Why Buy a Local Company in Vietnam?
Foreign investors in Vietnam often consider buying a shelf company to quickly enhance their business's finances, reputation, and sales. A shelf company — also known as an aged or ready-made company — is pre-established and ready for new ownership.
This approach enables business owners to swiftly set up their companies, bypassing the lengthy and exhausting process of creating a new establishment from scratch. HIREVN guides you through every step with expert local support.
Why Buying an Existing Company Accelerates Your Entry
Purchasing an existing Vietnamese company gives you instant access to operating licenses, established banking relationships, a local employee base, and existing business history — all of which would take months to build from scratch.
For foreign investors facing conditional market entry requirements, buying a shelf or nominee company is often the fastest and most cost-effective route to full operational status in Vietnam. HIREVN's legal and M&A team handles every aspect of the transaction — from target identification through to final handover.
Explore Your OptionsBenefits of Buying a Company with HIREVN Vietnam
Four pillars that make HIREVN the trusted partner for company acquisition in Vietnam.
Your Vietnam Company Formation Options
Compare the four main legal structures available to foreign investors in Vietnam — and find the one that fits your goals.
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Representative Office (RO) | Branch Office (BO) | Joint-stock Company (JSC) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applicable | All investors | All members of WTO | All investors | All investors |
| Minimum Capital | Depending on business activities | No requirements | No requirements | If trading on stock market, min. 10 billion VND (~US$440,000) |
| Min. Shareholders | ≥ 1 (individual or corporate) | Owned by head office | Owned by head office | ≥ 3 (individual or entity) |
| Limited Liability Protection | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Import-Export Activities | ✓ | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shareholder of Another Entity | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Conversion to Other Type | ✓ | — | — | ✓ |
| Corporate Income Tax | Depending on business industries | No business activities that yield profit | Depending on business industries | Depending on business industries |
| Key Benefits | Easiest to set up · Easy to raise capital · Less paperwork | No capital requirements · Eligible to hire employees · Research target market | Same structure as original entity · Legal representative can get more permits | Shareholders only liable for their investment · Easy to transfer shares |
| Setup Time | 6–8 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 4–8 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Most Suitable For | Small businesses to generate profit | Quick setup for sponsorships and market research | Expanding operations of an existing foreign entity | Companies planning to raise capital or list on stock exchange |
How to Buy a Company in Vietnam
Four structured steps from business search to successful ownership transfer — guided by HIREVN at every stage.
Your Success Plan in Vietnam
From your first enquiry to making your mark in Vietnam's economy — four straightforward steps with HIREVN by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Buy a Company in Vietnam
Yes. Foreign investors are permitted to buy existing Vietnamese companies or set up new entities under the Investment Law and Enterprise Law. Depending on the business sector, 100% foreign ownership may be permitted or a local partner may be required. HIREVN advises on the optimal structure for your industry and investment goals before any transaction begins.
The four main legal structures are: Limited Liability Company (LLC), Representative Office (RO), Branch Office (BO), and Joint-Stock Company (JSC). Each has different requirements for capital, shareholders, scope of business activities, and tax treatment. The LLC is the most common choice for foreign investors due to its flexibility and limited liability protection.
Minimum capital requirements depend on the type of entity and business activities. LLCs generally have no statutory minimum unless operating in regulated industries (e.g., banking, insurance, real estate). JSCs intending to list on the Vietnamese stock exchange require a minimum of 10 billion VND (~US$440,000). HIREVN provides sector-specific capital guidance as part of your acquisition planning.
100% foreign ownership is permitted in most business sectors in Vietnam. However, certain industries — including media, logistics, education, healthcare, and some retail categories — have foreign ownership caps or require a local partner under WTO commitments. HIREVN's legal team assesses your specific sector to confirm ownership eligibility before you proceed.
Yes. A Representative Office (RO) allows foreign companies to establish a legal presence in Vietnam for market research, business promotion, and liaison activities — without engaging in direct commercial transactions. Alternatively, HIREVN's Employer of Record (EOR) service allows you to hire and manage Vietnamese employees legally without a local entity, enabling rapid market testing before full incorporation.
Yes. Buying a shelf or ready-made company that is already incorporated significantly reduces the setup timeline compared to forming a new entity. A shelf company comes with existing registration, bank account history, and business licenses — enabling you to begin operations within days rather than weeks. HIREVN maintains a database of pre-vetted shelf companies across multiple sectors for immediate transfer.
A nominee company uses a Vietnamese national as a nominal shareholder to satisfy local ownership requirements in restricted sectors while the foreign investor retains beneficial control through legal agreements. A shelf company provides an established legal entity with existing history and licenses — bypassing the full incorporation process. Both structures carry specific legal risks and HIREVN strongly recommends proper legal structuring and documentation to protect your interests.
HIREVN can assist in identifying and vetting suitable local business partners for joint venture structures through our extensive Vietnam business network. We conduct partner background checks, legal compliance verification, and negotiate partnership terms on your behalf. We also provide ongoing governance support to ensure the joint venture operates within Vietnamese corporate law and protects your shareholder rights.
Other Services You Might Need
From company acquisition to full operational setup — HIREVN supports every stage of your Vietnam journey.
Fast-track your market entry
by acquiring a local company.
Skip the lengthy setup process. HIREVN helps you find, vet, and acquire established Vietnamese businesses to accelerate your growth.