Cost of Starting a Business in Vietnam in 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Budgeting

Are you trying to estimate the cost of starting a business in Vietnam but unsure how much capital is actually required to get things off the ground? Many investors focus only on incorporation fees and overlook the operating costs that come right after. The result is often a business that is legally set up but financially unprepared. In this guide, Green NRJ walks you through the real numbers for 2026, breaking down each cost layer so you can plan with clarity from day one.

Table of Contents

Factors Determining the Cost of Starting a Business in Vietnam

There is no fixed figure for every business. In reality, setup costs depend on many intertwined factors such as the type of company you choose, whether the business sector has specific requirements, the registered capital, and the location of the headquarters. A business operating in the real estate sector will certainly have significantly different capital requirements than a consulting or software company.

In addition, office rental costs, legal services, and administrative procedures also directly affect the total budget. Accurately determining these costs from the outset helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and shorten the implementation time.

Initial Legal Costs: Low on Paper, High If Done Wrong

At first glance, official government fees in Vietnam are minimal. However, for foreign-invested companies, the complexity lies in the process rather than the fee itself.

Item	Cost (VND)	Equivalent (USD)
Business registration fee	100,000 – 200,000	4 – 8
Public announcement	300,000	12
Company seal	300,000 – 500,000	12 – 20
Consular legalization	5,000,000 – 20,000,000	200 – 800
Full legal service package	30,000,000 – 120,000,000	1,200 – 4,800

While the statutory fees are negligible, document legalization and professional services account for the bulk of the cost. In practice, many investors attempt to handle the process themselves to save money, only to face delays due to incomplete or non-compliant documents. What seems like an extra expense often turns out to be a time-saving investment.

Charter Capital: More Than Just a Registered Number

Charter capital is not just a legal requirement—it reflects your company’s financial credibility and ability to operate.

Business Sector	Typical Capital (VND)	Equivalent (USD)
Consulting, services	300 million – 1 billion	12,000 – 40,000
Trading, import-export	500 million – 2 billion	20,000 – 80,000
F&B	500 million – 3 billion	20,000 – 120,000
Manufacturing	2 billion – 10 billion+	80,000 – 400,000+
Real estate	from 20 billion	from 800,000

It’s important to understand that this is not “locked” money—you can use it for business operations. However, setting it too low may raise concerns during licensing, while setting it too high creates pressure to contribute the full amount within the required timeframe. Getting this balance right is critical.

Office and Business Address: A Fixed but Flexible Cost

Once your company is registered, having a legal business address is mandatory. This becomes one of your first recurring expenses.

Office Type	Cost (VND/month)	Equivalent (USD)
Virtual office	1 – 3 million	40 – 120
Small office	5 – 15 million	200 – 600
Central office	15 – 40 million	600 – 1,600

Many new FDI companies opt for virtual or smaller offices during the initial phase to manage cash flow more effectively. A prestigious address can wait until the business gains traction.

Accounting and Compliance: Ongoing and Non-Negotiable

After incorporation, compliance becomes a continuous responsibility rather than a one-time task.

Item	Cost (VND)	Equivalent (USD)
Monthly accounting service	2 – 8 million	80 – 320
Annual audit (mandatory for FDI)	20 – 70 million	800 – 2,800
Digital signature	1 – 2 million/year	40 – 80
E-invoice system	1 – 2 million/year	40 – 80

Unlike local companies, FDI entities are required to undergo annual audits regardless of size. This is a cost that cannot be avoided and should be factored into your yearly budget from the beginning.

Staffing and Operations: The Real Test of Sustainability

While Vietnam remains cost-competitive, labor costs have steadily increased in recent years. Still, they remain reasonable compared to many regional markets.

Position	Salary (VND/month)	Equivalent (USD)
Administrative staff	7 – 14 million	280 – 560
Accountant	10 – 18 million	400 – 720
Sales staff	10 – 25 million	400 – 1,000
Manager	25 – 60 million	1,000 – 2,400

In the early stage, most FDI companies operate with a lean team and outsource non-core functions. This approach helps control costs while maintaining flexibility during the market entry phase.

Total Budget in 2026: What You Should Actually Prepare

When all components are combined, the financial picture becomes much clearer.

Category	Cost (VND)	Equivalent (USD)
Legal setup	30 – 120 million	1,200 – 4,800
Charter capital	500 million – 2 billion+	20,000 – 80,000+
Office (3 months)	3 – 120 million	120 – 4,800
Staffing (3 months)	100 – 300 million	4,000 – 12,000
Operations & compliance	20 – 100 million	800 – 4,000
Total budget	700 million – 3 billion+	28,000 – 120,000+

This range reflects what it typically takes not just to register a company, but to keep it running during the critical first few months.

Final Thoughts

The cost of starting an FDI company in Vietnam in 2026 goes far beyond incorporation fees. It is a combination of legal setup, capital planning, and operational readiness. Investors who prepare thoroughly from the beginning are far more likely to avoid costly delays and cash flow issues later on.

If you’re looking for a clear, practical roadmap, Green NRJ can support you from initial consultation to full operational setup. Reach out today for a tailored plan that fits your investment goals.