From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s vibrant tourism sector has been growing rapidly. Just last year alone, the country saw a surge of over 12.6 million international visitors– 3.5 times higher than the year before and exceeding the target of 8 million visitors by a margin.
This article will explore how to start a travel company in Vietnam, leverage the country’s supportive business environment, and invest in its vibrant tourism industry as a foreign entity.
What Services Can a Foreign-Invested Travel Company Offer in Vietnam?
According to Vietnam’s 2017 Tourism Law, foreign-invested travel companies can only provide international tours for inbound tourists.
This means that foreign-owned travel companies can organize trips for international travelers who want to explore various destinations within Vietnam. They cannot, however, offer outbound tourism services for Vietnamese citizens traveling abroad or domestic tours within the country.
Invest in Your Preferred Type of Travel Business in Vietnam
Vietnam offers you various opportunities to tap into the tourism market by setting up specialized tourism businesses. Here are some of the most popular types of travel companies for foreigners:
Wellness and Health Tourism Company:
- Scenic spots like Da Nang’s beaches and Sapa’s mountains are ideal for drawing visitors who seek relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Health retreats can leverage traditional wellness practices and these serene environments, offering Vietnamese therapies, herbal treatments, and meditation programs.
Cultural Tourism Company:
- With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and over 40,000 historical landmarks, Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage offers endless tourism opportunities.
- Travel companies can curate tours that highlight Vietnam’s historical landmarks, vibrant traditional arts, and unique local customs.
Adventure Tourism Company:
- Natural settings like Ha Long Bay and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park are perfect for adventurous activities.
- Companies can organize tour packages that include activities such as trekking, wildlife spotting, kayaking, and rock-climbing to attract thrill-seekers.
How to Set Up a Travel Company in Vietnam
Choosing the Right Legal Entity for Your Travel Company in Vietnam
If you’re planning to establish a travel company in Vietnam as a foreign investor, you’ll first need to identify a suitable legal entity for the company. There are two main options for foreign investors in Vietnam:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most common legal entity for foreign investors in Vietnam, typically set up as a joint venture with a Vietnamese partner.
- Representative Office (RO): While an RO cannot directly engage in profit-generating activities, it can be useful for market research and establishing connections before fully committing to a joint venture.
- Join Stock Company (JSC): A suitable option for larger companies seeking to raise capital by issuing shares. Like an LLC, it allows foreign ownership under 100%.
Vietnam’s tourism sector requires a local partnership to operate legally, with foreign investors allowed ownership of up to 99% in a joint venture agreement rather than full ownership. This policy aligns with the country’s commitments to the World Trade Organization’s Schedule of Specific Commitments in Services, allowing substantial foreign involvement while promoting local participation.
Key Requirements and Documents for Application
There are no minimum capital requirements for setting up a foreign-owned travel company in Vietnam. However, your registered capital may still be assessed to ensure you can cover business expenses. The following are key requirements and documents to legally register your limited liability travel company in Vietnam:
- Have at least 2 shareholders.
- Appoint a General Director/Director to handle business operations.
- Secure a registered address in Vietnam.
- Establish a member’s council comprising representatives/founders to act as the highest decision-making body.
- Employs between 2 to 50 staff members (individuals or organizations).
- Obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC): Starting March 1, 2026 under Vietnam’s Law No. 143/2025/QH15, you can obtain an ERC without an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). Here’s what you need to apply:
- Application form for business registration.
- Draft of the company’s charter.
- List of members/shareholders.
- Copies of relevant personal identification.
*Note: Foreign investors and employees will still also need appropriate visas to enter and work in Vietnam, in addition to VNAT and International Travel Licenses (see below).
Emerhub’s local experts can help you navigate all key considerations as well as acquire, certify, and translate all key documents while ensuring full compliance with Vietnamese regulations.
Mandatory Special Licenses to Set Up a Travel Company in Vietnam
After establishing your company, Emerhub can help you secure mandatory special licenses to legally operate your travel company in Vietnam. Key tourism licenses are overseen and issued by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT). Emerhub can help you navigate the application process for all the key tourism licenses for your company:
- International Tour Guide License: This allows tour guides to accompany foreign visitors on Vietnamese domestic tours.
- International Travel Business License: This allows your company to operate in Vietnam’s tourism sector, specifically for organizing international tours for inbound tourists.
Note that there are key requirements for you to be eligible for both licenses:
- Legal establishment per Vietnamese law (Law on Enterprises).
- A security deposit of 250 million VND (approximately USD 10,645).
- A qualified person in charge of tour operations, holding at least a diploma in tourism management or certification in international travel management.
Starting a Travel Business in Vietnam with Emerhub
Establishing a travel company in Vietnam as a foreign investor has various challenges, but Emerhub’s team of local experts can help you navigate the process. Our comprehensive services include:
- Visa Services for foreign employees and market research visits.
- Travel company registration and documentation.
- Travel company license acquisition and compliance.
- Market entry strategy and business setup.
Even if you are unable to travel to Vietnam, our all-in-one services can handle your business setup in the country on your behalf. We can also assist with local partnerships, staffing solutions, and maintaining compliance with Vietnam’s evolving tourism regulations.
Ready to start a travel company in Vietnam? Fill out the form below and we’ll put you in touch with our local experts to kickstart the process!
