Business Setup

Representative office in Vietnam for foreign companies

Rep office setup, IRC application, chief-representative work permit, and ongoing tax-registration compliance.

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Overview

A representative office is a non-commercial presence for a foreign company in Vietnam. It can undertake market research, liaison, and promotional activities, but cannot sell or sign contracts. The setup requires an IRC, a chief-representative work permit, and tax registration. We handle the full process.

Who needs this service

  • Foreign companies exploring the Vietnam market
  • Foreign companies with a long-term sales or sourcing interest
  • Foreign companies managing investments in Vietnam

Legal requirements

IRC for a rep office

Issued by the DPI. Authorises the rep office to operate.

Chief representative work permit

The chief representative must be a foreign national with a work permit or work-permit exemption.

Tax registration

Rep offices are not subject to CIT/VAT but must register with the tax authority and file a non-business declaration.

Pricing

Indicative fees

ItemFee
Rep office setupfrom USD 3,500
Chief-representative work permitfrom USD 2,500

Fees are indicative and depend on transaction volume, complexity, and reporting requirements. Request a tailored proposal.

Timeline

Typical engagement timeline

Phase 1 · Week 1–4

Application

Document preparation and submission.

Phase 2 · Week 5–10

Review

DPI review and issuance.

Phase 3 · Week 11–12

Post-setup

Tax registration, work permit, office lease.

Watch out

Common mistakes we help you avoid

  • 01Conducting commercial activities through a rep office (prohibited)
  • 02Not obtaining a work permit for the chief representative
  • 03Missing the tax registration deadline
Why us

What you get

Quick entry

A rep office can be set up in 6–10 weeks — much faster than a full WFOE.

Low cost

Lower setup cost and lower ongoing cost than a full subsidiary.

Conversion path

When the market warrants, the rep office can be converted to a subsidiary. We manage the conversion.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What activities can a representative office conduct?
A representative office is limited to non-commercial activities: market research, liaison with local partners, monitoring the parent's investments, and promoting the parent's business. It cannot sell, sign contracts, or generate revenue in Vietnam.
How is a rep office set up?
A representative office requires an IRC from the Department of Planning and Investment (or the Ministry of Planning and Investment for certain sectors). Documents include the parent's certificate of incorporation, financial statements, and a chief-representative appointment.
How is a rep office taxed?
A representative office is not subject to CIT or VAT because it has no Vietnam-source revenue. Operating expenses (rent, salaries, utilities) are paid by the parent; the office must still register with the tax authority and file a non-business declaration.
Can a rep office hire local staff?
Yes. A rep office can hire local staff under local labour contracts. The chief representative must be a foreign national with a work permit (or work-permit exemption). The local staff are subject to the same payroll, SI, and PIT rules as any other local employee.
Get Started

Ready to discuss representative office?

Free 30-minute consultation. We'll review your situation and outline a fixed-fee engagement.

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