Company Setup Costs in Vietnam: 2026 Guide

Company setup costs in Vietnam in 2026: Explore government fees, IRC and ERC expenses, legal fees, capital requirements and foreign company setup costs.

How much does it cost to set up a foreign-owned company in Vietnam in 2026?

Understanding company setup costs in Vietnam is essential for international investors planning to establish a business, open a subsidiary, or expand into the Vietnamese market.

Although Vietnam provides attractive business opportunities for foreign investors, the actual establishment cost depends on the business activities, legal structure, investment procedures, documentation requirements, professional service fees and operating expenses.

A foreign investor establishing a consulting company may have substantially different setup expenses from an investor opening a manufacturing facility, retail business or logistics company.

In this guide, Song Thinh International Law Firm explains company setup costs in Vietnam, including government registration fees, legal service charges, Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) procedures, Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) costs, charter capital requirements and post-incorporation expenses.

1. How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Vietnam in 2026?

There is no single fixed amount covering every foreign-owned company establishment in Vietnam.

The overall cost generally consists of several components:

• Government registration fees.
• Investment registration-related expenses, where applicable.
• Legal consultation and professional incorporation fees.
• Consular legalization and document translation.
• Registered office and premises costs.
• Initial accounting, tax and corporate administration.
• Industry-specific permits and licensing.
• Other business-specific operating expenses.

Importantly, the investor’s charter capital or investment capital should not be confused with government registration fees or professional service charges.

Company setup costs in Vietnam must be assessed according to the investor’s particular business plan rather than a universal advertised package price.

2. Government Company Registration Fees in Vietnam in 2026

Government fees are generally a relatively small component of the overall company establishment budget.

For ordinary enterprise registration procedures, the following published fees are relevant in 2026.

The reduced direct-submission registration fee is applicable during the temporary reduction period ending December 31, 2026, under the relevant fee regulations.

Investors should check the applicable fee at the time of submission.

These statutory fees do not include legal services, investment capital, foreign document authentication, office rental or sector-specific business licensing.

For official registration guidance, consult the Vietnam National Public Service Portal.

3. Company Setup Costs in Vietnam: IRC and ERC Expenses

Foreign investors frequently ask whether the Investment Registration Certificate and Enterprise Registration Certificate involve separate fees.

3.1. Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

The IRC records information concerning an investment project.

Under the Law on Investment No. 143/2025/QH15, applicable from March 1, 2026, IRC requirements depend on the nature of the investment project and the relevant statutory provisions.

Investors should budget for the actual work associated with preparing and obtaining the IRC, which may include:

• Reviewing foreign market access conditions.
• Preparing the investment project proposal.
• Reviewing evidence of financial capacity.
• Examining proposed business premises.
• Collecting and translating foreign corporate documents.
• Preparing an application dossier.
• Responding to lawful requests for amendments or explanations.

These are potential preparation and professional service costs, not a list of fixed government fees.

If an investment project requires investment policy approval, additional procedures and documentation may apply.

3.2. Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

The ERC confirms the establishment of a Vietnamese enterprise under enterprise registration law.

The applicable registration and publication charges are governed by the current fee regulations.

Under Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP, enterprise registration procedures are subject to the statutory document and processing requirements.

For foreign investors, the overall cost may also include preparing the corporate charter, ownership documentation, representative authorization and related legal records.

3.3. Does Every Foreign Company Need Both an IRC and an ERC?

Not necessarily.

The correct procedure must be determined under the Law on Investment and the relevant implementing regulations.

The 2025 Law on Investment introduced greater flexibility in the sequence of certain company establishment and investment registration procedures.

However, this does not eliminate investment registration requirements where an IRC remains legally mandatory.

4. Legal Service Fees for Foreign Company Formation in Vietnam

Professional service fees are separate from the government registration fees.

A legal service provider may assist with determining the correct investment structure, preparing incorporation documents and handling communication with competent registration authorities.

4.1. What Do Legal Service Fees Usually Cover?

Depending on the agreed scope, legal services may include:

• Preliminary legal consultation.
• Foreign ownership and market access assessment.
• Selecting an appropriate company structure.
• Preparing an enterprise registration dossier.
• Preparing an investment registration dossier where necessary.
• Reviewing overseas corporate documents.
• Coordinating document legalization and translation.
• Filing applications through an authorized representative.
• Monitoring applications and responding to amendment requests.
• Advising on post-registration legal compliance.

4.2. Are Foreign Company Formation Fees Fixed?

No.

Professional fees depend on several factors, including the investor’s nationality, legal status, business activities, ownership structure, required registrations and complexity of documentation.

For example, incorporating a straightforward foreign-owned consulting company may involve a different scope of work from setting up a business that requires specialized licenses or regulatory approvals.

Before engaging a law firm, investors should request a written quotation clearly distinguishing professional fees from government charges and third-party expenses.

4.3. What Should an Incorporation Quotation Include?

Investors should request clear information regarding:

1. Services included in the agreed fee.
2. Required investor documents.
3. Relevant registration procedures.
4. Estimated legal processing stages.
5. Excluded government and third-party expenses.
6. Additional charges for specialized permits.
7. Payment milestones and deliverables.

Song Thinh International Law Firm provides case-specific quotations based on the investor’s proposed business structure and applicable legal requirements.

5. Is There a Minimum Capital Requirement for Foreign-Owned Companies in Vietnam?

One of the most common questions concerning company setup costs in Vietnam is whether investors must contribute a fixed minimum amount of capital.

Vietnam does not impose one universal statutory minimum charter capital requirement on every foreign-owned company.

However, specific sectors may be subject to statutory capital, financial capacity, security deposit or other financial requirements.

Even where no universal minimum applies, the proposed investment capital should be commercially reasonable and consistent with the intended operations.

5.1. Charter Capital vs. Registration Fees

Charter capital represents the capital committed to the company under the applicable enterprise law.

Government registration fees are amounts payable for administrative procedures.

These two categories serve different legal and financial purposes.

A foreign investor should not interpret a quoted company registration service fee as the amount of capital required to operate the company.

5.2. Investment Capital vs. Charter Capital

For investment projects, the registered total investment capital may include different financing components as permitted by law.

It is important to distinguish the proposed project’s financing requirements from the enterprise’s charter capital.

The appropriate structure should be determined during investment planning and documentation.

5.3. Can Foreign Investors Start With Low Charter Capital?

In sectors without a prescribed minimum capital threshold, investors may propose capital appropriate to their business model.

Nevertheless, excessively low proposed capital may raise practical concerns regarding the investor’s ability to implement the project and sustain operations.

Investors should budget for office rental, personnel, equipment, professional services and other anticipated business expenditure.

6. Document Legalization and Translation Costs

Foreign individuals and overseas corporations may incur additional costs in preparing legal documents for use in Vietnam.

These can include:

• Consular legalization, where required.
• Certified Vietnamese translation.
• Document certification.
• International courier charges.
• Corporate document preparation.
• Authorized representative documentation.

The required services depend on the documents, their country of origin, applicable exemptions and the relevant registration procedure.

For foreign corporate investors, document preparation can be an important part of the project timeline and budget.

Investors should verify which documents actually require legalization or translation before paying for unnecessary services.

7. Office Rental and Registered Business Address Costs

Foreign-owned companies generally need a legally compliant registered office in Vietnam.

The associated cost depends on the location, property type, rental terms and business activities.

Factors to consider include:

• Monthly rental.
• Security deposits.
• Office management charges.
• Utility expenses.
• Fit-out and equipment.
• Suitability for the intended business purpose.
• Additional premises required for regulated activities.

Office requirements may be substantially different for a consulting business, retail establishment, food business or manufacturing operation.

Investors should confirm the legal suitability of the proposed premises before committing to long-term rental agreements.

8. Additional Company Setup Costs in Vietnam for Regulated Industries

Some business activities require specialized licensing beyond the IRC and ERC procedures.

Examples may include:

8.1. Retail and Distribution

Depending on the business activities and the investor’s structure, foreign-invested enterprises may need additional business licensing or retail outlet establishment permits under applicable regulations.

8.2. Food Production and Trading

Certain food-related businesses may require food safety compliance procedures, facility conditions or product-specific registrations.

8.3. Manufacturing

Manufacturing investment projects may require consideration of industrial premises, environmental requirements, fire safety, construction-related procedures and other operational approvals.

8.4. Education and Training

Education businesses may require additional investment, establishment or operational approvals depending on the proposed activity.

8.5. Logistics and Specialized Services

Foreign ownership restrictions and licensing requirements may vary significantly across different categories of logistics and other regulated services.

Consequently, company setup costs in Vietnam should always account for the actual licensed activities, not merely the broad business name selected by the investor.

9. Post-Incorporation Costs Foreign Investors Should Budget For

Company establishment is only the beginning of operating a compliant business in Vietnam.

Foreign-owned companies should consider ongoing obligations and potential expenses.

9.1. Accounting and Tax Compliance

Newly established companies generally require appropriate accounting records, tax compliance procedures and statutory reporting.

Professional accounting and tax services may represent recurring operating expenses.

9.2. Banking and Capital Contribution

Foreign investment-related banking arrangements must comply with applicable foreign exchange rules.

Depending on the company’s structure, investment registration status and transaction, relevant accounts and capital transfer procedures may be required.

9.3. Electronic Invoices and Digital Administration

Companies should consider expenses associated with electronic invoicing, digital signatures and business administration systems.

9.4. Employees and Payroll

Investors planning to employ staff must account for wages, employment-related insurance obligations and other statutory labor compliance costs.

9.5. Ongoing Investment and Corporate Reporting

Investment projects and registered enterprises may have periodic reporting, amendment and notification obligations.

Missing these requirements can expose businesses to compliance risks and additional expenses.

10. Sample Budget Structure for a Foreign-Owned Company

The following example illustrates how foreign investors can organize an establishment budget.

It is not a quotation and does not assume that all categories apply to every project.

For accurate planning, investors should prepare both an incorporation expense budget and an initial operating capital budget.

11. How to Reduce Company Setup Costs in Vietnam Legally

Reducing company establishment expenses should never mean overlooking mandatory requirements.

Instead, investors can take the following steps:

Step 1: Check Foreign Ownership Conditions Early

Confirm that the intended activities can be conducted under the proposed foreign ownership structure.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Company Structure

Avoid unnecessary restructuring by choosing a suitable LLC or joint-stock company structure from the beginning.

Step 3: Prepare Consistent Documents

Ensure that investor names, company information and authorization documents match across the application.

Step 4: Verify Premises Before Signing a Lease

Avoid rental commitments for premises that cannot legally support the proposed activities.

Step 5: Clarify the Scope of Legal Services

Request a clear service agreement identifying deliverables, exclusions and payment terms.

Step 6: Plan Post-Registration Obligations

Include ongoing accounting, tax, licensing and investment compliance in the initial budget.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Company Setup Costs in Vietnam

How much does it cost to establish a foreign-owned company in Vietnam?

The total amount depends on statutory charges, professional services, required documents, office premises, specialized permits and the investor’s proposed capital. No universal package price applies to all foreign-invested companies.

What is the government fee for enterprise registration in Vietnam in 2026?

For eligible direct submissions, the temporary reduced enterprise registration fee is VND 25,000 during the applicable reduction period. Online enterprise registration may qualify for an exemption from the registration fee. Publication of enterprise registration information generally costs VND 100,000.

Is there an additional cost for an Investment Registration Certificate?

Investors may incur preparation, translation, legalization and professional advisory expenses. Any applicable statutory charges should be checked for the specific investment procedure.

Is there a minimum capital requirement to establish a foreign-owned company?

There is no universal minimum charter capital requirement for every foreign-owned company. Specific sectors and projects may have additional financial conditions.

Can foreigners establish a company with 100% ownership?

Yes, in sectors where the applicable market access conditions permit full foreign ownership.

Are legal service fees included in government registration fees?

No. Government charges and professional legal service fees are separate categories.

Can an overseas company establish a subsidiary in Vietnam?

Yes, subject to the relevant market access conditions, corporate documentation, investment requirements and enterprise registration procedures.

Can a foreign investor establish a company without traveling to Vietnam?

Some steps may be handled through authorized representatives. However, identity verification, document authentication, banking and other procedures may require further arrangements.

Are incorporation costs different in Ho Chi Minh City?

Statutory registration fees are governed by the applicable national regulations, while office rental, third-party services and operational expenses may vary according to location.

How can I obtain a quotation for foreign company incorporation in Vietnam?

Investors can contact Song Thinh International Law Firm and provide their nationality, intended business activities, proposed ownership structure, investment location and company information for an initial legal assessment.

13. Legal Framework and Official References

Official Legal Sources

The applicable legal framework includes the
Law on Investment No. 143/2025/QH15
and
Decree No. 96/2026/ND-CP.

For official enterprise registration charges,
refer to the
Vietnam National Public Service Portal.

The principal legal framework relevant to establishing a foreign-owned company in Vietnam in 2026 includes:

Law on Investment No. 143/2025/QH15

This law governs investment activities, foreign market access conditions and applicable investment registration requirements.

Official source: https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=216524&pageid=27160

Decree No. 96/2026/ND-CP

This decree provides detailed guidance on implementation of the Law on Investment.

Official source: https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=217407&orggroupid=2&pageid=27160

Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP

This decree governs enterprise registration procedures and related requirements.

Circular No. 47/2019/TT-BTC and Circular No. 64/2025/TT-BTC

These instruments are relevant to the applicable enterprise registration fee framework and temporary fee reductions in 2026.

For specific administrative fees and filing requirements, investors can refer to the Vietnam National Public Service Portal.

14. Related Articles About Foreign Investment in Vietnam

To better understand the legal requirements associated with company setup costs in Vietnam, read our related guides:

How to Set Up a Foreign-Owned Company in Vietnam (2026)

Learn about foreign ownership, company formation procedures, investment registration and legal compliance.

100% Foreign-Owned Company in Vietnam: 2026 Legal Guide

Understand foreign ownership restrictions and market access conditions.

You may also explore our guides concerning Investment Registration Certificates and required company incorporation documents through the Foreign Investment in Vietnam section of our website.

15. Foreign Company Setup Services – Song Thinh International Law Firm

Are you planning to establish a foreign-owned company in Vietnam and want to understand the actual costs before proceeding?

Song Thinh International Law Firm assists foreign individuals and overseas corporations with investment registration, company incorporation and ongoing legal compliance.

Our services include:

• Foreign investment legal consultation.
• Foreign ownership and market access assessment.
• Corporate structure planning.
• Investment Registration Certificate procedures.
• Enterprise Registration Certificate procedures.
• Preparation and review of foreign investor documents.
• Assistance with investment project amendments.
• Legal advice concerning specialized business licenses.
• Corporate legal compliance and ongoing advisory services.

Request a Company Incorporation Quotation

For an accurate quotation, please provide:

• Investor’s nationality.
• Individual or corporate investor status.
• Proposed business activities.
• Intended company location in Vietnam.
• Expected ownership structure.
• Proposed charter capital and investment scale.
• Whether the investor already has a registered office or business premises.

Our legal team can review the preliminary information and propose an appropriate scope of services.

SONG THINH INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM

Address: 176/39 Tran Huy Lieu Street, Cau Kieu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Phone / WhatsApp: +84 945 076 879

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://luatsongthinh.com

SONG THINH INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM – LEGAL CERTAINTY FOR SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT.

Legal Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general reference as of October 21, 2026. Statutory fees, licensing requirements, professional charges and project-specific financial obligations may vary. Investors should verify current requirements and obtain tailored legal advice before making investment decisions.