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Comprehensive corporate solutions tailored to support every stage of your expansion journey
Explore cutting-edge solutions for the intricate administrative challenges your expanding business encounters in the world. Be it investment frameworks, international transactions, or establishing a local presence, we are here to assist you in harnessing the outstanding opportunities this region presents. Our objective is to provide efficient solutions that effectively address all your concerns.
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Entrust your journey to the skilled expertise of a true Asia specialist. Our team consists of accomplished professionals, each with a wealth of knowledge and experience in their respective domains. We provide exceptional guidance, tailor-made to meet the needs of your market, and uphold the highest global standards of advice, management, and support.
Company Formation in Canada
Located in North America, Canada is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. With a stable government and a skilled workforce, company formation in Canada has increased in popularity, specifically in the province of British Columbia. The province of British Columbia highlights a thriving free-market economy and commercially minded company laws and is home to not only small owner-managed enterprises but is also home to multinational corporations.
Our services include:
- Provision of a registered office per year (physical and virtual)
- Company formation
- Drafting of company compliance documents
- Annual renewal of company compliance documents
- Offshore bank account opening assistance
Benefits of Company Formation in Canada
- British Columbia company law is modern, flexible and commercially minded
- Right to carry on business in all Canadian provinces and territories
- Right to use your name across Canada
- British Columbia’s general corporate income tax rate is only 12% is among the lowest of all Canadian provinces
- Better access to capital and grants
- No residency requirements for company directors
British Columbia Company Formation Requirements
Company formation in British Columbia is a relatively simple process for non-Canadian parties. Firstly, Canadian companies are only required to have 1 shareholder and 1 director for company formation purposes, with the position of company secretary optional (unless required by a company’s articles). Directors of Canadian companies must meet a residency requirement (25% of a company’s directors are required to be Canadian residents). However, provinces such as British Columbia are not subject to these requirements.
Unlike other Canadian provinces, company formation in British Columbia does not require a local office lease. Virtual offices are sufficient for the purposes of company formation.
Lastly, there are no minimum capital requirements. However, parties contemplating company formation in Canada should note that Canada possesses thin-capitalization rules that may deny deductions for interest payments to specified non-residents.
Annual Maintenance
- Annual report detailing all director and shareholder meetings, or resolution signed by all directors or shareholders, as the case may be
- Annual tax return filing with federal and provincial/territorial tax authorities
FAQ
Yes. Although Canadian companies are required to have at least 1 shareholder and 1 director, a single individual can hold one or more positions. However, non-profit corporations usually require a minimum of three directors.
Names of Canadian companies must be in a 3-element format which contains a distinctive unique name, a descriptive of the activity of the business (services, products etc) and the legal form of the business entity.
Yes. The provision of a local registered address by a third-party service provider is allowed for the purposes of company formation in British Columbia. FastLane can provide both virtual office addresses in addition to physical office addresses upon request.
A bank account is not necessary when forming a Canadian company and can be opened after successful formation. FastLane can assist our clients open bank accounts in Canada.
Company Formation in Delaware
The United States (“US”) is the world’s third largest country in terms of size and plays a major role in the global economy. With a predictable and transparent legal system, outstanding infrastructure and access to the world’s largest consumer markets, a business in the US is essential to doing business in North America. Despite being geographically divided into 50 states, more than 75% of all new initial public offerings in the US are done by companies who have completed their company formation in the United States of Delaware. Delaware company laws and quality of courts and judges have created an ideal environment for businesses of all sizes.
Our services include:
- Company formation
- Provision of a Registered Agent for 1 year (or until the State’s Annual Report/franchise tax is due)
- Annual renewal of company compliance documents
- Document retrieval services
Benefits of Company Formation in Delaware
- Delaware company laws is modern, flexible and commercially minded
- Greater privacy of company directors
- Lower corporate tax rates and beneficial tax treatments
- Delaware court system is well established and highly respected
- Low start-up and maintenance costs
- Currently no due diligence and “know your client” requirements
Delaware Company Formation Requirements
Company formation in Delaware is a simple process with limited requirements. Delaware does not impose any minimum capital requirements and there are no restrictions on foreign shareholders given that there is no nationality or residency requirement to satisfy. There are also no restrictions on the number of shareholders a Delaware company can have
In addition, a Delaware company is only required to have at least one director and is not limited by residency or age requirements. Furthermore, company directors are not required to be listed in the company’s Articles / Certificate of Incorporation.
Delaware company law requires that every business entity must have and maintain a Registered Agent in the state of Delaware. The Registered Agent may be either an individual resident or business entity that is authorized to do business in the State of Delaware. The registered agent must also have a physical street address in Delaware although the Delaware company is not required to have a local registered address for the purposes of company formation.
Annual Maintenance
- Annual report detailing all director and shareholder meetings, or resolution signed by all directors or shareholders, as the case may be
- Maintain a Registered Agent
- Franchise tax
FAQ
Registered Agents act as the liaison between a Delaware company and the State of Delaware’s Division of Corporations who is responsible for overseeing and maintaining all corporate information in the state.
Their primary responsibilities are to receive and forward government notices and legal documents to the Delaware company. Oftentimes, Delaware companies will engage third-parties to act as their Registered Agent. FastLane can assist in this role upon request.
Most often, overseas companies will establish a presence in the US through forming a subsidiary in Delaware. While the State of Delaware allows for the formation of a variety of company types, limited liability corporations (“LLC”) are the most common. Although LLC’s are frequently used, careful consideration is recommended due to the differing governance and tax aspects related to each company type.
Delaware’s reputation as a business-friendly environment is the result of a bi-partisan political consensus to keep the Delaware company laws modern and up-to-date. Corporations who operate under these laws are able to clearly identify what activities they can and cannot do.
To support the above laws, Delaware is home to a high number of quality courts and judges. The Court of Chancery in Delaware is one such court that helps rule on corporate law disputes without juries. This allows for a Delaware company to address their legal disputes promptly by judges who specialize in corporate law.
Company Formation in Germany
Germany remains an incredibly attractive market for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes. As the largest economy in Europe, Germany is a fantastic place for doing business. The country has a large, diversified economy that is supported by well-developed infrastructure and a highly-skilled workforce. However, to successfully do business in Germany, it’s important to be able to successfully incorporate a German business. Of all the different company types available, a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (“GmbH”) remains the most popular among entrepreneurs and SMEs.
Our services include:
- Preparation of GmbH incorporation documents
- Provision of local director / shareholders
- Provision of a registered office address
- Assist with the notarization of Germany company formation documents
- Assist with Germany bank account opening
Benefits of Company Formation in Germany
- Germany is one of the world’s largest and most stable trading economies
- The country has a highly developed political and economic framework, offering strong legal protection to businesses
- Germany retains strong influence within Europe and possesses high quality infrastructure, making the country well situated to provide access to domestic and international markets
Germany Company Formation Requirements
GmbH is a limited liability company in Germany and is the company type most commonly used due to the flexibility it offers. A GmbH can be incorporated by at least one shareholder, with a minimum share capital of EUR 25,000.
While a virtual office can be sufficient for a GmbH for incorporation purposes, it is common that a GmbH utilize a physical office address, especially if it is their intention to maintain local operations.
It is important to note that a business plan is required in the Germany company formation process. Assessors will analyze the business plan to determine the reasonableness of the company and its proposed plans.
Annual Maintenance
A GmbH must file annual accounts with the German Federal Gazette. In addition, medium to large GmbH are required to file annual financial statements, in accordance with German Commercial Law and must adhere to their local profits tax and VAT obligations.
FAQ
To incorporate a GmbH, it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to complete the process upon the German government’s receipt of all documentation. However, this process may be extended to the extent that German assessors are not satisfied with the quality of information provided.
No! While it is beneficial to be in Germany for several of the company incorporation steps, such as opening a bank account or notarizing your incorporation documents, it is possible to do so while abroad. To complete the Germany company formation process in this way, one must engage a professional service provider to act on their behalf.
To make sure this process is completed smoothly, special attention should be put onto deciding the object of the company (Unternehmensgegenstand). This will detail what the company will engage in, the scope of their services and their business model. Assessors will closely scrutinize this aspect of a business as a GmbH is expected to act in accordance with what is stated in the object of the company.
Company Formation in Japan
Japan company formation has been gaining in popularity in recent years as the country remains a key market for international business. Having among the largest economies in the world, the Japanese market is characterised by consumers who are attracted to innovation, high-end goods and services. For foreigners or non-Japanese residents, Godo Kaisha (the Japanese term for a limited liability company) has become the most common company type due to its considerable corporate flexibility.
Our services include:
- Preparation, compiling and submission of Godo Kaisha incorporation documents
- Notarization of identification documents of key company individuals
- Provision of a registered address
- Assist with bank account opening
- Provision of a temporary member (“representative member”) who can assist with the initial deposit of capital for your Godo Kaisha
- Registration with District Government, Taxation Bureau, and Duty Office
Benefits of Company Formation in Japan
- Non-residents and foreign nationals can incorporate a company in Japan
- For companies who intend to operate in japan, Godo Kaisha’s are less expensive to set up than other Japanese company types
- Godo Kaisha is the only Japanese company type where ownership is not dependent solely on the amount of capital contribution
- Japan has concluded over 76 tax conventions, applicable to 139 jurisdictions
- Japan is recognized for its skilled workforce, international markets and high quality infrastructure
Japan Company Formation Requirements
The requirements for Japan company formation, specifically a Godo Kaisha, are straightforward and relatively simple to meet. The basic structure for a Godo Kaisha requires at least one investor and one shareholder, with no restrictions on the nationality of each position. In addition, each Godo Kaisha must have a registered address in Japan with a lease agreement to support the tenancy. There is no limit for the registered capital of a Godo Kaisha, however the capital registered will affect the credit of the company and the chance of success when opening a bank account. Lastly, unlike limited liability companies in other countries, Godo Kaisha has no requirements regarding the need for company directors or company secretaries.
Annual Maintenance
Apart from adhering to its various tax requirements, a Japan Godo Kaisha’s is not subject to any annual maintenance requirements. A Godo Kaisha is simply required to keep its accounting books for ten years.
FAQ
For a Godo Kaisha, the formation process typically takes around 4 to 5 weeks to complete. Please note that this timeframe excludes the opening of a bank account. However, this process may be extended depending on whether company formation requirements have been met. For instance, if all required documents have not been provided, it is not uncommon for the process to be extended!
Kabushiki Kaisha, otherwise known as a joint stock company, is the most popular company type besides a Godo Kaisha. Kabushiki Kaisha’s are the most expensive type of company to register and face stricter Japan company formation requirements than a Godo Kaisha. This company type is most appropriate for medium to large companies as they have the capability to raise additional capital through a variety of ways (selling shares, stock options, etc.). Despite its size, Godo Kaisha remains the company type of choice for small businesses due to its ease of incorporation and flexibility.
No! It is possible to nominate a representative who can help you carry out these procedures. While it is necessary to be present in Japan to open a Japanese bank account, you can involve a business partner or a professional service provider to receive the initial capital injection, and facilitate this step of the process on your behalf.
Company Formation in Indonesia
Indonesia has become an increasingly popular destination for foreign investment. As Indonesia continues to grow and develop, there have been more opportunities for businesses of all industries. To take advantage of newfound opportunities, companies have been exploring the option of Indonesia company formation.
Our services include:
- Assist with submission of company incorporation documents
- Assist in opening a bank account
- Provision of a nominee resident director
- Assist in obtaining an Indonesian work visa
- Assist in obtaining a registered office address
Benefits of Company Formation in Indonesia
- Indonesia allows 100% foreign ownership of certain company types
- The Indonesian government grants favourable business conditions for importing goods
- Indonesia’s strategic geographic location makes conducting business with other ASEAN economies an efficient way to expand international business operations
- Indonesia has concluded over 65 Double Taxation Treaties, making the country an ideal location for international businesses
- Continued foreign investment in Indonesia has prompted the growth and development of Indonesia’s service sector
Indonesia Company Formation Requirements
A minimum of 2 shareholders are required – certain industries only allow shareholders to be Indonesia, although shareholders are not subject to any residency requirements. Only 1 company director and one commissioner, who is responsible for supervising the actions of the company and its board of directors. These two positions are not subject to any nationality or residency requirements, except when these positions are responsible for employment related matters. Company secretaries are also not required, unless the company is publicly listed.
Indonesian companies are required to have a registered office in Indonesia, with a lease agreement being required when applying for a business license.
Indonesia does impose capital requirements on their companies. The minimum authorized capital for a company is IDR50 million, with at least 25% being required to be issued and paid up as required under Indonesian Company Law. Companies with any number of foreign shareholders must invest more than IDR10 billion for each line of business.
Annual Maintenance
Indonesian companies must submit annual tax returns to the Indonesian tax authorities. In addition, the board of directors must produce an annual report, approved by the annual general meeting of shareholders. A company’s board of commissioners must also produce an annual supervisory report that will be presented in the annual general meeting of the company’s shareholders.
FAQ
The Indonesia company formation process will take one to two months to complete, on average. However, this process may be extended if a company has complex business activities and requires various business licenses as much of the company formation process is dependent on approval being granted by Indonesian government authorities.
Yes, however certain restrictions apply. The Indonesian government only permits certain business classifications to be 100% foreign owned. Foreigners can only partially invest in other business classifications or, in certain circumstances, are completely prohibited from participating in certain industries.
The industries which are restricted to foreigners are listed in the Indonesian government’s Negative Investment List.
In Indonesia, the most common form of business entity is called Perseroan Terbatas – this company type is similar to a limited liability company in regards to its structure and functions. However, only Indonesian citizens and Indonesian legal entities are allowed to be shareholders of this type of company.
Foreign-owned companies are classified as Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Model Asing (“PT PMA”). These companies do not require a local shareholder and their structure and functions are also similar to limited liability companies.
Company Formation in Macau
A former Portuguese colony, Macau became a Special Administrative Region of China on 20 December 1999. In accordance with Macau’s constitutional document, Macau is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy in all matters, including Macau company law. As a result, Macau has developed into a free port with no foreign exchange controls, prompting international businesses and individuals to consider company formation in Macau. Having among the lowest corporate and individual income taxes among Asia, Macau has become a popular destination for foreign investment.
Our services include:
- Provision of Registered Office and Registered Agents
- Company name search
- Review of due diligence documents
- Provision of Incorporation relevant Company Secretary documents
- Annual filing and renewal
Benefits of Company Formation in Macau
- Low corporate tax rate with favourable treatments towards non-Macau tax residents
- Platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries
- Simple company registration procedures
- Stable business environment
- Macau company law is modern, flexible and commercially minded
Macau Company Formation Requirements
Macau company formation is a straightforward process with limited requirements. Like many other low tax jurisdictions, a single shareholder and director are the only requirements for company formation in Macau. A corporate entity may take on the role of either the Macau company’s shareholder or director. In addition, the position of a company secretary is optional.
However, company secretaries must be nominated for Macau companies under certain circumstances (e.g., companies with more than 10 shareholders or quota holders, if they issue bonds or if their share capital is above MOP 1 million).
Lastly, Macau companies must utilize a local registered office address for company formation purposes.
Annual Maintenance
- All Macau companies must annually submit an Annual Return and financial statements
- Macau companies are subject to audits if their average income for the last 3 years exceeds MOP 500,000 and its capital exceeds MOP 100,000
FAQ
No. It is not necessary to be present in Macau during the company formation process. Shareholders of a Macau company may choose to complete the company registration process through an authorized representative. If a shareholder is unable to travel to Macau to complete signatory processes, they may choose to sign the relevant documents at their residence and mail the documents, together with original copies of identification documents (or certified true copies) to Macau for handling.
Company formation in Macau requires a commercial office, shops, or residential address. Upon registration, shareholders of the Macau company may change the registered address as necessary. However, it should be noted that Macau Post Office Boxes are not accepted as registered addresses.
No. Macau company law does not specify that a Macau shareholder must hold a certain proportion of shares of a Macau registered company.
Company Formation in Seychelles
Ever since its independence in 1976, the Republic of Seychelles (“Seychelles”) has experienced constant growth and has developed into one of Africa’s most prominent financial centres. In addition to being a low-tax jurisdiction whereby many companies are subject to zero taxation, Seychelles has become a key destination for multinational companies to conduct business. To further emphasize Seychelles’ role in the global economy, the Seychelles company formation processes and Seychelles company law has become among the most business-friendly in the world.
Our services include:
- Provision of Registered Office and Registered Agents
- Company name search
- Review of due diligence documents
- Provision of relevant Company Secretary documents
- Annual filing and renewal
Benefits of Company Formation in Seychelles
- Seychelles company law is modern, flexible and commercially minded
- Seychelles company formation process is simple and highly efficient
- Total absence / minimum levels of taxation
- No minimum reporting requirements
- Lack of “thin capitalisation” rules and requirements
Seychelles Company Formation Requirements
For Seychelles company formation purposes, a business must have a minimum of one shareholder and one director. These positions can be held by either an individual or a corporation and may be held by non-residents. Furthermore, the position of a company secretary is not required and there are no residency requirements for any of the above positions. Lastly, with a minimum issued share requirement of USD 1, company formation in Seychelles is among the cheapest in the world.
Annual Maintenance
Local Seychelles corporations are required to publish their annual financial statements and must be audited by an independent auditor once a year.
FAQ
No. Seychelles company formation can be executed from abroad with the help of a professional service provider!
If you are forming a Seychelles company as an individual, a residential address is required. For companies who wish to form a subsidiary in Seychelles, a registered office address or business address is required.
The ES Laws were introduced by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) with the intention to address profits being earned by offshore companies in low-tax jurisdictions such as Seychelles. The laws state that profits being earned by offshore companies need to be aligned to where the business or profit-generating activities are being carried out, thus potentially affecting the tax outcome.
Effective from 1 January 2019, the law stipulates that companies who carry out “relevant activities” in the countries where the ES Laws are applicable, will be required to maintain an increased level of substance in their incorporated jurisdiction. Such activities are broadly defined to include a wide range of business activities, including fund management, distribution and service center businesses, holding company businesses, finance and many more. In the past, most companies did not maintain much substance in their jurisdiction. Seychelles companies must now take this new law under consideration.
To determine if your company registered in one of the above jurisdictions is conducting “relevant activities” applicable under ES Laws, one must determine whether they meet the various criteria set for each industry.
As the laws and criteria for each “relevant activity” vary among each industry, it is recommended to obtain assistance from a recognised company incorporation specialist such as FastLane to help determine how the ES laws affect your business and long-term plans.
Company Formation in Thailand
Interest in Thailand has been increasing steadily over the past few years with news sources constantly reporting on companies shifting their operations to Thailand. Given global developments, Thailand company formation is now frequently discussed. The country’s infrastructure and workforce continues to develop at a rapid pace, moving Thailand up the value chain. With strong ties to neighbouring countries in SouthEast Asia, Thailand is an ideal destination for businesses looking to conduct international operations.
Our services include:
- Preparation, compiling and submission of incorporation documents
- Provision of two company stamps
- Assistance in obtaining Thailand corporate tax ID
- Assist in preparation of VAT registration application
- Drafting of one shareholder/board resolution for bank account opening
- Obtaining company registration certificate and incorporation documents
Benefits of Company Formation in Thailand
- Thailand is recognised for having low cost of production for manufacturers
- No annual corporate maintenance requirements
- Only three shareholders and one director is required – these individuals can be the same person or corporate body with no restrictions on nationality
- Minimal capital requirements for Thailand company formation
- Thailand incorporated companies are not required to publicly disclose shareholders or directors
Thailand Company Formation Requirements
The requirements surrounding Thailand company formation are simple and easy to understand. A minimum of three shareholders are required, who may either be a person or another company. While there are no nationality or residency requirements for shareholders of a private limited company, some industries such as those related to national safety / security, require a company’s shareholding structure to be at least 51% Thai owned.
At least one director is required for company formation purposes – this individual must be a natural person with no restrictions on residency. In respect of a company secretary, the appointment of an individual for this position is optional. Lastly, Thailand as the amount of a company share must not be less than THB5, the minimum registered capital amount required to incorporate a private limited company is THB15. Public limited companies and partnerships do not have minimum capital requirements.
Annual Maintenance
While Thailand does not have annual corporate maintenance requirements, Thailand registered companies must adhere to monthly and yearly accounting obligations. These obligations range from filing tax VAT and WHT documents to bookkeeping and annual audits.
FAQ
For private companies, the formation process typically takes around 7 days and up to 30 days for a public company. However, this process may be extended depending on whether company formation requirements have been met – for difficult cases, it is not uncommon for the process to take 6 months!
Yes. One of the prerequisites for registering a company in Thailand is that a local registered corporate office address in a commercial building has been obtained.
While a virtual office may also be used, it is not ideal as companies registered under a virtual office will not be allowed to register for VAT.
Once the company formation process has been completed, a Thailand registered company is eligible to apply for a corporate savings, checking and/or foreign currency account. However, individuals who wish to apply for a company debit card and / or credit card must fulfill the requirement of having their Thailand registered company operate for at least 3 years.
While the Thailand company formation process is not as strict as many other countries, there are still factors to watch out for. While reviewing the company formation application, Thailand government officials may scrutinize:
- The benefits and advantages of the proposed business activities
- The size of the business and the number of local jobs it is expected to create
- The economic and social impact the company will have towards the development of Thailand
Company Formation in United Kingdom
Historically playing a leading role in global affairs, the United Kingdom (“UK”) is a leading trading power and financial center and has often been a popular destination for company formation. As of 2018, over 5.7 million private sector businesses were recorded in the UK. Multinational corporations have often utilized the UK as their European base and its financial markets are an integral part of the global economy. Although having recently left the European Union, the economic foundations set by UK company law remain strong, ensuring that UK company formation remains an attractive prospect for international businesses and individuals.
Our services include:
- Company formation
- Provision of a registered office / virtual office
- VAT registration
- Opening of a company bank account
- Annual filing and maintenance assistance
Benefits of Company Formation in United Kingdom
- UK company law is modern, flexible and commercially minded
- Limited liability protection
- Tax benefits through over 100 tax treaties that the UK has concluded
- Local office lease not required for UK company formation but must nominate a registered office in the UK to which all communications and notices may be addressed
- Company secretary is optional
- Minimum capital of at least GBP 1 required for company formation purposes
United Kingdom Company Formation Requirements
The UK company formation process has been well-established. The requirements surrounding UK company formation are not as stringent as many initially assumed. A UK company must have at least 1 shareholder and 1 director, although the position of company secretary is optional. In addition, the UK does not impose minimum capital requirements although it is recommended to inject at least GBP 100 into a company.
Unlike many countries where a physical office address is required for company formation, the UK does not require one. A UK company must at least maintain a registered office in the UK in which all communications and notices may be addressed. For purposes of company formation in the UK, a virtual office may be utilized.
Annual Maintenance
- Must file a confirmation statement at least every 12 months detailing any changes to a company’s share capital, people with significant control or directors
- Maintain a register of individuals or legal entities that have significant control
- Adequate accounting records must be kept at the company’s registered office (or another place in the UK designated by the directors) for 3 years. A copy of the accounts and auditor’s report must be delivered to the Registrar of Companies House within 9 months of the end of the financial year, upon which they will become publicly available
FAQ
While there are very few restrictions on who can be a shareholder for a UK company, there are more rules governing who can be a company director.
Firstly, a company director of a UK company must be either a real or ‘natural’ person. In addition to being a ‘natural’ person, company directors must be over the age of 16. However, it is recommended to have company directors above the age of 18 to the extent that they are expected to sign contracts on behalf of the company.
So long as the company director is a real person and over the age of 16, the assumption is that anyone (including non-British citizens) can be a company director in the UK. This does not apply to individuals who are undergoing bankruptcy proceedings or has been disqualified from being a company director in the past.
In the UK, no general business licenses are required. However, licenses or permits may be necessary to conduct certain activities in specific industries. Please contact the FastLane group for any questions regarding your business operation concerns.
Company Formation in Vietnam
In recent months, businesses have been exploring the concept of shifting much of their business operations to the ASEAN region – Vietnam is one of those jurisdictions that is consistently mentioned. As the country has long offered various advantages to foreign enterprises, many are now contemplating Vietnam company formation. Businesses of all industries and sizes have been able to capitalize on one of the fastest-growing economies in the ASEAN region in an effort to develop their international business operations.
Our services include:
- Submission of incorporation documents for various company types
- Assist with obtaining a work visa
- Assist with obtaining a Vietnam temporary residence card
- Assist with bank account set up
- Provision of a virtual office
Benefits of Company Formation in Vietnam
- Vietnam’s geographic location makes it easily accessible to other ASEAN economies
- Vietnam allows 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors
- Vietnam has among the lowest labor costs in the region
- As a member of the ASEAN Free Trade Area the country has favourable trade agreements with its neighbouring countries
- Vietnam has various economic zones that offer tax benefits and exemptions for companies operating in these areas
Vietnam Company Formation Requirements
The requirements surrounding Vietnam company formation are among the most relaxed in the world. A minimum of one shareholder and one director are required – there are no restrictions in relation to the nationality requirement of these positions. In addition, the position of company secretary is not required.
For incorporation purposes, a local registered office address is required if a business is expected to utilise space for their business operations, for instance a manufacturing company. However, service-based businesses may have a virtual office for registration purposes.
While there are no restrictions in regards to the minimum capital required to incorporate a company, it is recommended that the capital contribution reflect the activities of the company as the Vietnam government authorities will heavily scrutinize this aspect of your application.
Annual Maintenance
Foreign-owned companies are required to submit the following:
- Annual reports which detail the company’s basic information, developments related to the company’s HR policies and operational activity developments
- Annual reports on the on the status of investment project implementations and the evaluation and supervision of such investment projects
- Annual audited financial statements
- Annual corporate income tax returns, in addition to quarterly income tax payments
FAQ
Joint Stock Company
- Founded with the subscription of shares in the company
- JSC’s are allowed to issue shares to the public and get listed on stock exchanges
- Can be wholly-owned, or partially owned by foreign parties
Multi-member Limited Liability Company
- Limited liability company with more than one owner
- Generally no personal liability of members
- Company’s earnings are subject to corporate income tax and members are taxed on any distributed profits
Single-limited Liability Company
- Only one member is required, either an individual or legal entity
- Company’s earnings are subject to corporate income tax, but the sole member is not taxed on any distributed profits
The typical Vietnam company formation process takes around one to three months. This of course, is dependent on an application’s approval from the Vietnamese authorities.
There is no explicit law which states how much capital should be injected into each Vietnam company during incorporation, however, the Vietnam Department of Planning and Investment will often advise on the minimum capital requirement of your business by taking into consideration the industry your business will operate in.
To increase the chances of success for company incorporation, parties should inject a sum that can substantiate their business operations. For example, manufacturing companies should inject sums that exceed the cost of machinery.
Yes. The following rules should be observed:
- Names of a Vietnam company must not be identical, or imply a connection, with names of historically famous persons
- Vietnam company must not be named after earlier country names of Vietnam or after individuals who were against the “good cause and historical development” of Vietnam
- Must not contain words or symbols which directly or indirectly threaten, insult, or disrespect other people/organisations