Which authorities are investment registration authorities in Vietnam?

According to Vietnamese investment regulations, an investment registration authority is a state authority that has the power to issue, amend, and revoke Investment Registration Certificates (IRC).

1. Definition of investment registration authority

Pursuant to Clause 1, Article 3 of the Law on Investment, the investment registration authority is the competent authority responsible for handling procedures related to Investment Registration Certificates.

2. Authorities designated as investment registration authorities

According to Clause 2, Article 3 of Circular No. 02/2017/TT-BKHĐT, investment registration authorities include:

• Departments of Planning and Investment (DPI) of provinces and centrally governed cities

• Management Boards of Industrial Parks

• Management Boards of Export Processing Zones

• Management Boards of High-Tech Parks

• Management Boards of Economic Zones

These authorities are stipulated in Article 28 of Decree No. 118/2015/ND-CP.

3. Practical implications for investors

Identifying the correct investment registration authority helps investors:

• Submit applications to the proper authority

• Reduce processing time

• Avoid errors when adjusting investment projects or changing investors or locations