FDI company establishment process in Vietnam (2025)

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FDI company establishment process in Vietnam (2025)

Date: 2025.11.04

FDI company establishment process in Vietnam (2025)

Vietnam continues to be an attractive investment destination in Southeast Asia, particularly appealing to Japanese enterprises due to its reasonable labor costs, favorable policies, and strategic geographic location. However, to ensure legal compliance and smooth operations, investors must fully understand the process of establishing a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) company in Vietnam.

This article provides a complete and updated guide on the FDI company establishment process, according to the latest guidelines of the 2020 Investment Law, 2020 Enterprise Law, and practices for 2025.

Step 1: Apply for the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

This is a mandatory first step for foreign investors who do not yet have a legal entity in Vietnam.

Documents required:

– Investment project proposal
– Project proposal: project name, scale, capital, location, timeline
– Financial capability documents: financial statements, bank statements
– Copy of passport (for individuals) or Business License + Parent company’s Articles of Association (for organizations)
– Power of Attorney (if any)

Processing time: Approximately 15 working days

Step 2: Apply for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

After receiving the IRC, the investor continues to register the enterprise to establish it as a legal entity in Vietnam.

Documents required:

– Application for enterprise registration
– Company charter
– List of members/shareholders
– Copy of passport or relevant legal documents
– Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

Processing time: 3–5 working days

Step 3: Company stamp, open bank account, and capital contribution

– The enterprise must create its legal entity seal and notify the business registration agency

– Open a business bank account

– The investor must contribute full capital within 90 days from the issuance of the ERC (unless otherwise specified)

Step 4: Tax registration and E-invoice registration

– Register for initial tax registration with the tax authorities

– Register for electronic invoicing (e-invoice)

– Choose a tax calculation method (declaration or direct method)

Step 5: Labor registration, Social Insurance, and other Permits (if any)

– Register for labor usage with the local Labor Department

– Register employees for social insurance

– Apply for licenses for regulated industries (if the company operates in sectors like logistics, education, healthcare, etc.)

Important notes for foreign investors

– Certain business sectors have restrictions on foreign ownership ratios

– Foreign language documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized

– Many procedures can now be submitted online through the National Business Registration Portal (dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn) and the National Foreign Investment Portal (dautunuocngoai.gov.vn)

– It is recommended to work with a professional consulting firm to ensure compliance and save time

HelpAll’s support services

HelpAll specializes in assisting Japanese and international businesses with setting up FDI companies in Vietnam. Our services include:

– Business sector suitability consulting
– Drafting and submitting IRC and ERC applications
– Document translation and notarization
– Tax, social insurance, and e-invoice registration
– Post-establishment HR, accounting, and legal services

Conclusion

Establishing an FDI company in Vietnam is not complicated if you understand the process and have the right support. Properly preparing all documents from the beginning will save time and avoid legal risks. If you are a Japanese or international investor looking to invest in Vietnam, HelpAll is here to guide you from the first step to successful operation.