Establishment of foreign companies in Vietnam Branches Branches are defined as legal foreign entities that are allowed to undertake certain trading and tourism activities in Vietnam. The Ministry of Trade is responsible for the issuance, amendment, and withdrawal of licenses for branches operating in trade. Foreign company branches operating in trading activities may engage in the following business lines: Exporting goods produced in Vietnam, such as handicrafts, unprocessed and processed agricultural produce (except rice and coffee), and consumer goods Importing for distribution in Vietnam certain goods that include equipment and machinery used for mining and processing of agricultural and fishery products, materials for production of medicine for both people and animals, and materials for production of fertilizers and insecticides Representative offices Each company is permitted to set up one or more representative offices. Provincial People's Committees are responsible for the issuance, amendment, and withdrawal of licenses for representative offices. Requisite filings The following paperwork is required to set up branches or representative offices for foreign companies in Vietnam: An application form submitted by the company wishing to establish a presence in Vietnam [ Download in Word format ] A copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the foreign company, notarized by authorities of the registering country A copy of this certificate translated into Vietnamese, notarized by a Vietnam Notary Public or by a diplomatic mission of Vietnam in the registering country One unified form If all forms are legal and in order, a license will be issued within 15 days. Business Advisor Guidelines | Taxes/Rates | Export/Import | Laws | Offices | Forex | IP/Copyright