Factory Setup Vietnam Checklist

Pre-Investment Stage

□ Determine investment structure
□ Conduct market and legal feasibility assessment
□ Select industrial park or factory location
□ Conduct location due diligence
□ Review land and infrastructure conditions

Licensing Stage

□ Apply for Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
□ Apply for Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
□ Complete corporate setup procedures
□ Open bank and investment capital accounts

Operational Licensing Stage

□ Obtain environmental approvals
□ Complete construction licensing
□ Register labor and social insurance
□ Activate tax and customs systems
□ Register e-invoice systems

Operational Readiness Stage

□ Import machinery and equipment
□ Recruit workforce
□ Complete operational inspections
□ Commence manufacturing activities

FAQ: Factory Setup Vietnam

How long does factory setup Vietnam usually take?

Depending on project complexity, factory setup Vietnam may take several months due to:

• investment licensing,
• environmental approvals,
• construction procedures,
• customs activation,
• and operational compliance requirements.

Can foreigners fully own manufacturing companies in Vietnam?

Yes.

Many manufacturing sectors in Vietnam allow:

• 100% foreign ownership,
  subject to:
• investment regulations,
• sector-specific conditions,
• and licensing requirements.

What are the most important licenses for factory setup Vietnam?

Typical approvals include:

• Investment Registration Certificate (IRC),
• Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC),
• environmental permits,
• construction permits,
• fire prevention approvals,
• customs registration,
• and tax activation.

Why is location due diligence important in Vietnam?

Location selection directly affects:

• environmental licensing,
• labor availability,
• logistics efficiency,
• infrastructure reliability,
• and operational scalability.

Industrial parks in Vietnam differ significantly in capability and regulatory readiness.

Is Vietnam suitable for high-tech manufacturing investment?

Yes.

Vietnam increasingly supports:

• semiconductor manufacturing,
• electronics production,
• automation systems,
• industrial engineering,
• CNC machining,
• and advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

About ECOVIS Vietnam Law

ECOVIS Vietnam Law provides execution-ready legal and tax advisory for international investors operating in Vietnam, combining local regulatory expertise with the global ECOVIS professional network.

The firm regularly supports:

• factory establishment projects,
• manufacturing investment,
• industrial licensing,
• post-licensing compliance,
• environmental and operational approvals,
• and cross-border investment activities in Vietnam.

Attorney Vu Manh Quynh is the Managing Partner of ECOVIS Vietnam Law, advising international investors on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), factory setup Vietnam, manufacturing investment, and corporate governance in Vietnam.