Setting up a foreign-invested business involves both enterprise and investment requirements. Depending on the investment structure and project, investors may need an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) and an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). Under the rules effective from 2026, the sequence can vary, making it important to understand which approvals apply and when they are required.
This guide explains what an Investment Registration Certificate in Vietnam is, who needs one, the documents required and the process for obtaining an IRC under the current rules.
An Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) in Vietnam is an essential document issued by the Vietnamese government to foreign investors, available in both physical and electronic formats. This certificate serves as the official record of a registered investment project involving foreign direct investment (FDI). It details information about the investment, including the identity of the investors, the objectives of the investment, the project's duration, and the status of land use if applicable. The IRC Vietnam also outlines the total capital committed to the project, any investment incentives or assistance provided, and specific requirements related to the investment.
Under Vietnam’s Law on Investment 2025, the Investment Registration Certificate is a pivotal document that officially records the registered details of an investment project undertaken by foreign investors. It includes detailed information about the investment project, such as the investor's identity, the specifics of the company being established (including its name, structure, and charter capital), and comprehensive details of the project (including its name, location, objectives, scale, capital, and implementation schedule). It also includes documentation of the investor's legal status and financial capability, demonstrated through audited reports, bank statements, or financial guarantees.
To apply for a certificate of investment registration in Vietnam, foreign investors must submit various documents, including:
Investor Information: Details about the investor;
Company Information: Name, type, charter capital, and contribution ratio;
Project Information: Name, location, objectives, scale, capital and plan for capital mobilization, operational term, and implementation schedule;
Legal Documents: Proof of the investor’s legal status;
Financial Proof: Documents proving the financial capability of the investor, such as audit reports, bank statements, or financial guarantees;
Investment Proposal: Details on investor selection, objectives, scale, capital plan, location, duration, schedule, land use, labor needs, investment incentives, socio-economic impact, and preliminary environmental assessment;
Pre-feasibility Study: If required by construction law, this can substitute the investment proposal;
Location Rights: Documents verifying the right to use the land for the project.
BCC Contract: If applicable for certain types of investment projects;
Additional Documents: Any other documents relevant to the project or required by law.
For investment projects that are not subject to investment policy approval, the investment registration authority generally issues the IRC within 10 working days of receiving a valid application dossier, provided all applicable conditions are met.
The duration of an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) in Vietnam corresponds to the operational timeframe of the investment project it covers. The Investment Certificate Authority determines this duration based on the project's goals, scale, location, and operational needs.
Under Article 31 of Vietnam’s Law on Investment 2025:
The duration of an investment project starts from the date when the investor receives the decision on investor approval, the decision on approval for both investment guidelines and the investor or the issuance of the certificate of investment registration in Vietnam for the first time. For projects involving land allocated, leased, or repurposed by the State, the duration begins from the date the investor receives the decision on land allocation, leasing, or repurposing. If there are delays in transferring the land, the project duration starts from the date the land is actually transferred on-site.
For businesses in regulated sectors, a separate business license is needed before commencing operations. Examples include:
An application for approval of an investment project in Vietnam comprises several essential components. Here's a concise overview of what is required:
By adhering to these guidelines and preparing the necessary documentation meticulously, investors can streamline the process of securing an IRC in Vietnam, paving the way for successful and compliant business operations within the country.
For foreign investors, getting the IRC process right from the outset can help reduce delays, avoid rework and keep the wider business setup on track. With Vietnam’s 2026 investment rules now in place, the key is to understand which approvals apply, prepare the right documentation and follow the correct sequence for the project.
The process can vary depending on the investment structure, project location, sector and whether additional approvals are required. A clear view of these requirements early on can make the setup process more predictable and help investors plan timelines, capital commitments and next steps with greater confidence.
Ascentium Vietnam supports investors across IRC applications, enterprise registration and related compliance requirements, helping businesses move from initial planning to establishment with a clear and practical approach.