When setting up a company in Vietnam, understanding the requirements for company name and registered address is a crucial step. Choosing a suitable company name not only helps the company establish a good brand image, but also needs to comply with relevant provisions of Vietnamese law. Similarly, the choice of registered address and registration requirements also directly affect the company’s legal operation and future development. In this article, we will explore in detail the specific requirements for company name and registered address in Vietnam to help companies conduct business smoothly in Vietnam.

Requirements for company registered address

The choice of your business address is just as important as your name; not only is it a legal requirement, it also affects your business operations and image.

The requirements for company registration addresses in various regions usually include the following aspects:

1. Address authenticity

Most regions require that the registered address must actually exist and be able to provide the corresponding property ownership certificate or lease contract. Some regions allow the use of virtual office addresses, but certain conditions must be met.

2. Proof of right to use

A property ownership certificate or a valid lease contract is required to prove that the company has the legal right to use the address.

3. Venue area

Some areas have requirements for the minimum area of ​​the registered address, usually between 10-50 square meters, depending on the region and company type.

4. Business scope matching

The registered address needs to match the company’s business scope. For example, manufacturing companies usually need industrial land.

5. Regional restrictions

Some special industries may have regional restrictions. For example, industries such as finance and education may only be registered in specific areas.

6. Multiple photos at one address

Different regions have different policies on registering multiple companies at the same address. Some regions have strict restrictions, while others are more relaxed.

7. Change of registered address

When a company changes its registered address, it usually needs to apply for change of registration to the industrial and commercial department within the specified time.

The requirements may vary from province to province. For example:

> Beijing: There are relatively strict requirements on the registered address area, multiple licenses for one address, etc.

>Shanghai: Commercial buildings, entrepreneurial parks, etc. are allowed to be used as cluster registration addresses.

> Shenzhen: The policy on using residential addresses as registered addresses is relatively relaxed.

> Guangzhou: There are differences in the registered address requirements for different types of companies.

It is recommended that you consult the local industrial and commercial department for the latest detailed requirements when applying for specific procedures to ensure compliance with local policies.

Company Address Selection

1. Address type

① Actual office address:

• Suitable for companies with fixed office space
• A lease agreement or property certificate is required

② Virtual office address:

Suitable for start-ups or companies that do not need a fixed office space

Usually provided by a professional service provider

You need to ensure that the service provider has legal qualifications

③ Residential address:

In some cases, you can use your residential address as your business address

Need to check local regulations, may not be allowed in some areas

2. Address selection considerations

Commercial areas: Certain industries may be better suited to being located in specific commercial areas

Industry relevance: Certain industries may have specific address requirements

Customer convenience: If you need to receive customers frequently, consider a location with convenient transportation.

Cost Factors: Weighing Address Costs Against Budget

Future development: Consider the possibility of future expansion of the company

3. Address Change Procedure

Changing a company’s address is a common business need, and it is important to understand the relevant procedures:

① Prepare documents:

• Address Change Request Form
• Lease agreement or property ownership certificate of the new address
• Shareholders’ meeting resolution (if applicable)

② Submit your application:

Submit a change application to the local corporate registration office

③ Update relevant files:

• Renewal of business license
• Update tax registration information
• Renewing social insurance registration

④ Notify relevant parties:

Notify banks, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders

⑤ Update company materials:

Update company website, business cards, promotional materials, etc.

4. Legal implications of name and address

The company name and address are not just a logo, they also have important legal significance:

Contract validity: The company name and address on the contract must be accurate, otherwise it may affect the validity of the contract

Legal service: Official notices and legal documents will be sent to the registered address

Tax impact: The company address determines the competent tax authority

Administrative jurisdiction: The company address determines the administrative jurisdiction

Industry licenses: Certain industry licenses may be associated with a specific address

5. Brand Value of Name and Address

Choosing your company name and address wisely can enhance your brand value:

Brand recognition: A good company name is easy to remember and helps promote your brand

Professional image: A suitable address can enhance the professional image of the company

Market positioning: The name and address can reflect the company’s market positioning and target customer group

Localization strategy: Appropriate localized names and addresses can help companies better integrate into the local market.

6. Internationalization Considerations

For companies planning to develop both in Vietnam and in international markets:

Bilingual Names: Consider registering a bilingual name in Vietnamese and English

International readability: ensuring the name is easy to understand and pronounce internationally

Cultural sensitivity: Avoid names that could have negative connotations in different cultures

Globalization strategy: Consider how the name and address fit into the company’s globalization strategy

Special requirements for the registered address of a Vietnamese company

1. Legality of the address

• In Vietnam, the company registration address must be a legal business address. This usually means:
• The address must be located in an area where commercial activities are permitted
• You cannot use a purely residential address (unless specifically approved)
• The address must have legal proof of use (such as a lease agreement or proof of ownership)

2. Physical office requirements

• Vietnamese law generally requires a company to have a physical office at its registered address. This means:
• Must have a recognizable company logo
• Ability to receive official documents and notifications
• Be staffed during normal business hours

3. Industry-specific requirements

• Certain industries may have additional address requirements, such as:
• Manufacturing: Address that complies with industrial zone planning is required
• Education and training: May be required to be located in a specific area or meet specific building standards
• Financial services: may need to be located in a central business district

4. Address change regulations

• In Vietnam, a company’s change of registered address requires:
• Apply to the Planning and Investment Department for a change in business license
• Update tax registration information
• Complete the change procedures within the specified time (usually 10 days)

5. Use of Virtual Office

• Vietnam has relatively strict regulations on using a virtual office as a registered address:
• Some large cities (such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) allow the use of virtual offices
• Requires use of an approved business center or office service provider
• Additional documentation may be required to prove actual business address

6. One-site multiple license policy

• Vietnam’s policy on registering multiple companies at the same address varies by region:
• Some regions allow multiple companies to be registered in the same business center
• Some areas may limit the registration of only one company at the same specific address.

7. Special requirements for foreign-invested enterprises

You may need to provide more detailed address usage documentation

Foreign-invested enterprises may face additional requirements when choosing a registered address:

Certain industries may be restricted to specific economic zones or industrial parks

Comparison of registered address requirements in major cities in Vietnam

1. Ho Chi Minh City

• Business center address is allowed
• There are strict industrial zone requirements for manufacturing companies
• The policy of multiple licenses for one address is relatively relaxed

2. Hanoi

• There is a minimum requirement for the registered address area (usually not less than 10 square meters)
• Virtual Offices are allowed, but only if certain conditions are met
• Strict regulations on using residential addresses as registered addresses

3. Da Nang

• Encourage company registration in specific economic zones
• The address requirements for service industry companies are relatively loose
• A more detailed address usage plan may be required

4. Nha Trang

• Tourism-related businesses may have special address requirements
• Allowing small service companies to register in certain residential areas
• The review of the registered address of foreign-invested enterprises may be stricter

5. Coastal defense

Encourage company registration in economic development zones

Industrial and port-related companies have specific regional requirements

On-site inspections of registered addresses are more frequent

Strategic considerations for choosing a registered address

1. Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Weighing address rent against company budget
• Consider tax incentives in different regions

2. Business development prospects

• Choose a location that will support the company’s long-term growth
• Consider future expansion possibilities

3. Talent attraction

• Choose a location that is easy to attract and retain talent
• Consider surrounding living facilities

4. Convenience for customers and partners

• Consider proximity to key customers and partners
• Evaluate transportation accessibility

5. Industry cluster effect

• Consider whether it is located in an area where relevant industries are concentrated
• Evaluate potential synergies and resource-sharing opportunities

6. Brand image

• How address selection affects company brand image
• Consider the attractiveness of the address to your target market