Business Setup Options in Vietnam
Below is a practical overview of common incorporation paths for foreign investors in Vietnam. Each option highlights typical ownership conditions, indicative timelines, and the compliance items that often slow projects down if not planned early.
The “right” structure is rarely about getting approval only. It is about market-access conditions, licensing layers, and whether the setup can operate smoothly after the IRC/ERC is issued.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Commonly Allowed
💰 From $1,300++ | ⏳ 3–4 Weeks
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Resident legal representative (if applicable)
- Capital: flexible, sector-dependent
IMPORT / EXPORT TRADING
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Commonly Allowed
💰 From $1,300++ | ⏳ 3–4 Weeks
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Resident legal representative (if applicable)
- Capital: commonly $10,000 – $50,000
CONSULTING BUSINESS
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Commonly Allowed
💰 From $1,300++ | ⏳ 3–4 Weeks
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Resident legal representative (if applicable)
- Capital: often flexible ($3,000 – $15,000)
RESTAURANT
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Often Possible
💰 From $2,900++ | ⏳ 3–4 Months
- Compliant location (fire safety & hygiene)
- F&B licensing at local level
- Capital: commonly $12,000–$20,000+
- Operational licensing phase: 2–3 months
MANUFACTURING COMPANY
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Commonly Allowed
💰 From $1,800++ | ⏳ 3–4 Weeks
- Location in industrial/production zone
- Investment project approval required
- EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) if triggered
- Capital: often from $100,000+
E-COMMERCE (Amazon, Shopee, etc.)
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Often Possible
💰 From $2,900++ | ⏳ 4–6 Months
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Resident legal representative (if applicable)
- E-commerce license: commonly 2–4 months
- Capital: commonly $20,000 – $50,000
CONSTRUCTION & ARCHITECTURE
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Commonly Allowed
💰 From $2,900++ | ⏳ 4–6 Weeks
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Resident legal representative (if applicable)
- Corporate ownership structure required
- Capital: commonly $78,000 – $115,000
RECRUITMENT / HEADHUNT AGENCY
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership Often Possible
💰 From $1,800++ | ⏳ 3–4 Months
- 3-year office lease (compliance expectation)
- Resident director (HR/business background)
- Escrow account (approx. $13,600)
- Operational license: commonly 3–6 months
TRAVEL & TOURISM AGENCY
⚠️ Joint-Venture Commonly Required (up to 99% FDI)
💰 From $1,800++ | ⏳ 3–4 Weeks
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Licensed travel partner
- Inbound tourism only
- Licensed tour guide
- Escrow account (VND 150M)
- Tourism sub-license: 30–60 days
LOGISTICS COMPANY
⚠️ Ownership Depends on Service Scope
💰 From $1,300 – $2,900++ | ⏳ 1–4 Months
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Resident legal representative (if applicable)
- Local partner (freight/transportation scope)
- Capital: commonly $50,000 – $150,000
ADVERTISING & DIGITAL MARKETING
⚠️ Joint-Venture Often Required (up to 99% FDI)
💰 From $1,800++ | ⏳ 3–4 Weeks
- Business address (virtual office is usually workable)
- Resident legal representative (if applicable)
- Local partner (company) required
- Capital: often flexible ($3,000 – $10,000)
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN VIETNAM
✅ For Foreign Companies Expanding to Vietnam
💰 From $2,000++ | ⏳ 3–4 Weeks
- Parent company: 1+ year operation, financially stable
- Audited financial statement or tax report
- Chief representative with resident status
- Legalized documents from parent company
Not sure which option fits your business model?
Share your planned activities and ownership structure. We’ll screen market-access conditions, identify licensing triggers, and recommend the most workable setup — with a clear compliance roadmap (not just “incorporation approval”).
Contact Green NRJ