Vietnam’s rapidly evolving business environment presents unique tax compliance requirements for foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises. This document provides a comprehensive guide to help foreign business owners understand and comply with Vietnamese tax regulations, while also developing strategies to legally optimize their tax efficiency.

Overview of the Tax System For Foreign Investors in Vietnam

Vietnam’s tax regime imposes various types of taxes on both foreign individuals and legal entities, including:

• Corporate Income Tax (CIT): Applicable to foreign-invested enterprises under the Law on Corporate Income Tax No. 14/2008/QH12, as amended by Law No. 32/2013/QH13;
• Personal Income Tax (PIT): Applicable to tax residents and non-residents deriving income in Vietnam under the Law on Personal Income Tax No. 04/2007/QH12, as amended by Law No. 26/2012/QH13;
• Foreign Contractor Tax (FCT): Imposed on foreign organizations or individuals without a legal presence in Vietnam but earning income from the provision of services, goods, royalties, etc., in accordance with Circular No. 103/2014/TT-BTC.

In addition, Vietnam’s tax system is undergoing a digital transformation toward electronic tax administration and e-filing, particularly following the enforcement of the Law on Tax Administration No. 38/2019/QH14 as of July 1, 2020, along with its implementing regulations such as Decree No. 126/2020/ND-CP.

See also: Administrative Penalties for Tax Violations by Household Businesses.

Personal Income Tax (PIT) for Foreign Individual Business Owners

1. Determination of Tax Residency Status

According to Article 2 of the Law on Personal Income Tax No. 04/2007/QH12, the scope of PIT obligations in Vietnam is determined based on the taxpayer’s residency status:

Taxpayers:

• Tax residents are subject to PIT on worldwide income, including both income sourced in and outside of Vietnam;
• Non-tax residents are only subject to PIT on income earned in Vietnam.

Criteria for determining tax residency:

An individual shall be considered a tax resident if they meet one of the following conditions:

• Present in Vietnam for 183 days or more within a calendar year or within any 12 consecutive months; or
• Have a permanent residence in Vietnam, including:
  • Registered permanent residence; or
  • Lease of a house in Vietnam under a contract with a term of 183 days or more.

An individual who does not satisfy any of the above conditions is considered a non-resident for tax purposes.

2. Applicable Tax Rates

• Tax residents: subject to a progressive tax rate ranging from 5% to 35%, depending on their taxable income.
• Non-residents: subject to a flat tax rate of 20% on income earned in Vietnam (Article 18, Circular No. 111/2013/TT-BTC).

3. Taxable Income

Taxable income for foreign investors or foreign individuals engaged in the management or operation of enterprises in Vietnam includes:

• Salaries and wages paid under employment contracts or managerial agreements;
• Performance bonuses or incentives tied to business results or personal achievements;
• Allowances and benefits as defined in Article 2 of Circular No. 111/2013/TT-BTC;
• Monetary and non-monetary benefits obtained from the exercise of managerial or representative roles in the enterprise, such as:
  • Housing allowances,
  • Company-provided transportation,
  • Bonus shares or stock options, provided these are not exempt from tax under prevailing regulations.

Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Obligations

1. Corporate Income Tax Rate

According to Clause 6, Article 1 of the Law on Corporate Income Tax, and as guided in Article 10 of Circular No. 78/2014/TT-BTC, as amended by Circular No. 96/2015/TT-BTC, the standard CIT rate currently applicable in Vietnam is 22%.

This rate applies to all enterprises, including foreign-invested enterprises, unless a lower preferential tax rate is granted under investment incentive policies, investment treaties, or applicable international agreements to which Vietnam is a party.

2. Tax Incentives

Pursuant to Articles 15 and 16 of the Law on Investment and Articles 15 and 16 of the Law on Corporate Income Tax, enterprises investing in preferential sectors or geographical areas may be entitled to CIT incentives, including:

• Preferential tax rate of 10% for a period of 15 years, applicable to:
  • New investment projects located in:
    • Extremely disadvantaged areas;
    • Economic zones, high-tech parks, and centralized IT zones (as designated by the Prime Minister);
  • New investment projects in specially encouraged sectors, such as:
    • Scientific research and high technology;
    • Technology incubation and high-tech enterprise incubation;
    • Development of key infrastructure (power plants, water supply, transportation, seaports, airports, etc.);
    • Software production, clean energy, biotechnology, new materials, and similar sectors.

3. Deductible Expenses

As regulated under Article 4 of Circular No. 96/2015/TT-BTC, enterprises are entitled to deduct business expenses for the purpose of determining taxable corporate income, provided that the expenses meet all the following conditions:

• The expenses are actually incurred and relate directly to the enterprise’s business activities;
• There are adequate lawful invoices and supporting documents in accordance with Vietnamese regulations;
• The expenses are not listed as non-deductible under Clause 2, Article 6 of Circular No. 78/2014/TT-BTC, as amended.

Accordingly, in order for an expense to be considered reasonable and deductible for CIT purposes, all three conditions above must be simultaneously satisfied.

Profit Distribution and Dividend Taxation

1. Withholding Tax on Dividends

Pursuant to Point b, Clause 3, Article 2 of Circular No. 111/2013/TT-BTC, as amended by Clause 6, Article 11 of Circular No. 92/2015/TT-BTC, income derived from dividends received through capital contribution or shareholding is classified as taxable personal income.

Accordingly, individuals who receive dividend payments are subject to Personal Income Tax (PIT) on such income.

As stipulated under Article 10 of Circular No. 111/2013/TT-BTC, the PIT on dividend income is calculated as follows:

PIT payable = Taxable income × Tax rate of 5%

2. Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) Benefits

Vietnam has signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAs) with more than 80 countries. Under these agreements, foreign individuals or entities may be entitled to:

• Exemption or reduction of the applicable withholding tax on dividends;
• Refund of overpaid tax in Vietnam if the tax withheld exceeds the limit specified in the relevant DTA.

To claim DTA benefits, foreign investors must submit a request for tax exemption or reduction under a DTA, in accordance with Circular No. 80/2021/TT-BTC. Required documentation includes a Certificate of Tax Residency issued by the investor’s home country and other supporting documents as prescribed.

Practical Notes on Tax Compliance in Vietnam

1. Maintain Proper Accounting and Financial Records

• Ensure complete documentation of input and output invoices;
• Maintain accounting books and records in accordance with Vietnam Accounting Standards (VAS);
• Work closely with internal accounting, auditing, and legal departments.

2. Timely Tax Filing and Payment

• File Value Added Tax (VAT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), and Personal Income Tax (PIT) on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the size of the enterprise;
• Submit annual financial statements and tax finalization reports in compliance with Law on Tax Administration No. 38/2019/QH14.

3. Internal Audit and Periodic Review

• Conduct internal audits or engage independent auditors annually to ensure tax data accuracy;
• Periodically review cost policies, related party transactions, and profit distribution mechanisms for compliance and efficiency.

4. Stay Updated on Tax Regulations

• Refer to official guidance from the General Department of Taxation and the Ministry of Finance;
• Monitor updates on new legislation via the official legal document portal or through reputable tax/legal advisory firms.

Conclusion

Full compliance with tax obligations is essential for foreign investors to operate a sustainable and legally sound business in Vietnam. As the legal environment continues to evolve towards greater transparency and consistency, investors are advised to stay informed of regulatory updates, collaborate closely with internal legal and accounting teams, and fully leverage available tax incentives under domestic law and international tax treaties. An effective tax strategy not only mitigates legal risks but also enhances long-term profitability throughout the investment and operational lifecycle in Vietnam.

Harley Miller Law Firm

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