This article details the average costs involved in registering and maintaining a standard limited liability company (Công ty trách nhiệm hữu hạn – TNHH) in Vietnam, based exclusively on data from official and reputable sources for 2025. The guide covers both one-member and multi-member LLCs, with costs entirely denominated in Vietnamese đồng (VND) and precise conversions to USD for global reference.
Average Company Setup Costs in Vietnam
Registering a basic LLC in Vietnam remains relatively accessible, but it’s crucial to understand the breakdown of up-front fees. All figures below are provided for 2025 and reflect standard requirements for a locally owned entity:
| Cost Item | Amount (VND) | Amount (USD) (@ 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 10,000,000 ₫ | $400 |
| Business registration fee (official government fee) | 100,000 ₫ | $4 |
| Company seal engraving fee | 450,000 ₫ | $18 |
| Publication fee for enterprise registration content | 100,000 ₫ | $4 |
| Legal/lawyer service fee (average for standard incorporation) | 2,500,000 ₫ | $100 |
Typical average total (excluding minimum capital): 3,500,000 ₫ (approx. $140 USD). Most incorporation service providers will quote in this range for standard local registrations. Note that the minimum capital is a regulatory requirement, not a direct expense, but it must be deposited or shown as committed working capital.
Annual Maintenance Costs
Keeping a standard LLC compliant in Vietnam involves both mandatory and recommended ongoing expenditures. Actual annual maintenance costs will range based on business size and complexity. Below is a summary:
| Maintenance Item | Annual Amount (VND) | Annual Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual business license tax (for registered capital under 10 billion VND) | 2,000,000 ₫ | $80 |
| Mandatory accounting service (minimum, outsourced, small company) | 1,000,000 ₫ | $40 |
| Optional: Annual legal retainer (compliance advisory) | 5,000,000 ₫ | $200 |
| Optional: Annual audit (only if foreign-owned or large company) | 4,000,000 ₫ | $160 |
Total minimum annual maintenance (mandatory only): 3,000,000 ₫ (~$120 USD)
Total with legal retainer and audit (if required): up to 12,000,000 ₫ (~$480 USD)
Key Highlights and Cost Explanations
- Minimum capital: At least 10,000,000 ₫ (~$400 USD) must be committed for a new LLC. This can remain as operating capital in the company’s account.
- Upfront creation costs: Governmental and legal/compliance fees total about 3,500,000 ₫ (~$140 USD), which includes necessary filings and standard legal assistances.
- Annual obligations: All companies must pay the business license tax and maintain basic accounting.
- Optional ongoing costs: Legal advisors and audits are not mandatory for all, but are recommended for compliance (and required for foreign-owned or larger companies).
Reliable Sources for Company Set-Up and Compliance
Pro Tips for Company Formation and Maintenance in Vietnam
- Double-check all filings and registration documents on the official government site to ensure compliance and avoid rejection or extra fees.
- If cash flow is tight, use outsourced accounting services for basic compliance, which keeps mandatory annual costs low.
- Consider engaging a legal advisor, especially if your business model involves foreign capital, IP licensing, or complex transactions.
- For companies expecting cross-border ownership or significant revenue, factor in potential statutory audit requirements in your yearly budget.
Navigating business formation costs and annual obligations in Vietnam is straightforward for most locally owned LLCs, with official charges and reasonable service fees. The emphasis is on diligent documentation and prompt handling of recurring compliance. If your business scales, or receives foreign investment, auditing and legal retainer fees should be budgeted in advance. For all registrations and official tasks, the Vietnamese language government portal is the definitive source of requirements and forms.