Investment Registration Guide: Industrial Projects in HCMC

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s leading economic hub, home to numerous industrial parks (IPs) and export processing zones (EPZs). Understanding the investment registration procedures helps investors implement projects efficiently, legally, and at lower cost.

1. Overview

Why Invest in Ho Chi Minh City’s Industrial Parks

• The city has more than 20 IPs and EPZs covering over 5,000 hectares, offering complete infrastructure and proximity to ports, airports, and logistics centers.

• Local authorities actively encourage investment in high-tech, green manufacturing, and export-oriented industries.

• Major parks such as Tan Tao, Hiep Phuoc, Dong Nam, Linh Trung, and Le Minh Xuan 3 are top destinations for both domestic and foreign investors.

Infrastructure and Strategic Location Advantages

• Excellent connectivity to Binh Duong, Long An, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh.

• Reliable power, water, and waste treatment systems meeting international standards.

• Full access to supporting services — logistics, recruitment, and financial institutions.

2. List of Permitted Investment Sectors

Food, Pharmaceuticals, Precision Engineering, Packaging, Plastics, and Electronics

These sectors are prioritized as they provide high added value and align with Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainable development strategy.
Particularly, food processing, paper packaging, and precision mechanics attract strong investor demand.

Priority and Restricted Industries

• Priority: Green production, environmentally friendly industries, high technology, and export support sectors.

• Restricted: Textile dyeing, electroplating, and chemical industries with high pollution risks unless equipped with standard waste treatment systems.

3. Investment Registration Documents

Investor’s Legal Documents

• Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

• Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) – required for foreign investors (FDI)

• Financial capacity statement or audited financial report

Project Dossier

• Project proposal: objectives, scale, technology, implementation schedule

• Factory or land location plan, expected area and usage purpose

• Technical drawings, fire prevention plan, and environmental documents

4. Implementation Process

Step 1 – Submit the Application to the Industrial Park Management Board

Investors submit documents directly to the Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA) or via the online public service portal.

Step 2 – Dossier Appraisal

• Authorities review the project’s legality, investor capability, and compliance with industrial park planning.

• Supplementary documents on environment or technology may be requested if necessary.

Step 3 – Obtain the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)

Once approved, investors receive the IRC, allowing official project implementation.
For FDI enterprises, the IRC is mandatory before signing land or factory lease contracts.

5. Estimated Time and Fees

Processing Time

• Average processing time: 15–30 working days after submitting a complete dossier.

• For FDI projects requiring environmental or technology appraisal, it may take longer.

Official Fees and Charges

• Investment appraisal fee: approximately VND 3–5 million per application.

• IRC issuance fee: around VND 500,000–1,000,000, depending on project type.

• Additional costs include translation, notarization, and legal consulting fees.

6. Conclusion

Completing investment registration in Ho Chi Minh City industrial parks is a key step for legal project operation.
Investors should prepare comprehensive legal documents, survey suitable locations, and ensure the factory meets technical standards to speed up approval.

Industrial parks such as Dong Nam, Hiep Phuoc, Le Minh Xuan 3, and Vinh Loc are ideal choices thanks to modern infrastructure, competitive leasing costs, and supportive local policies.