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, Finance & Accounting Knowledge, Lasted News

Top Companies Providing the Best Outsourced Accounting Services in Ho Chi Minh City

Posted on 08/12/202505/01/2026 by ASS

1. Why Businesses Look for The Best outsourced accounting services in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest economic center in Vietnam, accounting for more than 23% of the country’s total GDP and attracting over 40% of new FDI projects annually (according to data from the Ministry of Planning and Investment). FDI enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City have to handle a dense volume of reports: monthly tax declarations, quarterly reports, annual financial reports according to VAS standards, along with obligations such as corporate income tax/personal income tax settlement and labor reports. The level of inspection and audit in Ho Chi Minh City is also higher than in many other provinces and cities, making the requirements for accuracy and compliance more stringent.

In that context, businesses seek accounting firms not only to “make reports”, but also to have a partner who has a deep understanding of Vietnamese Accounting Standards (VAS), and at the same time meets the need to prepare parallel reports for headquarters in Japan, Korea, the EU or the US. FDI enterprises often have to reconcile data between VAS and IFRS/J-GAAP/K-GAAP, so they need a team capable of handling exchange rate differences, classifying fixed assets, and recording prepaid expenses according to international standards. A suitable accounting firm helps enterprises reduce errors, limit tax penalty risks, optimize cash flow, and significantly reduce the administrative burden for internal departments.

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2. Types of Accounting Firms Commonly Chosen in Ho Chi Minh City

The accounting services market in Ho Chi Minh City is diverse, serving more than 330,000 active businesses, from SMEs to large FDI corporations. Depending on the size, budget and complexity of the reports, businesses often choose between three main groups of providers, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Criteria	International Firms (Big 4 & Global)	Mid-Tier Firms	Boutique / Professional Firms
Ideal Clients	Large FDI corporations, multinational groups, IFRS reporting, mandatory audits	Mid-sized FDI companies, Vietnamese firms with complex transactions	SMEs, FDI startups, businesses needing flexible and cost-effective services
Representative Firms	Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG	Grant Thornton, RSM Vietnam, A&C	BDO Vietnam, boutique/non-Big firms (e.g., small approved audit firms)
Expertise	Strong in IFRS/J-GAAP/K-GAAP, globally standardized processes	Solid VAS + IFRS capability, strong in consolidated reporting and advisory	Industry-focused, strong practical accounting capabilities
Response Speed	Fast but structured; larger teams with layered review	Fast, more flexible client communication, good customer care	Fastest, direct work with senior team members, highly adaptable
FDI Handling Capability	Excellent, best fit for large global or regional FDI operations (high cost)	Very good for mid-sized FDI companies with structured operations	Suitable for new or simple FDI setups
Key Strengths	Global credibility, standardized reporting, highest reliability	Good balance of cost, quality, service	Flexible, cost-effective, highly personalized service
Notes on Representative Firms	Deloitte – strong in large FDI audits PwC – comprehensive service line EY – long-established, strong advisory KPMG – wide presence (HN/HCMC/Da Nang)	Grant Thornton – flexible, strong advisory RSM – strong in outsourcing & mid-FDI audit A&C – top non-Big option for VN firms + mid-FDI	BDO Vietnam – part of BDO global network, ideal for SMEs Other boutique firms – suitable for startups, small FDI, custom service needs

3. Why Vina TPT Is a Trusted Choice for International Companies

Vina TPT has become a preferred partner for many FDI enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City by offering a practical balance between local compliance expertise and the reporting expectations of overseas headquarters. As foreign-invested companies navigate increasingly strict tax regulations, frequent monthly and quarterly reporting cycles, and complex cross-border coordination, they need an accounting provider that is both technically reliable and agile enough to support their day-to-day operations. Vina TPT fits this need exceptionally well, especially for Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, and European investors establishing or expanding their presence in Vietnam.

Vina TPT stands out thanks to:

Deep knowledge of VAS and international reporting standards
Bilingual support in English and Japanese for smooth communication
Flexible and comprehensive services covering bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and compliance
An optimized cost structure specifically designed for FDI companies

4. Factors to Consider When Choosing an Accounting Firm in HCM

When selecting an accounting partner, businesses should evaluate:

FDI experience and understanding of foreign-invested business operations
Accuracy and timeliness of reports
Multilingual support and clear communication
Transparency of service scope and fees
Responsiveness and reliability

Choosing the best outsourced accounting services in HCM ensures accurate reporting, full compliance, and peace of mind for your business operations.

Contact Vina TPT today to receive a complete accounting solution, optimize costs and ensure compliance for your business in Ho Chi Minh City!

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Accounting & Tax, Lasted News

Best Accounting Firm in Da Nang: Outsourced Bookkeeping & Full-Service Accounting for SMEs

Posted on 01/12/202510/12/2025 by ASS

1. Why Da Nang Businesses Are Increasingly Outsourcing Accounting

Best outsourced accounting services are increasingly chosen by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Da Nang, especially in the logistics, trade, and hospitality sectors, as a way to optimize human resources and internal management costs. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Da Nang, especially in the logistics, trade and hospitality sectors, increasingly choose to outsource accounting to optimize human resources and internal management costs. Hiring internal accountants is often costly due to the need to pay salaries, benefits, training and human resources management costs. Instead, outsourcing helps businesses transfer all accounting tasks to specialized units, saving costs and reducing the management burden.

Besides costs, the second reason is to increase efficiency and reduce legal compliance risks. Outsourcing businesses are supported by experts who understand tax laws, local regulations and Vietnamese accounting standards. This ensures that tax reports, financial reports and social insurance obligations are performed accurately and on time, while helping SMEs avoid errors that can lead to administrative fines or tax arrears. In addition, outsourcing also helps businesses focus on core business activities instead of wasting time on complex accounting operations.

2. Key Criteria to Identify the Best Accounting Firm in Da Nang

When choosing the best outsourced accounting services provider, businesses need to consider the following criteria:

Accuracy and information security: accounting records must be securely managed to avoid errors.
Tax expertise: in-depth knowledge of VAT, CIT, PIT, FCT, import taxes, and staying updated with the latest tax regulations.
Ability to handle periodic reports: monthly/quarterly and annual reports must be accurate and on time.
Understanding local regulations: especially important for SMEs in Da Nang to avoid legal risks.
Experience with diverse business models: from SMEs, FDI to logistics, trade and hospitality enterprises.

3. Monthly & Year-End Reporting Requirements in Da Nang

SMEs in Da Nang must comply with many monthly/quarterly and year-end accounting and tax requirements to ensure legal operations and avoid the risk of being fined. Hiring a local professional accounting firm helps businesses fulfill these obligations accurately and efficiently.

3.1 Monthly & Quarterly Reporting

Monthly bookkeeping: record all revenues and expenditures, invoices, and documents according to Vietnamese accounting standards (VAS).
VAT (Value Added Tax): declare and pay monthly or quarterly depending on revenue.
PIT (Personal Income Tax): deduct and pay taxes for employees, including foreign experts if any.
CIT (Provisional Corporate Income Tax): if the business is subject to provisional declaration and payment, it must be done quarterly.
Labor and Social Insurance Report: declare the number of employees, pay social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance in full.

3.2 Year-End Reporting

Year-end financial report: prepare business results report, balance sheet, note to comply with Vietnamese accounting standards.
Personal Income Tax & CIT settlement: summarize all income, deduct tax paid and prepare settlement declaration.
Check and store documents: invoices, payroll, labor contracts, expense documents must be complete to serve audit or inspection.

4. Top Accounting Firms in Da Nang

Below are 6 reputable accounting companies in Da Nang that SMEs can refer to, in which Vina TPT stands out thanks to its full-package services and many years of experience:

Vina TPT Accounting Service: full-package services from bookkeeping, tax declaration, financial reporting to tax consulting; specializing in serving SMEs and FDI enterprises; more than 10 years of experience, transparent costs, standard procedures and understanding of local regulations.
Anpha Accounting Company: providing full-package accounting services, many years of experience, flexible fees.
Quoc Viet Accounting Company: specializing in tax & accounting services for small and medium enterprises, clearly committed to costs.
An Tin Law Company: combining accounting and legal services, supporting tax reporting and legal procedures.
MAN Tax Consulting Management Company: accounting, auditing and tax consulting services, ensuring “doing it right the first time”.
TAF Auditing Consulting Company: provides accounting, auditing and financial reporting services, suitable for SMEs.

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5. Why Vina TPT is One of the Best Outsourced Accounting Services in Da Nang

Vina TPT is trusted by many FDI enterprises in Da Nang thanks to more than 120 years of experience and full accounting services, from bookkeeping, tax declaration, financial reporting to strategic consulting. With the motto “accurate – transparent – effective”, Vina TPT helps businesses optimize operating costs, reduce legal risks and focus on business development.

Strengths that make Vina TPT stand out

Full-package service:
- Manage all monthly accounting operations and annual reports.
- Declaration of VAT, CIT, PIT, FCT, payment of social insurance for employees.
- Consulting on tax strategies and optimizing legal costs.
Over 20 years of experience:
- Serving a wide range of industries: logistics, trade, hospitality, SMEs and FDI. Solving complex tax and accounting issues, ensuring compliance with Vietnamese law.
Standardize processes & make costs transparent:
- Transparent reporting and costs, avoiding unexpected costs.
- Support businesses in building professional internal accounting processes.
Understand local laws and stay updated:
- Mastering tax, social insurance and accounting regulations in Vietnam.
- Timely updating of legal changes so that businesses always comply with regulations.
Comprehensive support for businesses:
- Reduces the workload of internal accounting operations, allowing businesses to focus on business development.
- Represents businesses in dealing with tax and labor authorities when necessary.

Thanks to the above advantages, Vina TPT is not only a reputable accounting company but also a strategic partner, helping businesses in Da Nang effectively manage finances, optimize taxes, and maintain full legal compliance.

Contact Vina TPT now for full support in accounting, tax and financial reporting, helping operate effectively and comply with the law.

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Accounting & Tax, Lasted News, Tax News

Full-Service Accounting and Tax Solutions for Businesses in Vietnam

Posted on 26/09/202530/03/2026 by ASS

Professional accounting services Vietnam for businesses

1. Why Businesses in Vietnam Need Integrated Accounting and Tax Services

The legal environment in Vietnam requires businesses to comply with many strict regulations on accounting services Vietnam, tax services for businesses, social insurance and financial reporting. Changes in Vietnam Accounting Standards (VAS), regulations on electronic invoices or new tax policies often make it difficult for many businesses, especially SMEs and FDI companies, to update and apply.

Separating accounting and tax services can easily lead to overlaps, errors or inconsistent reporting, thereby increasing the risk of being overcharged, fined or losing credibility with management agencies. Therefore, integrated accounting services Vietnam or full-service accounting solutions that combine accounting and tax management in the same system – such as the professional accounting Vietnam model provided by Vina TPT – help businesses save costs, minimize errors and ensure comprehensive compliance.

2. Understanding the Scope of Full-Service Accounting Solution

To understand the value that full-service accounting solutions bring, businesses need to understand the comprehensive range of services that this model includes. A complete solution does not stop at simply recording and processing accounting books, but also fully integrates important service areas such as accounting services Vietnam, tax services for businesses, financial statement preparation and annual audit coordination (mandatory for all FDI companies), legal compliance consulting, and cash flow management support.. Especially for FDI companies or businesses that are expanding in scale, this service covers monthly bilingual financial statements (including the Income Statement), preparation of consolidated reports for the parent company, and reconciliation between Vietnamese Accounting Standards (VAS) and international standards such as IFRS (if any) or US GAAP.

Another difference of this model compared to traditional services is the integration between accounting and tax. Instead of having to work with many individual suppliers, businesses only need a single point of contact to ensure that all processes – from recording transactions, managing electronic invoices, preparing quarterly tax reports to year-end tax settlement – are implemented synchronously and accurately. This helps save a significant amount of time and personnel costs, while minimizing the risk of errors in auditing or tax inspection.

With a team of experienced experts in the field of professional accounting Vietnam, solutions from Vina TPT also bring strategic benefits when businesses can take advantage of accurate financial data systems to plan budgets, analyze profits and make timely investment decisions.

3. Key Tax Services That Support Business Growth and Compliance

Tax services for businesses play an important role in protecting finances and supporting business growth. In Vietnam, a comprehensive tax service package often includes:

Tax Planning & Advisory: Consulting on tax strategies to optimize financial obligations while still complying with the law.
Corporate Income Tax & VAT: Preparing and submitting corporate income tax and value-added tax declarations accurately and on time.
Personal Income Tax for Expatriates: Managing personal income tax for foreign employees, including declaration and settlement.
Tax Audit Support: Representing businesses in working with tax authorities during inspections and audits.

These services help businesses minimize the risk of late payment penalties, avoid additional costs and maintain a reputable image in the eyes of investors.

4. How Professional Accounting Enhances Transparency and Efficiency

Using professional accounting Vietnam not only provides accurate financial reports but also increases transparency in the entire business operations. With a data system that is processed, standardized and continuously updated, the management board can monitor business performance in real time, thereby making faster and more accurate decisions on strategic issues such as capital allocation, cost control or investment planning. In particular, when combined with full-service accounting solutions including accounting services Vietnam and tax services for businesses, the business will own an integrated financial platform where all information from accounting to tax is managed synchronously and transparently.

A professional accounting system also acts as an “early warning system”, helping to promptly detect potential problems such as unstable cash flow, over-budget costs, errors in electronic invoices or even signs of internal fraud. This is the key factor for businesses to proactively prevent risks, avoid administrative fines due to violations of tax and accounting regulations, and optimize financial management processes.

With the support of reputable units such as Vina TPT, businesses also receive outstanding added value thanks to a team of experienced experts who understand Vietnamese accounting standards (VAS) and international accounting standards (IFRS, US GAAP – applied only when required by the parent company for consolidation). The combination of professional accounting services Vietnam and in-depth tax consulting services helps companies, especially SMEs and FDI, to ensure compliance with the law and improve financial forecasting capabilities, thereby increasing profits and consolidating their position in the Vietnamese and international markets.

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5. Unlocking Strategic Value from Combined Accounting and Tax Solutions

Combining full-service accounting solutions with tax services for businesses not only helps businesses reduce the burden of procedures but also opens up many strategic values for sustainable development. When accounting services Vietnam and tax services are deployed in the same system, all financial data – from recording transactions, preparing financial statements to tax settlement – are managed synchronously, ensuring accuracy and consistency. This is a key factor for the board of directors to make investment decisions, expand the market or restructure the business based on reliable data.

A prominent advantage of integrating accounting and tax services is the ability to provide real-time information. Standardized and continuously updated data helps businesses promptly identify profit trends, cost fluctuations, or cash flow risks. With this platform, managers can quickly adjust budget plans, optimize tax structures, and improve financial management efficiency without depending on many separate service providers. In particular, FDI enterprises or companies that are expanding their scale will benefit from bilingual reporting services, preparing consolidated reports according to Vietnamese accounting standards (VAS) and international accounting standards (IFRS, US GAAP). This not only helps meet the requirements of domestic management agencies but also supports financial data transparency for parent corporations and international investors.

Special Notes for FDI Companies

Monthly bilingual financial statements (including Income Statement) are prepared for parent company review.
Annual audit of financial statements is mandatory under Vietnamese regulations.
IFRS reporting is optional and only required when the parent company requests consolidated reports; VAS remains the primary standard for local compliance.

6. Partnering with Vina TPT for Reliable Financial Reporting

To achieve accuracy and transparency in both accounting and tax, choosing a reputable partner is a decisive factor. Vina TPT is a provider of full-service accounting solutions and tax services for businesses trusted by many FDI enterprises and SMEs in Vietnam.

With a team of experts with more than 15 years of experience and a deep understanding of Vietnamese accounting and tax laws, Vina TPT provides bilingual Vina TPT financial reporting (Vietnamese – English), ensuring compliance with both domestic management requirements and international standards.

From professional accounting to tax declaration and financial reporting services, Vina TPT not only ensures legal compliance but also acts as a strategic advisor, helping businesses optimize costs and maintain long-term competitive advantages.

Contact Vina TPT today for trusted full-service accounting and tax solutions in Vietnam.

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