Let’s face it: navigating the maze of company formation and annual compliance costs can feel like a never-ending game of hide-and-seek with your hard-earned capital. For entrepreneurs and digital nomads eyeing Vietnam as a base in 2025, understanding the real costs—without the bureaucratic fog—is essential for smart, freedom-focused decision-making. Here’s a clear, data-driven breakdown of what it takes to start and maintain a standard company in Vietnam, with actionable tips to keep your fiscal footprint as light as possible.
Company Formation Costs in Vietnam (2025): What to Expect
Vietnam’s most common business entity for foreign founders is the Limited Liability Company (Công ty trách nhiệm hữu hạn, or TNHH). Here’s what you’ll pay to get started in 2025, based on the latest official data:
| Cost Item | Amount (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 10,000,000 | Required for most TNHHs |
| Business registration fee | 100,000 | Official government fee |
| Company seal engraving | 450,000 | Mandatory for legal documents |
| Publication fee | 100,000 | For enterprise registration content |
| Legal/lawyer service fee | 2,500,000 | Average for standard incorporation |
Average out-of-pocket creation cost: 3,500,000 VND (excluding minimum capital, which remains in your company’s account).
Mini Case Study: The Real Startup Bill
Imagine you’re launching a one-member TNHH in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll need to budget for the 3.5 million VND in direct fees, plus set aside at least 10 million VND as your company’s minimum capital. The capital isn’t a sunk cost—it stays in your business bank account, available for operations. The real cash outlay for paperwork and compliance? Less than $150 USD at current rates.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Keeping Your Company Compliant
Once your company is up and running, annual costs are where many founders get caught off guard. Here’s a transparent look at the recurring expenses for a standard TNHH in 2025:
| Annual Cost Item | Amount (VND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business license tax | 2,000,000 | For registered capital under 10 billion VND |
| Accounting service (outsourced, minimum) | 1,000,000 | Required for all companies |
| Optional: Legal retainer | 5,000,000 | Recommended for compliance |
| Optional: Annual audit | 4,000,000 | Required if foreign-owned or large |
Typical annual maintenance range: 3,000,000 – 12,000,000 VND (about $120–$480 USD), depending on your company’s size and compliance needs.
Pro Tip: Optimize Your Annual Costs
- Keep registered capital under 10 billion VND to lock in the lowest business license tax tier.
- Outsource accounting to a reputable local firm—minimum fees are competitive, and you avoid hiring in-house staff.
- Legal retainer is optional but wise if you’re new to Vietnam’s regulatory landscape. It can prevent costly compliance mistakes.
- Audit only if required (foreign ownership or large company status). Most small, locally owned TNHHs can skip this expense.
Key Takeaways for 2025: Vietnam’s Company Costs at a Glance
- Startup costs are low: Expect to pay around 3.5 million VND in direct fees, plus a 10 million VND minimum capital deposit.
- Annual maintenance is flexible: Most small companies pay 3–12 million VND per year, depending on optional services.
- Regulatory requirements are clear: Outsourcing accounting and keeping capital modest can minimize your compliance burden.
For more details and the latest updates, consult official resources such as Vietnam’s National Business Registration Portal, LuatVietnam, and Vietnam Briefing. For tax specifics, see the PwC Vietnam Pocket Tax Book and Vietnam Legal.
With the right strategy, Vietnam’s company formation and maintenance costs in 2025 remain among the most competitive in Southeast Asia—empowering you to focus on growth, not red tape.