Guide to Establishing a Representative Office in Vietnam in 2025
Establishing a Representative Office in Vietnam provides foreign organizations with a strategic and compliant way to explore and engage with the local market. Without the need to form a full trading entity, a Representative Office (RO) allows a company to conduct market research, liaise with local partners, and support brand and contract-related activities. Although ROs are not permitted to generate revenue or enter into commercial contracts, they serve as a valuable initial step for investors seeking insight, credibility, and operational presence within Vietnam’s growing economy.
Vietnam’s regulatory framework supports the establishment of Representative Offices through a defined licensing regime and streamlined documentation requirements. Governed by the Commercial Law and supported by Decree No. 07/2016/ND-CP, foreign entities must demonstrate a minimum of one year of operation in their home jurisdiction and provide specific documentation such as a legalized certificate of incorporation, proof of financial activity, and an office lease. Once licensed, an RO must comply with local registration obligations, including tax code issuance, employer registration, and labor compliance—despite being exempt from corporate income tax.
At Alitium, we specialize in guiding international investors through each stage of establishing and operating a Representative Office in Vietnam. Our team provides tailored support across licensing, legal structuring, Chief Representative appointments, and ongoing compliance matters such as social insurance registration, employee onboarding, and risk mitigation. By combining deep local regulatory knowledge with international advisory experience, Alitium ensures foreign organizations can establish a credible, efficient, and legally sound presence in Vietnam—without exposure to unnecessary operational or tax risks.
Next Steps
If you would like obtain further advice on restructuring or human resource planning in Vietnam, reach out to us on our contact page: https://www.alitium.com/contact-us/
