Foreign corporations operating in Vietnam can operate as a branch office without the need to incorporate. However, it is generally advisable to incorporate rather than set up a branch office in Vietnam, given the numerous drawbacks associated with having a branch office. However, generally, branches are not a common form of foreign investment given they are only permitted in a few sectors.
As a matter of practice, apart from the culture, education and tourism, banking, tobacco, legal services and airline industry, there have been very few branches established in Vietnam.
A foreign company can establish a branch office in Vietnam provided it has obtained prior approval from the government. The Branch will have to apply and obtain the establishment license, and possess a seal bearing the name of the Branch. The conditions for obtaining a Branch license are quite simple. Normally, a Branch license shall be granted if the foreign entity satisfies the following conditions:
(i) It possesses a legal certificate of business registration, in accordance with the laws of applicant’s country;
(ii) Has been established for a period of not less than 5 years, from the business registration.
The application needs to be filed with the MoIT ( Ministry of International Trade) Approval is location specific and subject to guidelines issued in this regard. There are eligibility criteria and procedural guidelines for establishment of a branch office by foreign entities in Vietnam.
The branch’s operating license expires five years from the licensing date and is renewable.
Advisory services
GBS – one of the best business law firms in Vietnam with a network South East Asia, Middle East, Japan, HongKong, Malta and Poland – offers simple direct advice to start your operations in Vietnam. They provide the help you need to understand your options, obtain your business license and complete the registration of your branch office in Vietnam.
Email: info@gbs.com.vn or SMS | iMessage | WhatsApp | Viber | Hotline: +84903189033
For more information on GBS’s services, visit the website: https://gbs.com.vn
Sponsored content