Doing Business in Vietnam 2026

Vietnam's economy defies global headwinds in 2025, posting 8.02% GDP growth, resilient FDI inflows, stable inflation, and expanding trade despite market turbulence and natural disasters. To ensure long-term, inclusive development, the country is focusing on infrastructure upgrades, workforce development, and persistent economic reforms. With a young population, strategic location, and growing regional influence, Vietnam is solidifying its role as a key economic player in Southeast Asia and a favoured destination for international investors.

Overview: Doing Business in Vietnam 2026

Each year, our publication Doing Business in Vietnam delivers timely and practical insights tailored for investors and executives navigating the Vietnamese market. It covers critical areas including investment incentives, legal frameworks, taxation, labour regulations, and foreign exchange controls, while also offering a broad overview of the nation's economic landscape. Drawing on over three decades of experience in supporting international investment in Vietnam, our multidisciplinary team is committed to offering a resource that is both thorough and reliable.

Vietnam at a Glance: Key Economy Facts

2025 is a defining year for Vietnam's economy. The country is navigating global market uncertainties while stepping into a "new phase of development" guided by policy directions for the 2026-2030 period. As Vietnam adjusts its growth model, the government has introduced important institutional reforms to advance industrialisation and modernisation, promote innovation, and strengthen the key role of the private sector.

Vietnam’s economy maintained strong momentum in 2025, with GDP growth reaching 8.02% and GDP per capita rising to USD 5,026. The country’s total trade turnover climbed to USD 930.05 billion, while registered and realised FDI reached USD 38.42 billion and USD 27.62 billion respectively. Supported by a population of approximately 102 million people, Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as a leading investment destination in Southeast Asia.

Vietnam's digital economy is estimated to contribute 14.02% to national GDP by 2025 and is targeted to reach 30% by 2030. In the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), Vietnam ranks 44th globally out of 139 economies, 2nd among lower-middle-income economies, and holds the global #1 position for high-tech exports and creative goods exports as a share of total trade.

Why Investors Choose Vietnam in 2026

Vietnam's attractiveness as an investment destination goes beyond strong GDP numbers. Here are the fundamentals that matter for long-term business decisions:

• Strategic location in Southeast Asia along vital Pacific trade routes
• Promising market with an emerging middle class among emerging economies
• Robust global economic integration
• Government support and infrastructure investment
• Youthful labour force

What the 2026 Guide Covers

Doing Business in Vietnam 2026 by Forvis Mazars is structured to give investors and business leaders a clear, reliable overview of every dimension of operating in Vietnam. Below is a snapshot of the key areas covered in the full report:

• Investment Incentives & Guarantees: Vietnam offers a broad range of incentives for priority sectors and locations, alongside foundational investment guarantees protecting investor assets and rights. The Law on Investment 2025 (effective 01 March 2026) introduces updated frameworks for special investment incentives, with a focus on semiconductor, AI, and strategic technology projects.
• Business Structures Available to Foreigners: Foreign investors may generally own 100% of a Vietnamese company. The full report covers the structures available to foreign investors, along with establishment procedures, governance requirements, and exit options.
• Venture Capital in Vietnam: Vietnam's venture capital landscape is evolving rapidly. New 2025 regulations formalise the legal framework for startup investment funds and introduce a National VC Fund structure, alongside tax incentives for innovative startups and fund managers. The report covers legal pathways, regional comparisons, and key implementation watchpoints for the next 12–24 months.
• Taxation: Vietnam's tax framework has seen significant reforms across 2025–2026. The guide covers Corporate Income Tax, including Global Minimum Tax implications, Value Added Tax, Personal Income Tax, Foreign Contractor Tax, Transfer Pricing, and Vietnam's network of Double Tax Agreements with approximately 80 countries.
• Accounting & Audit: All Foreign Invested Enterprises (FIEs) must comply with Vietnamese Accounting Standards (VAS) and have their annual financial statements audited by an independent auditing firm licensed to operate in Vietnam. The guide also covers Chief Accountant requirements, fiscal year rules, and Vietnam's roadmap toward voluntary IFRS adoption.
• Labour & Immigration: From minimum wages and compulsory social insurance contributions to work permit requirements, visa categories, and the right to join trade unions, the guide gives employers a clear view of their obligations when hiring both local and foreign talent in Vietnam.
• Land & Real Estate: The guide covers Land Use Rights available to foreign-invested enterprises, land lease terms under the Law on Land 2024 (effective 01 August 2024), and the conditions for foreign ownership of residential property in Vietnam.
• Foreign Exchange Control: All transactions within Vietnam must be carried out in Vietnamese Dong. The guide explains the foreign exchange regulatory framework for foreign-invested enterprises, including capital account requirements and the process for remitting profits and capital abroad.
• Personal Data Protection: The Law on Personal Data Protection came into effect on 1 January 2026, elevating data privacy to a higher legal hierarchy. The guide outlines the consent-based approach to personal data processing, data subject rights, mandatory administrative procedures for enterprises processing or transferring personal data, and the sanctions regime for non-compliance.
• Practical Information: A dedicated section covers the essentials for executives and expatriates operating in Vietnam, transportation infrastructure (roads, airports, seaports, rail), telecommunications (Vietnam ranks 10th globally in fixed broadband speed as of 2025), business hours, public holidays, and time zone (GMT +7).

Speak to Our Vietnam Team

"We understand the importance of clarity and trust when entering or operating in a dynamic market like Vietnam.", Huyen Nguyen, Country Leader, Forvis Mazars in Vietnam

Whether you are entering the Vietnamese market for the first time or reviewing your existing operations in light of the 2025-2026 regulatory changes, our Vietnam specialists across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are ready to support you!

Download below the full Doing Business in Vietnam 2026 guide to explore the latest legal, tax, investment, and operational developments impacting foreign investors.