FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SETUP SERVICES IN VIETNAM (2026): SETTING UP A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN VIETNAM
A Representative Office (RO) in Vietnam is commonly chosen by foreign businesses seeking to study the local market and establish an initial business presence before making a larger investment. Although an RO cannot directly conduct commercial transactions or generate revenue, it offers an effective and low risk solution for companies wishing to explore business opportunities and strengthen relationships within Vietnam.
Under Vietnamese regulations, the Representative Office License is generally issued with a validity period of up to 05 years. However, the license term cannot exceed the remaining validity of the parent company’s Business Registration Certificate or equivalent legal document if such document contains an expiration date. Once the license expires, the representative office must carry out renewal procedures in order to continue operating legally in Vietnam.
It should also be emphasized that a representative office is not permitted to perform profit making activities, sign commercial contracts independently, or issue invoices. Its permitted activities are mainly limited to market research, liaison activities, and promoting the interests of the foreign parent company. In addition, representative offices are exempt from Business License Tax and Corporate Income Tax obligations in Vietnam.
Prospective clients seeking assistance with procedures for establishing a representative office in Vietnam are kindly invited to contact Dai Quang Minh Law Firm 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 complimentary consultation and comprehensive, efficient, and accurate legal services.
In addition, Dai Quang Minh Law Firm provides a wide range of services, including sub-licenses, business registration, investment, foreign labor, and ongoing legal advisory services for both domestic and foreign enterprises.
Contact:
- 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. Permitted Activities
With the central purpose of conducting market research, a representative office is permitted to perform the following specific activities:
1. Conducting liaison activities with local partners.
2. Carrying out market research and feasibility studies.
3. Promoting the business operations of its parent head office.
In contrast, a representative office is strictly forbidden from the following:
1. Engaging in direct trade or manufacturing activities.
2. Signing business contracts for the purpose of generating profit.
II. Registration Requirements
To successfully register a representative office, the foreign parent company must satisfy the requirements stipulated in Article 7 of Decree No. 07/2016/ND-CP:
1. The foreign trader must be incorporated and registered in accordance with the laws of countries or territories that are parties to treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory.
2. The foreign trader must have been in operation for at least 01 year from the date of its establishment or registration.
3. The Certificate of Business Registration or equivalent document must remain valid for at least 01 more year from the date of the application submission.
4. The intended scope of operation of the representative office must be consistent with Vietnam’s commitments in international treaties.
5. In cases where the scope is inconsistent or the foreign trader is not from a signatory country, the establishment requires specific approval from relevant Ministers or Heads of ministerial agencies.
III. Required Documentation
All new applications for a representative office license must include the following essential documents:
1. Certified copies of the Certificate of Business Registration of the foreign trader.
2. An official letter of appointment for the head of the representative office.
3. Copies of audited financial statements or certificates of tax fulfillment from the last fiscal year as proof of the parent company's existence.
4. Copies of the passport or ID card for the head of the representative office.
5. Documents regarding the expected location, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or leasing agreements.
Please be advised that documents specified in items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 must be translated into Vietnamese and certified in accordance with Vietnamese law. Furthermore, the Certificate of Business Registration must be legalized by overseas diplomatic missions or Consulates of Vietnam.
IV. Registration Procedure
In general, foreign companies register their representative office at the Department of Industry and Trade in the province where the office is located, such as Danang or Ho Chi Minh City. However, the Management Boards of industrial parks, export processing zones, or hi-tech zones hold the authority to grant or adjust licenses for representative offices located within their respective specialized zones.
V. Compliance Requirements
In order to remain compliant with local regulations, a representative office must adhere to the following:
- Naming Conventions: The name of the representative office must match the parent company and include the phrase "representative office" in Vietnamese. The office nameplate must be clearly displayed at the headquarters.
- Location Standards: Representative offices must be headquartered at locations that satisfy requirements for security and occupational hygiene. Subletting or lending the office space to other parties is prohibited.
- Personnel Restrictions: The head of a representative office shall not concurrently hold the position of head of a branch for any foreign trader or act as the legal representative for any business organization incorporated under Vietnamese law.
- Reporting Obligations: By January 30th of each year, every representative office must submit an operation status report to the licensing agency using the form stipulated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Why choose Dai Quang Minh LawFirm
With years of practical experience in legal consulting, Dai Quang Minh Law Firm is a pioneer in corporate support services, specializing in fast and affordable company formation. Below are the reasons to choose business registration services at Dai Quang Minh Law Office:
Human Resources: Established in September 2009, with over 15 years of practical experience, Dai Quang Minh Law Firm brings together a team of lawyers and legal experts with long-standing expertise in private economic groups nationwide.
Consulting Policy: Clients are gifted a completely free legal consulting package when using services at Dai Quang Minh Law Firm.
Professionalism and Experience: Dai Quang Minh Law Firm has a workforce with in-depth knowledge of business formation, ensuring a swift and accurate consulting process.
Time-Saving: Using Dai Quang Minh Law Firm's services helps you save precious time as we handle the entire process and related procedures.
Legal Insight: Dai Quang Minh Law Firm ensures that all relevant legal regulations are strictly followed in accordance with the law.
Customization: Our consulting services are highly adaptable to your specific needs, allowing you to choose options suitable for your business.
Trusted Partner: Dai Quang Minh Law Firm has built a reputation for providing affordable business setup consulting to many enterprises and individuals nationwide.
Confidentiality Assurance: Dai Quang Minh Law Firm is committed to the absolute protection of your personal and business information.
Detailed Support: Dai Quang Minh Law Firm provides detailed advice and support regarding the process and requirements to help you better understand business formation.
Process Optimization: Our consulting helps optimize the business setup process, minimizing potential risks and difficulties.
Excellent Customer Experience: Dai Quang Minh Law Firm is dedicated to providing the best customer experience through professional advice and enthusiastic support.
Focus on Business Plans: By utilizing our registration services, you can focus on developing your business plans and core activities instead of worrying about legal procedures.
Prospective clients seeking assistance with procedures for establishing a representative office in Vietnam are kindly invited to contact Dai Quang Minh Law Firm 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 complimentary consultation and comprehensive, efficient, and accurate legal services.
In addition, Dai Quang Minh Law Firm provides a wide range of services, including sub-licenses, business registration, investment, foreign labor, and ongoing legal advisory services for both domestic and foreign enterprises.
Contact:
- 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
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