An ERC lets a company exist. A sub-license lets it actually operate in its industry. This is where sector-specific conditions live — and where most delays happen when they're mapped incorrectly.
Each sector below carries its own conditions, CPC codes, and licensing authority.
CPC examples for computer services, management consulting, education, healthcare, food and beverage, warehousing, freight forwarding, and distribution are drawn from Vietnam's published service-classification and investment guidance.
Learn the Business License application procedure for foreign-invested companies in Vietnam, including regulatory assessment, document preparation, submission, authority review and license issuance.
/business-licensing/business-license-cost-vietnam.htmlUnderstand the cost of obtaining a Business License in Vietnam, including government fees, legal fees, related licensing costs and factors affecting the total budget.
/business-licensing/business-license-required-documents-vietnam.htmlLearn what documents are required for a Business License application in Vietnam, including application forms, explanatory statements, tax documents, ERC/IRC and additional documents for retail activities.
/business-licensing/business-license-requirements-vietnam.htmlUnderstand the requirements for obtaining a Business License in Vietnam, including foreign investor eligibility, market access, permitted activities, goods restrictions and licensing conditions.
/business-licensing/business-license-timeline-vietnam.htmlLearn how long it takes to obtain a Business License in Vietnam, including statutory processing times, Retail Establishment License timelines, ENT procedures and factors that may delay approval.
/business-licensing/business-license-vietnam.htmlA complete guide to the Business License regime for foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam — eligibility, documents, licensing pathways, timeline and FAQ.
/business-licensing/distribution-rights-vietnam.htmlWhat a distribution right means for foreign investors in Vietnam, how it differs from import and export rights, the four distribution activities, and when a Business License is required.
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/business-licensing/retail-establishment-license-vietnam.htmlA complete guide to the Retail Establishment License in Vietnam — first vs additional outlets, the Economic Needs Test, documents, procedure, timeline and common issues.
Most logistics sub-sectors allow full foreign ownership, but a few segments — notably domestic freight forwarding by road — carry joint-venture or capped-ownership conditions. The applicable rule depends on which CPC-coded logistics service the license covers.
Yes. Management and business consulting is an unconditional sector under Vietnam's WTO commitments, and a wholly foreign-owned consulting company is standard. The business registration certificate must still list the specific consulting lines accurately.
Beyond the ERC, a trading company generally needs a Business License for Goods Trading and, depending on the goods, a Retail Outlet License for each physical location. Import/export activity itself does not require a separate license once these are in place. See our full guide to retail distribution in Vietnam.
Foreign investment in education is permitted but conditional — requirements differ sharply between language centers, vocational training, and higher education, with the last carrying the strictest approval and facility standards.