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Representative office establishment in Vietnam.

Acclime helps you navigate the specific regulatory requirements for setting up a representative office in Vietnam, ensuring full compliance with local laws while streamlining the approval process.

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Representative office establishment in vietnam

Set up your representative office in Vietnam with confidence.

Expert guidance

We understand that no two businesses are alike, so our services and solutions are tailored to your unique needs and requirements.
Speed fast

Fast processing

We will seamlessly guide you through the government requirements, removing the confusion and providing clarity for what can be an otherwise drawn-out process for starting a business.

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Transparent pricing

We provide a custom quote based on your needs that lays out everything you get and how much you will pay— no hidden fees.

Operational limitations.

Under Vietnamese law, a representative office (RO) is permitted to:

  • Undertake market research
  • Act as a liaison office
  • Promote business investment opportunities

It should be noted that changes in March 2016 removed the ability for Vietnam ROs to “monitor and promote the performance of contracts signed with Vietnamese partners or those relating to the Vietnamese market on behalf of its foreign parent”. The effect of the above is that ROs are not permitted to engage in commercial activities or support their parent entity with their commercial activities in Vietnam.

However, ROs have the right to employ staff to undertake its plans, including foreign individuals (subject to the foreign individuals obtaining appropriate work permits) and to open bank accounts in Vietnam.

Complete establishment services

Everything you need to start and manage your representative office in Vietnam.

With our end-to-end support, setting up your representative office in Vietnam is completely hands-off. From securing the license to providing a registered office address, handling statutory compliance, and filing documents with the relevant authorities, we take care of everything—so you can focus on your core business activities with total peace of mind.

Essential registration services.

  • Registration

    We will prepare and file the documents and complete your representative office registration with the relevant authorities.

  • Lease assistance

    We will review your lease agreement, liaise with your lessor to discuss and obtain the lease documents, and arrange for you to sign the lease agreement.

  • Bank account opening

    We will assist the company with the process of opening bank accounts (covering Capital and Current accounts). The specific bank where the accounts is opened will be discussed and agreed with the company upon commencement.

  • Acting legal representative
    & corporate governance

    We act as the resident legal representative or chief representative. Our role includes acting as gatekeepers, maintaining the check and balance on the company’s management, with a view to safeguarding the interest of the company and protecting the interests of the shareholders. This service is often combined with our corporate secretarial services for the full corporate services support.

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Additional compliance services.

We also provide one-off and ongoing services to keep your business compliant with all the government requirements.

  • Corporate secretarial & compliance

    We will handle all your board meeting documentation, filing, custodial safekeeping, stamping volume needs, and more for you to keep your new company globally compliant.

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  • Accounting & tax

    Maintain compliance with local requirements with accounting services and appointment of a Chief Accountant. Reduce tax burden and ensure on-time tax filing to avoid penalties.

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  • HR & payroll

    Pay your employees on time and keep track of compensations and benefits to ensure compliance with labour laws.

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  • Advisory

    Leveraging our expert advice will help you to achieve business goals efficiently. Our years of experience will help you overcome business challenges and boost business growth.

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Registration process

Three steps to set up your new representative office.

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1. Document preparation

Up to three weeks

Key documents to arrange:

  1. Lease agreement: Each applicant must have a lease (or pre-lease) agreement for where their RO will be registered.
  2. Legal identification: Chief Representative’s legalised passport/notarised ID card
  3. Parent company documentation: Each foreign trader will need to have appropriate documents, including: legalised incorporation documents (i.e. Business Registration Certificate/ Certificate of Incorporation, Bizfile,…) and the legalised audited financial statements/ tax confirmation.

2. Registration of representative office certificate

Up to four weeks

The application is lodged with the Department of Industry & Trade or the Management Boards of industrial parks or other special zones where the address of the representative office is located.

3. Post-licensing registrations

Up to four weeks

After obtaining the Certificate of Establishment of a Representative Office (Certificate of Establishment), several post-licensing procedures must be completed, which are:

  • Stamp/seal
  • Tax code registration (to be completed within 10 days from the date of issuance of the Certificate of Establishment)
  • Bank account opening
  • Labour registration, upon having employees

General requirements.

To establish  representative office in Vietnam, the foreign traders must comply with the following requirements:

  • Must have been in operation for at least one year from the date of establishment.
  • The Business Registration Certificate or equivalent document must be valid for at least one year from applying if it specifies an operating period.

The representative office is also required to have:

  • A Chief representative
  • An office address in Vietnam

The Chief Representative cannot concurrently hold the following positions:

  • Head of a branch of the same foreign trader
  • Head of a branch of another foreign trader
  • Legal representative of the same foreign trader or others
  • Legal representative of a business organisation incorporated under Vietnamese law
Download quick guide (PDF)
FAQ

Common questions.

Why set up a representative office in Vietnam?

Establishing a representative office is a practical first step for foreign investors looking to enter the Vietnamese market.

It allows your company to establish a legal presence, hire local staff, and conduct non-commercial activities such as market research, liaison, and brand promotion.

This setup helps foreign businesses better understand the local landscape before committing to a full commercial presence.

What are the limitations of a representative office in Vietnam?

Representative offices are subject to strict limitations under Vietnamese law.

They are not permitted to conduct revenue-generating activities, sign contracts, or issue invoices.

This restricted scope is intentional—Vietnamese authorities encourage commercial activities to be conducted through taxable entities such as wholly foreign-owned companies.

As such, an RO is best suited as a low-risk, early-stage presence or a stepping stone toward establishing a full operating company in Vietnam.

What is a legal representative?

An enterprise’s legal representative is an individual who can exercise the rights and obligations for and on behalf of that enterprise.

Generally, only a legal representative can sign contracts for the company with other parties, although Power of Attorneys can be issued to delegate certain powers to others in the organisation.

Ready to get started?

Gain a low-risk, compliant foothold in Vietnam with a representative office.

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Not sure where to begin?

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation
on starting & managing your company
in Vietnam.

Rizwan Khan, Managing Partner
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