For individuals and companies planning to operate in a high-tech park in Vietnam, the main difficulty is often identifying the correct procedure and the legal requirements that come with it. This article explains the key aspects in practical terms, based on experience handling files and advising clients in Vietnam.
Legal basis and current regulations
Activities in high-tech parks are governed mainly by the Law on High Technology, the Law on Investment and the Government's decree on high-tech parks (Decree No. 10/2024/ND-CP), together with tax, land and labour legislation. A distinctive feature is that the park's management board acts as a "one-stop" authority: within its delegated powers, it handles investment registration for projects in the park, land lease matters, construction-related procedures and certain labour matters such as work permits for foreign employees.
Two recent changes matter. The Law on Investment No. 143/2025/QH15, in force since 1 March 2026, replaced the 2020 Law on Investment; among other things, a foreign investor that meets market access conditions may now establish its company before having an investment project, although an Investment Registration Certificate is still required to implement the project. The Law on High Technology No. 133/2025/QH15, effective 1 July 2026, replaces the 2008 law and reclassifies high-tech enterprises, so applications filed from that date should be checked against the new implementing regulations.
Projects that meet the criteria for high technology may qualify for investment incentives, including corporate income tax incentives, import duty exemptions on goods forming fixed assets and land rent incentives. The precise level depends on the type of project and the legislation in force at the time — the corporate income tax regime has been revised by the Law on Corporate Income Tax No. 67/2025/QH15 — so incentives should always be confirmed against current law and recorded in the investment documents.
Detailed procedure
The process typically runs from preparing the file, submitting it to the management board, following the review, to receiving the result — usually an Investment Registration Certificate for foreign investors, followed by enterprise registration (or, under the 2025 Law on Investment, enterprise registration first where market access conditions are met) and land lease arrangements. Each step has its own requirements regarding timing, documents and costs.
Preparing the file is the most important step and largely determines the success of the whole procedure. The file must be complete, accurate in content and legally valid; missing even a minor document can delay the process or lead to the file being returned.
Documents to prepare
A well-organised file — with a clear index and numbered pages — speeds up the review and shows professionalism and seriousness to the competent authority.
In addition to the mandatory documents, applicants should have supporting materials ready, such as financial statements, meeting minutes, internal resolutions and relevant contracts. For a high-tech project, the authority will also look closely at the technology to be applied, the research and development plan and the qualifications of the workforce, and these documents are frequently requested during the review.
Documents issued abroad must be translated into Vietnamese with a certified translation. Since 11 September 2026, when the Apostille Convention entered into force for Vietnam, public documents from member states bearing an Apostille no longer need consular legalisation (the Convention does not yet apply with Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, which objected to Vietnam's accession); documents from other countries must still be consularly legalised unless exempt under a treaty.
Advice from legal practitioners
After the procedure is completed, keep your records systematically. They will be the basis for protecting your rights in the event of a dispute or an inspection, and for proving continued compliance with the conditions attached to your incentives.
Support from an experienced lawyer is often decisive. A lawyer can handle the technical requirements, anticipate issues that may arise and propose solutions suited to each stage of the project.
Quick Q&A
Which authority handles investment procedures in a high-tech park?
The management board of the high-tech park, which acts as a one-stop authority for investment registration and a number of related procedures within its delegated powers.
How long does the procedure usually take?
It depends on the project, the completeness of the file and the authority's processing time — typically from several weeks to a few months. A complete file from the outset shortens the process considerably.
What costs should I expect?
State fees, legal service fees if you engage a lawyer, translation, notarisation and the legalisation or Apostille certification of foreign documents, and other incidental costs. Ask for a quotation based on the specifics of your project.
Do incentives continue automatically once granted?
No. Incentives are usually conditional on the project continuing to meet the relevant criteria, so keep records proving compliance and monitor periodic reporting deadlines.
Note: This article summarises rules in force at the time of publication and is for general reference only; it is not a legal opinion on any specific matter. Legislation may be amended — please check the latest text or consult a lawyer before acting.