Key Preparations for Foreign Investors in HCMC Industrial Parks

Overview

Ho Chi Minh City remains one of Vietnam’s leading destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI). With a well-developed industrial infrastructure, strategic logistics connections, and a skilled workforce, the city's industrial parks continue to attract manufacturers, logistics providers, and high-tech enterprises from around the world.

Before establishing a company in an industrial park (IP) in Ho Chi Minh City, foreign investors should carefully prepare their investment structure, legal documents, financial records, and project implementation plans.

1. Determine the Appropriate Business Sector

Foreign investors should first identify:

• The intended business activities
• Market access conditions applicable to foreign investors
• Industry sectors encouraged within the selected industrial park

Common sectors promoted in Ho Chi Minh City industrial parks include:

Manufacturing Industries

• Precision engineering
• Electronics manufacturing
• Medical equipment production
• Supporting industries

Logistics and Warehousing

• Distribution centers
• Warehousing services
• Logistics operations

High-Tech Industries

• Semiconductor manufacturing
• Automation technology
• Research and Development (R&D)

2. Secure a Project Location

Investors should obtain documents proving the project location, such as:

• Factory lease agreement
• Industrial land lease agreement
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for factory leasing
• Confirmation letter from the industrial park developer

A valid project location is an essential requirement for investment registration.

3. Prepare Financial Capacity Documents

Demonstrating financial capability is a key requirement when applying for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).

For Corporate Investors

Typical documents include:

• Audited financial statements for the last two years
• Annual financial reports
• Parent company financial support commitment
• Financial institution support letters

For Individual Investors

Typical documents include:

• Bank balance confirmation
• Personal asset statements
• Evidence of lawful investment funds

Authorities will assess whether the proposed investment capital is appropriate for the project's scale and objectives.

4. Apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

For projects located in industrial parks, applications are generally submitted to the competent industrial park authority.

The application dossier typically includes:

Investor Legal Documents

• Passport (for individuals)
• Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration (for organizations)

Project Documents

• Investment project proposal
• Factory or land lease documents
• Technology explanation (if required)

5. Obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

After receiving the IRC, investors must register the company and obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).

Required information generally includes:

• Company name
• Registered office address
• Legal representative
• Charter capital
• Business lines

Once the ERC is issued, the company becomes a legal entity under Vietnamese law.

6. Complete Post-Licensing Procedures

Depending on the project, additional approvals may be required:

Environmental Compliance

• Environmental registration
• Environmental permits

Fire Prevention and Fighting

• Fire safety design appraisal
• Fire safety acceptance inspection

Labor Compliance

• Labor registration
• Work permits for foreign employees

7. Key Considerations for FDI Investors in 2026

Foreign investors should:

• Prepare transparent financial documentation
• Register investment capital consistent with project scale
• Select an industrial park suitable for their industry
• Contribute capital according to the approved schedule
• Review environmental, construction, and fire safety requirements early in the project planning stage

Conclusion

Establishing a company in a Ho Chi Minh City industrial park offers significant advantages for foreign investors. Careful preparation of legal, financial, and operational documents can help accelerate licensing procedures and reduce investment risks.

References

• Investment Law No. 61/2020/QH14
• Enterprise Law No. 59/2020/QH14
• Decree No. 31/2021/NĐ-CP
• National Public Service Portal (https://dichvucong.gov.vn)
• National Business Registration Portal (https://dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn)
• Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA) (https://hepza.hochiminhcity.gov.vn)