Vietnam company search by name or Tax code: Guide 2025
Conducting a Vietnam company search is an essential step for foreign investors and businesses entering the local market. This guide explains how to verify company information by name or tax code using official government platforms – ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in 2025.
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Table of Contents
Why company verification matters for foreign businesses in Vietnam?
Before entering any business relationship in Vietnam, especially as a foreign investor, verifying your partner’s legal standing is a critical first step. It ensures you’re dealing with a properly registered entity and protects you from potential legal or financial exposure. Here’s why this process is essential – starting with compliance.
Ensure legal compliance before partnerships
Verifying a company’s legal status is a non-negotiable step for any foreign business considering partnerships, joint ventures, or service contracts in Vietnam. Without it, you risk entering into agreements that may be legally invalid, financially damaging, or reputationally costly.
Under the Law on Enterprises 2020 and Investment Law 2020, foreign investors are responsible for ensuring their partners are duly registered and compliant with Vietnamese business regulations.
The importance of verification:
| Reason | Description |
| Confirm legal existence and status | Verifies if the company is officially registered and active under MPI or DPI |
| Validate legal representative | Ensures the individual signing contracts is authorized under the enterprise code |
| Prevent fraud and hidden risk | Identifies inactive, dissolved, or suspended entities and avoids shell companies |
| Required for corporate procedures | Mandatory for opening bank accounts, applying for licenses, leasing offices, and FDI setup |
| Align with regulatory obligations | Fulfills due diligence and legal requirements under the Law on Enterprises and Investment Law |
Prevent fraud and financial/legal risk
Foreign investors operating in Vietnam face a dynamic yet complex business environment, where transparency in corporate records can vary. Without proper company verification, businesses expose themselves to the risk of dealing with entities that are inactive, misrepresented, or operating outside the legal framework.
Unregistered or dissolved companies may still maintain an online or physical presence, making it difficult for foreign partners to detect irregularities at first glance. Engaging with such entities could result in unenforceable contracts, frozen investments, or even regulatory penalties.
Moreover, without verifying the legal representative, a foreign partner might unknowingly sign agreements with unauthorized individuals – violating Article 12 of Vietnam’s Law on Enterprises. This can invalidate the contract or lead to disputes that are difficult to resolve in cross-border contexts.
Company verification helps mitigate:
- Fraudulent partners posing as active businesses
- Use of expired business licenses
- Disputes over legal representation and authority
- Hidden tax violations or blacklisting with tax authorities
To reduce these risks, foreign businesses should always search for a company’s legal profile via Vietnam’s National Business Registration Portal and cross-reference with the General Department of Taxation. Professional due diligence – including legal document review and on-the-ground investigation – can be provided by trusted local advisors like Maison Office as part of a comprehensive FDI market entry strategy.
Required step before setting up a new company (FDI compliance)
For foreign investors planning to establish a company in Vietnam, verifying existing business entities is a necessary first step in the incorporation process. This ensures that the proposed company name, business scope, and registered address do not conflict with existing enterprises—an essential requirement for DPI approval.
Under Vietnamese law, all foreign direct investment (FDI) applications must be reviewed in the context of current market conditions and legal overlaps. Failing to check for duplicate names or restricted business lines can lead to application rejections or costly delays in licensing procedures.
Moreover, identifying similar businesses helps investors refine their market positioning, assess competitive risk, and prepare a compliant investment registration dossier. Proper verification also supports smoother onboarding with Vietnamese tax and licensing authorities.
Trust signals for leasing contracts or investment
Verified company information serves as a critical trust signal in Vietnam’s business landscape, particularly when foreign investors engage in leasing agreements or capital transactions. Landlords, banks, and government agencies often require valid proof of business registration before signing contracts or issuing approvals.
A company that appears in the national registry with a valid enterprise code, tax ID, and active legal status demonstrates operational legitimacy. This reassures landlords when entering long-term lease agreements and provides credibility when opening bank accounts, applying for tax codes, or working with government licensing departments.
Vietnam’s Official platforms for business verification
Vietnam offers several official online platforms that allow foreign investors to verify the legal status of a company before entering into partnerships, signing contracts, or initiating FDI procedures. These platforms are maintained by government authorities and provide both free and paid access to enterprise data.
National Business Registration Portal
The National Business Registration Portal is the official government platform managed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). It serves as the central registry for enterprise information across the country and is the most reliable source for verifying business registration status.
Users can search for a company using:
- Company name (full or partial, in Vietnamese)
- Enterprise Code
- Tax ID
Below is free and paid information available on the National Business Registration Portal:
| Category | Information type | Description |
| Free information | Company name | Official registered name of the business |
| Tax ID / Enterprise code | Unique identifier for tax and legal purposes | |
| Legal status | Indicates if the company is active, dissolved, or suspended | |
| Business type | Legal structure (e.g., LLC, JSC, branch, representative office) | |
| Registered address | Company’s head office location and province | |
| Legal representative | Authorized person to act on behalf of the company | |
| Business sectors | Main and secondary business activities | |
| Paid information | Certified Business License | Official copy of the company’s registration certificate |
| Company charter & Amendments | Governing documents and registration change history | |
| Capital structure | Registered capital and ownership proportions | |
| Shareholder information | Details of founders, shareholders, or members (for LLCs and JSCs) |
General department of taxation (GDT Portal)
The General Department of Taxation (GDT) Portal, operated by Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance, allows users to verify a company’s tax code validity and tax compliance status. This platform is particularly useful for confirming whether a business is officially recognized for tax purposes and actively fulfilling its obligations.
Users can search by:
- Company tax ID
- Company name (in Vietnamese)
Information available includes:
- Legal entity name
- Tax identification number
- Tax office managing the company
- Operational status (active, suspended, dissolved)
- Reason for any suspension or deactivation (if applicable)
This portal complements the National Business Registration Portal by focusing on a company’s tax legitimacy – an essential step before entering into commercial agreements or initiating FDI licensing procedures. For foreign investors, ensuring that a business is both legally registered and tax-compliant is critical for contract enforceability and regulatory alignment.
How to search for a company by name or tax code
Foreign investors can verify the legal status of a Vietnamese business through two primary search methods: by company name or by tax identification number (also known as the enterprise code). Each method offers access to official data on registration status, ownership, and compliance – key information before signing contracts, making investments, or setting up a company.
Choosing the correct search method depends on what information you already have. If you know the company name, a name-based search is a good starting point. For higher accuracy and to avoid duplication or confusion, searching by tax code or enterprise registration number is highly recommended.
Step-by-step using company name
To search for a company in Vietnam by its registered name, follow the steps below using the official National Business Registration Portal:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Access the portal: dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn |
| 2 | Navigate to “Search Enterprises” |
| 3 | Enter the company name (preferably in Vietnamese without accents) |
| 4 | Review the list of matching businesses shown in the search results |
| 5 | Select the correct company to view detailed registration information |
This method is useful for initial verification, but if the company has a common or generic name, results may include multiple entries. To ensure accuracy—especially in legal or investment contexts—it’s advisable to confirm using the enterprise code or tax ID.
Step-by-step using tax code (Enterprise code)
Searching by tax code—also known as the enterprise code—is the most accurate way to verify a company in Vietnam. This method eliminates confusion caused by similar or duplicate business names and ensures that you’re reviewing the correct legal entity.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Go to https://dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn |
| 2 | Select “Search Enterprises” from the homepage |
| 3 | Enter the full tax ID / enterprise code into the search field |
| 4 | Click the search icon or press Enter |
| 5 | View the company’s official profile, including legal status, business type, address, and legal representative |
How to interpret company status and legal information
Once you access a company’s profile on the National Business Registration Portal, it’s important to understand the legal terms and fields provided. Below is a breakdown of key data points and how to interpret them accurately:
| Field | Meaning / How to Interpret |
| Enterprise code/Tax ID | Unique identifier issued upon business registration. Use this for all legal and tax purposes |
| Company status | Indicates whether the company is active, dissolved, suspended, or under review. Only active companies are legally allowed to operate |
| Legal representative | The individual authorized to act on behalf of the company. Contracts must be signed by this person to be valid |
| Type of enterprise | Identifies the legal structure, such as LLC (one/two members), JSC, branch, or representative office |
| Establishment date | The official date of company formation. Useful for assessing operational history and credibility |
| Business sectors | Lists registered lines of business. Some sectors may require additional licenses or regulatory approvals |
| Head office address | The registered business address. Required for contract validity and lease agreements |
Understanding these elements is essential for assessing a partner’s legitimacy, avoiding regulatory issues, and preparing for investment or leasing procedures.
Common errors and how to troubleshoot search results
When searching for company information on Vietnamese government portals, users – especially foreign investors—may encounter incomplete or no results. Below are typical errors and how to resolve them effectively:
| Common issue | Troubleshooting tip |
| No results found for company name | Ensure correct Vietnamese spelling (no accents), avoid special characters, or try abbreviations. Use full legal name if available |
| Incorrect or outdated enterprise code | Double-check the number from official documents. Confirm if the company has changed its code due to restructuring |
| Duplicate or similar company names appear | Compare full addresses, legal representatives, and business type to identify the correct company |
| Search only works in Vietnamese | Switch your keyboard to Vietnamese (without diacritics) or use a native speaker/local consultant |
| Website not loading or timing out | Retry during off-peak hours or use a VPN if accessing from outside Vietnam. Alternatively, consult a local expert |
What information you can find from the registry
Vietnam’s official business registries provide a comprehensive snapshot of a company’s legal and operational identity. This data is crucial for foreign investors conducting due diligence before forming partnerships, signing contracts, or setting up an FDI entity.
| Field | Description |
| Company name | The full legal name as registered with the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI). Used in all official transactions and contracts |
| Legal status | Indicates whether the company is active, suspended, dissolved, or pending registration approval. Only active companies are legally permitted to operate |
| Industry / Business sector | Lists the business activities registered under the company’s license. Some may require additional approvals, especially in regulated industries |
| Head office address | The official registered location of the company’s headquarters. Important for regulatory compliance, tax filings, and lease agreements |
| Founding date | The date of incorporation. Useful for evaluating business experience and reliability |
| Owner / Legal representative | Identifies the person(s) authorized to represent the company. Contracts must be signed by this individual to be valid under Vietnamese law |
| Entity type | Indicates the company’s legal structure: one-member LLC, multi-member LLC, joint-stock company (JSC), branch, or representative office (RO) |
| Legal operation status | Confirms whether the company is in good standing, suspended for tax or legal reasons, dissolved, or newly registered and pending activation |
Understanding these details helps foreign investors make informed decisions, avoid legal risks, and comply with regulatory requirements during the setup or partnership process.
Leasing office space in Vietnam after registration
Once your company is legally registered in Vietnam, securing a suitable office space becomes the next critical step in establishing your local operations. For foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), this process is not only a business necessity but also a regulatory requirement—as the registered office address must be valid and verifiable for licensing, taxation, and banking purposes.
Why office leasing is crucial post-registration:
- A registered physical office is mandatory to complete post-licensing procedures, including opening a corporate bank account and registering with the tax authority.
- The office address is also listed on your business license and used in all official communications with Vietnamese authorities.
- In many cases, especially in sectors such as consulting, finance, and IT, the quality and location of the office contribute directly to your brand perception and client trust.
Available options for FDI companies include:
- Traditional office spaces: Located in Grade A, B, or C buildings, often requiring 2–3 year lease terms.
- Serviced offices / business centers: Fully furnished, short-term flexibility, often suitable for startups or project offices.
- Coworking spaces: Cost-effective and collaborative environments ideal for small teams or early-stage ventures.
Common leasing requirements for foreign companies:
- Valid business license (ERC/IRC)
- Legal representative’s passport and visa
- Company seal or power of attorney for contract signing
- Minimum lease term depending on building type and location
Choosing the right office space after registration is more than just securing a location—it’s a strategic decision that ensures regulatory compliance, supports operational readiness, and builds trust with stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These are some of the most common questions foreign investors have when using Vietnam’s official platforms to verify company information or prepare for business registration:
Is the Vietnam company search tool free?
Yes. The National Business Registration Portal provides free access to basic company information, including name, tax ID, legal status, business type, and registered address. However, additional data such as certified documents, ownership details, and registration history may require a small processing fee (typically from VND 20,000 to 150,000).
Can I search a company by tax code?
Absolutely. Searching by tax code (also known as the enterprise code) is the most accurate method. It avoids confusion caused by similar company names and directly links to the company’s legal profile in the government database.
What does “dissolved” or “inactive” mean in the registry?
“Dissolved” indicates the company has officially ceased operations and is no longer recognized as a legal entity. “Inactive” typically means the business is temporarily suspended—often due to tax issues or pending license renewal. In both cases, the company cannot legally conduct business.
Yes, but this usually falls under the portal’s paid services. For joint-stock companies or multi-member LLCs, shareholder names and capital contributions may be available upon request, especially in certified extracts. Maison Office can assist in retrieving and translating these documents if needed.
What if I plan to register a company but need help?
Maison Office offers consulting services for foreign investors looking to register a company in Vietnam. From pre-checking business names and verifying availability to preparing licensing documents and securing office space, our team provides end-to-end support to ensure full legal compliance and a smooth market entry.
Whether you’re performing due diligence on a local partner or preparing to launch your own foreign-invested company, verifying business registration is a critical first step. The right information helps you avoid legal risks, ensure compliance, and make confident business decisions in Vietnam’s fast-evolving market.
