |
| Step 2 | Drafting company establishment dossiers | Thoroughly check the legal documents of the contributing individuals or organizations to avoid the dossier being rejected/returned. | 1 day |
| Step 3 | Submitting the enterprise registration dossier | Incorrect or missing information in the dossier may require multiple amendments and supplements. | 3-5 working days |
| Step 4 | Receiving the ERC | Carefully verify the information on the certificate after receiving it. | Subject to processing time /Depending on handling time |
| Step 5 | Making the company seal and publishing information | Proceed to publish corporate information on the National Business Registration Portal as regulated. | Publish within 30 days |
| Step 6 | Completing post-establishment procedures | It is required to open a bank account, register for a digital signature, electronic invoices, initial tax declaration, and fully contribute capital within the statutory deadline. | 3-10 days |
| Enterprise type | Number of members | Asset liability | Management complexity |
| Single-member LLC | 1 | Limited | Simple |
| Multi-member LLC | 2-50 | Limited | Medium |
| Joint stock company | From 3 onwards | Limited | More complex |
| Partnership | From 2 onwards | Unlimited for unlimited partners | High |
| Requirements | Suitable enterprise type |
| Small-scale individual business | Single-member LLC |
| Multiple capital-contributing members | Multi-member LLC |
| Seeking easy capital mobilization | Joint stock company |
| Specialized or specific professional business | Partnership |
| Foreign investors | Set up an FDI company |
| Mistakes | Legal consequences | Practical impacts |
| Incorrect company name | Rejected | Having to look up/re-check and resubmit the dossier |
| Incorrect business lines | Inability to operate | Having to add or amend business lines |
| Incorrect dossier / Errors in the application | Returned / Rejected | Prolonging the establishment time |
| Failure to register for tax | Fined / Penalized | Incurring administrative sanctions and additional obligations |
| Failure to contribute capital | Subject to legal actions / Handling | Potential fines or having to adjust the charter capital |
| Evaluation criteria | Yes | No | Notes |
| Clear business plan already in place | 🞎 | 🞎 | Determine products, services, and development orientation |
| Suitable initial capital source available | 🞎 | 🞎 | Operating expenses for the initial phase must be budgeted |
| Valid headquarters address available | 🞎 | 🞎 | Not all locations are eligible for enterprise headquarters registration |
| Business lines already identified | 🞎 | 🞎 | Certain business lines require fulfillment of conditions or sub-licenses |
| Suitable enterprise type already selected | 🞎 | 🞎 | LLC, Joint Stock Company, or other forms of enterprises |
| Appropriate legal representative available | 🞎 | 🞎 | The representative must satisfy statutory conditions |
| Legal documents of individuals/organizations prepared | 🞎 | 🞎 | ID card/Citizen ID card, or relevant legal documents |
| Post-establishment tax and accounting plan available | 🞎 | 🞎 | Including invoices, tax declarations, and periodic obligations |
| Long-term development orientation established | 🞎 | 🞎 | Consider future expansion or capital mobilization capabilities |
Cách đánh giá nhanh:
Quick Assessment:
Yes. Currently, businesses can submit company registration applications through the National Business Registration Portal. After the application is approved, the business follows the procedures guided by the business registration authority.
The company’s head office must have a clear address within the territory of Vietnam. Businesses are not allowed to locate their head office in residential apartments or locations prohibited from business activities according to the law.
Individuals have the right to establish and manage multiple businesses, except in cases restricted or prohibited by the Enterprise Law and related legal documents.
Yes. Foreign investors are entitled to establish companies in Vietnam in accordance with investment laws. Depending on the business sector, investors may need to obtain an Investment Registration Certificate before registering their business.
After establishing the company, businesses need to carry out tasks such as having a company seal made, registering a digital signature, opening a bank account, registering for initial tax, registering for electronic invoices, and fulfilling reporting obligations as required.
This includes completing all procedures from business registration to post-establishment tasks.
Preparing business registration documents requires accuracy regarding the company name, business lines, charter capital, membership structure, and other legal information. Errors in the declaration process may lead to requests for amendments or additions to the application, or prolong the processing time.
Viet An Law Firm assists clients in reviewing documents, providing legal advice related to business registration, and handling procedures with competent state agencies. Clients requiring advice on company formation documents, business registration, or investment procedures in Vietnam are welcome to contact Viet An Law Firm for detailed support.
