Update: Foreign Investors Permitted to Establish Companies in Vietnam Before Obtaining IRC Under Amended Investment Law
Vietnam’s amended Investment Law allows foreign investors to establish economic organisations prior to obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC), subject to applicable market access conditions. This reform is designed to streamline market entry, shorten licensing timelines, and enhance administrative efficiency for foreign investment procedures.
Vietnam Reduces 38 Conditional Business Activities Under New Investment Law Amendments (Effective 2026)
Vietnam has enacted the Law on Investment (Amendment) 2025, marking one of the most substantial reforms to conditional business activities in recent years. The amendments remove 38 conditional business lines, revise 20 others, and introduce new prohibitions—including electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. From 1 March 2026 (with some provisions from 1 July 2026), Vietnam will shift toward a more streamlined regulatory framework, reducing pre-operation licensing and moving many sectors toward published business requirements with post-inspection oversight. These changes signal the Government’s ongoing commitment to simplifying market entry and improving the investment environment for both domestic and foreign investors.
Global Minimum Tax in Vietnam: How GMT Reshapes Tax Incentives for Multinational Investors
Vietnam’s introduction of the Global Minimum Tax (GMT) under Decree 236 marks a critical shift for multinational groups operating in the country. While corporate income tax incentives remain legally available, their financial value is increasingly neutralised under the new 15% minimum effective tax rate requirement. This page summarises the real impact of GMT on Vietnam’s tax incentives, outlines key risks for in-scope multinational enterprises, and provides strategic insights for reassessing investment structures, compliance obligations, and tax planning under the new rules.
Internal Controls: Vietnam’s New Requirement under Circular 99/2025/TT-BTC
Circular 99/2025/TT-BTC significantly overhauls Vietnam’s accounting system, where it replaces Circular 200 from 1 January 2026 and introduces a new chapter and mandatory requirements for corporate transparency and accountability.
Among its most important updates is the mandatory establishment of internal governance and internal control systems for all enterprises, which is a requirement that will fundamentally reshape how businesses manage their accounting and financial operations.
Personal Income Tax Deduction Increase in Vietnam from 1 January 2026
Effective 1 January 2026, Vietnam will increase personal income tax (PIT) deductions under Resolution 110/2025/UBTVQH15, marking the first adjustment since 2020. The monthly deduction for individual taxpayers rises to VND 15.5 million and for each dependent to VND 6.2 million. This change reduces the taxable income base, providing meaningful relief for employees and families while aligning with the Government’s cost-of-living policies.
Employers and payroll teams must update systems, tax-withholding procedures, and dependent registration processes to ensure compliance. The increase also offers an opportunity for proactive tax planning and payroll review ahead of the 2026 tax year.
Vietnam Raises Regional Minimum Wages from 1 January 2026: Decree 293/2025/ND-CP
Effective 1 January 2026, Vietnam will increase regional minimum wages under Decree 293/2025/ND-CP, replacing Decree 74/2024/ND-CP. The adjustments raise monthly wages by VND 250,000–350,000 across all regions and increase caps for unemployment insurance contributions. Employers should update payroll, contracts, and budgets to ensure compliance and reflect new salary floors.
Vietnam’s Accounting Enters a New Phase: Circular 99/2025 Replaces Circular 200/2014
Vietnam has released Circular 99/2025, a sweeping overhaul of its enterprise accounting regime that takes effect from 1 January 2026 and replaces Circular 200 after more than 10 years. The reform introduces new rules on accounting currency, digital documentation, internal control, financial statement formats, and chart of accounts—creating both compliance pressure and modernisation opportunities for businesses.
Vietnam & Global Minimum Tax
Vietnam’s Decree 236/2025/NĐ-CP implements the OECD’s Global Minimum Tax, ensuring multinational enterprises pay at least 15% tax on profits earned in Vietnam, protecting national revenue and aligning with global tax standards
Vietnam Trademark Protection: Strategy & Global Expansion
Strong trademark protection is vital for business growth in Vietnam and beyond. This article explains Vietnam’s legal framework, registration steps, and how the Madrid System enables global brand protection and long-term competitive advantage.
Vietnam Expands PIT Exemptions: New Tax-Free Income Categories Effective October 2025
From 1 October 2025, Vietnam introduces three new Personal Income Tax (PIT) exemptions, with further digital technology incentives from January 2026. Learn what income is exempt, how businesses should prepare, and what these changes mean for compliance and tax planning.