Transfer Ownership in Vietnam
Seamless Business
Ownership Transfer in Vietnam
Transfer shares, capital contributions, or full business ownership in Vietnam with confidence. Our legal and compliance experts guide you through every step — from due diligence to final registration.
500+
Successful transfers handled
What Is Transfer of Ownership?
Why Transfer Business Ownership in Vietnam?
Transferring business ownership in Vietnam involves legally reassigning shares, capital contributions, or full control of a company from one party to another. This process is regulated under the Law on Enterprises 2020 and the Law on Investment 2020.
Unlike setting up a new entity, transferring ownership allows you to inherit an established business structure, saving time and reducing bureaucratic hurdles — a faster, smarter entry strategy for international investors.
Faster than incorporating a new company
No requirement to prove new financial capacity
Inherit existing licenses, contracts & staff
Eligible for investor visas & residency
Reduced setup costs and timelines
Benefits
Why Transfer Ownership with HIREVN?
We handle the complexity so you can focus on your business. Here's what sets HIREVN apart as your ownership transfer partner.
Bilingual Legal Experts
Our bilingual team bridges language gaps between foreign investors and Vietnamese authorities, ensuring flawless communication at every stage.
Fast & Transparent Timelines
We provide clear trajectory estimates with no hidden fees. Know exactly when each step will be completed before you sign anything.
Full Legal Compliance
We verify all legal obligations, existing liabilities, and regulatory requirements to ensure your transfer is 100% compliant with Vietnamese law.
Virtual & In-Person Options
Can't be in Vietnam? No problem. Our team handles everything remotely through secure digital processes with flexible scheduling across time zones.
Transfer Types
Types of Business Ownership Transfer
Vietnam law recognizes several forms of ownership transfer. HIREVN advises on the most appropriate structure for your specific situation.
Capital Contribution Transfer (LLC)
Transfer of charter capital from one member to another or to a third party in a Limited Liability Company. Requires approval from the remaining members and update of the Enterprise Registration Certificate.
Share Transfer (Joint Stock Company)
Transfer of shares in a Joint Stock Company (JSC). Shares may be freely transferred unless restricted by the company charter during the lockup period for founding shareholders.
Full Company Acquisition (M&A)
Complete takeover of a Vietnamese company by a foreign investor. Requires Investment Registration Certificate amendment, anti-monopoly review for large transactions, and sector-specific approvals.
Foreign Investor Transfer
Transfer of ownership from a domestic owner to a foreign investor or between two foreign investors. Additional requirements apply under the Law on Investment, including IRC registration and sector screening.
Our Process
How the Transfer Process Works
A clear, structured process from initial consultation to final registration — with HIREVN managing every legal detail on your behalf.
01
Initial Consultation & Due Diligence
We assess the target company's legal status, financial standing, existing liabilities, licenses, and any restrictions on transfer. We identify risks before you commit.
~1–2 weeks
02
Drafting Transfer Agreement
Our legal team prepares and reviews the capital/share transfer agreement, ensuring all clauses comply with Vietnam Enterprise Law and protect both parties' interests.
~1 week
03
Signing & Notarization
Execution of transfer documents. For foreign parties, documents may require notarization, apostille, or consular legalization. We coordinate all formalities including POA if needed.
~1–2 weeks
04
Tax Obligations & Payment
We calculate and handle the 20% Corporate Income Tax (or 0.1% securities transfer tax for JSC shares) on transfer gains, file declarations, and obtain tax clearance certificates.
~1–2 weeks
05
Business Registration Update
We file the Enterprise Registration Certificate amendment with the Department of Planning & Investment (DPI) to officially update the new owner's name in the company register.
~3–5 days
06
Post-Transfer Compliance
After registration, we assist with updating the company seal, bank accounts, tax code, IRC (for FDI), notifying social insurance authorities, and internal governance documents.
~1–2 weeks
Documentation
Documents Required for Ownership Transfer
A complete document checklist varies by company type and ownership structure. Below is the standard set for most transfer cases in Vietnam.
From the Transferring Party (Seller)
Copy of Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)
Charter / Articles of Association of the company
Resolution / Meeting minutes of members/shareholders approving transfer
Passport or ID card of current owner(s)
Tax declaration and payment records
Financial statements (last 2 years, for due diligence)
Investment Registration Certificate (for FDI companies)
From the Receiving Party (Buyer)
Passport (notarized & apostilled for foreign individuals)
Business registration certificate (for corporate buyers)
Proof of address / residence certificate
Capital transfer agreement (signed by both parties)
Power of Attorney (if acting through a representative)
Bank account details for capital transfer records
Sector-specific approvals (if required by industry)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about transferring business ownership in Vietnam, answered by our experts.
How long does a business ownership transfer take in Vietnam?
Typically 4–8 weeks for a straightforward capital transfer in an LLC, including due diligence, drafting, signing, tax filing, and ERC amendment. Complex M&A transactions or those involving conditional business lines may take 3–6 months. HIREVN provides a specific timeline estimate after reviewing your case.
Can a foreigner fully own a company in Vietnam through a transfer?
Yes, in most sectors. Vietnam allows 100% foreign ownership in the majority of business activities. However, some conditional sectors — such as media, education, healthcare, real estate, and certain services — have foreign ownership caps (typically 49–51%). HIREVN verifies sector restrictions before any transfer proceeds.
What taxes apply to a business ownership transfer in Vietnam?
The transferor (seller) is subject to Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at 20% on the capital transfer gain (selling price minus original cost basis). For share transfers in a JSC, a 0.1% securities transfer tax applies to the total transfer value. If the transferor is a foreign individual, a 0.1% Personal Income Tax applies. HIREVN handles all tax calculation and filing.
Do I need to be physically present in Vietnam for the transfer?
No. If you are outside Vietnam, you can authorize HIREVN or a local representative through a notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney (POA). Our team handles all in-country filings and authority interactions on your behalf. Many clients complete their entire transfer process remotely.
What risks should I assess before acquiring a Vietnamese company?
Key risks include undisclosed tax liabilities, labor disputes, outstanding loans, invalid or expired licenses, and illegal land use rights. HIREVN's due diligence process covers corporate, tax, labor, and legal status reviews — ensuring you have a complete picture before committing. We strongly recommend legal due diligence for any acquisition above $50,000 USD.
Can I transfer ownership of a company in a restricted sector?
Ownership transfers in conditional sectors require additional regulatory approvals — from relevant ministries (e.g., Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, State Bank). The transfer may also require a Competition review if the combined market share exceeds 30%. HIREVN navigates these specialized approvals for you.
Why HIREVN
Your Trusted Partner for Vietnam Business Transfers
HIREVN combines deep local knowledge with international business standards — delivering ownership transfer services that are fast, compliant, and stress-free.
Locally Licensed, Internationally Certified
Our legal and accounting team holds Vietnamese bar licenses and international certifications (CPA, CA). We operate at the intersection of local law and global standards.
Dedicated Case Manager
Every client gets a single point of contact — a bilingual case manager who oversees your transfer end-to-end and keeps you updated in real time.
500+ Transfers Completed
We've successfully processed ownership transfers across manufacturing, tech, hospitality, retail, and financial services — for clients from 30+ countries.
No Hidden Fees
Our fees are transparent and fixed. We provide a full quote before any work begins — no surprises, no add-ons, just clear value for expert legal support.
APAC Market Network
We cover Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and 6 more APAC markets — perfect for regional expansion strategies that go beyond a single country setup.
Responsive 24/7 Support
Cross-timezone availability means you always have access to your advisor. We respond within hours, not days — because your business can't wait.
Ownership Transfer in Vietnam
Secure and compliant
ownership transfers.
HIREVN navigates the legal complexities to ensure a smooth, compliant transfer of company shares and assets in Vietnam.
Full Legal Compliance
Tax & Financial Review
Secure Processing