Vietnam’s dynamic infrastructure growth, fueled by public investment and foreign capital, continues to create vast opportunities in the construction sector. Establishing a construction company in Vietnam in 2025 can be a profitable move for both local entrepreneurs and international investors — provided the business meets the country’s legal, licensing, and operational requirements.

This updated guide explains the full process of opening a construction company in Vietnam, highlighting legal frameworks, licensing procedures, compliance steps, and key differences for foreign-owned enterprises.

📌 Table of Contents

• Overview of the Construction Industry in Vietnam
• Legal Basis for Construction Companies
• Types of Construction Services Allowed
• Business Conditions for Construction Companies
• VSIC Codes for Construction Business Registration
• Step-by-Step Company Registration Process
• Construction Operation License Requirements
• Post-Licensing Compliance Requirements
• Tax Obligations for Construction Firms
• Estimated Timeline for Setup
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Green NRJ Construction Setup Support

1. Overview of the Construction Industry in Vietnam

Vietnam’s construction sector is expanding rapidly due to:

• Accelerated urbanization
• Strong public infrastructure spending
• Increasing demand for residential and industrial projects
• High levels of FDI, especially in industrial parks and transport infrastructure

The Vietnamese government continues to prioritize large-scale public works through the National Master Plan and Public Investment Program.

2. Legal Basis for Construction Companies

Construction companies in Vietnam are primarily governed by:

• Law on Construction No. 50/2014/QH13 (as amended by Law No. 62/2020/QH14)
• Law on Enterprises 2020 (No. 59/2020/QH14)
• Law on Investment 2020 (No. 61/2020/QH14)
• Decree No. 15/2021/NĐ-CP on construction project management
• Circular 03/2022/TT-BXD on professional certificates

3. Types of Construction Services Allowed

A construction company in Vietnam may register for one or more of the following service lines:

• Civil works (residential buildings, factories, offices)
• Infrastructure development (roads, bridges, drainage, power grids)
• Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) installations
• Design and supervision
• Interior finishing, fit-out, and decoration

4. Business Conditions for Construction Companies

✅ General Conditions:

• Company registration through the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI)
• Commercial lease address (residential locations are not accepted)
• Qualified technical personnel with relevant degrees

✅ Specialized Conditions (According to Decree 15/2021/NĐ-CP & Circular 03/2022/TT-BXD):

• At least one engineer/architect with a valid construction practice certificate
• Appointed legal representative or technical director must have related experience
• Recommended charter capital: VND 2–3 billion (for credibility and operations)

5. Common VSIC Codes for Construction Companies

These codes define your company’s business scope during registration.

6. Step-by-Step Company Registration Process

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

• LLC (Limited Liability Company): Popular for SMEs
• JSC (Joint Stock Company): Suitable for larger contractors
• Foreign Contractor Branch: For overseas firms with temporary operations

📜 Foreign investors must apply for both IRC and BRC.

Step 2: Apply for IRC and BRC

For Foreign-Owned Companies:

• Apply for Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) at the Department of Planning and Investment (7–10 business days)
• Then apply for Business Registration Certificate (BRC) (5–7 business days)
• Submit:
  • Legalized investor documents
  • Business address lease
  • Company charter and structure
  • Proof of financial capacity

For Domestic Companies: Only BRC is required.

7. Construction Operation License Requirements

Required if your company engages in:

• Execution of construction projects
• Supervision and design
• Project management

Documents Needed:

• Construction practice certificates (Level I–III)
• Diplomas of qualified staff
• List of completed projects
• Employment contracts of licensed employees

🕒 Processing time: 10–15 working days
❗ Consultancy-only firms may be exempt but must still retain qualified personnel.

8. Post-Licensing Compliance Requirements

Once registered, your company must:

• Create and register corporate seal
• Open a bank account
• Register for e-invoice and electronic tax filing
• Declare taxes: VAT, CIT, PIT
• Register employees with social insurance

Additional for Foreign Firms:

• Work permits for expats
• Temporary residence cards
• Register foreign labor contracts with the Department of Labor

9. Tax Obligations for Construction Firms

🗖️ Tax filing is monthly or quarterly depending on company size.

10. Estimated Timeline for Setup

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is construction a conditional business line in Vietnam?
✅ Yes. You must meet personnel, certification, and operational requirements.

Q: Can a foreigner open a 100% foreign-owned construction company?
✅ Yes. Through the IRC process and with legalized documentation.

Q: Is a construction operation license needed for architecture-only firms?
✅ Yes, if you sign contracts requiring design responsibility.

Q: What is the minimum capital required?
❌ No legal minimum, but VND 2–3 billion is recommended.

12. Let Green NRJ Help You Launch with Confidence

At Green NRJ, we offer end-to-end business setup services tailored for the construction industry in Vietnam:

• Legal and investment structure consulting
• Document preparation and translation
• Fast-track IRC and BRC registration
• Licensing and compliance support
• Tax, HR, and expat onboarding

📞 Contact us today to start building your construction business in Vietnam with ease

Related Articles:

• How to Start a Business in Vietnam: A Complete Guide for 2025
• Establishing a Representative Office in Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Companies
• How to Establish a Consulting Business in Vietnam – A Legal and Practical Guide (2025)