Market access
Confirm whether the planned activity is open, conditional or requires a Vietnamese partner or licence.
← All pathways
02 · Business
Build a Vietnam market-entry plan
For European founders and SMEs testing sales, sourcing, services or a regional operating base in Vietnam.
The clear answer
Do not begin with the company form. Begin with the activity, customers, regulated-sector constraints, hiring plan and evidence of demand. Then compare direct incorporation with a lighter employer-of-record or partner-led test.
What matters first
Operating model
Decide what must sit in Vietnam: people, contracts, invoices, stock, data or only business development.
People route
Plan local hiring, foreign specialists, payroll, work permits and management responsibility together.
Exit criteria
Set a test budget, evidence milestones and a point at which you expand, pause or stop.
Your sequence
1
Demand sprint
Interview customers and partners before committing to fixed structure.
2
Legal map
Have qualified Vietnam counsel map licences, ownership conditions, tax and contracts.
3
Model comparison
Compare direct entity, EOR, distributor, representative office and partnership against the actual activity.
4
Controlled launch
Launch with measurable commercial, hiring and compliance checkpoints.
Employer of record or own company?
| Decision | EOR / local employer | Own Vietnam company |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Hiring a small team while testing | Long-term operations and local contracting |
| Control | Employment sits with the provider | Entity directly employs and contracts |
| Setup | Usually lighter, but provider-dependent | More legal, accounting and governance work |
| Critical check | Permanent-establishment and role risk | Market access, capital and licences |
Next step
Turn orientation into a plan
FAQ
Can a foreigner own a company?
Foreign participation is possible, but ownership and licensing conditions depend on the activity and applicable market-access rules.
Is an EOR always safer?
No. It can simplify employment, but it does not automatically solve corporate tax, permanent-establishment, licensing or management questions.
Orientation only, not individual legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and personal circumstances can change; obtain qualified advice before consequential decisions.
A real person for your Vietnam questions
Talk directly with Shiyun — non-binding, confidential and in English or German.
Im Mainfeld 23, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm CET · evenings by appointment