Vietnam is an attractive destination for startups

According to Bloomberg, Vietnam is an attractive destination for startups in 2023

The international press reported that Vietnam's economy has been struggling domestically and internationally in 2023. However, there are still encouraging signs regarding the economy's potential for growth. In the meantime, Vietnam is also focusing on long-term economic growth to encourage startups to start businesses, invest, and do business in Vietnam.

As the boom period of reopening following COVID-19 comes to an end in 2023, the economy is returning to a long-term growth trajectory. Vietnam wants to spend 7% of GDP on infrastructure this year to support economic growth and ensure that FDI will continue to flow into the country for years to come.

In the future, Vietnam's economy is being strengthened by foreign direct investment. Vietnam is an ideal location for tourists and foreign investors to set up company in Vietnam due to its favorable business climate, stable political environment, sustainable macroeconomic development, abundant labor force, and low cost.

According to experts, the situation is very bad all over the world, but Vietnam has been recovering and getting back on track with its development. There will still be obstacles, such as the possibility of a recession and global protectionism, which reduces export demand. However, there will still be many advantages, and foreign investment, investment in human resources, and infrastructure, will drive growth in a variety of ways. In addition, the recovery of consumer and business confidence is expanding rapidly. Domestic demand has returned to normal.

According to Bloomberg, Vietnam is a desirable location for startups due to its abundance of skilled engineers, low labor costs, and rapidly expanding economy. By 2030, Vietnam wants to make Ho Chi Minh City a "magnet" for technology investments and a digital economy.

Vietnam is now a major hub for manufacturing and a crucial link in the global supply chain. As a result, increasing automation is crucial for economies and businesses. One of the primary drivers is the rapid improvement in labor productivity and digitization of the value chain. Vietnam's economy has great potential for rapid growth and digital transformation across all sectors.

Concerning the factors that ensure Vietnam's growth, there is a consensus. These elements incorporate speeding up primary and institutional changes, profoundly taking part in new-age economic alliances, improving unfamiliar speculation fascination, speeding up computerized financial change, and profound mixing into the worldwide store network.

How to start a business in Vietnam as a foreign investor?

How to start a business in Vietnam as a foreign investor?

Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, with a young and dynamic population, a favorable business environment, and a strategic location. Additionally, Vietnam's government has been increasingly enacting more preferential policies to facilitate foreign investors' entry into the country to do business in Vietnam. If you are interested in starting a business in Vietnam, here are some steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Choose a business entity type

There are different types of business entities in Vietnam, such as limited liability company joint-stock company partnership, branch office, representative office, etc. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your business goals, capital, and legal requirements. You should consult a local law firm in Vietnam to help you decide which entity type suits your needs best.

Step 2: Register your business in Vietnam

After chosing your business entity type, you need to register your business with the relevant authorities in Vietnam. This involves submitting various documents, such as: business name, address, charter capital, shareholders, directors, tax code, etc. Depending on the type and scope of your business, you may also need to obtain additional licenses or permits from other agencies, such as the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, etc.

Step 3: Open a bank account in Vietnam

You need to open company’s bank account after registering your business. You will need to provide your business registration certificate, tax code certificate, and other documents to the bank. You can choose from various local or foreign banks operating in Vietnam, depending on your preferences and needs.

Step 4: Hire staff and set up your office in Vietnam

The next step is to hire staff and set up your office in Vietnam. You will need to comply with the labor laws and regulations in Vietnam, such as: minimum wage, social insurance, health insurance, working hours, etc. You will also need to find a suitable location for your office and equip it with the necessary facilities and equipment.

Step 5: Start your operations and marketing

You will need to develop a business plan and strategy that suits the local market and culture in Vietnam. You will also need to build relationships with customers, suppliers, partners, and authorities in Vietnam. You can use various channels and methods to promote your products or services, such as: social media,online platforms, events, etc.

Starting a business in Vietnam can be challenging but rewarding. By following these steps and seeking professional advice from the law firm in Vietnam when needed, you can successfully establish and grow your business in Vietnam.

ANT Lawyers is the reliable law firm in Vietnam that will always contact the authorities to obtain legal updates on issues pertaining to do business in Vietnam.

Forms of Setting up company in Vietnam

Forms of Setting up company in Vietnam

According the Vietnam Law on Enterprises, there are four common types of companies:

-Private enterprise

-Partnership

-Joint stock company

-Limited liability company

-Private enterprise is a business run by a single person who is responsible for all of its operations and owns all of its assets;

-Partnership is an organization in which (i) at least two partners co-own the business and operate jointly under a single name; There may be limited partners in addition to general partners; ii) A partnership's general partners must be individuals who are fully responsible for the partnership's obligations with their entire property: iii) Limited partners are only responsible for the partnership's debts up to the amount of their capital contribution;

-Joint stock company is an enterprise where i) Its contract capital is partitioned into equivalent bits known as shares; ( ii) Shareholders may be individuals or organizations; the base number of investors will be three and will not be confined to a specific most extreme number; ( iii) Its shareholders are only responsible for the debts and other property obligations of the company up to the value of their capital contribution; ( iv) Shareholders will be free to transfer their shares in accordance with the law;

-Limited liability company (also known as a single-member or multi-member limited liability company). A one-member limited liability company is an enterprise which is owned by one organization or individual (hereinafter referred to as the company owner); Within the company's charter capital, the owner is responsible for the company's debts and other property obligations. A business is a limited liability company if: i) Members may be individuals or organizations; The number of members in total cannot be more than fifty; ( ii) Individuals are answerable for obligations and other property liabilities of the undertaking inside how much capital that they have resolved to add to the endeavor; ( iii) The members' capital shares can only be transferred in accordance with the law.

ANT Lawyers is a law firm in Vietnam with international standards, recognized by IFLR1000 on Financial and Corporate practice. The firm provides a wide range of legal services, including M&A, corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory, dispute resolution for multinational and domestic clients.

7 Fundamental steps to comply with Vietnam laws and set up a business

7 Fundamental steps to comply with Vietnam laws and set up a business

In terms of business activities, Vietnam's economy is becoming more diverse, and business regulations are also constantly being improved. As a result, foreign investors are free to select the appropriate business. Therefore, when foreign investors discover business opportunities, setting up a company in Vietnam there is always a topic of great interest.

7 fundamental steps to set up a business include:

-Set up a business in Vietnam

-Publish the contents of business registration

-The enterprise conducts stamp engraving

-Open a bank account in Vietnam

-Register the tax declaration form in Vietnam

-The enterprise needs to conduct labor registration in Vietnam

-Register for social insurance in Vietnam

1.The first step is to set up a business in Vietnam

The investor must first choose the kind of business they want to start and provide the name and expected information before they can proceed with this step. Consequently, the enterprise establishment dossier will be prepared in accordance with regulations and submitted to the Department of Planning and Investment, Business Registration Office, of the location where it is anticipated to be headquartered. The company will receive a certificate of registration after submitting a valid application, and the contents of the registration will be posted on the National Business Registration Portal.

2.The second step is to publish the contents of business registration

Subsequent to being conceded an endeavor enrollment endorsement, a venture should make a public declaration on the Public Business Enlistment Entry.

3. In the third step, the enterprise conducts stamp engraving

Enterprises can demand to make a seal from the seal-making specialist. As a result, the company is solely accountable for the use of its legal entity seal and actively chooses the seal's type, quantity, form, and content.

4. Fourth step is that to open a bank account in Vietnam

At the moment, businesses have the option of choosing a bank to open an account for them. To do so, the bank needs an application form, a sample of the bank's seal, the company's charter, and a certificate. Business enlistment and related archives are expected by various bank.

5. The fifth step is to register the tax declaration form in Vietnam

As a result, businesses register to use e-invoices and notify their tax authorities of this use. Undertakings need to contact the receipt provider to arrange the printing of significant worth added receipt books and should enlist self-printed solicitations with charge specialists.

6. In the sixth step, the enterprise needs to conduct labor registration in Vietnam.

Enterprises register with the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to proclaim the utilization of work. The employer must fill out the required form and register with the Labor Department within thirty days of the start of business. Additionally, Enterprises should keep in mind that the labor contract and the Labor Code govern the relationship between employers and employees.

7.Seventh step is to register for social insurance in Vietnam.

Enterprises register with the Social Insurance Agency to proclaim the utilization of work. The employer must fill out the required form and register with the Social Insurance Agency within thirty days of the start of business. Additionally, businesses should keep in mind that the labor contract and the Labor Code govern the relationship between employers and employees.

It tends to be seen that setting up a business expects organizations to complete a ton of techniques and follow various guidelines of duty, banking, work, protection… Consequently, other than finding out about legitimate guidelines and organizations can look for the help of expert counseling firm in Vietnam with mastery and involvement with the field of business foundation to carry out the cycle rapidly and really.

Finding the right colleague in Vietnam is likewise significant. In order to identify potential risks when working together, we recommend conducting background checks on key personnel, gathering publicly available information about the company and individual shareholders, whether corporate or individual. Working with a dependable accomplice can assist with accomplishing monetary advantages, setting aside time and cash in business.

ANT Lawyers, a Vietnam-based law firm, may provide assistance in setting up business in Vietnam. We help clients who need legal help get certificates for investment, business registration, or other licensing procedures.

How to Establish Travel Services Business in Vietnam?

How to Establish Travel Services Business in Vietnam?

Because passenger transportation is one of the investment areas subject to restrictions for foreign investors in Vietnam, a foreign investor can only form a joint venture with a travel agency in Vietnam to establish a travel services business there.

It is impossible to deny the significant impact that information technology has had on the travel services industry. The utilization of booking reservation framework application on cell phone and web are inescapable that make travel has never been more straightforward. The travel services market would be interesting for a foreign investor to explore. Nonetheless, 100 % foreign owned company is not allowed  to set-up travel services business in Vietnam. Due to the conditionality of this investment area, a Vietnam-based law firm should be consulted to ensure compliance with local regulations.

The application process and documents requirements to establish travel business in Vietnam are briefly

1.Required documents to establish travel business in Vietnam

-Application for the International Travel Business License (form);

-Certificate of business registration (copy – certified)

-Business plan for the international travel agency;

-Tour schedule

-Proof of at least 4 years of experience in international travel business operations

-Certified copies of the tourist guides’ cards whereby at least 3 international tourist guides are required

-Confirmation of bank deposit (as per regulations);

-Proof of offi

2. Business License Application Procedure to establish business in Vietnam

-Submitting the required documents to the appropriate authority (the province or city's Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism).

-Within 10 working days of receiving a valid application, the province or city's Department of Tourism completes the appraisal records and sends a written request along with the agency's records to Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. At the point when cases are not qualified for the proposed grant to the state organizations, the commonplace the travel industry office will refer to the particular purposes behind refusal.

Within ten working days of receiving the file and written request from the state agency of tourism in the province, the international travel business must be reviewed and licensed by the state management agency of tourism (VNAT – Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism). In the event of refusal, the service will express the particular motivations to the state and commonplace the travel industry specialists.

3. Number of records

-Submission to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: 01

– Tourism Authority Filed in: 01

ANT Lawyers – a law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to investment registration or business registering in Vietnam.

What Are the Benefit of setting up business in Vietnam?

What Are the Benefit of setting up business in Vietnam?

Vietnam has a coastline that is more than 3,000 kilometers long, and it is situated in a significant region of Southeast Asia. Vietnam's diverse geography includes mountainous, highland, and coastal areas that are suitable for general economic zones, making it an ideal location for the growth of the tourism and trade sectors. Investors can benefit from incentives for land finance, import and export taxes, and corporate income tax when setting up business in Vietnam.

Tax incentives for businesses: The corporate tax rate (CIT) in Vietnam has been gradually decreasing over the past few years. In the 2004-2008 period, CIT was 28%, in the 2009-2013 period it was 25%, from 2014 to 2015, 22% and from January 1, 2016 up to this point, 20%. In addition, the provision of high corporate income tax incentives for a number of essential fields that need to be encouraged for investment has contributed to the attraction of investment, the encouragement of business, the creation of favorable conditions for enterprises to increase accumulation, the increase in investment in the economy, and the promotion of growth, thereby encouraging investors to start businesses in Vietnam.

Tax incentives for imports and exports: Regulations have been added to the 2016 Import and Export Tax Law to exempt high-tech businesses, science-tech businesses, and science-tech organizations from paying import taxes on raw materials, materials, and components that cannot be produced domestically within five years of the start of production. There are also import and export tax incentives being applied such as:

(i)Goods imported for foreign processing are exempt from import tax, and products exported and returned to foreign parties are exempt from export tax;

(ii)The tax payment deadline can be extended to 275 days from the date of filing the customs declaration for goods that are imported for the purpose of processing and are exempt from tax, goods that are temporarily imported for re-export, and goods that are raw materials and supplies used in the production of exported goods; Taxes on goods temporarily imported for re-export may be paid 15 days after the expiration date;

(iii)The creation of fixed assets for investment projects in areas of special investment encouragement, investment promotion fields, and locality with difficult socio-economic conditions is exempt from import tax on goods.

Incentives on land finance: The general land rent can be reduced from 1.5 percent to 1 percent for foreign investors investing in Vietnam. Furthermore, the State likewise specifies the utilization of the land cost change coefficient in deciding the land cost to compute the land lease, consequently, making Vietnam progressively turning into a good objective to draw in unfamiliar speculation and company foundation in Southeast Asia.

In the spirit of the state ensuring the rights of the investors' ownership, investment capital, and other interests of foreign organizations and individuals, creating favorable conditions, and simplifying procedures for such organizations and individuals to invest in Vietnam, the development of a transparent and consistent investment legal system is also increasingly becoming a useful tool to promote inflows of foreign direct investment into Vietnam.

The international public considers Vietnam's foreign investment law to be more open and appealing than those of some of the countries in the region. For instance, the law allows for 100% foreign capital ownership, administrative procedures are simplified, and there is no discrimination between Vietnamese and foreign-invested businesses. The law has been changing to see investment and business as matters between businesses and investors, with investors having full authority to make decisions about everything from investment projects to the company's formation and operations, and the government only guiding, creating an open legal environment with favorable mechanisms and procedures, supervising, and enforcing the law.

ANT Lawyers - a law office in Vietnam will continuously circle back to experts for legitimate update on issues pertinent to venture enrollment or business setting-up in Vietnam.

Areas prohibited to set up company in Vietnam

Vietnam encourages investors to set up company in Vietnam

With the public authority's endeavors in working on the venture and business climate, which is good for homegrown financial backers as well as unfamiliar financial backers, Vietnam's monetary, political and social circumstance has consistently stayed stable and accomplished extraordinary advancement, over the course of the time including the post-Coronavirus period, while laying out reciprocal exchange relations with numerous nations the world. In an effort to open up the economy, the government keeps changing its policies to support business development and improve the business environment. Specifically, the public authority resolves to energize unfamiliar financial backers carrying on with work in Vietnam: to start a business, build a factory, or buy shares in a Vietnamese company, or to invest in Vietnam in various sectors that will benefit the economy.

In general, foreign investors are permitted to establish a business and invest in Vietnam. Up until the end of 2022, the capital for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) registered is USD 439 billion, and the FDI attracted in 2022 alone is USD 27,7 billion. In practice, a significant number of them have established businesses in Vietnam and have made substantial investments in manufacturing and production, real estate, energy, technical fields, wholesale and retail product trading, and other related industries.

Areas prohibited to set up company in Vietnam

It should be noted that the following are prohibited areas of business in Vietnam: i) dealing in illegal drugs; ii) minerals and chemicals are traded; iii) exchanging examples of plants and wild creatures; iv) the prostitution industry; v) buying and selling people, tissues, organs, human hatchlings; vi) human cloning-related business practices; vii) exchanging fireworks; viii) Businesses that provide debt collection services, including debt collection services, which were recently added to the prohibited list in the beginning of 2021 due to the negative social impact that debt collection companies in Vietnam have had.

The general requirement for both domestic and international investors is that they are permitted to engage in business investment activities in trades and industries that are not prohibited by law. The remaining trades and industries are divided into conditional and ordinary business lines, with the exception of the trades that are prohibited from business investment. In normal business lines, financial backers can openly enter without boundaries. Interestingly, contingent business lines set conditions that should be met assuming the financial backers wish to join. Understanding the lawful condition to work in a particular industry and business line is the initial step for financial backers to enter the market to set up organization in Vietnam.