5 minutes 6 Tips On Setting Up A Business In Vietnam Easily
Why you should consider starting a company in Vietnam
Are you considering the idea of launching your business overseas? Vietnam, a rapidly growing nation and emerging tech hub, is an enticing prospect. With its friendly population, affordable cost of living, and competitive labor costs, Vietnam presents an appealing environment for entrepreneurial endeavors. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the country has continued to experience robust economic growth.
If you’re interested in venturing into the Vietnamese market, it’s essential to understand the process of setting up a company in this dynamic Southeast Asian nation.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps and considerations for establishing your business in Vietnam.
Step 1: Conduct thorough research
Before embarking on your journey to set up a company in Vietnam, conducting comprehensive research is crucial. Many experts recommend visiting Vietnam as a tourist first and immersing yourself in the local culture for at least a month before initiating the company registration process.
Today, a significant portion of the Vietnamese population can communicate in English, similar to other Asian countries such as Thailand, India, Hong Kong, or China.
Additionally, consider reading up on informative books such as ‘Startup Vietnam’ by Andrew Rowan and ‘Crossing the Street: How to Make a Success of Investing in Vietnam’ by Andy Ho. These resources provide valuable insights into the intricacies of starting a business in Vietnam.
Step 2: Choose your business activities
To establish a company in Vietnam, you must determine the specific business activities you intend to pursue before proceeding with the company registration. It’s important to note that only certain business lines are open to foreigners.
Your chosen business activities will also dictate the initial capital investment required for your venture. The local business and planning departments will assess this capital requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Once you’ve committed to your chosen business activities and their corresponding capital investment, you must contribute the capital within three months of receiving your business license.
Step 3: Seek legal assistance
In Vietnam, personal connections hold significant value, and the interpretation of laws can vary depending on the circumstances and location within the country.
To enhance your chances of success, it is advisable to engage a reputable lawyer who can provide valuable support and vouch for your credibility. In Vietnam, such professionals may not be easily discovered through online searches. Instead, you often find lawyers, accountants, and other essential contacts through personal recommendations or by establishing connections with fellow foreign entrepreneurs already operating in Vietnam.
Should you decide to navigate the application process independently, it’s essential to be aware that the application will be conducted entirely in Vietnamese and involve a substantial amount of paperwork.
Step 4: Apply for your Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
As your legal advisors will emphasize, the initial and crucial step in the process is to submit your application for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). This certificate is your gateway to investing in Vietnam.
Every business involving foreign direct investment, regardless of the ownership percentage, is obligated to possess an IRC.
Your application should encompass a specific capital investment amount, supported by copies of bank statements substantiating the availability of the required funds in your bank account.
Additionally, passport copies are typically part of the application requirements. If you are establishing the company in partnership with another party, it is imperative to determine the company’s ownership structure. Choices include equitable splits such as 50/50, 60/40, or, for example, 80/20. The decision on business lines for the partnership company is equally significant, as it influences the maximum capital allocation for the joint venture. Your attorney will provide guidance on these considerations before entering a joint venture.
Step 5: Apply for your Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
After securing your Investment Registration Certificate (IRC), the next step is to apply for an Enterprise Registration Certificate. This phase is relatively straightforward, and approval typically takes only one week. The IRC authorizes your investment in Vietnam.
The ERC, on the other hand, empowers you to utilize that investment for founding a company and finalizing your Vietnam company formation.
To proceed with essential tasks like obtaining a company stamp, creating a company sign, and opening a company bank account in Vietnam, your ERC is a requisite.
Step 6: Apply for visas
Once you’ve obtained your Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), the next crucial step is to apply for visas that will allow you to reside in the country for an extended period.
It’s important to note that permanent residency is generally not available unless you were born Vietnamese and can acquire a Vietnamese passport and family books. However, there are two alternatives for obtaining shorter-term temporary residence permits and visas that can be renewed as long as you maintain your company.
Labor Visa route
The labor visa route allows you to obtain a temporary residence card valid for 2 to 3 years. Under this option, you can apply to work at your own company, draw a salary, and establish a work contract, which is essential for obtaining a temporary residence card.
It’s important to note that recent legal changes have imposed stricter requirements, potentially necessitating proof of a bachelor’s degree or three years of management experience. These requirements may evolve in the future as Vietnam continues to engage with the global community.
Investment Visa route
The investment visa route is a straightforward option. If you are an investor or a manager of a Vietnam-based business, you qualify for a 2-year Temporary Residence Card (TRC) once you obtain a work permit or work permit exemption.
In certain situations, the amount of investment capital you bring into the country can influence the duration of your visa. The greater your investment, the longer your visa period; in some cases, it can extend up to 10 years with a minimum investment of USD 5,000,000.
Finding out more about Vietnam
With the advent of the pandemic, remote company setup has gained traction and is now a common practice, even in Vietnam. The process involves selecting your desired business niche in Vietnam and engaging reliable legal experts to provide comprehensive guidance on all pertinent aspects.
For expert assistance in establishing a business in Vietnam or anywhere across Asia, reach out to Premia TNC today.
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