Cost of Business Registration in Vietnam for FDI (2025): DIY vs. Using Set-up Services
Vietnam continues to be one of Asia’s most attractive FDI destinations, thanks to its stable growth, young workforce, and strategic location. However, setting up a foreign-invested enterprise (FIE) comes with specific costs and requirements that differ from domestic companies. This guide breaks down the real costs of FDI business registration in Vietnam and compares DIY vs. professional set-up services.
I. Official Government Fees
| Item | Fee (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) | Free | Issued by DPI/Industrial Zone Authority |
| 2. Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) | 50,000 | Waived if filed online |
| 3. Publication on National Business Portal | 100,000 | Mandatory |
| Total | 150,000 (~USD 6) | Excluding translations & notarization |
>>> Official fees are very low; the main cost lies in compliance, translations, and service charges.
II. Common Additional Costs for FDI
| Item | Typical Cost (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Notarization & Certified Translation | 5,000,000 – 15,000,000 | For foreign investor documents (passport, charter, etc.) |
| 2. Legalized Documents (if required) | 2,000,000 – 8,000,000 | For consular legalization |
| 3. Digital Signature Token | 1,000,000 – 2,700,000 / year | For e-filings & e-invoices |
| 4. E-invoice Software | From 500,000 / year | Depends on provider |
| 5. Bank Account Opening | 0 | Usually free, requires min. balance |
III. DIY vs. Using Set-up Services
| Option | Typical Cost | Timeline | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Do it Yourself) | ~VND 10–25 million (USD 400–1,000) including translations & notarization | 2–4 months | Lowest cost | High risk of rejection, delays, must handle Vietnamese legal & admin procedures |
| Professional Set-up Service | USD 3,000 – 10,000+ (depending on scope & sector) | 1–2 months (faster due to expertise & pre-checks) | Saves time, ensures compliance, smooth follow-up with tax & labor registration | Higher upfront cash outlay |
IV. Which Option Should You Choose??
- DIY: Only suitable if investors are already in Vietnam, familiar with procedures, and have Vietnamese-speaking staff.
- Set-up Services: Strongly recommended for most FDI projects. Professionals reduce delays, ensure compliance with licensing authorities, and handle all post-registration steps (tax code, invoices, bank account, labor registration).
While government fees are only ~USD 6, the true cost of FDI registration lies in translations, compliance, and time. For most foreign investors, using a professional set-up service is the most efficient and reliable option.
V. Partner with Invest Talent JSC
At Invest Talent JSC, we do not just recruit talent — we also support foreign investors in building successful businesses in Vietnam. Our FDI business set-up support helps you:
- Navigate IRC & ERC licensing smoothly
- Ensure compliance with local laws
- Save time and reduce costly delays
- Transition seamlessly into payroll, HR, and recruitment
>>> Contact us today to discuss how we can make your Vietnam market entry faster and more reliable.
VI. FAQs
Q: What’s the minimum capital?
For most business lines no statutory minimum, but DPI expects capital adequate for 12–24 months’ operations. Conditional sectors may differ.
Q: How long does an FIE take?
Plan 2–4 months for straightforward cases from IRC to post-licensing; regulated lines or complex ownership add time.
Q: Can we really DIY?
Yes for simple domestic setups with Vietnamese language capacity. For foreign-invested or conditional sectors, a specialist usually saves time and re-submission costs.
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