Services
Support for Foreign Enterprises
Understanding – Dedication – Efficiency
FDI Landscape in Vietnam
Vietnam – An Ideal Investment Destination for the Future. With impressive economic growth, a progressively transparent and business-friendly environment, Vietnam continues to attract the attention of multinational corporations. The Government’s commitment to sustainable development and green initiatives has fostered an eco-conscious investment climate, appealing to socially responsible investors. Political stability, a large domestic market, and a young, dynamic workforce further strengthen Vietnam’s position. Free trade agreements have opened up new opportunities, making Vietnam an important link in the global supply chain.
In recent years, FDI inflows into Vietnam have seen remarkable progress, with participation from 148 countries and territories. South Korea and Singapore are leading the way, accounting for 18% and 16.5% of total registered capital, respectively. Meanwhile, the growing presence of Japan, China, and European countries has further diversified the capital structure. The manufacturing sector remains dominant, representing 60% of total investment. However, a shift toward high-tech industries, clean energy, and infrastructure is shaping a more diversified and sustainable investment landscape. This reflects Vietnam’s emergence not only as a manufacturing hub but also as a promising market for advanced industries and services.
Choose Crowe Vietnam as your trusted partner in your business and investment journey in Vietnam.
Doing business in Vietnam publication
This publication by Crowe Vietnam is thoughtfully designed to not only provide a comprehensive and systematic overview of Vietnam’s business environment and regulatory landscape, but also to serve as a practical business gateway facilitating valuable connections between your enterprise and relevant authorities, organizations, and strategic partners.
Crowe Vietnam’s Support Services
Crowe Vietnam offers a comprehensive range of solutions aimed at assisting foreign enterprises during their market entry and ongoing business operations in Vietnam. We understand the challenges and opportunities that foreign companies may encounter when entering the Vietnamese market. Backed by a team of seasoned professionals, we are committed to delivering the most effective and optimized solutions.
We provide foreign business support services for companies originating from:
Japan
China
South Korea
Europe
Explore our related service packages below:
Market entry advisory
Helping foreign enterprises maximize their market entry opportunities in Vietnam from market research, risk assessment, and business model selection to legal procedure support and connection with the local business ecosystem.
Market exit advisory
Supporting businesses in minimizing risks, maximizing benefits, and ensuring full legal compliance when carrying out market exit procedures in Vietnam.
Advisory services for foreign enterprises operating in Vietnam
Providing support and advisory services to foreign-invested companies in Vietnam, including comprehensive audit and business consulting solutions to ensure efficient operations in full compliance with local regulations.
Regulatory & business update service
Stay informed with the latest updates on Vietnam’s business environment including legal and policy changes, real investment opportunities, major events, and essential tips for living and working in the country.
Licensing support services
Assisting businesses and individuals in obtaining the necessary licenses for lawful operation and residence in Vietnam, such as business registration, visas, residence permits, and work permits.
Transaction support services
Helping foreign businesses and individuals overcome language, cultural, and administrative barriers during transactions, ensuring effective collaboration with partners, suppliers, and government authorities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. What are the common challenges foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises face when investing and doing business in Vietnam?
FDI enterprises often face various challenges when entering and operating in Vietnam, including:
- Complex administrative procedures: The investment licensing process and required documentation can be lengthy and complicated, delaying operations.
- Cultural and language differences: These differences may hinder communication and market understanding, affecting management and operations.
- Unstable legal framework: Constant regulatory changes, particularly in sensitive areas like tax, environment, and labor, pose risks to FDI businesses.
- Shortage of skilled labor: Despite Vietnam’s abundant workforce, it can be challenging to find employees with the necessary professional qualifications and skills.
- Intense competition: With increasing participation from both domestic and international firms, FDI enterprises must develop effective competitive strategies.
- Infrastructure limitations: Although improving, infrastructure in some regions (transportation, logistics, energy) remains underdeveloped.
- Unforeseen costs: Informal costs and issues related to corruption may impact budget control.
- Political and social risks: These factors can influence the business environment and raise concerns among investors.
To overcome these challenges, FDI enterprises need a clear strategy, thorough market research, and strong relationships with stakeholders.
2. How can a foreign investor determine whether their intended business sector is permitted in Vietnam?
To check if a business sector is open for foreign investment in Vietnam, follow these steps:
- Review the Investment Law: Refer to the 2020 Investment Law and related implementation guidelines that list prohibited and conditional sectors.
- Check sector lists: Consult the list of conditional business sectors issued by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, which outlines sectors requiring special licenses or restrictions.
- Use government portals: Visit the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s website or related government agencies for updated regulations and sector classifications.
- Seek expert advice: Engage consulting firms or lawyers specializing in foreign investment for detailed and tailored guidance.
- Consult local authorities: Directly approach government agencies like the Department of Planning and Investment for official information.
- Review trade agreements: For countries with free trade agreements (FTAs) with Vietnam, review commitments related to sector access.
These steps will help foreign investors clearly determine whether their intended sector aligns with Vietnamese regulations.
3. What are the forms of investment and business available in Vietnam?
Foreign investors may choose from several forms of investment and business in Vietnam:
- Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise: A company fully owned and controlled by the foreign investor, a common choice for those seeking full control.
- Joint Venture: A business jointly established with a Vietnamese partner, with capital and profits shared according to ownership ratios.
- Business Cooperation Contract (BCC): A cooperative arrangement without establishing a new legal entity, with parties sharing profits, costs, and risks.
- Representative Office: A non-trading presence focused on market research, marketing, or business liaison.
- Branch Office: A branch of a foreign company that can conduct specific business activities in Vietnam but does not have independent legal status.
- BOT, BTO, BT Contracts: Public-private partnerships for infrastructure projects where the investor operates the project for a defined period.
- Share or Capital Acquisition: Purchasing shares or capital contributions in a Vietnamese company to become a shareholder and participate in business operations.
Each investment form has its pros and cons, so investors should evaluate carefully before choosing the model that aligns with their business goals.
4. Should foreign investors seek support from consultants or advisory firms?
Absolutely. Engaging consultants or advisory firms brings significant benefits:
- Understanding the investment environment: Consultants help clarify laws, business culture, and market specifics in Vietnam.
- Choosing the right investment model: They guide you in selecting the most suitable form of investment based on your goals and resources.
- Streamlining procedures: They assist in preparing documents, obtaining licenses, and completing legal processes efficiently.
- Developing a business plan: Consultants can help build a detailed and effective business strategy.
- Finding local partners: They assist in identifying and vetting reliable local partners.
- Resolving arising issues: Consultants can provide ongoing support to address challenges throughout the investment process.
Client and Partner Profiles
We aspire to collaborate with clients and partners who are committed to:
Kindness
Being ethical towards clients, employees, and partners through honesty, transparency, and respect for the legitimate interests of all parties.
Legal Compliance
Adhering to all relevant business regulations, including licensing, accounting, taxation, mandatory insurance, labor, goods, and environmental requirements.
Sustainable Development
Balancing profitability with the long-term interests of the community. Building a brand founded on trust and respect from clients and society.
Brand commitment
Crowe Vietnam is committed to building and delivering on its brand personality, with the goal of fostering trust and providing an exceptional experience throughout our journey with clients and partners.
High professional quality at a reasonable cost
Crowe Vietnam is committed to delivering high quality solutions and services at reasonable costs, ensuring an exceptional client experience. We consistently strive for differentiation and continuously enhance the professional capabilities of our team to best meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Professionalism
All our work is carried out meticulously and professionally, both in form and content. We maintain clear and detailed processes and guidelines to ensure efficient organization and execution. Work quality is always our top priority, strictly adhering to professional standards and best practices, while upholding the highest level of professional ethics.
Integrity and Kindness
Consistency between words and actions is a core principle at Crowe Vietnam. We are committed to delivering exactly what we declare or promise to our clients, partners, employees, and stakeholders. We uphold strong business ethics and always prioritize the common good, never compromising our commitments or harming others’ interests for personal gain.
Compliance
We are firmly committed to strict compliance with the law, and we absolutely refrain from any unlawful or fraudulent activities. We implement stringent and effective control measures to prevent and deter any misconduct, ensuring transparent operations and adherence to ethical standards.
Efficiency
We place a strong emphasis on efficiency and optimization in all our operations, aiming to achieve objectives using the most appropriate methods, timelines, and resources. We continuously improve our service delivery processes and actively apply technology including digitalization, artificial intelligence, and big data to enhance operational efficiency and deliver an exceptional client experience.
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Seminars
With the aim of delivering exceptional services to our clients, Crowe Vietnam regularly organizes in-person seminars and online webinars featuring insights from our experienced professionals and esteemed guest speakers.
Note: The seminar schedule below is subject to change.
Overview of Crowe Vietnam
Why choose us for this service?
Choosing the right service partner is a key factor in ensuring both effectiveness and peace of mind. Here’s why Crowe Vietnam is the trusted choice for you.
Crowe Vietnam is a member of the Crowe Global network, with over 798 offices in 150 countries, delivering support services for foreign businesses entering and expanding in Vietnam according to international standards. This ensures reliability and professionalism in a multicultural environment.
Our team of experienced Vietnamese and foreign professionals based in Vietnam possesses deep knowledge of the local market and cross-disciplinary expertise, particularly in legal, tax, audit, and business advisory services. We help clients from Japan, Korea, China, and Europe effectively seize business opportunities.
Crowe Vietnam offers end-to-end solutions, from market entry advisory, licensing, and transactional support to market exit consultation. We ensure that foreign businesses operate efficiently, remain compliant, and minimize risks throughout their business journey in Vietnam.
We are committed to absolute confidentiality of all sensitive client information and data, adhering to the highest security standards to protect the interests and reputation of foreign businesses during all support and advisory engagements.
Leveraging the international Crowe Global network, Crowe Vietnam connects with multinational resources and experts to help foreign enterprises tackle complex challenges, enhance business efficiency, and meet global standards in the Vietnamese market.
We provide foreign business support services at competitive fees with high service quality, helping enterprises optimize operational costs and achieve sustainable growth in Vietnam’s dynamic and diverse business environment.
Senior Personnel
