Setting up an FDI company in Vietnam: a 4-step guide
From IRC to ERC and post-setup compliance — the realistic timeline and the decisions that matter most when establishing a foreign-invested company.
Establishing a foreign-invested enterprise in Vietnam is very achievable — but only if the structure is right from the start. Here is the process, condensed.
Step 1 — Structure & sector check
Confirm whether your business line is open, conditional or restricted to foreign ownership, then choose the legal form and capital plan accordingly.
Step 2 — Investment Registration Certificate
The IRC is the foreign-investor gateway. Expect around fifteen working days from a complete dossier for most sectors.
Step 3 — Enterprise Registration Certificate
Once the IRC is granted, the ERC and company seal follow. Your entity now legally exists.
Step 4 — Post-setup
Tax registration, bank account, e-invoicing and initial labour filings. Skipping these delays your first operations.
We manage the full path in clear English so you can focus on launching the business.
Book a free 30-minute consultation with a Clarity specialist.
Leads company formation, licensing and corporate-secretary work for FDI and domestic clients across Vietnam.