LEGAL INSIGHT by HNLaw & Partners

At HNLaw & Partners, we assist foreign investors and enterprises in establishing representative offices in Vietnam, ensuring full compliance with relevant legal frameworks. The establishment and operation of a representative office are governed by specific regulations that define conditions, application procedures, and the management responsibilities of foreign traders conducting business in Vietnam.

To qualify for a representative office license, a foreign enterprise must be duly established and have operated for at least one year, with a valid business license and at least one year remaining on its term of operation at the time of application. The proposed scope of activities must also be consistent with Vietnam’s international commitments. Where the intended activities fall outside these commitments, additional approval from the relevant State authority may be required.

A complete application dossier typically includes an application form, a copy of the business registration certificate, a letter of appointment for the head representative, the latest audited financial statements, and evidence of a lawful office location. All foreign-issued documents must be duly legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and certified in accordance with Vietnamese law.

Upon submission, the competent authority will review the dossier and issue the license if all statutory requirements are satisfied. HNLaw & Partners provides comprehensive legal assistance throughout the process — from document preparation and liaison with authorities to obtaining the final license — ensuring a smooth, transparent, and compliant market entry for our foreign clients.