ENTERPRISE REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE (ERC) SERVICES FOR FOREIGN-INVESTED ENTERPRISES IN VIETNAM (2026): LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Establishing a foreign-invested enterprise in Vietnam does not end with the issuance of an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). In practice, obtaining an IRC is only one stage of the investment process. To legally establish a business entity and commence business operations in Vietnam, foreign investors are generally required to complete the enterprise registration procedure and obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) in accordance with the Law on Enterprises.
Although both the IRC and the ERC are essential legal documents in the investment process, they serve different legal purposes and have distinct legal implications. Misunderstanding the relationship between these two certificates may result in incomplete compliance with Vietnamese laws, delays in project implementation, and unnecessary legal or administrative complications.
What is an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)? Is an ERC mandatory for foreign-invested enterprises? What documents must be prepared, and what procedures must be followed to obtain one? This article provides an overview of the applicable legal framework and explains the enterprise registration procedures for foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam.
Clients who are interested in the procedures for establishing a foreign-invested enterprise in Vietnam are welcome to contact Dai Quang Minh Company via: Hotline: 0932.191.299; Zalo: 0932.191.299; Email: info@quangminhlawfirm.com; Viber: (+84) 337 926 405; WhatsApp: (+84) 337 926 405; WeChat: (+84) 337 926 405 (ID: pouniverse) for free, comprehensive, prompt, and accurate assistance.
In addition, Dai Quang Minh Company provides a wide range of legal services, including sublicenses and specialized permits, enterprise registration, investment advisory services, foreign labor and work permit services, as well as ongoing legal consultancy for both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises.
Contact us:
- Zalo: 0932.191.299
- Gmail: info@quangminhlawfirm.com
- Viber: (+84) 337926405/ (+84) 869672216
- WhatsApp: (+84) 337926405/ (+84) 869672216
- Wechat: (+84) 337926405 (ID: _pouniverse)/ (+84) 869672216 (ID: DQM_Verna)
- Telegram: (+84) 337926405/ (+84) 869672216
I. What is an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)?
An Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) is a certificate issued by the Business Registration Authority in accordance with the Law on Enterprises.
Under Vietnamese law, the ERC records the enterprise's registered information, including:
Enterprise name;
Enterprise identification number;
Head office address;
Type of enterprise;
Charter capital;
Legal representative.
From a legal perspective, the ERC confirms that the enterprise has been duly incorporated under the Law on Enterprises. Upon its issuance, the enterprise is officially established as a legal entity and is entitled to conduct business activities in accordance with Vietnamese law.
II. Is an ERC Required for Foreign-Invested Enterprises?
Under the Law on Enterprises of Vietnam, all enterprises established in Vietnam, including foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), are generally required to complete the enterprise registration process and obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC). The ERC serves as the legal document confirming the establishment of the enterprise and its legal status under Vietnamese law.
For investment projects that are subject to the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) requirement under the Law on Investment, the incorporation process is typically carried out in the following sequence:
Step 1: Obtain the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC);
Step 2: Complete the enterprise registration procedure to obtain the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).
Where an IRC is not required under Vietnamese law, foreign investors may proceed directly with the enterprise registration procedure without first obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate without first obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate.
Why Choose Dai Quang Minh Company?
Highly Qualified Human Resources: Our team comprises experienced corporate legal experts and project legal consultants who have worked for many years with leading domestic private economic groups and major foreign-invested enterprises operating in Vietnam.
Complimentary Legal Consultation Policy: Clients are entitled to a comprehensive legal consultation package free of charge when using our services.
Professionalism and Extensive Experience: Our professionals possess in-depth knowledge of business establishment and corporate legal matters, ensuring prompt, accurate, and effective advisory services.
Time-Saving Solutions: By engaging our services, clients can save valuable time as we handle all procedures and documentation on a turnkey basis.
Strict Legal Compliance: We ensure that every process is carried out in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Tailored and Flexible Services: Our consulting services are customized to meet the specific needs of each client, enabling businesses to select the most suitable and effective solutions.
A Trusted Partner: Dai Quang Minh Company has established a strong reputation for providing reliable business establishment and legal consulting services at reasonable costs to individuals and enterprises nationwide.
Confidentiality Assurance: We are committed to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding our clients’ personal information and business data.
Comprehensive Guidance and Support: We provide detailed instructions on procedures and legal requirements, helping clients clearly understand every stage of the business establishment process.
Process Optimization: Our team streamlines business registration procedures, minimizing risks and reducing potential legal and administrative challenges.
Client-Centered Experience: We are dedicated to delivering the best possible client experience through professional advice and responsive, personalized support.
Focus on Business Growth: By entrusting legal procedures to us, clients can concentrate on their core business activities without concerns about legal formalities and compliance matters.
III. Application Dossier for Enterprise Registration
Depending on the type of enterprise, the required documents may vary. However, for a limited liability company or a joint-stock company with foreign investment, the basic application dossier generally includes:
Application for enterprise registration;
Company charter;
List of members or founding shareholders (if applicable);
Copies of legal documents of members, shareholders, and the legal representative;
Copy of the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC), where applicable;
Other documents as required by law depending on the specific circumstances.
Where the investor is a foreign organization, additional documents are generally required, including legal documents of the organization, the appointment of its authorized representative, and other supporting documents. Documents issued overseas may need to be legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized or certified in accordance with Vietnamese law.
Preparing a complete application dossier from the outset helps minimize requests for amendments and shortens the processing time.
IV. Enterprise Registration Procedures for Foreign-Invested Enterprises
Step 1: Prepare the Application Dossier
The investor prepares the enterprise registration dossier in accordance with the Law on Enterprises and its implementing regulations.
At this stage, the enterprise should also review its proposed enterprise name, registered office address, business lines, charter capital, and legal representative to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Step 2: Submit the Application
The application dossier is submitted to the competent Business Registration Authority either directly or online through the National Business Registration Portal.
If the application is incomplete or invalid, the Business Registration Authority will issue a notice requesting amendments or supplementation. The investor should promptly revise the application in accordance with the authority's instructions to avoid delays.
Step 3: Obtain the Enterprise Registration Certificate
Within the statutory time limit after receiving a valid application, the Business Registration Authority will issue the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).
After obtaining the ERC, the enterprise should complete the required post-licensing procedures, including publication of enterprise registration information, making a company seal (if needed), opening a bank account, tax registration, registering for electronic invoices, and fulfilling other legal obligations before commencing business operations.
V. Conclusion
Under the Law on Enterprises, the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) legally establishes a business, serving an entirely different purpose than the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). For foreign-invested firms, obtaining an ERC is the essential step to acquire legal entity status and start operations in Vietnam.
A smooth registration process requires investors to determine IRC obligations, prepare complete documentation, and choose the right business model. This structured initial preparation is key to reducing approval times, cutting unnecessary costs, and accelerating project deployment.
If you are interested in the reporting procedures applicable to enterprises engaged in the business of cybersecurity products and services, please contact Dai Quang Minh Company via Hotline: 0932.191.299; Zalo: 0932.191.299; Email: info@quangminhlawfirm.com; Viber: (+84) 337 926 405; WhatsApp: (+84) 337 926 405; WeChat: (+84) 337 926 405 (ID: pouniverse) for free, comprehensive, prompt, and accurate assistance.
In addition, Dai Quang Minh Company provides a wide range of legal services, including sublicenses and specialized permits, enterprise registration, investment advisory services, foreign labor and work permit services, as well as ongoing legal consultancy for both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises.
Contact us:
- Zalo: 0932.191.299
- Gmail: info@quangminhlawfirm.com
- Viber: (+84) 337926405/ (+84) 869672216
- WhatsApp: (+84) 337926405/ (+84) 869672216
- Wechat: (+84) 337926405 (ID: _pouniverse)/ (+84) 869672216 (ID: DQM_Verna)
- Telegram: (+84) 337926405/ (+84) 869672216
During the course of your business operations, if you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Dai Quang Minh Company. We are always ready to support and accompany you throughout the establishment, operation, and growth of your business.
We wish you sustainable growth, continued success, and remarkable achievements in your business endeavors.
Sincerely,
Dai Quang Minh Company. /.
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