Once a business is established in Vietnam, the investor may still need to manage accounting and tax, employees, payroll, immigration, recruitment and ongoing compliance.

This is why VIETNAM MANUAL takes an end-to-end approach.

Before establishment

We help investors understand their business model, licensing requirements and the practical steps needed to establish a business in Vietnam.

During establishment

We support company formation and relevant licensing procedures, helping investors prepare the required documentation and understand the process.

After establishment

Once the company starts operating, our support can continue through:

• Accounting & Tax – accounting, tax reporting and compliance support.

• HR & Payroll – employment administration, payroll, PIT and social insurance support.

• Visa, TRC & Work Permit – support for foreign founders, managers, experts and employees.

• Recruitment & Outsourcing – support when businesses need local talent or outsourced resources.

• M&A & Real Estate – additional support for investors considering broader investment or business opportunities.

The key idea is simple: Company formation is not the destination. It is the first step.

Foreign investors need a local partner who understands the practical requirements of operating in Vietnam.

At VIETNAM MANUAL, our mission is to help foreign investors build, operate and grow their businesses in Vietnam with greater confidence.

VIETNAM MANUAL – Your Partner for Doing Business in Vietnam.

Here are five areas to consider.

1. Start with the right business model

Before applying for a license, clarify what you actually want to do in Vietnam.

Your business activities, target customers, investment structure and operating model can affect the appropriate setup and licensing requirements.

2. Check licensing and business lines carefully

Different activities may have different licensing or market-access considerations.

It is important to identify the intended business activities and relevant requirements before submitting the application.

3. Plan accounting and tax from the beginning

Company establishment is only the beginning.

After establishment, the company may have accounting, tax reporting, VAT, CIT, PIT and other compliance responsibilities.

Understanding these obligations early can help investors avoid unnecessary problems later.

4. Think about HR and payroll

If you plan to hire employees in Vietnam, you should consider employment contracts, payroll, personal income tax and social insurance requirements.

If you plan to bring foreign employees to Vietnam, visa and work permit matters should also be considered.

5. Think beyond company formation

A company may receive its license, but the business journey continues.

Foreign investors may need ongoing support with tax, accounting, HR, payroll, immigration, compliance, recruitment and other local matters.

At VIETNAM MANUAL, we support foreign investors at both the pre-establishment and post-establishment stages.

Business Model → Licensing → Accounting & Tax → HR & Payroll → Visa & Work Permit → Compliance → Local Support

Getting the foundation right can make the journey much easier.

VIETNAM MANUAL – Your Partner for Doing Business in Vietnam.

If you are considering setting up a business in Vietnam, let’s have a coffee and discuss your plan. ☕🇻🇳

☀️This is where VIETNAM MANUAL comes in

We provide one-stop business solutions for foreign investors doing business in Vietnam, supporting clients from the early stage of planning and company formation through day-to-day operations.

Our key services include:

• Company Formation & Business Licensing
• Tax & Accounting
• HR & Payroll
• Visa, Temporary Residence Card (TRC) & Work Permit
• M&A & Real Estate Advisory
• Outsourcing & Recruitment Services
• Other business support services

Our role is not simply to help a foreign investor obtain a business license. We aim to help clients build the right foundation for doing business in Vietnam.

A successful business needs the right combination of business model, licensing, accounting and tax, HR and payroll, immigration and compliance.

We support both the pre-establishment and post-establishment stages, helping foreign investors understand what needs to be done and coordinate the necessary local support.

Whether you are considering entering Vietnam, establishing a company, hiring employees, recruiting foreign experts or looking for ongoing business support, we are ready to connect.

🌱VIETNAM MANUAL

Your Partner for Doing Business in Vietnam

Before you take your first step into Vietnam, let’s have a coffee — and let us help you get it right. ☕🇻🇳

VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM

Although the statutory basic salary primarily applies to state-sector employees, including officials, civil servants, public employees, and armed forces personnel, the increase also has important implications for private-sector businesses. The statutory pay rate serves as the benchmark for calculating caps and contribution thresholds under Vietnam’s mandatory labor contribution system. Under Vietnam’s labor regulations, the maximum salary used for calculating compulsory social insurance and health insurance contributions is capped at 20 times the statutory basic salary.

 Following the new decree, the new capped salary level for contribution purposes will rise accordingly: from VND 46.8million to 50.6million. Employees whose salaries exceed the new threshold may also see higher payroll deductions for mandatory insurance contributions.

VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM, JUL2026

The Resolution targets to step up the development of digital infrastructure and enhance the application of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, virtual reality technologies, blockchain, and related technologies in cultural production, distribution, consumption, and cultural governance.

Enterprises are encouraged to invest in digital cultural products and services, link culture with tourism, commerce, and technology in order to form value chains and establish cultural innovation centers and digital content–creative hubs.

In this spirit, November 24 has been designated as Việt Nam Culture Day – a fully paid public holiday designed to give people greater opportunities to engage in cultural activities, inspire artists and cultural practitioners to create, and foster cultural and civilised lifestyles across society.

VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM

According to Ms.Pham Thi Thanh Tung, deputy head of the Credit Department for Economic Sectors at the central bank, the draft decree is expected to be submitted to the government for approval as early as this week and could be implemented from early 2026. She added that the subsidy funds would be allocated to local authorities.

As of November 30, 2025, outstanding green credit stood at around VND750 trillion ($28.4 billion), with average annual growth of more than 21 percent over the 2017-25 period, outpacing overall credit growth in the economy.

At a conference on diversifying funding sources for sustainable development, organized by Tai Chinh-Dau Tu (Finance-Investment) newspaper on Monday, 15 Dec2025, Nguyen Ngoc Canh, deputy governor of the SBV, said the country’s long-term investment needs for green and sustainable economic development could reach US$600-700 billion by 2050.

                                                                                                       VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM

By the first 10 months, the country had already shipped out 1.3 million tonnes of coffee, earning US$7.41 billion — a sharp 61.8% increase year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The average export price climbed to US$5,653 per tonne, up about 42.5% from last year.

Industry insiders say the surge isn’t just about higher global coffee prices. Vietnamese producers have invested more in improving quality, shifting toward processed products, and expanding to new markets under long-term strategic plans — moves that help boost value beyond raw-bean exports.

At the same time, global supply constraints and rising demand — especially in Europe and the Americas — have made Vietnamese coffee more competitive. Exports to some markets, like Mexico, recorded impressive growth.

In short, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Vietnam’s coffee industry. Strong prices, quality improvements and smart market strategy may push coffee exports well past the US$8 billion milestone.

VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM

At a meeting in Ha Noi, he emphasized the need for close monitoring of international market trends and timely updates for Vietnamese enterprises on policy changes, technical barriers, cybersecurity regulations, and quality standards.  These updates are crucial for business to adapt swiftly and mitigate risks in global trade.

He proposed the development of regularly updated handbooks on digital commerce platforms in key markets, guiding business on participation procedures, technical requirements, and effective product presentation. Overseas trade offices were also encouraged to collaborate with legal and consulting firms to assist Vietnamese companies in registering intellectual property, resolving disputes, and protecting their commercial interests.

Business associations were tasked with designing trade promotion programs tailored to the capacities of SMEs, helping them tap into digital trade opportunities in major markets like China, Europe, and the US. Associations should also act as bridges between member companies and overseas trade offices, replying legal and technical challenges to authorities for policy refinement.

He called on e-commerce enterprises to invest in advanced technologies such as AI, big data, and cross-border platforms, and to raise awareness about digital transformation benefits. He stressed the importance of building a secure, transparent digital ecosystem in collaboration with state agencies.

Representatives from Hong Kong and Alibaba Vietnam echoed the importance of digital transformation, proposing stronger coordination in e-commerce, logistics, and finance, and more training programs to boost B2B capabilities.

These collective efforts aim to empower Vietnamese enterprises to seize global opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to national socio-economic development.

VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM, Oct2025

Despite the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam’s economy showed resilience, in 2024 a GDP growth of 5.3% in 2023 and nearly 7.1% in 2024. Now the government targets 8% growth in 2025, with strong ambitions for double-digit expansion in the foreseeable future. Thayer noted that achieving these goals hinges on boosting foreign investment and exports, which remain central to Vietnam’s economic strategy

The country has successfully transitioned to an export-driven model, excelling in sectors like textiles and mobile phones. To stay competitive amid global shifts, Vietnam is enhancing its value chains, embracing technological innovation, and partnering with international firms to improve workforce skills. Avoiding the middle-income trap is a key priority, and the government is focused on diversifying the economy, nurturing talent, encouraging innovation and safeguarding the environment. The aim is to evolve from a labor-intensive economy to one driven by high-value industries and advanced technologies.

Thayer also highlighted the recent implementation of a two-tier local government system as a strategic move to optimize resource use and accelerate national goals. As a proactive member of ASEAN, Vietnam is well-positioned to contribute to regional growth and leadership.

Looking ahead, Thayer urged caution amid global economic uncertainties. He stressed the importance of market diversification and adaptability to unpredictable global policy changes to ensure Vietnam’s long-term success.

VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM

Vietnam’s economy was primarily sustained by industry and construction, which contributed the largest share of GDP, with industry growing 8.07%. The services sector saw the highest growth of the 2020-2025 period at 8.14%, driven by strong performance in foreign trade, transportation, and tourism. Also, the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors grew by 3.51%. Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of $7.63 billion in the first half of the year, down from $12.15 billion in the same period last year. Total trade turnover reached $432 billion, with exports up 14.4% and imports rising 17.9%.

During the first half of 2025, Vietnam recorded 152,700 businesses newly established or re-entering the market, and 114,800 businesses suspending operations or exiting – averaging 25,500 and 21,200 per month, respectively. A survey of processing and manufacturing firms showed 35.7% were optimistic in Q2, with expectation rising to 43% for Q3.

The average Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3.31% in Q2 and 3.27% over the first six months of 2025. According to Nguyen Thi Huong, Director of the General Statistics Office, socio-economic performance was “very positive” with key indicators nearing set targets despite global and regional economic uncertainties.

Notwithstanding, challenges remain for the second half of the year, will be challenging to achieve the 2025 growth target of over 8%. The statistics agency urges stronger monitoring, flexible management, inflation control, export market diversification, and faster public investment disbursement. There is also a need for competitive policies to attract high-tech projects, strategic investors, and multinational corporations to Vietnam.

VIETNAM MANUAL TEAM