Game Licensing in Vietnam: 7 Critical Rules Foreign Developers Need To Understand

  The gaming market in Vietnam is growing fast. Millions of players download and enjoy new games each month. Developers see opportunity and move quickly. Yet a hidden challenge waits for those who do not prepare. Without proper understanding of game licensing in Vietnam, a platform can face payment issues, app removals, and legal penalties.  That is what this article is about.

Vietnam Tightens Control Online Games

Vietnam’s gaming law is no longer a light touch environment. It is a market of promise but also one of rules. Many developers assume they can release games on app stores and monetize immediately. The law now has changed and a clear system is now in place that controls how games can be launched, monetized, and maintained.

We will briefly explain the key rules of game licensing in Vietnam and show the steps you need to take to stay safe, the mistakes you must avoid, and the benefits of doing things the right way.

Vietnam’s Gaming Boom Meets Legal Reality

Vietnam is a nation of young, connected players with high internet penetration. Mobile games dominate daily entertainment of youngsters. E-sports are growing, and livestream platforms are attracting investors.

The law is also catching up. Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) oversees game licensing for all types of interactive content. Any developer who wants long-term success must align with game licensing in Vietnam.

Until recently, some companies operated without registering their games. They published on app stores and hoped for the best. Payments went through for a time. Then banks began asking questions. Regulators issued notices. Local partners hesitated.

Why? Digital markets mature fast. When governments see money moving and consumer risk rising, they regulate. Vietnam is no different. The law now requires clarity about what type of game you offer, how it interacts with players, and how the platform earns revenue.

Game Licensing in Vietnam 7 Critical Rules

What You Will Get From This Article

In this article, we will discuss:

1. How the game license system works in Vietnam.
2. What the four license categories (G1, G2, G3, G4) mean.
3. Which games must apply for approval and which may be exempt.
4. How foreign developers can work with local partners to comply.
5. Common mistakes that block payments or lead to app store removals.
6. A step by step guide for obtaining approval.
7. Practical answers to frequently asked questions about game licensing in Vietnam.

You will have a roadmap that helps you launch legally and protect your revenue.

Understanding the License Categories

Vietnam divides games into four categories. Each category determines the licensing path.

1. G1 Games

Games with interaction between the player and the server, and between players with the server involved. This is the most common type of online game.

1. G2 Games

Games with interaction between the player and the server only. Players do not interact with one another. This can include some puzzle or story-based online games.

1. G3 Games

Games with interaction between players without interaction with a server. A local area network multiplayer match is an example.

1. G4 Games

Single-player games without interaction with servers or other players. This is the simplest category.

Understanding which category your game falls into is the first step to handling game licensing in Vietnam correctly. Many foreign developers misclassify their games and create downstream problems.

How to Navigate the Licensing Process and Avoid Legal Traps

Publishing in Vietnam requires planning. Here are the most important legal steps and traps to watch for.

Trap 1: Publishing without any local approval

Many developers think app store availability is enough. In Vietnam, foreign games distributed to local users need to be either licensed or associated with a local partner. Ignoring this step can lead to app store takedowns or blocked monetization.

Trap 2: Misclassifying your game

If you choose the wrong license category, your approval can be delayed or denied. A foreign studio once applied as a G4 single-player game but had optional server-based events. Authorities flagged it as G1 and required a new application.

Trap 3: Ignoring content review

Vietnamese law prohibits political content, cultural offense, and certain depictions of gambling or violence. Submitting a game without proper localization and compliance review risks rejection.

Trap 4: Skipping the local entity or partner

Foreign developers often need a Vietnamese entity or a licensed local publisher to process payments and maintain compliance. Without this structure, game licensing in Vietnam becomes nearly impossible for foreign-only companies.

Trap 5: Not aligning monetization with the license

Monetization methods must match the license and content. Virtual goods sales, in-app currencies, or tipping features are reviewed. Linking payments to unlicensed mechanics can trigger banking blocks.

Step by Step Guide to Game Licensing in Vietnam

1. Determine your game type (G1 to G4).
2. Prepare a game description, screenshots, and server interaction details.
3. Review content for cultural and political compliance.
4. Establish a local entity or select a licensed publisher partner.
5. Submit the licensing application to the Ministry of Information and Communications.
6. Provide details of monetization and user interaction if requested.
7. Wait for review and respond to any clarifications.
8. Receive license approval and launch legally.

Following these steps reduces risk and smooths your market entry.

FAQ: Game Licensing in Vietnam

Q1: Do all games need a license in Vietnam?

Not all. Offline single-player games (G4) may not require the same process as G1 online games. However, monetized games with Vietnamese users are generally expected to comply.

Q2: Can foreign companies apply directly?

Foreign developers often need a local entity or must partner with a licensed Vietnamese publisher to complete the process.

Q3: How long does licensing take?

Depending on category and content, approvals can take weeks to several months. Early preparation speeds up the process.

Q4: What content is commonly rejected?

Games with political, religious, or culturally sensitive elements face the highest rejection risk. Excessive violence or unlicensed gambling mechanics are also red flags.

Q5: What happens if we skip licensing?

Consequences include blocked in-app payments, bank transfer refusals, app store removals, and potential fines.

Why Acting Now Protects Your Platform

The Vietnamese gaming market offers massive opportunity. But the cost of ignoring the rules is high. Platforms that handle game licensing in Vietnam early can launch with confidence, monetize safely, and build trust with users and partners.

Delaying compliance risks disruption and lost revenue. By following the steps above, you prepare your platform for legal success and smooth operations in Vietnam’s dynamic market.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/game-licensing-in-vietnam-7-rules.html

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10 Essential Steps to Close a Business in Vietnam Without Legal Trouble

  Some stories need to end with clarity. 

In today’s rapidly changing business world, Vietnam is a place of remarkable opportunity, but also evolving legal expectations. Many companies have found success here. Others have realized it is time to transition, transform, or take a temporary pause.

For those companies, the decision to close a business in Vietnam is not a defeat. It is a strategic move.

Unfortunately, the legal system does not allow businesses to simply walk away. Missteps during closure can cause delayed tax clearance, liability risks, and even fines or blacklisting. Too many business owners find themselves stuck after their business activities have already ended.

In here we discuss how to close a business in Vietnam legally and confidently. Whether you are downsizing, restructuring, or simply exiting the market, this will give you some ideas to follow as the starting point.

Let us show you how to finish

10 Essential Steps to Close a Business in Vietnam Without Legal Trouble

Why This Matters Now

Vietnam is not the same as it was ten years ago. The country is embracing digital transformation, stricter compliance, and modernized enforcement.

For business owners, this means that every stage of a company’s life cycle, including closure, must be handled carefully. Many companies are choosing to restructure or consolidate. Others are leaving due to global shifts, rising labor costs, or new business strategies.

Whatever the reason, if you plan to close a business in Vietnam, the legal steps must be followed closely. Delays in tax clearance or employee termination in Vietnam can lead to months of unnecessary legal entanglements.

Doing it right protects your record, your assets, and your reputation.

What You Will Learn

This will show you the process to close a business in Vietnam, step by step.

You will learn:

• What to do before you even notify the authorities
• The legal documents required at each stage
• How to handle employees, taxes, and outstanding debts
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them
• What to do after closure

You will leave with a clear plan, legal confidence, and the ability to take your next steps without loose ends.

The Real Challenges You May Face

Imagine this. You stop operating your company. You move out of your office. You believe your business is done.

Then you receive a notice from the tax department. Or worse, you find out you are personally responsible for unresolved employee salaries.

This happens often. Many companies forget that to close a business in Vietnam, the formal process must be followed. Unpaid social insurance, missing public notices, or improper asset liquidation can cause significant issues even after your business has ceased operation.

It does not have to be that way.

The Legal Process Explained

Below is the step-by-step guide required by Vietnamese law to legally close your company and avoid penalties.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Close a Business in Vietnam

Step 1: Internal Decision to Close

Your board of directors or members’ council must issue a resolution to dissolve the company. This must be formally documented.

Step 2: Notify the Business Registration Office

Within seven working days of passing the resolution, you must notify the local Department of Planning and Investment. This includes submitting a copy of the decision and the proposed dissolution timeline.

Step 3: Public Disclosure

You must publish a notice of your company’s dissolution on the National Business Registration Portal. This step is often overlooked but is legally required to alert creditors and partners.

Step 4: Form a Liquidation Board

If your company has multiple shareholders or a complex structure, a liquidation board is necessary. This group will manage the asset sale and debt repayment process.

Step 5: Notify Creditors and Employees

You must settle all employee contracts, pay salaries and severance, and notify creditors of your intention to close. A thirty-day notice period is usually required.

Step 6: Tax Finalization

One of the most important steps is finalizing your taxes. You must submit a final tax return, settle any outstanding tax obligations, and obtain a confirmation of tax closure from the tax authority. Without this, you cannot officially close.

Step 7: Liquidate Company Assets

Any remaining assets must be sold or distributed according to company charter and law. This includes real estate, equipment, and bank accounts.

Step 8: Close Bank Accounts

You must close your corporate bank accounts and obtain written confirmation from the banks. These confirmations are required in your final submission.

Step 9: Submit Final Closure Documents

After completing all previous steps, you must submit a full dossier to the business registration office. This includes tax clearance, employee settlement proof, and asset liquidation records.

Step 10: Official Deregistration

Once your application is approved, your company will be removed from the national registry. Only then is your company officially closed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to notify public and creditors
• Attempting closure without paying taxes or employees
• Keeping bank accounts open after liquidation
• Missing deadlines for document submission
• Not hiring legal or tax advisors early enough

Remember, it is always easier to avoid these problems than to fix them later.

Alternatives to Closing a Business

Sometimes, you may not want to completely dissolve your company.

Consider these options:

• Suspending business operations for up to two years
• Selling the company to another investor or partner
• Merging or consolidating with another legal entity
• Converting your business to a different structure

Each option has its own legal process, but they may be easier or more cost-effective than a full closure.

What Happens After Closure?

After you successfully close a business in Vietnam, you must:

• Retain all accounting records for 10 years
• Notify relevant parties, including clients and vendors
• Close or repatriate remaining foreign capital (if applicable)
• Monitor any residual claims or audits

By doing this properly, you maintain your legal standing and open the door for future business opportunities in Vietnam or elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to close a business in Vietnam?

It usually takes between 3 to 6 months depending on tax clearance, document readiness, and business complexity.

2. Can I close the business without paying all debts?

No. All debts must be resolved before deregistration. Creditors may block the closure if unpaid.

3. What happens to my business license after closure?

The license is cancelled. You must reapply if you plan to open a new business later.

4. Is the process different for foreign-owned companies?

Yes. Foreign-owned businesses must also inform licensing authorities and fulfill foreign investment obligations.

5. Can I close a representative office the same way?

The process is similar but typically simpler. Still, you must obtain tax clearance and deregister properly.

End the Right Way

Every business has its season. If your time in Vietnam is coming to an end, do not walk away from your company. Exit it with purpose and clarity.

By following this guide to close a business in Vietnam, you protect your professional reputation, comply with the law, and keep your doors open for future ventures.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/corporate/10-steps-close-a-business-in-vietnam.html

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12 Benefits of Corporate Secretarial Services in Vietnam That Foreign Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore

  

In Vietnam, the difference between compliance and facing fines often comes down to paperwork.

It’s easy for foreign companies to get caught up in the excitement of tapping into Vietnam’s dynamic economy. But beneath the surface of high growth and low costs lies a complex regulatory maze that demands more than just good intentions. From business formation to operation, and all the updates in between, compliance is non-negotiable.

The real challenge? Staying current, accurate, and aligned with legal expectations.

For that to be executed, the companies would soon find the benefits of corporate secretarial services in Vietnam. Far beyond filing forms or ticking boxes, these corporate secretarial services in Vietnam act as a legal command center, ensuring that your company is not only set up properly but continuously maintained in line with Vietnamese laws. Yet, many foreign firms still underestimate their value, only realizing the consequences when issues arise.

In here we discuss 12 essential matters that foreign companies must know about corporate secretarial services in Vietnam, which could save your company time, money, and risk exposure. By the end, you’ll see that these services aren’t an added expense, they’re a critical asset to your long-term success.

Corporate Secretarial Services in Vietnam

Why Corporate Secretarial Services Matter in Vietnam

Doing business in Vietnam is rewarding, as you hear and know, with considerable acceptable cost, opportunities but only if your legal structure holds up under scrutiny. Regulatory compliance here isn’t optional; it’s integral to basic operations.

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam are important to ensure regulatory compliance. They ensure your company’s records, licenses, and documents are always up to date with the authorities. Unlike in some countries where governance might be looser, Vietnam requires a formal update to even change your company’s phone number on a license.

When a company fails to comply, the consequences can be severe: suspended tax codes, hefty fines, immigration headaches, and denial of permits. With corporate secretarial support, these risks are proactively managed.

Furthermore, engaging reliable corporate secretarial services in Vietnam enable efficient communication with Vietnamese authorities, ensure that your business is aligned with local labor and tax laws, and act as a local liaison in case of audits or inspections.

The message is clear: invest in corporate secretarial services in Vietnam or prepare to face costly administrative surprises.

Structuring Your Company Right from the Start

Getting your legal structure right is more than a formality, it’s your foundation.

In Vietnam, foreign investors can choose between several structures: Limited Liability Company (LLC), Joint Stock Company (JSC).

Without setting up companies in Vietnam, traders could consider to set up Representative Office in Vietnam (RO), or find partner to sign Business Cooperation Contract (BCC).

Each has distinct tax implications, foreign ownership limits, and licensing procedures.

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam guide you through the process of choosing the best fit based on your goals. For example, if you’re planning to scale regionally, a JSC may be more favorable due to its transferable shares and easier fundraising. For lean operations, an RO might suffice—though it can’t generate income directly.

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam also help draft and file the company charter, set up internal governance rules, and ensure compliance with Vietnam’s Investment Law and Enterprise Law. Mistakes in this phase can delay your licensing, limit your ability to hire, or prevent future expansion.

Right structuring isn’t just legal hygiene, it’s a strategic advantage that can save you from regulatory friction later on.

Getting Compliant – What Vietnam Requires

Compliance in Vietnam starts early, and never stops. Within weeks of registration, companies must fulfill various obligations:

• Declare their investment capital
• Register employees with the labor department
• Submit initial tax filings
• Open bank accounts and notify tax authorities
• Implement e-invoicing systems

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam manage these steps and ensure your company doesn’t miss critical deadlines. Compliance failures, even small ones, can lead to administrative fines or rejection of tax returns and licensing renewals.

Vietnamese regulations are detailed and time-bound. For instance, failing to contribute registered capital within 90 days of issuance of your Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) can trigger penalties or even revocation of your business license.

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam also help monitor regulatory changes and adjust filings or procedures accordingly, keeping your business compliant while you focus on growth.

Updating Corporate Documents: What, When, and Why

Change is inevitable in business, but in Vietnam, every change must be formally documented.

Whether you’re moving offices, replacing a legal representative, expanding business lines, or increasing capital, each modification requires an official amendment to your ERC and, where applicable, your Investment Registration Certificate (IRC).

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam take charge of drafting amendment applications, coordinating with relevant authorities, and ensuring legal timelines are met. Companies often overlook the need to update documents for relatively minor changes—such as adding a new business line—but failure to do so can result in business suspensions or denied filings.

The timeline for registration can be tight—generally 10 working days from the effective date of change—and the documentation requirements can be extensive. Legal reps may need to provide notarized passports, and investors must submit updated charter amendments.

Staying current with corporate documents isn’t about avoiding red tape—it’s about maintaining the legal standing of your company in Vietnam.

Business Licenses and Conditional Sectors

Vietnam classifies certain industries as “conditional,” meaning businesses must obtain special licenses or satisfy specific criteria to operate.

These sectors include:

• Real estate
• Education
• Logistics
• Fintech
• Pharmaceuticals
• Advertising

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam help you determine if your industry falls under these categories and guide you through license acquisition or compliance with sub-decrees. This often includes coordinating with multiple ministries and submitting specialized documentation.

For instance, a retail business may need a trading license from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, especially if it has foreign ownership. Without it, you’re not legally allowed to import or sell goods in Vietnam.

Having the right licenses upfront helps prevent future enforcement actions and builds trust with business partners and regulators alike.

Annual Obligations and Reporting Deadlines

Every year, companies in Vietnam must file:

• Annual financial statements
• Audited reports (for FDI enterprises)
• Corporate income tax (CIT) declarations
• Labor reports
• Annual investment reports (for FDI entities)

Missing deadlines can lead to fines or disruption in operations. Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam track these dates, prepare necessary filings, and work with your accountants to ensure all reporting is timely and accurate.

Especially for foreign investors, Vietnam’s tax and labor reporting systems can be confusing. Having local experts manage your annual obligations not only ensures compliance but avoids redundant reporting and unnecessary administrative burdens.

These annual tasks might feel like a routine chore, but in Vietnam, they are the backbone of your operational legitimacy.

The Importance of Maintaining Corporate Records

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date statutory records is a legal obligation in Vietnam—and failure to do so can trigger serious consequences.

Key documents include:

• Shareholder registers
• Charter and amendments
• Investment certificates
• Capital contribution records
• Board resolutions and meeting minutes

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam maintain these documents and ensure they are accessible for audits, inspections, or legal disputes.

Proper record-keeping also supports internal control, helps with due diligence during fundraising or M&A, and provides legal protection in case of conflict.

Vietnamese regulators expect companies to maintain physical and digital records for at least 10 years—and to produce them promptly when requested.

Foreign Investment Approvals and Licensing Changes

Any significant change in ownership or investment structure requires approval from the Department of Planning and Investment or other regulators. This includes:

• Adding new foreign investors
• Transferring ownership to another entity
• Increasing or reducing registered capital
• Changing investment project goals

These are not just “notify and proceed” events—they require formal approval.

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam help prepare shareholder resolutions, update the company charter, and manage the multi-step process of adjusting both the ERC and IRC.

Failing to do this properly can result in rejected applications, project delays, or even withdrawal of investment certificates.

Corporate Changes That Must Be Registered

Beyond ownership changes, the following corporate updates must be reported and registered:

• Change of director or legal representative
• Amendment of company name or address
• Adjustments in business lines
• Revisions to the company charter

Each change must be reported within a strict legal timeline. Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam ensure that the correct government portals are updated, documents notarized and translated, and applications filed without delay.

Delays or omissions in registering changes can lead to penalties or block future transactions such as profit repatriation or cross-border payments.

Exiting Gracefully – Company Closure Done Right

Closing a business in Vietnam is more complex than starting one. It involves:

• Settling debts and tax liabilities
• Deregistering with the tax office
• Liquidating assets
• Canceling business licenses
• Filing closure resolutions

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam streamline the process by coordinating with tax and planning authorities, managing document preparation, and ensuring that your exit is clean and legally recognized.

Failing to properly close a business can leave you or your parent company liable for unpaid taxes, future penalties, or being blacklisted by Vietnamese authorities.

Common Pitfalls Foreign Companies Face (and How to Avoid Them)

Some of the most frequent and costly mistakes include:

• Using outdated corporate documents
• Missing deadlines for charter capital contributions
• Ignoring sub-licensing requirements
• Failing to report changes to authorities
• Misunderstanding labor and immigration procedures

Corporate secretarial services in Vietnam exist to catch and prevent these missteps. With experienced local professionals handling your filings, your business avoids non-compliance and stays aligned with best practices.

Being proactive—not reactive—is the winning strategy in Vietnam’s compliance-heavy ecosystem.

Turning Compliance into a Competitive Advantage

Compliance in Vietnam isn’t just a box to check—it’s a business advantage. Companies that invest in robust corporate secretarial services in Vietnam enjoy smoother operations, stronger government relationships, and greater long-term stability.

By ensuring that your licenses, documents, records, and filings are always up to date, you protect your business from fines, delays, and reputation damage. More importantly, you gain the freedom to focus on growth, clients, and strategic priorities.

For foreign investors, navigating Vietnam’s regulatory waters doesn’t have to be risky or complex—so long as you have the right guide on board.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/corporate-secretarial-services-in-vietnam.html

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