Business Knowledge, Finance & Accounting Knowledge, Lasted News, Legal News

FDI Company Setup in Vietnam: Business License & Complete 2026 Guide

Posted on 30/12/202530/12/2025 by ASS

Why Setting up Company in Vietnam is the Strategic Choice for 2026?

The year 2026 marks a pivotal turning point for foreign investors in Vietnam. With significant reforms in the Law on Investment and a roadmap to reduce conditional business lines, the process for setting up a company in Vietnam is becoming more transparent and streamlined than ever.

However, to operate legally in specialized sectors such as retail, distribution, or logistics, investors must follow a structured path from obtaining an IRC and ERC to securing a specific business license.

1. Why Foreign Investors Need a Clear Roadmap in 2026

Starting a business in Vietnam as a foreigner offers immense potential, but understanding the 2026 regulatory landscape is crucial to avoiding delays or rejected applications.

a. FDI Opportunities in 2026

Vietnam maintains its position as Southeast Asia’s “global factory” based on four key pillars:

Extensive FTA Network: Leverage tariff incentives from the CPTPP, EVFTA, and RCEP.
New Incentive Policies: Strong focus on high-tech projects, circular economy, and renewable energy.
Flexible Ownership Structures: 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors, including manufacturing, IT, consulting, and trading.
Digitalized Procedures: Significant reduction in waiting times through the National Business Registration Portal.

b. When is a Business License (Trading License) Mandatory?

While many sectors are open, a Business License (Trading License or Retail Distribution License) is still mandatory for foreign investors in “conditional” sectors under WTO commitments and Vietnamese Law.

Even with eased regulations, a separate Business License is required after company formation for:

Retail Sales: Directly providing goods to end consumers.
Distribution & Import: Applied to restricted or specialized commodity groups.
Specialized Services: Logistics, education, healthcare, and F&B.
Important Note: By July 1, 2026, sectors like accounting and insurance brokerage will see further liberalization. However, for Retail & Distribution, investors must still seek approval from the Ministry/Department of Industry and Trade.

c. Distinguishing IRC vs. ERC vs. Business License

Understanding these three acronyms is vital for any foreigner setting up a company in Vietnam:

Permit Type	Issuing Authority	Primary Role
IRC (Investment Registration Certificate)	Department of Planning and Investment (DPI)	Approves the investment project (capital, objectives, location).
ERC (Enterprise Registration Certificate)	Business Registration Office	Creates the legal entity and issues the Tax ID.
Business License	Relevant Ministry or Department	Grants permission to operate in conditional sectors (Retail, etc.).

The Standard Sequence: IRC (Project Approval) → ERC (Company Formation) → Business License (For specific sectors).

2. 5-Step Process for Setting Up Company in Vietnam in 2026

The average timeline for completion ranges from 1 to 2 months, depending on the complexity of your business lines.

Step 1: Choose a Legal Structure & Check Ownership Limits

The most common choice is a Limited Liability Company (LLC) due to its flexibility and limited liability protection. Foreigners must verify if their specific sector requires a Joint Venture (JV) with a Vietnamese partner.

Step 2: Obtain the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

Investors submit the application to the DPI. Key documents include:

Detailed Investment Project Proposal.
Proof of Financial Capacity (Bank statements or audited reports).
Office Lease Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Timeline: 15 – 35 working days.

Step 3: Obtain the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

Once the IRC is issued, the ERC application is typically processed within 3 – 7 working days. This step officially grants your business its legal status.

Step 4: Post-Registration Procedures (Operational Compliance)

Obtaining the ERC is only the beginning. Within 90 days, investors must fulfill these mandatory obligations:

Open a Direct Investment Capital Account (DICA): This is the most critical step. All capital contributions, profit repatriations, and share transfers must flow through this account.
Capital Contribution: Ensure the total committed capital is transferred into the DICA within 90 days of ERC issuance.
Online Investment Reporting: Businesses must report project progress quarterly and annually on the National Investment Information System. Missing these deadlines can lead to heavy administrative fines.
Initial Tax & Accounting Setup: Register digital signatures, set up e-invoice templates, and pay Business License Tax (License Fees). Appointing a Chief Accountant or an outsourced accounting representative is a legal requirement for signing financial statements.

Step 5: Specialized Business License (If applicable)

For retail and distribution entities, authorities will assess the application based on local planning and socio-economic impact. Note the Economic Needs Test (ENT) requirement if you plan to open a second retail outlet or more.

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3. Required Documents & Checklist

All foreign documents must be Consularly Legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized.

Individual Investors: Notarized passport + Bank balance confirmation.
Corporate Investors: Parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation + Audited financial statements (last 2 years) + Resolution appointing the authorized representative.
Project Documents: Detailed Business Plan and proof of right to use the business location.

4. Vina TPT: Your Trusted Partner for FDI Success in Vietnam

Establishing a legal entity is just the start. To thrive in the Vietnamese market, businesses need a solid foundation in Accounting, Tax, and HR from day one.

Vina TPT is proud to be a strategic partner, helping foreign investors remove language barriers and navigate local legal complexities:

Expert Consulting: From initial setup to tax structure optimization. We keep you updated on the latest regulations, including Global Minimum Tax and 2026 tax incentives.
Payroll & HR Management: We handle labor contracts, Social Health & Unemployment Insurance (SHUI), and Personal Income Tax (PIT) finalization for both expats and locals, ensuring absolute confidentiality.
Lifecycle Partnership: With over 20 years of experience, Vina TPT provides an “All-in-one” ecosystem. You focus on growth; we handle the administration.
No Language Barrier: Our trilingual team (English – Japanese – Vietnamese) ensures transparent communication and seamless management reporting.

Optimize your resources and minimize legal risks with Vina TPT. Contact us today for a 1-on-1 specialized consultation for your 2026 project.

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Accounting & Tax, Lasted News

Tax Incentive in Vietnam 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Optimize Profits under New CIT Law

Posted on 20/10/202509/04/2026 by ASS

Overview of corporate tax incentives in Vietnam 2025 under the new CIT Law

Tax Incentive: Comprehensive Guide to Corporate Tax Incentives in Vietnam 2025 – Optimize Profits with New CIT Law

With Vietnam’s Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Law 2025 officially in force from October 1, 2025, investors and CFOs are reassessing how to leverage tax incentives to strengthen profitability and compliance.

From 10 – 17% preferential CIT rates to multi-year tax holidays, the new regime gives both domestic and foreign companies more tools to optimize profits but only if you understand the rules.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What a tax incentive is and why it matters for 2025
The main types of corporate tax incentives available in Vietnam
Key eligibility requirements and risk management
How to prepare and apply effectively with professional support

I. What is a Tax Incentive and Why Do Businesses Need to Know in 2025?

A tax incentive is a government policy designed to reduce or exempt tax liabilities for businesses that invest in targeted sectors or locations, with the aim of encouraging sustainable growth, innovation, and foreign direct investment (FDI).

Under the CIT Law 2025, tax incentives in Vietnam have evolved to:

Support the digital economy and green/clean industries.
Attract FDI via extended tax breaks and preferential schemes.
Motivate companies to reinvest profits inside Vietnam rather than only extracting them.

In today’s competitive ASEAN environment, understanding tax incentives isn’t optional, it’s a survival and growth strategy.

The standard corporate income tax rate remains 20 %. However, preferential rates are flexibly applied:

15 % for enterprises with annual revenue ≤ VND 3 billion
17 % for enterprises with revenue over VND 3 billion up to VND 50 billion
In specific cases (e.g., foreign-owned enterprises, cooperatives…) where cost/expense determination is difficult, a direct tax rate on revenue may apply

II. Key 2025 Updates: Major Types of Corporate Tax Incentives in Vietnam

1. Expanded deductible expenses under the 2025 CIT Law

Enterprises are now allowed to deduct additional expenses related to scientific research, digital transformation, testing new technologies, emission reduction, and community activities. This aims to create favorable conditions for businesses to pursue sustainable growth and innovation.

2. Incentives by sector, location, and investment project

Investment projects in high-tech sectors such as semiconductor production, AI, data centers, automobile manufacturing, and electronic device production are eligible for a preferential tax rate of 10% for up to 15 years.
Expansion projects applying clean technologies or contributing to environmental improvements may also qualify for tax exemptions or reductions if they meet specific requirements.

3. Clear incentive rules to avoid overlapping

If an enterprise falls under multiple incentive categories, it has the right to choose the most favorable one.
In cases where preferential provisions exist under specialized laws, the 2025 CIT Law will take precedence, except for specially regulated circumstances.

4. Loss carry-forward and Science & Technology Development Fund

Enterprises are allowed to carry forward losses continuously for up to 5 years.
They may allocate up to 20% of annual taxable income to establish a Science & Technology Development Fund, provided it is used for the correct purposes.

To explore how our consulting team can help you secure and optimize CIT incentives effectively, visit our dedicated Tax Consulting Service page for more details.

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III. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid – Plus Profit Optimization

Even with the best intentions, many businesses still miss out on their tax incentive benefits due to simple yet costly mistakes. Below are the most common pitfalls and how to fix them effectively.

Late or incomplete applications: One of the most frequent issues arises from delayed or missing documentation.
How to avoid: Ensure all required forms and supporting evidence are submitted before your project begins generating income to maintain eligibility.
Ignoring Permanent Establishment (PE) rules: With the 2025 update redefining PE status, overlooking this change can lead to unexpected tax liabilities.
How to avoid: Reassess your operational and contractual structure under the new PE definition to avoid misclassification.
Overlooking Double Taxation Treaties (DTT): Many foreign investors fail to leverage DTT benefits, leading to duplicate tax payments.
How to avoid: Coordinate early with professional consultants to utilize DTT relief and minimize cross-border tax exposure.
Unclear bookkeeping and expense tracking: Incomplete financial records can weaken your eligibility for incentives and invite compliance risks.
How to avoid: Implement digital accounting and reporting systems to ensure transparency and traceability.
No profit optimization strategy: Securing an incentive is only the first step, maximizing its impact requires strategic planning.
How to avoid: Partner with Vina TPT’s tax consultants to align your incentive structure with long-term financial goals and ROI optimization.

IV. What Should Businesses Prepare to Seize Opportunities from the 2025 CIT Law?

To stay ahead of regulatory changes and fully capitalize on new incentives, businesses must prepare proactively and strategically:

Review and assess impact: Conduct a detailed analysis of current financial performance, income, expenses, and business operations. Identify any necessary adjustments to comply with the new Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Law.
Understand eligibility criteria for incentives: Study the specific requirements for benefiting from the 2025 CIT incentives. Ensure your business meets all conditions before submitting any application.
Update accounting and financial systems: Make sure your accounting software and bookkeeping procedures comply with new regulations on revenue and expense recognition.
Train internal teams: Equip your finance and accounting personnel with updated knowledge through training sessions or specialized CIT 2025 courses.
Seek expert consultation: Engaging professional tax advisors is a smart move to avoid compliance risks and legally optimize your tax obligations.

Instead of navigating complex tax regulations on your own, you can connect directly with VINA TPT – trusted partner specializing in tax, accounting, and financial consulting ready to support your business in maximizing benefits under the 2025 CIT Law.

Conclusion

Tax incentives in Vietnam are more than just government policy, they’re a strategic growth lever for businesses preparing to thrive in the 2025 landscape.

Key takeaways:

Vietnam offers preferential CIT rates of 10 – 17% for up to 30 years.
Incentives now extend to green, digital, and financial sectors.
Compliance and timing remain critical to securing approval.

V. Why Partnering with Vina TPT Is the Most Effective Way to Leverage Tax Incentives?

The 2025 CIT incentives offer substantial opportunities to reduce tax burdens and enhance profits, but leveraging them effectively isn’t always simple. Businesses must interpret complex eligibility criteria, prepare accurate documentation, and meet strict compliance deadlines. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to miss optimal incentive schemes or face regulatory risks. That’s why partnering with a professional tax consulting firm becomes a strategic advantage.

Vina TPT Tax Service is a trusted advisor to hundreds of FDI and domestic enterprises, including manufacturing, technology, and service companies across Vietnam. Our team consists of senior tax consultants and legal experts with over 15 years of experience in tax planning, accounting compliance, and investment incentives.

We provide end-to-end support, including:

Assessing eligibility for tax incentives under the 2025 CIT Law
Structuring incentive applications for maximum tax savings
Preparing and submitting exemption/reduction dossiers
Designing long-term tax strategies aligned with business growth objectives
Conducting compliance audits and managing tax risks

With Vina TPT Tax Service, businesses are not only compliant but also positioned to optimize costs and secure sustainable profitability through legally maximized tax benefits.

Contact Vina TPT today and ensure your business fully capitalizes on Vietnam’s 2025 tax incentive opportunities.

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Company Formation, HR News, Lasted News

Cost Comparison: In-House HR vs Outsourced Payroll for FDI in Vietnam

Posted on 09/10/202506/04/2026 by ASS

Vina TPT HR outsourcing Vietnam solution for foreign businesses

1. HR Management Challenges for FDI Companies in Vietnam

As FDI companies expand their operations and investments in Vietnam, HR Outsourcing Vietnam becomes an increasingly relevant solution as one of the biggest challenges is hiring employees and building an internal HR department. The labor system in Vietnam has many specific regulations such as social insurance, health insurance, personal income tax law and regulations on labor contracts. For newly established businesses in Vietnam, understanding this entire legal framework often takes a lot of time, resources and is prone to errors.

In addition, cultural differences and language barriers also create additional pressure when businesses want to recruit the right people, manage benefits and set up Human Resources Management Challenges for FDI Companies in Vietnam

As FDI companies expand their operations and investments in Vietnam, HR Outsourcing Vietnam becomes an increasingly relevant solution as one of the biggest challenges is hiring employees and building an internal Human Resources department. The labor system in Vietnam has many specific regulations such as social insurance, health insurance, personal income tax law and regulations on labor contracts. For newly established businesses in Vietnam, understanding this entire legal framework often takes a lot of time, resources and is prone to errors.

In addition, cultural differences and language barriers also create additional pressure when businesses want to recruit the right people, manage benefits and set up Hiring Relation systems. This is the reason why more and more FDI companies choose HR & payroll service as a safer, more economical and effective solution than building an in-house HR team from the beginning.

2. Understanding In-House HR Costs

When maintaining an in-house HR department, FDI enterprises must consider many hidden and fixed costs. First is the recruitment cost, including advertising, headhunter fees, interviews, and training. Next is the salary and benefits for the Human Resources team, which are often higher due to the demand for personnel with legal knowledge and bilingual skills. Moreover, for every in-house employee, enterprises must also pay compulsory social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance, which together amount to approximately 20.5% of the employee’s monthly salary.

In addition, enterprises need to invest in HR & payroll software systems, employee records management, timekeeping, and payroll calculation. Operating costs such as office space, equipment, and the management time required from the board of directors also cannot be overlooked. Particularly for businesses in Vietnam during the early stages, this total cost structure can easily exceed the planned budget, creating financial pressure and reducing operational flexibility.

Therefore, outsourcing or applying HR & payroll service is becoming a more effective alternative, helping FDI enterprises balance finances and focus on business development.

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3. Breakdown of Outsourced HR & Payroll Service Expenses

When choosing HR & payroll service, businesses only need to pay service fee based on the number of employees, instead of bearing the entire fixed cost of in-house HR. HR outsourcing service usually includes many items: drafting labor contracts, registering for social insurance, managing employee records, processing monthly payroll, declaring and paying personal income tax. Some advanced packages also support legal advice, updating changes in labor laws, and providing periodic human resources reports. Compared to maintaining an entire HR department, outsourcing allows businesses to predict and control costs more clearly. Especially for companies that have just opened a business in Vietnam, Vina TPT Hiring Employees Service brings advantages thanks to its flexible model, all-inclusive services, and transparent costs, ensuring that businesses only pay for what is necessary without incurring unexpected fees.

4. Key Factors Beyond Cost

Although cost is an important factor, when comparing in-house HR and outsourced service, FDI enterprises need to consider more long-term values. One of them is compliance with Vietnamese labor laws, a factor that helps avoid legal risks and protect brand reputation. Next is flexibility, allowing enterprises to easily expand or reduce the size of their staff without having to recruit or fire them complicatedly. In addition, outsourcing also brings operational efficiency, helping the management focus resources on business development strategies in Vietnam instead of handling administrative procedures.

With HR & payroll service, enterprises have access to experts who understand the market, laws and local HR processes. This is a factor that Vina TPT Hiring Employees Service is providing outstandingly, bringing peace of mind to FDI when managing human resources in Vietnam.

5. Cost-Benefit Analysis: In-House vs Outsourcing

If analyzed as a whole, we can see a clear difference between maintaining an in-house HR department and using HR outsourcing combined with HR & payroll service:

HR in-house:

Enterprises have the ability to directly control their human resources and internal processes.
However, the costs of recruitment, training, salaries, benefits and maintaining the management system are very high.
The risk of errors in compliance with labor laws and tax regulations often occurs, especially for FDI enterprises that have just started doing business in Vietnam.

Outsourced HR & payroll service:

Provides a cost-saving solution, easily scalable according to the size of the workforce.
Reduces costs by 30–50% compared to maintaining in-house HR while still ensuring transparency and effective management.
Minimizes legal and administrative risks, while ensuring compliance with labor and tax regulations in Vietnam.
Creating transparent human resource data, supporting businesses in long-term development planning.

Looking at both costs and benefits, outsourcing HR is not only a short-term option but also an optimal strategy for FDI companies that want to develop sustainably in Vietnam.

6. Vina TPT Hiring Employees Service Advantage

Vina TPT Hiring Employees Service is specially designed for FDI enterprises that want to build and operate their business in Vietnam effectively. With a team of experts knowledgeable in labor, insurance and tax laws, Vina TPT provides a complete HR & payroll service solution including: recruitment, contract drafting, salary and bonus management, social insurance, and personal income tax declaration. The big difference of Vina TPT is the ability to advise on human resource strategies in parallel with legal compliance, ensuring that businesses both save costs and operate transparently. Instead of spending months building in-house HR, businesses can quickly deploy an optimal HR system in just a few days. This is the advantage that helps FDI companies confidently expand their scale, flexibly manage human resources and develop sustainably in the Vietnamese market.

Vina TPT’s HR & payroll service helps businesses save costs, reduce risks and focus on business development in Vietnam. Contact now!

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Lasted News, Accounting & Tax

International Accounting Standards for FDI Companies in Vietnam

Posted on 11/09/202506/10/2025 by ASS

1. Why International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Matter for FDI in Vietnam

International accounting standards (IFRS) are essential for FDI companies in Vietnam, helping them navigate cross-border challenges, multiple currencies, and regulatory differences. By adopting international accounting standards, Foreign-capital enterprises in Vietnam can ensure financial transparency and gain stronger investor confidence.

For FDI enterprises in Vietnam, aligning with IFRS not only enhances global credibility but also ensures smoother cooperation with local regulators under Vietnamese Accounting Standards (VAS). Many multinational corporations entering Vietnam, from manufacturing to technology, have already integrated IFRS into their reporting structures to strengthen trust with stakeholders.

2. Challenges of Implementing International Accounting Standards in Vietnam

The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), are designed to harmonize financial reporting worldwide. These international accounting standards are now considered the backbone of global accounting, shaping modern accounting norms across markets.

For Overseas-invested companies in Vietnam, IFRS is not just about compliance – it establishes a transparent reporting foundation that appeals to global investors while also meeting the requirements of the Ministry of Finance and Vietnamese tax authorities. According to the IFRS Foundation, more than 140 jurisdictions already require or permit IFRS, proving its growing global influence.

3. How IFRS Supports Global Accounting for FDI in Vietnam

Each IFRS requirement reflects how international accounting standards are applied in practice, ensuring that FDI Vietnam businesses maintain consistency with global reporting.

3.1 IFRS 3: Business Combinations

Mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures are common in FDI. IFRS 3 provides guidelines on goodwill, fair value measurement, and disclosure, ensuring clarity in reporting cross-border investments.

3.2 IFRS 9: Financial Instruments

Many FDI companies in Vietnam use derivatives, foreign loans, or complex contracts. IFRS 9 ensures accurate classification and measurement, minimizing risks related to misreporting.

3.3 IFRS 16: Leases

FDI enterprises leasing factories or offices in Vietnam must record lease liabilities and right-of-use assets. This affects financial ratios and gives stakeholders a more realistic picture of obligations.

3.4 IAS 21: Effects of Foreign Exchange

Operating in Vietnam often means dealing with currency fluctuations. IAS 21 provides guidance on translating VND into the reporting currency while maintaining accuracy.

3.5 IFRS 15: Revenue Recognition

Revenue is a critical metric. IFRS 15’s five-step model ensures consistency in how FDI companies record sales, service contracts, or long-term projects in Vietnam.

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4. Challenges of Implementing IFRS in Vietnam

For many FDI Vietnam enterprises, aligning with global accounting norms is challenging due to limited resources and evolving regulations.

4.1 Diverse Regulatory Environments

Vietnam has introduced a roadmap to adopt IFRS by 2025, but many companies still balance both IFRS and VAS reporting. This dual system creates additional workload.

4.2 Resource Constraints

Smaller businesses may lack trained these standard experts. Recruiting and training staff to understand both VAS and IFRS is often costly.

4.3 Currency Volatility

Frequent changes in exchange rates complicate IAS 21 application, particularly for companies in manufacturing and export sectors.

4.4 Training and Technology Gaps

Keeping finance teams updated on evolving the standards requires ongoing investment in training and accounting technology.

These issues highlight why partnering with professional accounting services becomes essential.

5. The Role of Accounting Services in IFRS Compliance

Partnering with a trusted provider like Vina TPT accounting service company makes International Financial Reporting Standards adoption smoother and more reliable for foreign investors.

Expertise and Compliance: Specialists understand both IFRS and VAS, ensuring dual compliance.

Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing avoids the expense of building in-house teams.
Scalability: Services expand alongside your operations in Vietnam.
Technology Integration: Using advanced accounting software ensures efficiency and accuracy.

For example, Vina TPT assists businesses in preparing consolidated financial statements, handling audits, and ensuring compliance with both international and Vietnamese standards.

6. Steps to Adopt IFRS in Vietnam

These steps help Overseas-invested companies move from basic compliance to full integration with international accounting standards, aligning with global accounting practices.

Assess Current Practices: Conduct a gap analysis between existing VAS practices and IFRS requirements.
Engage Professional Support: Work with Vina TPT Accounting Service for tailored IFRS solutions.
Train Finance Teams: Continuous education ensures accounting staff stay updated with IFRS changes.
Implement Technology Solutions: Adopt cloud-based accounting systems compatible with IFRS for greater efficiency.
Monitor Compliance: Regular reviews and audits strengthen long-term transparency and accuracy.

7. The Future of IFRS Adoption in Vietnam

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has outlined a roadmap for International Financial Reporting Standards adoption, aiming for wider use among listed and large-scale enterprises by 2025. This transition will push more Foreign Direct Investment companies to align with international practices, making professional support even more crucial.

Additionally, new global trends – such as ESG reporting and digital accounting systems – are shaping the next generation of financial transparency. Companies that prepare early will have a competitive advantage in Vietnam’s market.

As IFRS framework becomes the benchmark for Foreign Direct Investment enterprises, choosing Vina TPT accounting service company ensures compliance with international accounting standards while supporting long-term growth.

Explore Vina TPT’s comprehensive accounting and IFRS solutions designed to support FDI companies operating in Vietnam.

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Accounting & Tax, Accounting News, Lasted News

Step-by-Step Accounting Procedures for FDI Enterprises in Vietnam

Posted on 09/09/202523/03/2026 by SEN

Accounting Procedures for FDI company in Vietnam

1/ Challenges of Accounting Procedures for FDI Vietnam

Foreign direct investment has become a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economic growth, attracting multinational corporations and small enterprises alike. However, the journey for FDI Vietnam operations is not without obstacles. One of the most pressing issues is compliance with accounting procedures that are both complex and highly regulated.

Unlike some jurisdictions where accounting systems are more flexible, Vietnamese accounting follows strict rules set by the Ministry of Finance. FDI companies frequently encounter barriers in understanding these procedures because the framework is rooted in local law, written in Vietnamese, and subject to regular amendments. The language barrier is significant, since all accounting documents and reports must be prepared in Vietnamese. This requirement often results in additional administrative costs and reliance on professional translation or advisory services.

Another common challenge is the fast-changing regulatory environment. Tax regulations, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations are updated frequently, sometimes annually. Without a reliable accounting guide, FDI companies may struggle to stay up to date, leading to errors and compliance risks. Moreover, differences in cultural and business practices can cause misunderstandings in financial communication between local partners and foreign headquarters.

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2/ What Are Accounting Procedures for FDI Operations?

When discussing accounting procedures in Vietnam, it is essential to understand that they go far beyond basic bookkeeping. For FDI enterprises, accounting procedures encompass the entire framework of recording, classifying, summarizing, and reporting financial transactions in line with Vietnamese accounting standards (VAS).

This includes maintaining accurate ledgers, preparing quarterly and annual financial statements, and fulfilling tax obligations such as value-added tax (VAT), corporate income tax (CIT), and personal income tax (PIT) for employees. Each of these tasks must follow regulations set by the Ministry of Finance and the General Department of Taxation. For example, financial statements must be prepared in Vietnamese dong (VND), regardless of whether the parent company reports in US dollars, euros, or another foreign currency.

In addition, all reports must be filed within strict deadlines. Late submission or inaccurate reporting can result in penalties or even suspension of business licenses. This is why FDI Vietnam businesses cannot treat accounting as a secondary matter. Instead, they must approach it as a core compliance function that directly impacts operational success and investor confidence.

3/ Key Differences Between Vietnamese Accounting (VAS) and International Standards (IFRS)

One of the most challenging aspects for FDI enterprises is reconciling Vietnamese accounting practices with international standards such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The differences between the two systems are not merely technical but often affect how companies strategize their operations in Vietnam.

For instance, VAS is highly compliance-driven and closely tied to tax regulations, while IFRS prioritizes transparency and comparability for investors. This means that under VAS, companies may need to record expenses and revenues in ways that differ from international expectations. Furthermore, the language requirement poses additional complexity, as all accounting records must be maintained in Vietnamese, regardless of the company’s internal systems.

Currency is another significant difference. While multinational corporations often operate in USD or EUR, Vietnamese regulations require financial reporting in VND. This necessitates frequent foreign exchange translations, which may create discrepancies between local and global reports.

These differences are not insurmountable but require careful planning and professional support. Companies often rely on advisory services such as Vina TPT Accounting Service to ensure smooth reconciliation between VAS and IFRS. This allows them to satisfy both local authorities and international stakeholders.

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4/ Risks of Non-Compliance with Vietnamese Accounting Regulations

The consequences of failing to follow accounting procedures in Vietnam can be severe. Financial penalties are the most immediate risk, as the tax authorities impose fines for late submissions, missing documents, or incorrect financial statements. However, the risks extend beyond monetary loss.

Non-compliance can damage a company’s reputation, eroding trust with local partners, regulators, and even investors abroad. For multinational corporations, reputational harm in one jurisdiction can quickly spread across global markets. Moreover, persistent violations may lead to stricter audits, sanctions, or even suspension of licenses.

There is also the risk of operational delays. For example, companies that fail to comply with accounting regulations may face challenges when applying for tax refunds, investment incentives, or expansion licenses. This creates unnecessary bottlenecks in growth strategies. According to the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam, maintaining compliance with financial reporting standards is a prerequisite for building credibility in the local market.

5/ How an Accounting Guide Helps FDI Companies in Vietnam

An effective accounting guide acts as a roadmap for FDI Vietnam businesses. Rather than reacting to compliance issues after they arise, companies can proactively manage their obligations through structured guidance. A comprehensive guide explains in detail how to maintain ledgers, prepare financial statements, and align reporting with both VAS and international standards.

The benefits of using an accounting guide are significant. It reduces the likelihood of errors in tax filings, ensures timely submission of reports, and provides clarity on the differences between local and international standards. For new entrants into the Vietnamese market, an accounting guide can shorten the learning curve and prevent costly mistakes.

Beyond compliance, such guides also help companies design internal processes that optimize efficiency. For instance, knowing how to structure payroll systems according to Vietnamese tax laws can save both time and resources. Access to reliable information from trusted sources such as Google Scholar further reinforces decision-making and ensures that companies rely on accurate, up-to-date knowledge.

6/ Vina TPT Accounting Service – Professional Solutions for FDI Enterprises

At Vina TPT Accounting Service, we recognize the difficulties foreign investors encounter when dealing with Vietnamese accounting regulations. Our mission is to provide professional, reliable, and customized solutions that help FDI enterprises thrive in Vietnam.

We offer comprehensive bookkeeping services tailored to the needs of foreign companies, ensuring all transactions comply with VAS. Our tax compliance support minimizes the risks of penalties and audits, giving businesses peace of mind. We also provide consulting services on IFRS-VAS reconciliation, helping companies deliver consistent and transparent reports to both local authorities and international headquarters.

What sets Vina TPT Accounting Service apart is our commitment to clarity. We develop customized accounting guides for each client, simplifying complex regulations into practical, easy-to-follow steps. This empowers foreign enterprises to focus on what matters most: growing their business in one of Asia’s most dynamic economies.

If your enterprise is seeking a reliable partner to navigate accounting procedures in Vietnam, Vina TPT is here to help. Visit our official service page for more details or contact us directly for a consultation.

Let Vina TPT Accounting Service be your trusted partner in Vietnam. Reach out today to secure compliance and accelerate your business success.

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