Vietnam has experienced robust economic growth in recent years, transforming it into a highly competitive market. Businesses of all sizes rely on effective marketing strategies to gain an edge over their competitors. This heightened competition increases the workload and demands on marketing departments. However, in-house marketing teams often struggle to manage all aspects of marketing, including online and offline strategies, as well as inbound and outbound marketing efforts. To address this challenge, many companies seek the expertise of marketing agencies. Consequently, the demand for marketing service companies remains consistently high in Vietnam, as businesses look to enhance their marketing efforts and achieve better results.
Discover a lucrative investment opportunity in Vietnam’s booming digital marketing industry! Our comprehensive article provides a step-by-step guide on how to open a digital marketing agency in Vietnam.
1/ Conditions for Opening a Digital Marketing Agency in Vietnam
Before January 1, 2009, registering a digital marketing agency in Vietnam required a joint venture with a local partner, limiting foreign investment to 51%. After this date, foreign investors can still establish joint ventures but can now own up to 99.9% of the company. This change has opened new opportunities for foreign investment in Vietnam’s digital marketing sector, allowing for greater ownership and control. If you’re looking to start a digital marketing agency in Vietnam.
In Vietnam, “marketing agency” refers to a diverse range of marketing service providers. This includes marketing strategy consultancy, creative content production, media planning, and event organization agencies. Businesses offering these marketing services are categorized as marketing agencies.
This requirement can create a significant hurdle for investors, as the local partner must be a company with “Advertising” listed on its business license. However, Iris International offers a solution. If you don’t have a local partner, Iris International can arrange one for you to help establish your business.
2/ Steps to Establish a Digital Marketing Agency in Vietnam
After fulfilling the local partner requirement, the next step in incorporation is obtaining the essential business certificates. The two main certificates you need are the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and the Business Registration Certificate (BRC). The IRC will include the CPC-871 business code specific to marketing agencies. Both of these important certificates are issued by the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI).
What are requirements to set up the marketing agency in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, having a Business Address is a crucial requirement for all registered businesses. It is essential to secure a valid physical or virtual address, as using a residential address is not allowed. Be wary of offers that suggest using someone’s home address, as this could lead to issues with compliance. At Iris International, we provide reliable physical and virtual address solutions to help you establish your business quickly and effortlessly.
To successfully register your business in Vietnam, the next essential step is to appoint a legal representative. This representative can be a Vietnamese resident or a foreigner, including yourself. It’s crucial that the representative has a permanent address, as this establishes their residency and is necessary for obtaining a work permit later on. Additionally, the appointed representative must be present during the business registration process.
When starting a creative agency in Vietnam, it’s essential to evaluate the initial capital investment needed. Although the law does not stipulate a specific amount, choosing a reasonable figure is vital. This investment should at least cover operational expenses, including rent, salaries, taxes, and other costs, until your business reaches self-sufficiency.
The processing time will be 4-6 weeks from the time of paper submission.
To gain further insight into establishing a business in Vietnam, take a look at our recent publication outlining the 10 steps for opening a foreign-owned company in Vietnam.
3/ How Can Iris International Assist You?
As a leading consultancy firm in Vietnam, we specialize in company registration and formation, providing exceptional support to businesses looking to establish themselves in the region. Our experienced team can assist you in selecting the ideal location for your business and can offer a director nominee if needed.
We have extensive expertise in securing sub-licenses, ensuring your business operations run smoothly and efficiently.
Additionally, our Employer of Record (EOR) services streamline payroll, tax compliance, benefits administration, and team management, making us your go-to solution for all HR needs in Vietnam.
Our mission is not only to be the most efficient and cost-effective business partner in Vietnam, but we also take pride in our proven track record of building trust with numerous businesses. Therefore, choose us for reliable, expert consultancy services that will undoubtedly help your business thrive in Vietnam.
VI 
EN