FOREIGN TRADER'S BRANCH ESTABLISHMENT SERVICES IN VIETNAM (2026): PROCEDURES, REQUIREMENTS, AND KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Vietnam has become one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment in Southeast Asia, thanks to its rapidly growing economy, favorable business environment, and strategic location within the regional supply chain. To expand their commercial presence and conduct business activities directly in Vietnam, many foreign traders choose to establish a Branch rather than incorporate a foreign-invested company.
A Branch of a foreign trader is a dependent unit that is permitted to conduct commercial activities within the scope authorized by its parent company. However, the establishment of a Branch is subject to specific legal requirements and licensing procedures under Vietnamese law. Foreign traders should therefore carefully understand the application process, required documentation, and ongoing compliance obligations before commencing operations.
Clients interested in support services for establishing a foreign company branch office in Vietnam may 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. Application Dossier for Establishment of a Branch
A foreign trader seeking to establish a Branch in Vietnam must prepare one (01) set of application documents, including:
- An Application for the License for Establishment of a Branch, signed by the authorized representative of the foreign trader;
- A certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate or equivalent document of the foreign trader, duly consular legalized;
- A Letter of Appointment of the Head of the Branch in Vietnam;
- A certified copy of the Branch Charter or Operating Regulations;
- A certified copy of the passport of the Head of the Branch (for foreign nationals) or ID Card/Citizen Identity Card (for Vietnamese nationals);
- Audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year;
- A lease agreement for the proposed Branch office together with supporting documents proving that the premises are legally eligible to be used as the Branch’s office.
Important Notes:
- All documents issued overseas, including passports, business registration certificates, appointment letters, and other supporting documents, must be translated into Vietnamese and certified in accordance with Vietnamese law.
- Documents relating to the office location should demonstrate the lessor’s lawful ownership or right to lease the premises and confirm that the property is permitted to be used as an office.
- In the absence of audited financial statements, the foreign trader may submit a document issued by a competent authority or organization in its home country certifying the trader’s financial standing and operational status during the most recent fiscal year.
II. Procedures for Establishing a Branch in Vietnam
Step 1: Submission of Application
The foreign trader submits the application dossier directly, by post, or through an online platform (where applicable) to the competent licensing authority.
Step 2: Review of Application
Within three (03) working days from the date of receipt, the licensing authority reviews the application for completeness and validity. If the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the authority may request supplementation. Such request may only be made once during the application process.
Step 3: Issuance of the Branch Establishment License
Within seven (07) working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the licensing authority shall issue or refuse to issue the License for Establishment of a Branch.
Where the application is refused, the authority must provide a written explanation specifying the reasons for refusal.
Cases Requiring Consultation with a Specialized Ministry
Additional consultation with the relevant specialized ministry may be required where:
- The proposed activities of the Branch are inconsistent with Vietnam’s market access commitments;
- The foreign trader is established in a country or territory that is not a party to an international treaty to which Vietnam is a member; or
- The proposed activities are not governed by any specialized legal regulations.
In such cases, the licensing authority will seek opinions from the competent ministry before making a licensing decision.
III. 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.
IV. Cases Where a Branch Establishment License May Be Refused
A License for Establishment of a Branch may be denied in the following circumstances:
- The foreign trader does not satisfy the statutory conditions for establishing a Branch;
- The application dossier is incomplete, invalid, and not properly supplemented as requested;
- The foreign trader applies for a Branch Establishment License within two (02) years from the date its previous license was revoked;
- The establishment of the Branch is restricted for reasons related to national defense, national security, social order and safety, social ethics, or public health.
V. Obligations After Establishment of a Branch
Following the issuance of the Branch Establishment License, the foreign trader should complete several post-licensing procedures, including:
- Obtaining the Branch seal;
- Purchasing a digital signature and registering for electronic invoices;
- Registering for tax purposes and fulfilling tax declaration obligations;
- Preparing and submitting annual financial statements;
- Complying with periodic reporting obligations to competent authorities.
Under current regulations, a Branch must submit its annual operation report for the preceding year no later than January 30 of each year.
VI. Validity of the Branch Establishment License
The License for Establishment of a Branch is valid for a maximum period of five (05) years.
However, the validity period cannot exceed the remaining validity period of the foreign trader’s Business Registration Certificate or equivalent document where such document specifies an operating term.
Upon expiration, the License may be renewed in accordance with applicable regulations.
VII. Regulations on the Head of a Branch
The Head of the Branch is responsible for managing and operating the Branch’s activities in Vietnam and is accountable to the foreign trader within the scope of delegated authority.
Key regulations include:
- The Head of the Branch is responsible for activities conducted within the scope of authorization;
- When leaving Vietnam, the Head of the Branch must issue a written authorization to another individual to exercise his or her rights and obligations during the absence;
- If the Head of the Branch remains outside Vietnam for more than thirty (30) days without a valid authorization or becomes unable to perform his or her duties, the foreign trader must appoint a replacement;
- The Head of a Branch may not concurrently serve as:
+ The head of another foreign trader’s representative office in Vietnam;
+ The head of the foreign trader’s representative office in Vietnam; or
+ The legal representative of an economic organization established in Vietnam.
Prospective clients seeking assistance with procedures for establishing a foreign company branch office in Vietnam (2026) 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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