Vietnam is a development success story. Political and economic reforms (Doi Moi) launched in 1986 have transformed the country from one of the poorest in the world, with per capita income around $100, to  lower middle income status within a quarter of a century with per capita income of over $2,000 by the end of 2014.

Vietnam is a densely-populated developing country that has been transitioning from the rigidities of a centrally-planned economy since 1986. Vietnamese authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to economic modernization in recent years. Vietnam joined the World Trade Organization in January 2007, which has promoted more competitive, export-driven industries. 

Over the years, Vietnam’s success in attracting foreign investment has largely been built on the expectation of economic and political stability

The business and investment climate in Vietnam has improved by issuing positive legislative measures combined with Vietnam’s accession to the World Trade Organization

JOINT VENTURES AND WHOLLY FOREIGN INVESTED ENTERPRISES (FIES)

Find out about the various business structures available in Vietnam and the restrictions involved

This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Vietnam.

See “15 Steps to incorporate”

Vietnam personal income tax rates are progressive to 35% Non-residents are taxed at a flat rate of 20%. Nonemployment income is taxed at rates from 0.1% to 25%

The Sales Tax Rate (VAT) in Vietnam stands at 10 percent.

Vietnam Value Added Tax is calculated based on the added value from each stage of the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution and consumption.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Vietnam stands at 22 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Vietnam averaged 28.55 percent from 1997 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 35 percent in 1998 and a record low of 22 percent in 2014. Corporate Tax Rate in Vietnam is reported by the General Department Of Taxation – Ministry Of Finance.

The 22% tax rate would put Vietnam at an advantage over other neighboring countries such as China (25 percent), Indonesia (25 percent) and the new rising star Myanmar (30 percent).

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Vietnam stands at 35 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Vietnam averaged 37.27 percent from 2004 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 40 percent in 2005 and a record low of 35 percent in 2009. Personal Income Tax Rate in Vietnam is reported by the General Department Of Taxation – Ministry Of Finance.

See “Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements”

A visa to Vietnam can be applied for by mail or in person at the Embassy as early as six months prior to the date of travel.

A summary of all forms of public transportation in Vietnam

A summary of all forms of public transportation in Vietnam

Vietnam has for some years now been aggressively expanding its national infrastructure and growing its subscriber bases across all market segments. Progress in developing the mobile market has been especially impressive, although there was been a substantial moderation in growth over the last few year; in fact the year 2013 saw the mobile market experience a correction, as the mobile numbers were revised downwards.

Communications in Vietnam include the usof telephones, radio, television and Internet.

The labor code from the government of Vietnam

The Code shall apply to all workers, and to all organizations or individuals employing workers under an employment contract in all economic sectors and all forms of ownership.

Employers, including multi-national employers with expatriate employees in Vietnam, should be aware that Vietnam employment laws provide strong protections for both local employees and expatriates.

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

Education in Vietnam

Because of its geography, the climate in Vietnam varies greatly from north to south with three distinct climatic zones. Tropical monsoons occur from October to April in the centre and from May to September in the north and south. It is almost totally dry throughout the rest of the year. It can get exceptionally hot, however, all year round, but the north has a cooler time between October and April. Temperatures around the country can reach up to 40C in the height of the hot and rainy season (May to September), but the northern highlands and Hanoi can often seem chilly and damp in the winter.

Vietnam`s Climate can be divided a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity that makes it sometimes feel quite uncomfortable. 

Living expenses in Vietnam will differ depending on an individual’s lifestyle.

The dos and don’ts of business etiquette in Vietnam

Business people looking to establish and grow a presence in new Vietnamese markets will benefit greatly from practicing proper Vietnamese business etiquette.

Go to “Safety and Security” on this US Department of State site

Petty crime is a regular occurrence in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Knowing this and preparing for it will help keep you and your valuables safe. You should never carry your passport while exploring the city, and limit the amount of cash you have with you.

In 2007 the government added the traditional holiday commemorating the mythical Hùng Kings to its list of public holidays,[1] increasing the number of days to 10.

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

See “Demographics” on this site

Understand the different levels in Vietnamese schools

National and bank holidays and observances

Vietnam does not require a company to have an import/export license in order to set up a trading company. However, in order to be able to conduct import/export business, a foreign investor must register with the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI).

Import tariffs, documentation procedures and restrictions

Information on trade agreements from the World Trade Organization (WTO)

This site priovides information on the trade status between Vietnam and the United States

Hotel and apartment options in cities in Vietnam

Vietnam has all the same types of housing structures common to all major cities and rural areas of the world. In Vietnam, there is an obvious difference between urban and rural housing.

Buzzing cities, world-class cuisine, dramatic landscapes, and rich biodiversity give Vietnam a distinct character: from the capital city of Hanoi up north, to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta down south.

A guide to popular sites in Vietnam