The structure you choose in your first month decides your tax position, your capital rules and how fast you can trade for years to come. TrustlineAX helps foreign investors make that decision with clear advice, a realistic timeline and a compliance plan that starts on day one.
We are a private advisory firm based in Hanoi. We work in English and explain every step before you commit. You receive a written proposal within 24 hours of our first call.
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Three decisions that shape your entry
The right vehicle
LLC, joint stock company, branch or representative office. Each has different rights to trade, invoice and hire.
Capital and cash flow
Charter capital sized to your first 12–18 months, with a contribution schedule you can actually meet.
Compliance from day one
Tax registration, e-invoices, payroll and reporting mapped before your first month of trading ends.
Problems foreign investors usually face
Most delays and extra costs in Vietnam come from decisions made too early, not from the filing itself.
- The wrong vehicle. A representative office cannot trade or invoice. A branch is only open to certain parent companies. Picking the wrong one means starting again.
- Business lines that do not fit. Activities must match Vietnam’s industry codes and market-access commitments. A loosely worded scope can trigger extra conditions or a request to revise.
- Charter capital set by guesswork. Too low and you cannot cover early costs or support work permits; too high and you must contribute it on a fixed schedule.
- Banking surprises. Investment capital must flow through a dedicated direct-investment account. Sending funds to the wrong account creates reporting problems later.
- Compliance after launch is forgotten. Tax registration, e-invoices, labour filings and annual reports start immediately. Penalties often begin in the first quarter.
Our advisory process, step by step
We advise from the first question to your first compliant month of trading. You always know what happens next.
Need ongoing support after launch? Our outsourced accounting and tax advisory teams continue from here.
Choosing the right structure
For most foreign investors who want to sell, invoice and hire in Vietnam, a limited liability company (LLC) is the default choice. The comparison shows when the other options make more sense.
| Option | Best for | Trade & invoice | Hire staff | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC (single or multi-member) | Most SMEs and subsidiaries | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Capital must be contributed on schedule |
| Joint stock company | Many shareholders, future fundraising | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Heavier governance and reporting |
| Branch | Certain foreign parents in permitted sectors | ● Limited cases | ✓ Yes | Not available for most sectors |
| Representative office | Market research and liaison | ✗ No | ● Limited | Cannot sign sales contracts or earn revenue |
Compare them in more detail: LLC vs JSC in Vietnam and representative office vs branch vs subsidiary.
Indicative timeline
A straightforward set-up in an open sector usually takes several weeks from signed engagement to a bank-ready company. Conditional sectors take longer.
What changes the timeline most: conditional business lines, foreign documents that need consular legalisation, and incomplete parent-company information. Timelines are indicative; final decisions and processing times rest with the competent authorities.
Why TrustlineAX
Senior-led
Experienced advisers handle your file from the first call. No hand-off to a junior team after the first meeting.
Clear scope, no surprises
A written proposal within 24 hours of our first call. Official fees are paid directly to the authorities.
English-first
Every recommendation, checklist and report is written in English for your head office.
One team, set-up to year-end
The same advisers handle your accounting and tax after launch, so nothing is lost in a hand-over.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Vietnam?
In many sectors, yes. Some sectors cap foreign ownership or add conditions. We confirm this for your exact activities in the market-access review.
What is the difference between the investment certificate and the enterprise certificate?
Foreign investors usually go through two stages: approval of the investment project, then registration of the company itself. We explain which stages apply to you and prepare you for each.
How much charter capital do I need?
There is no single minimum for most sectors. Capital should cover your realistic first-year costs, and some sectors or work-permit plans need more. We help you size it.
Do I need to be in Vietnam during set-up?
Usually not. Most steps can be handled remotely once foreign documents are notarised and legalised. Opening the bank account may need a visit or a video call, depending on the bank.
Are you a government agency or an official registration service?
No. TrustlineAX is a private advisory firm. We prepare and review documents with you; decisions are made by the competent authorities, and official fees are paid directly to them.
What happens after the company is set up?
Tax registration, e-invoicing, payroll and annual reporting start immediately. Most clients continue with our accounting and tax services so the first year runs smoothly.
Read before you decide
- LLC vs JSC in Vietnam
- Representative office, branch or subsidiary?
- Vietnam vs Singapore incorporation in 2026
- Opening a corporate bank account for an FDI company
- Vietnam annual compliance calendar for FDI companies
- Work permits for foreign employees
TrustlineAX is a private advisory firm and is not affiliated with any government agency. Official fees are paid directly to the competent authorities. This page is general information, not legal advice for your specific case.