Korean investors entering Vietnam in 2026 can establish a wholly or partly foreign-owned company, invest into an existing Vietnamese business or choose another permitted form of presence. The correct structure depends on the proposed activities, ownership, capital, location, market-access conditions and sector-specific licences.
Which investment route should a Korean investor compare?
Compare a new foreign-invested company, a capital contribution or share acquisition, and where appropriate a representative office or branch. The filing sequence, documents and risk review differ by route.
Five points to settle before preparing the filing
- Define the real products, services or other revenue-generating activities.
- Check foreign ownership against Vietnam market-access rules and specialised legislation.
- Decide whether this is a new company or an acquisition.
- Confirm capital and premises suitable for the project.
- Identify licences required before operations.
Korean documents and Apostille
The Republic of Korea has been a Contracting Party to the 1961 Apostille Convention since 14 July 2007. The Convention entered into force for Vietnam on 11 September 2026. For covered public documents, Apostille can replace traditional consular legalisation.
HCCH lists Korean competent authorities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, National Court Administration and Overseas Koreans Agency for relevant categories. The correct authority must be confirmed for the actual document. Apostille does not replace Vietnamese translation requirements.
ERC first or IRC first?
The current 2026 investment framework permits an establishment-first route in eligible cases, subject to market-access and subsequent IRC requirements. An ERC does not replace the investment-project procedure or operating licences.
Does Korean investor status change the ownership analysis?
International commitments applicable between Vietnam and Korea may affect market access in particular service sectors, but they should not be treated as a blanket ownership rule for every activity.
Documents to identify before Apostille and translation
- evidence of the investor legal status;
- representative and signing-authority documents;
- investment or shareholder resolutions where relevant;
- powers of attorney;
- financial-capacity documents where required; and
- identity documents for investors or representatives.
What to send for a preliminary review
Send the investor legal name, place of incorporation, proposed activities, target ownership, capital range, location, intended start date and any Korean documents already available.
Legal reference note. Reviewed for the framework applicable on 23 October 2026, including Investment Law 143/2025/QH15, Decree 96/2026/ND-CP and the Apostille Convention.