Buy Shelf Company in Vietnam
Learn the advantages of buying a shelf company in Vietnam, including a faster business start, and how we assist with the purchase. Contact us for details.
If you want to buy a shelf company in Vietnam, you will have various advantages. One of the most important is the possibility of starting your business sooner.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company | Limited liability company (fully-foreign owned company advised) |
Time required for purchasing the company | A few days |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) | VAT number, statutory documents, legal address, trading name |
| The advantages of a shelf company | Simple and fast purchase procedure, increased credibility on the market |
| Appointing new directors (yes/no) | YES, local or foreign director (who needs to obtain a work permit) can be appointed |
| Capital increase allowed (yes/no) | YES |
| Certificate of no commercial activities (yes/no) | Registration of the share acquisition by foreign buyers required in certain cases (e.g. foreign ownership above 50%) |
| Modify the objects of activity (yes/no) | YES, subject to specific licensing requirements |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer or legal representative and seller |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | Depends on the age and type of entity selected |
| Shelf company taxation in Vietnam | Shelf companies are subject to the same tax regulations as newly established companies. |
Corporate tax rate | The standard corporate tax rate is 20%. Certain industries may benefit from preferential rates. |
Surtax | There is no specific surtax for shelf companies, but certain industries may be subject to additional taxes. |
| Shelf company tax year | The tax year for a shelf company in Vietnam is aligned with the calendar year (January 1 to December 31). |
| Filing requirements | Shelf companies must submit annual tax returns, including financial statements, to the tax authorities. |
| Tax payment requirements | Taxes must be paid quarterly for estimated income, with a final payment due after filing the annual return. |
| Employment requirements | The company must comply with Vietnam’s labor laws, including contracts and work permits for foreign employees. |
| Minimum employees for the shelf company | No specific minimum number of employees, but the company must comply with labor law regulations if hiring employees. |
| Social security contributions | Employers are required to contribute to social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance for employees. |
| When to contact our team for the purchase | It’s recommended to contact our team before purchasing a shelf company to ensure compliance with all legal and tax requirements. |
What are the steps to buy a shelf company in Vietnam?
Here are a few steps to help you:
- search for several service providers that sell such companies;
- select 2 or 3 entities and have them checked (our local specialists can assist in this phase);
- draft the necessary documents to complete the purchase.
IMPORTANT! Our Vietnamese company formation agents offer representation in such transactions, especially if you are a foreign investor and want to avoid language barriers.
Can I buy a shelf company in Vietnam remotely?
Yes. We offer assistance in such cases.
Our company registration specialists in Vietnam can help investors choose the right type of shelf company based on these criteria.
What documents must I supply for the acquisition of a shelf company in Vietnam?
We need a copy of your passport.
What types of entities are available for sale as shelf companies in Vietnam?
In most cases, you will find private limited liability companies for sale in Vietnam.
What do Vietnamese ready-made companies have upon purchase?
A shelf company is incorporated as any other business, meaning it will have:
- its own and unique commercial name;
- statutory documents;
- a local legal address;
- a tax identification number;
- a bank account.
How are shelf companies categorized in Vietnam?
They are divided into:
- new companies, which have been recently registered;
- vintage companies, which are older, usually more than 2 years old.
How long does it take to buy a shelf company in Vietnam?
4 to 5 days, if you decide to work with us.
Are there any other procedures to complete after buying a ready-made company in Vietnam?
Yes, the Articles of Association must be amended and submitted to the Companies Register.
Other changes can include:
- changes in the company’s management;
- changing the company’s business address.
We can handle this aspect on behalf of clients.
How much does a Vietnamese shelf company cost?
The prices for such companies vary quite a lot, as they depend on the age and certain features of the entity. Aged companies, for example, are more expensive than new ones.
Are there any restrictions on using a shelf company in Vietnam?
No, there are not. The only aspect to consider is the activity to undertake, which may require a special license, based on the industry.
IMPORTANT! If you are a foreign investor and plan to be the sole owner of the company, you must first register the share acquisition with the investment authority (required e.g. where foreign ownership will exceed 50%). This aspect can be discussed with our agents.
What are the advantages of buying a shelf company in Vietnam?
Among the reasons why one can buy a shelf company rather than register a new one are:
- the shelf company already has a tax and VAT number; in Vietnam, the standard CIT rate applied to businesses is 20%;
- the shelf company has credibility, which is very important on the Vietnamese market;
- the shelf company can be helpful to those interested in obtaining financing.
If you wish to buy a shelf company in Vietnam, contact our business formation experts. Our specialists can give you a comprehensive business plan for buying a ready-made company in Vietnam.
Hoang Thi Lien, Lawyer · 2 October 2026Ms. Lien is the founder of CDLAF, having over 12 years of experience.