LHD Law Firm – A Trusted Name in the Legal Industry

According to the rankings of Legal500 and Hg.org, LHD Law Firm is one of the 10 leading legal services in Vietnam for our consultancy of establishing a foreign-owned capital business in our country. With 15 years of experience in the field and the office system throughout the country: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Vung Tau, etc., LHD Law Firm takes pride in our commitment to satisfying our clients as foreign investors in Vietnam.

With 15 years of experience in consulting foreign companies, LHD Law Firm has advised more than 6889 successful investment projects in Vietnam with a capital of more than 5 billion USD and clients from 32 countries…

Setting up a company in Vietnam is an appealing option for both local and foreign investors due to the country’s rapid economic growth, strategic location, and favorable business policies. Vietnam has a stable political environment, a young and dynamic workforce, and increasing integration into global trade networks through free trade agreements (FTAs). These factors make it a highly attractive destination for investment in various industries, including manufacturing, technology, retail, and services.

Types of Business Structures in Vietnam

When establishing a company in Vietnam, investors must choose a suitable business structure based on their business goals and legal requirements. The most common types of companies include:

1. imited Liability Company (LLC) – Ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), an LLC can be wholly foreign-owned or set up as a joint venture. It provides limited liability protection for its owners, meaning their personal assets are not at risk.
2. Joint-Stock Company (JSC) – Suitable for larger businesses planning to issue shares or go public, a JSC requires at least three shareholders and has more complex compliance requirements.
3. Representative Office (RO) – A foreign company can set up an RO in Vietnam to conduct market research and promote business activities, but it cannot engage in direct profit-making activities.
4. Branch Office – Foreign companies can establish a branch to conduct business activities similar to those of their parent company. However, branch registration is subject to stricter regulations and is only allowed in certain industries.

Steps to Set Up a Company in Vietnam

The company registration process in Vietnam involves several legal and administrative steps. Below is an overview of the key steps to establish a business:

2. Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) – If a foreign investor is involved, they must apply for an IRC from the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) before establishing their business. This process typically takes 15-30 days.
3. Apply for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) – All businesses must register with the DPI to obtain an ERC, which officially recognizes the company as a legal entity. The ERC process usually takes around five working days.
4. Register for a Business License (if required) – Some industries, such as education, finance, and healthcare, require additional business licenses before operations can begin.
5. Register for Taxes and Obtain a Tax Code – Companies must register with the local tax department to receive a tax identification number (TIN). Vietnam has corporate income tax (CIT), value-added tax (VAT), and personal income tax (PIT) that businesses must comply with.
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account – Businesses must open a local bank account for financial transactions, including tax payments and employee salaries.
7. Register Employees and Comply with Labor Laws – If hiring employees, businesses must register them with social insurance and adhere to Vietnam’s labor laws regarding contracts, wages, and benefits.

Additional Considerations for Foreign Investors

Foreign investors should also consider Vietnam’s investment regulations, industry-specific restrictions, and local business culture before establishing a company. Some industries have foreign ownership limitations, requiring joint ventures with local partners. Additionally, working with legal consultants or business service providers can simplify the registration process and ensure compliance with Vietnamese laws.

Overall, Vietnam’s business-friendly policies, growing market, and economic stability make it a promising destination for entrepreneurs and corporations looking to expand in Southeast Asia. With proper planning and legal compliance, setting up a company in Vietnam can be a smooth and rewarding experience.

Depending on the type of business you are running, with pricing and different time frames receive licenses for companies in Vietnam. All our packages include receiving the tax code and the seal of the company as well.

Lease Contract for the head office of a new company: We service brokerage and leasing virtual office in District 1, you just raised your budget and requirements we will meet your needs.

Registering a trademark in Vietnam is essential for protecting brand identity. The process is managed by the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

1. Who Can Apply?

✅ Vietnamese individuals and companies

✅ Foreign entities (must apply through a local IP agent)

2. What Can Be Registered?

🔹 Logos, brand names, slogans, symbols, numbers, and images

🔹 Must be distinctive and not conflict with existing trademarks

3. Steps to Register a Trademark

Step 1: Trademark Search

✔ Conduct a search via the NOIP database to check for similar trademarks.

Step 2: Prepare Application

🔹 Trademark registration form (Form No. 04-NH)

🔹 Trademark sample (max 8×8 cm)

🔹 List of goods/services (Nice Classification)

🔹 Power of Attorney (if using an IP agent)

🔹 Payment receipt

Step 3: Submit Application

📍 Submit online via NOIP or in person at NOIP offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.

Step 4: Examination Process

1️⃣ Formal Examination (1-2 months) – Checks application completeness

2️⃣ Substantive Examination (9-12 months) – Evaluates distinctiveness and conflicts

Step 5: Publication & Opposition (2 months)

Trademark is published in the Industrial Property Gazette for public review.

Step 6: Registration & Certificate Issuance

✔ Pay the registration fee

✔ Receive the Trademark Registration Certificate (valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely)

4. Fees & Timeline

💰 Estimated cost: $100 – $500 USD (varies by class and services)

⏳ Total process time: 12-18 months

5. Trademark Enforcement

If infringed, owners can take action via:

✅ Administrative measures (report to NOIP, Market Management Bureau)

✅ Civil lawsuits (court proceedings)

✅ Border control (customs monitoring for counterfeits)

Trademark registration secures exclusive rights and prevents infringement. For foreign applicants, using an IP attorney or licensed agent is highly recommended.

LHD LAW FIRM

1. HP Tower, 60 (Floor 7) Nguyen Van Thu Street, Dakao Ward, District 1, HCM City, Viet Nam
2. +842822446739
3. [email protected]
4. Anh Minh Tower, 36 (Floor 4) Hoang Cau Street, O Cho Dua Ward, Dong Da District, Ha Noi City, Viet Nam.
5. +842422612929
6. [email protected]
7. No. 71 Ly Tu Trong Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City, Viet Nam
8. +840905987929
9. [email protected]