The Investment Certificate is a mandatory legal requirement for foreign investors to implement business projects in Vietnam. However, the application process for this certificate is often complex and time-consuming. APEX PARTNERS offers comprehensive investment consulting services, helping businesses quickly complete the required documentation and ensure full compliance with legal regulations.

What is an Investment Certificate?

An Investment Certificate is an official document issued by a competent state authority to foreign investors, recording information about the investment project, business sectors, capital contribution, duration of operation, and related rights and obligations. In Vietnam, the Investment Certificate is a prerequisite for foreign investors to be permitted to implement their projects and conduct legal business activities.

According to the 2020 Law on Investment, the Investment Certificate is also referred to as the “Investment Registration Certificate” and applies to investment projects involving foreign individual or institutional investors, or economic organizations in which foreign capital accounts for more than 50%.

When is an Investment Certificate Required?

Enterprises or individuals with foreign investment capital must apply for an Investment Certificate in the following cases:

• Establishing a company with foreign-invested capital.
• Contributing capital, purchasing shares or capital contributions in a Vietnamese company.
• Implementing an independent investment project or a joint venture.
• Adjusting foreign-invested activities, such as increasing/decreasing capital, changing investors, or expanding business lines.

Without a valid Investment Certificate, investors may be denied an Enterprise Registration Certificate, be unable to open an investment capital account, prohibited from remitting profits abroad, and even face administrative penalties or be required to terminate operations.

Investment Certificate Application Process

Applying for an Investment Certificate involves multiple steps and requires accurate and complete documentation:

Step 1: Apply for Investment Policy Approval (if applicable)

For projects subject to investment policy approval (e.g., projects located in industrial zones, involving land use, etc.), investors must submit an application to the Department of Planning and Investment or the Provincial People’s Committee.

Processing time: Approximately 30–35 working days.

Step 2: Submit Investment Registration Dossier

After obtaining policy approval (or if not required), the investor prepares the investment registration dossier, which includes:

• A written request for implementation of the investment project.
• ID/passport of the individual investor or business registration certificate for institutional investors.
• Investment project proposal
• Financial capacity report.
• Copy of documents proving the right to use the proposed project site.
• Explanation of technology used (if it involves restricted technology).

The dossier is submitted to the Department of Planning and Investment where the project is to be implemented.

Step 3: Receive the Investment Certificate

Within 15 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier. Within 15 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier.

The Investment Certificate is effective from the date of issuance and clearly states the operational duration of the investment project.

Investment Certificate Consulting Services at APEX PARTNERS

APEX PARTNERS is a reputable legal consulting firm that has supported hundreds of foreign investors in obtaining Investment Certificates across various provinces in Vietnam. With a team of lawyers well-versed in investment law and extensive experience working with government authorities, APEX PARTNERS offers a comprehensive service package that includes:

Pre-Investment Consulting

• Advising on the appropriate type of business entity.
• Analyzing project feasibility and business sectors.
• Evaluating investment incentives based on location and industry.

Legal Document Preparation

• Drafting the complete investment registration dossier.
• Assisting with legalization, translation, and notarization of documents.
• Representing clients in working with government agencies.

Process Monitoring and Updates

• Tracking the application review process.
• Responding to requests for additional documentation (if any).
• Receiving and delivering the Investment Certificate directly to the investor.

Conclusion

The Investment Certificate is a crucial legal key that allows foreign investors to operate in Vietnam in a lawful, transparent, and efficient manner. However, the application process requires thorough preparation and deep knowledge of the Vietnamese legal system. That’s why choosing a professional consulting firm like APEX PARTNERS will help investors shorten the timeline, minimize risks, and optimize their business strategy.