Do You Need a Vietnamese Nominee to Open a Company?

Be Careful with Nominee Structures

Some foreign investors think using a Vietnamese nominee is a shortcut to open a company inVietnam. In reality, it can become a serious risk.

Do You Need a Vietnamese Nominee to Open a Company?

A nominee structure may look simple. A local person stands as shareholder. The foreign investor provides money and controls the business behind the scenes.

But what happens if the relationship breaks down?

Who legally owns the shares?

Who controls the company seal?

Who controls the bank account?

Who can sign contracts?

Who can transfer the company?

Who is responsible for tax and compliance?

What happens if the nominee refuses to cooperate?

These questions become very real when the business makes money, receives investment, faces a tax review, or enters a dispute.

A nominee is not just a name on paper. It is a control risk.

Before using a nominee in Vietnam, check whether a transparent foreign-owned structure is legally possible.