Cost of Company Registration in Vietnam (2026 Updated Guide)

Introduction

Understanding the cost of company registration in Vietnam is one of the most critical steps for any entrepreneur or foreign investor entering the market. While Vietnam is widely known for its low administrative fees and business-friendly environment, the real cost of setting up a company is often misunderstood.

Many first-time investors assume that company formation costs are high due to complex regulations. In reality, official government fees are minimal—often just a few dollars—thanks to Vietnam’s digital transformation policies. However, the total cost can increase significantly when additional elements such as licensing, legalisation, office setup, and professional services are taken into account.

This article provides a comprehensive and transparent breakdown of all costs involved in registering a company in Vietnam, based on the latest regulations and practical insights as of 2026.

Business Registration Fee in Vietnam

The business registration fee is the first official cost that investors encounter when establishing a company.

Under Law on Enterprises 2020 and guided by Circular 47/2019/TT-BTC, the standard fee for enterprise registration is 50,000 VND per application. However, due to Vietnam’s strong push toward digitalisation, this fee is currently waived for applications submitted online via the National Business Registration Portal.

This means that for most modern applications, especially those conducted online (which is now the default method under updated regulations), the business registration fee is effectively zero.

This policy reflects the government’s strategy to encourage entrepreneurship and foreign investment by reducing administrative costs and simplifying procedures.

Sub-Licenses Registration Fee (If Required)

While registering a company itself is inexpensive, certain industries in Vietnam require additional permits, commonly referred to as “sub-licenses” or “conditional business licenses.”

These apply to sectors such as education, food and beverage, travel services, logistics, and financial services. The cost of obtaining these licenses varies significantly depending on the industry and regulatory complexity.

For example, a simple consulting company may not require any additional licenses, while a food business may need food safety certification, and a travel company may require an international tour operator license.

These costs are not fixed by a single regulation but are governed by sector-specific legal frameworks. As a result, they can range from a few million VND to tens of millions of VND depending on the business model.

In practice, sub-license costs are often one of the most underestimated expenses when planning company formation in Vietnam.

Fee for Publication of Business Registration Contents

After obtaining the Enterprise Registration Certificate, companies are legally required to publish their registration information on the National Business Registration Portal.

This requirement is stipulated under Article 32 of the Law on Enterprises 2020. The publication must be completed within 30 days from the date of issuance of the certificate.

The fee for this publication is fixed at 100,000 VND per application, as prescribed by Circular 47/2019/TT-BTC.

Although this is a small amount, it is mandatory and must be paid at the time of submitting the registration dossier.

Cost of Engraving a Business Seal

A business seal is an essential tool for corporate operations in Vietnam, used to authenticate documents and contracts.

Under Article 43 of the Law on Enterprises 2020, companies have the autonomy to decide on the form, number, and content of their seals. Seal notification to authorities is no longer required, which simplifies the process.

However, companies still need to physically engrave a seal for practical use. The cost typically ranges from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND, depending on the type and design.

Although this is not a government fee, it is a necessary operational expense immediately after company formation.

Fee for Purchasing a Digital Signature

A digital signature is mandatory for most post-registration procedures, including tax declarations, social insurance filings, and electronic invoicing.

Digital signatures in Vietnam are issued by licensed certification authorities and are usually provided in the form of a USB token.

The cost of a digital signature typically ranges from 1,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND per year, depending on the provider and subscription period (1–3 years).

This cost is recurring but essential, as businesses cannot comply with tax and administrative requirements without a valid digital signature.

Cost of Electronic Invoices for Enterprises

Vietnam has fully transitioned to electronic invoicing, making it mandatory for businesses to use e-invoices in most cases.

Companies must purchase an e-invoice package from authorised service providers. The cost depends on the number of invoices and the features included in the package.

On average, small businesses may spend from 500,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND per year for basic e-invoice services.

Additionally, under updated tax regulations, certain businesses are required to use e-invoices connected directly to tax authorities, especially those engaged in retail activities.

Opening a Bank Account and Submitting a Notification

After company registration, enterprises must open a corporate bank account and notify the authorities.

Opening a bank account itself is usually free, although some banks may require a minimum balance. However, companies may incur indirect costs such as notarisation of documents or service fees if using a consulting firm.

Once the account is opened, the company must submit a notification to the business registration authority. This process is now integrated into the digital system and generally does not involve significant fees.

Business License Fee in Vietnam

Traditionally, companies in Vietnam were required to pay an annual business license tax (also known as a license fee).

However, a major regulatory update has taken effect. According to Resolution 198/2025/QH15, the business license tax is officially abolished from January 1, 2026.

This change represents a significant reduction in ongoing costs for businesses and further strengthens Vietnam’s position as an attractive investment destination.

Visa and Work Permit Fee (Optional)

For foreign investors and expatriate employees, visa and work permit costs are additional considerations.

A work permit in Vietnam typically costs between 2,000,000 VND and 5,000,000 VND, excluding service fees. Visa costs vary depending on duration and type.

While these are not directly part of company registration, they are essential for foreign-owned businesses operating in Vietnam.

Additional Costs When Setting Up a Company

Beyond official and basic operational fees, there are several additional costs that investors should consider.

One of the most significant is the cost of legal and consulting services. Many investors, especially foreign ones, choose to hire professional firms to handle company registration, document preparation, and compliance. These services can range from 700 USD to over 8,000 USD, depending on complexity.

Another major cost is the legalisation and translation of foreign documents. This is mandatory for foreign investors and can cost several million VND depending on the number of documents.

Office rental is also a key expense, as companies must have a registered business address. Costs vary widely depending on location and type of office.

Finally, initial operational costs such as accounting services, tax registration, and compliance setup should also be factored into the budget.

Strategies for Minimizing Company Registration Costs in Vietnam

Minimising company registration costs in Vietnam is entirely achievable with proper planning and strategic decision-making.

One of the most effective strategies is to utilise online registration through the National Business Registration Portal. This eliminates the registration fee entirely and speeds up the process.

Choosing the right business structure and industry classification can also reduce costs, particularly by avoiding unnecessary sub-licenses.

Investors should carefully assess whether they need professional services or can handle certain procedures independently. While consultants add cost, they can also prevent costly mistakes.

Using virtual offices or shared workspaces can significantly reduce initial setup costs, especially for startups.

Finally, ensuring that all documents are prepared correctly from the beginning can avoid delays and resubmission costs.

FAQs

What Government Fees Are Required for Company Registration?

The mandatory government fees are minimal. They include the publication fee of 100,000 VND and, in some cases, the registration fee of 50,000 VND, which is currently waived for online applications.

Overall, official government fees are typically under 200,000 VND.

Are There Different Costs for LLCs and Joint-Stock Companies?

In terms of government fees, there is generally no significant difference between limited liability companies and joint-stock companies.

However, joint-stock companies may incur higher costs in practice due to more complex documentation, shareholder structures, and compliance requirements.

Do Foreign Investors Pay Higher Registration Fees?

Foreign investors do not pay higher official government fees for company registration.

However, their total costs are usually higher due to additional requirements such as investment registration, document legalisation, translation, and professional services.

These additional steps can significantly increase the overall cost compared to domestic investors.

Conclusion

The cost of company registration in Vietnam is among the lowest in the region when considering official government fees. With online registration now standard and certain fees abolished, the legal cost of establishing a company can be almost negligible.

However, the real financial picture includes a range of additional expenses, from licensing and compliance to professional services and operational setup.

For investors who understand these cost components and plan strategically, Vietnam remains one of the most cost-effective and attractive destinations for business expansion in Asia.