Procedures for issuing Investment Registration Certificates to domestic investors

An Investment Registration Certificate is a document issued by a competent state agency to record the investor's registration information regarding an investment project. Obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate legally recognizes the project and provides a basis for the investor to conduct business in accordance with the law. According to the 2020 Investment Law and its implementing regulations, in certain cases, domestic investors must apply for an Investment Registration Certificate before commencing their project.

1. What is an Investment Registration Certificate?

An investment registration certificate is a document or electronic record that contains the investor's registration information regarding an investment project, including basic details such as: investor information, project objectives, project scale, investment capital, location, implementation schedule, and project operating period.

The issuance of Investment Registration Certificates is carried out in accordance with Article 38 of the 2020 Investment Law, whereby the investment registration authority is responsible for reviewing the application and issuing the Investment Registration Certificate to the project when it fully meets the conditions stipulated by law.

2. Cases where domestic investors are required to go through the procedure of obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate.

Not all investment projects by domestic investors are required to obtain an Investment Registration Certificate. According to investment law , the issuance of an Investment Registration Certificate is usually only required for projects that need to undergo the investment policy approval procedure, or in cases where the investor requests the certificate for convenience in project implementation.

Furthermore, for investment projects with specific characteristics regarding scale, location, or investment sector, the competent state agency may require investment registration procedures to ensure effective state management of investment activities.

3. Application dossier for issuance of Investment Registration Certificate

Investors applying for an Investment Registration Certificate must prepare a complete set of documents as required by law. The basic documents include:

Document proposing the implementation of an investment project.

Documents proving the legal status of the investor.

An investment project proposal should present key details such as investment objectives, project scale, investment capital, capital mobilization plan, location, timeframe, and project implementation schedule.

Documents proving the investor's financial capacity.

Proposal for land use requirements or documentation proving the right to use the project site.

Provide an explanation of the technology used for projects that are subject to technology assessment as stipulated by law.

Other relevant documents as required by the investment registration authority in each specific case.

4. Procedures for issuing Investment Registration Certificates

Investors follow these basic steps to obtain an Investment Registration Certificate:

Investors must prepare all necessary documents as required and submit them to the competent investment registration authority.

The investment registration authority receives and checks the validity of the application. If the application is incomplete or invalid, the competent authority will request the investor to amend or supplement it.

After the application is deemed valid, the investment registration authority will conduct an assessment of the project's content in accordance with the law.

If the project meets the conditions stipulated by law, the investment registration authority will issue an Investment Registration Certificate to the investor.

According to Article 38 of the 2020 Investment Law, the time limit for issuing an Investment Registration Certificate is typically 15 days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application.

5. The competent authority to issue the Investment Registration Certificate.

Depending on the location and nature of the investment project, the competent authority to issue the Investment Registration Certificate may be:

The Department of Planning and Investment where the investment project is implemented.

The management board of industrial parks, export processing zones, high-tech zones, or economic zones is responsible for investment projects implemented within these areas.

Identifying the correct competent authority helps ensure that the application process is carried out quickly and in accordance with the law.

6. Time limit for processing the procedure

After receiving a complete and valid application, the investment registration authority is responsible for reviewing and issuing the Investment Registration Certificate within the time limit prescribed by law. In case of refusal to issue the certificate, the state agency must notify the investor in writing, clearly stating the reasons, so that the investor is aware and can take the next steps.

7. Services to assist in the procedures for obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate.

The procedure for obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate involves numerous legal regulations and requires detailed documentation. Therefore, utilizing legal consulting services will help investors:

Received full consultation regarding the conditions for implementing the investment project.

We provide assistance in preparing and completing the application documents in accordance with legal regulations.

Save time when dealing with government agencies.

Minimize legal risks during the implementation of investment projects.

If investors need detailed information or assistance with the procedures for obtaining an Investment Registration Certificate, consulting with professional legal advisors will help ensure the process is carried out quickly and in accordance with the law.

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Commitment to service quality:

HTC Vietnam Law Firm operates with the motto of dedication – efficiency – credibility, and is committed to ensuring the quality of its services, specifically as follows:

- Ensure that work is completed according to the agreed schedule, in compliance with legal regulations, and in accordance with the code of ethics and conduct for Vietnamese lawyers.

- We prioritize customer interests and strive to provide our customers with the best possible service quality.

- Protect the information provided by customers and information related to customers.

We look forward to a long-term partnership and mutual growth with our valued customers.

Best regards!

(Author: Nguyen Hong Anh; Translator: Nguyen Phuong Anh; Date: January 26, 2026)

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