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Sohaib Ikram
Sohaib Ikram serves as the Director of Emerhub in Malaysia.
Navigating Vietnam’s business licensing process can be a key challenge for foreign investors unfamiliar with the local regulatory system. There are several general licenses and industry-specific permits your business needs depending on your planned business activities. Therefore, knowing what applies to you and your business isn’t always straightforward.
This article provides an overview of key business licenses and permits in Vietnam and the process to secure those to ensure compliant operations.
Industry-Specific Licenses and Permits in Vietnam
Securing your IRC and ERC allows your company to exist legally, but you will often need additional licenses to operate in your specific industry. Operating without the proper permits can lead to significant penalties, fines, or even the suspension of your business.
Here are some key sectors that require mandatory licenses in order to start your business operations:
1. E-Commerce License
If you plan to run an online marketplace or use your website to process payments, you must obtain an E-Commerce License from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
To apply for the ecommerce license in Vietnam, you will need to prepare:
- Clear terms and conditions for your website.
- Payment gateway integration details.
- A solid policy on protecting customer data.
As an e-commerce business owner, you will be responsible for making sure that your e-commerce setup aligns with Vietnam’s consumer protection laws.
2. Food and Beverage (F&B) Business License
The F&B industry is strictly regulated to ensure public safety. You will need multiple approvals before opening your business, such as:
- Food Safety Certificate
- Fire Safety Clearance
- Environmental Sanitation Inspection
- Signage Permit
- Health Checks and Food Safety Training for Staff
This applies to all food and beverage businesses. Whether you’re opening a small restaurant or launching a packaged food product, you will be required to obtain these certifications from the local health departments and authorities before starting operations.
3. Education and Training License
For those interested in opening a language center, training facility, or starting an education business, formal approval from the Department of Education and Training is required. To obtain this, you must have:
- A structured and approved curriculum.
- Qualified and properly certified teaching staff.
- Facilities that meet educational infrastructure standards.
Obtaining an education and training license can be a challenging process with curriculum approvals, facility inspections, and staff verifications, so it is best to start your application early.
4. Manufacturing and Trading License
For operations involving physical products, especially in manufacturing businesses or wholesale trading, you will generally require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and product-specific certifications for regulated items (chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc.). These licenses are issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade as well as the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
However, it should be noted that when it comes to manufacturing and trading licenses, it is largely dependent on the product you are trying to manufacture, trade, or sell. Each product type will have its own compliance path, so it is important not to assume that one license fits all.
5. Financial Services License
The financial services sector in Vietnam is one of the most tightly regulated sectors. If you are planning to launch a fintech company, brokerage, or lending platform, be prepared to meet strict compliance requirements, including:
- Providing evidence of capital adequacy.
- A robust cybersecurity framework.
- Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) policies that meet global standards.
The industry and its licenses are regulated by the State Bank of Vietnam and the Ministry of Finance. Any businesses involving finance will have to undergo detailed scrutiny, so be prepared for a time-consuming processing and approval timeline.
How to Secure Business Licenses in Vietnam
Setting up a business in Vietnam can be an efficient process with the right guidance. Emerhub’s team of local experts assists with the licensing and establishment process from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your business goals. Here’s how we help:
1. Prepare Investment and Business Documents
We will help you gather and prepare the key documents that reflect your business model, ownership structure, and investment capital, aligning with local expectations to avoid delays in the process.
2. Obtain Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Before you can legally conduct business in Vietnam, you need to obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC). Effective March 1, 2026 under the newly amended Investment Law (No. 143/2025/QH15), you can now secure an ERC and form a legal entity before needing an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).
Your ERC is your official business license that legally establishes your company in Vietnam. It applies to all businesses, both foreign-owned and local. The ERC is issued by the Department of Finance and is generally valid indefinitely.
4. Post-Registration Procedures
After your business is registered, there are administrative tasks to complete before beginning operations, which we will coordinate and assist with on your behalf. This includes:
- Making a company seal
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Registering with the tax authorities
- Reporting to the local labor office
5. Apply for Additional Operational or Industry Licenses:
Depending on your sector, we handle the application processes for any required operational or industry-specific licenses, preparing all documentation and liaising with the authorities.
Ready to launch your business in Vietnam? Fill out the contact form below, and let’s discuss your licensing needs.
Frequently asked questions
An IRC is generally required if a foreign investor holds more than 50% ownership or invests in a conditional sector. If a foreigner owns 50% or less of a business in a non-conditional sector, an IRC may not be legally required, but local authorities may still request it for administrative purposes.
A Vietnamese partner is not always required for foreign investment in Vietnam. The necessity of a local partner or joint venture depends on the specific industry and sector. In certain conditional or restricted sectors, Vietnamese ownership or partnership may be legally mandated as part of the licensing or foreign investment approval process.
- ERC: Valid indefinitely unless revoked.
- IRC: Valid for the duration of the investment project, typically ranging from 5 to 50 years, depending on the project.
- Operational licenses: These may have specific expiration dates and require periodic renewal depending on the business sector and activities.
Yes, amendments to the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) and Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) are permitted to reflect changes such as the business name, address, capital, shareholders, or business activities. However, these amendments can add additional time and inconvenience to the process. Therefore, it is advisable to consult local experts such as Emerhub to ensure everything is submitted accurately at the beginning of the process.
