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

Summary: ECOVIS Vietnam Law provides business legal services for foreign-invested companies, education businesses, service providers, and manufacturers in Thu Duc City and Ho Chi Minh City. Attorney Vu Manh Quynh advises international investors on company setup, investment licensing, labor compliance, contracts, and regulatory risk management in Vietnam.

Legal Basis at a Glance

1. Legal Needs of Companies in Thu Duc and Eastern Ho Chi Minh City

Thu Duc City — administratively established in 2021 from the merger of Districts 2, 9, and Thu Duc — has developed into one of the most commercially active zones in Ho Chi Minh City for foreign-invested businesses. The area encompasses established international business districts (An Phu, Thao Dien), technology and innovation zones (Saigon Hi-Tech Park), and major commercial corridors along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard and the metro line 1 corridor.

Foreign investors and international companies operating in Thu Duc face the same legal and regulatory framework as those elsewhere in Ho Chi Minh City, processed through the HCMC DPI. Practical legal support — from an advisor who understands how the DPI, DOLISA, and local licensing authorities actually process applications — delivers more value than abstract regulatory opinion.

2. Support for Foreign Investors and Local Businesses

ECOVIS Vietnam Law provides legal and compliance support for:

• Foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in service, education, technology, consulting, and trading sectors
• Representative offices of foreign companies conducting market research and liaison activities
• Education businesses and training centres serving foreign and Vietnamese students and corporate clients
• Startups and growing businesses requiring legal structure review and governance setup
• Companies undergoing restructuring, ownership change, or expansion to additional locations
• Foreign individuals requiring guidance on visa, work permit, and legal entity considerations

3. Core Legal Services: Company Setup, Contracts, Labor, and Compliance

Company Establishment

IRC and ERC filing; selection of company type (100% foreign-owned LLC, joint venture, representative office, or branch); business line selection; registered capital structuring. For conditional sectors, a feasibility review is required before IRC filing.

Contracts and Commercial Agreements

Service agreements, distribution and agency contracts, technology licensing, lease agreements, and supplier contracts — all require drafting or review for Vietnam law compliance, with attention to dispute resolution clauses, governing law, and payment terms.

Labor and Employment

Employment contracts for Vietnamese and foreign employees; work permits and TRCs; internal labor regulations (mandatory at 10+ employees); social insurance and payroll structure. Minimum wage for HCMC (Region I): VND 5,310,000/month or VND 25,500/hour under Decree 293/2025/ND-CP, effective 1 January 2026.

Ongoing Compliance

Annual corporate reporting; licence amendment for changes in capital, ownership, address, or business lines; tax and accounting coordination; regulatory update monitoring.

4. Sector-Specific Regulatory Considerations

• Education and training businesses: operating licence from the provincial Department of Education and Training (for language/computer training centres under Decree 46/2017/ND-CP as amended); or MOET-level for formal educational institutions under Decree 86/2018/ND-CP
• Technology and software companies: IP registration, software licensing compliance, personal data protection under Decree 13/2023/ND-CP, technology transfer requirements
• Consulting and professional services: business line scope limitations for foreign-invested entities; work permit management for foreign professional staff
• Trading and distribution: market access conditions; import/export licensing where applicable

5. Key Business Areas Served

• An Phu and Thao Dien: high concentration of foreign-invested companies, international schools, and professional services firms
• Mai Chi Tho corridor: emerging mixed education, retail, and service business development
• Saigon Hi-Tech Park: technology manufacturing and R&D enterprises requiring investment licensing and employment compliance
• District 1 and the CBD: headquarters of major multinationals requiring governance, compliance, and contract advisory
• Binh Duong and Dong Nai corridor: manufacturing and industrial projects within commuting distance of Thu Duc

6. Frequently Asked Questions

What types of companies can foreign investors set up in Ho Chi Minh City?

Foreign investors can establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Joint Stock Company (JSC), a representative office, or a branch. The most common operating structure is the single-member or multi-member LLC. The appropriate structure depends on the investor’s business activities, ownership preferences, and industry-specific regulatory requirements.

How long does it take to set up a company in Ho Chi Minh City?

Standard DPI processing for IRC and ERC is approximately 10 to 15 working days for non-conditional sector applications. Conditional sectors add time varying by sector. Document preparation, translation, and notarisation typically add 2 to 4 weeks before filing.

Can ECOVIS Vietnam Law advise on both legal and tax matters?

Yes. ECOVIS Vietnam Law coordinates legal and tax advisory within the ECOVIS network, providing integrated support for company structure, capital contribution timing, and profit repatriation decisions that involve both legal and tax considerations.

Do I need a local Vietnamese partner?

Not in most sectors. Vietnam has progressively opened to 100% foreign ownership across service, technology, education (with conditions by education type), manufacturing, and trading. A Vietnamese partner is required only for specific restricted activities. A feasibility review will confirm what is available for your specific planned activities.

What is the minimum registered capital?

There is no general statutory minimum for most sectors under the Enterprise Law 2020. Registered capital should reflect actual planned investment. Setting it too low creates amendment filing complications; setting it too high creates pressure to contribute uncommitted capital.

7. Legal Services Checklist

• ☐ Conduct initial legal consultation to review business plan and regulatory requirements
• ☐ Confirm whether your activities are open to 100% foreign ownership or subject to conditions
• ☐ Assess the correct company type for your activities
• ☐ Review commercial premises for licensing suitability before committing to a lease
• ☐ Complete IRC and ERC filing with full documentation
• ☐ Confirm minimum wage compliance: VND 5,310,000/month or VND 25,500/hour (Region I, eff. 1 January 2026)
• ☐ Apply for work permits for any foreign employees before they begin working
• ☐ Register for tax, social insurance, and set up accounting from day one
• ☐ Review all commercial contracts before execution

Speak with a business lawyer about your Vietnam operation. Contact Attorney Vu Manh Quynh: vietnam@ecovislaw.vn | www.ecovislaw.vn

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

This material is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. Investors should seek specific advice based on their business sector, ownership structure and investment location in Vietnam. Legal and regulatory references reflect the position as of June 2026 and are subject to change.

Last reviewed: June 2026 | ECOVIS Vietnam Law