🇻🇳 SJP CONSULTANCY

100% FOREIGN-OWNED REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SET-UP IN VIETNAM

Market Entry • Legal Presence • Zero Trading Risk • Fully Compliant

Expanding into Vietnam is one of the smartest strategic moves for foreign companies looking to access Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economy.

However, entering a new market comes with risk, uncertainty, and regulatory complexity.

For many international businesses, the best first step is establishing a Representative Office (RO) — a legally recognised presence in Vietnam without the need to immediately trade or generate revenue.

At SJP, we specialise in setting up 100% foreign-owned Representative Offices that allow your business to:

    • Establish a legal presence in Vietnam
    • Conduct market research and business development
    • Build relationships with local partners
    • Hire staff and operate professionally
    • Prepare for future expansion into a full company

👉 We manage the entire process from start to finish — ensuring full compliance, transparency, and efficiency.

🏆 WHY SET UP A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN VIETNAM?

A Representative Office is the safest and most strategic way to enter the Vietnamese market.

✔ KEY BENEFITS

1. 100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP

    • No Vietnamese partner required
    • Full control under your parent company
    • Operates as an extension of your overseas business

2. LOW RISK MARKET ENTRY

An RO allows you to test the market before committing significant capital.

      • No requirement to inject large investment capital
      • No need for complex company structures
      • Ideal for feasibility studies and expansion planning

3. LEGAL BUSINESS PRESENCE

Your company gains:

      • A registered office in Vietnam
      • Legal authority to operate as a foreign entity
      • Ability to sign contracts (non-revenue generating)
      • Recognition by Vietnamese authorities

4. HIRE STAFF & BUILD A TEAM

    • Employ Vietnamese and foreign staff
    • Establish HR structure
    • Build local expertise before scaling

 

5. SIMPLE COMPLIANCE STRUCTURE

Compared to a full company:

      • Fewer tax obligations
      • No corporate income tax (no revenue)
      • Simplified reporting requirements

6. PATHWAY TO FULL COMPANY SET-UP

Many businesses use an RO as a stepping stone toward:

      • 100% Foreign-Owned LLC
      • Joint Venture
      • Branch office expansion

🏢 SJP’S COMPLETE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SET-UP PROCESS

We follow a proven, structured process designed for clarity, speed, and compliance.

⚙️ STEP 1: FREE CONSULTATION & STRATEGIC PLANNING

We begin by understanding your:

    • Parent company structure
    • Business activities
    • Expansion goals in Vietnam
    • Industry sector

✔ What We Do

    • Confirm eligibility for RO setup
    • Advise on legal structure
    • Identify compliance requirements
    • Provide clear roadmap and timeline

✔ Communication

    • Direct consultation (WhatsApp / Zalo / Email)
    • Clear written plan within 24 hours
    • Dedicated SJP advisor assigned

📄 STEP 2: DOCUMENT PREPARATION

We prepare and translate all required legal documents.


✔ Required Documents from Client

    • Certificate of Incorporation (parent company)
    • Financial statements (latest year)
    • Passport of Chief Representative
    • Board resolution approving RO setup

✔ SJP Handles

    • Legal drafting in Vietnamese
    • Certified translations
    • Notarisation guidance
    • Compliance review

👉 We simplify what would normally be a complex legal process.

🏛️ STEP 3: REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE LICENSE APPLICATION

We submit your application to the relevant authority:

    • Department of Industry and Trade (DOIT)

✔ What This Includes

    • Application submission
    • Government liaison
    • Handling clarifications or requests
    • Ensuring approval

✔ Timeline

    • 15–20 working days

🏢 STEP 4: POST-LICENSE SET-UP

Once approved, we complete all operational requirements.


✔ Included Services

    • Representative Office Seal
    • Tax Code Registration
    • Office lease guidance
    • Labour registration support

👥 STEP 5: STAFFING & WORK PERMITS

We assist with:

      • Hiring local employees
      • Work permits for foreign staff
      • HR compliance

📦 STEP 6: FINAL HANDOVER & OPERATIONAL READINESS

You receive a complete, ready-to-operate RO package.


✔ Handover Includes

    • RO License
    • Official seal
    • Tax code documentation
    • Legal file set

💬 CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATION – OUR KEY DIFFERENCE

At SJP, we prioritise transparency and communication.

✔ How We Keep You Updated

    • Dedicated account manager
    • Weekly progress updates
    • Real-time messaging (WhatsApp / Zalo)
    • Immediate updates on approvals or delays

✔ What This Means for You

      • No uncertainty
      • No chasing for updates
      • Full visibility at every stage

👉 You always know exactly where your application stands.

💰 FULL COST BREAKDOWN (IN VND)

We provide clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

🏛️ GOVERNMENT FEES (Approximate)

Item Cost (VND)
RO License Application 3,000,000 – 5,000,000
Seal Registration 500,000
Tax Code Registration Included
Document Legalisation (if required) 2,000,000 – 5,000,000
Publication Fees 300,000

👉 Estimated Government Total:  5,800,000 – 10,800,000 VND

💼 SJP SERVICE FEES

👉 Representative Office Set-Up Package

70,000,000 VND (Professional Service Fee)


✔ Includes:

    • Full consultation & strategy
    • Document preparation & translation
    • License application handling
    • Government liaison
    • Seal & tax registration
    • Compliance advisory
    • Ongoing support

✔ TOTAL ESTIMATED COST

Category Cost (VND)
Government Fees 5.8M – 10.8M
SJP Fees 70M
Total Estimated Investment 75.8M – 80.8M VND


📊 TIMELINE SUMMARY

Stage Duration
Consultation 1–2 days
Document Preparation 5–7 days
License Approval 15–20 days
Post Setup 5–10 days

👉 Total Timeline: 25–35 working days

🔒 COMPLIANCE & RISK MANAGEMENT

Setting up an RO incorrectly can lead to:

      • License rejection
      • Delays
      • Compliance penalties

✔ How SJP Protects You

      • Pre-submission legal checks
      • Correct document structuring
      • Direct communication with authorities
      • Full compliance oversight

🤝 WHY CHOOSE SJP?

✔ 25+ Years Experience

We understand the Vietnamese legal system.

✔ Full Transparency

Clear pricing, no hidden costs.

✔ End-to-End Service

From planning to operational setup.

✔ Continuous Support

We remain your long-term partner.

🚀 WHO SHOULD USE THIS SERVICE?

This service is ideal for:

      • International companies entering Vietnam
      • Businesses testing market viability
      • Corporations expanding into Southeast Asia
      • Companies building partnerships before investment

⚠️ IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS

To remain compliant, a Representative Office:

❌ Cannot issue invoices  ❌ Cannot generate revenue  ❌ Cannot engage in direct trading  ✔ Can conduct research, liaison, and promotion

👉 SJP ensures your RO is structured correctly to avoid compliance risks.