Vietnam News: Week in Review (22 Aug 2025)

Vietnam is entering 2025 with major regulatory and policy changes that will reshape its business environment. From tax compliance reforms and digital bidding to visa waivers and high-tech incentives, these updates reflect the government’s push for transparency, competitiveness, and innovation.

United Consulting provides regular business updates to highlight the most important shifts affecting entrepreneurs, SMEs, and foreign investors. Whether you’re already doing business in Vietnam or exploring new Business & Investment opportunities, staying ahead of these changes will help you navigate compliance and seize growth potential. Follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook to always stay up to date! 

Vietnam E-Invoices and Compliance: A Push for Digital Transformation

The Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department is helping 250,000 household businesses transition to declaration-based taxation by 2026. This nationwide shift toward e-invoices is designed to improve transparency and reduce compliance costs.

Key Support Measures:

• Free e-invoice platforms via government agreements.
• On-site guidance and rapid-response technical support.
• Free accounting software for new enterprises.

Under Resolution 68, SMEs including household businesses converting into enterprises enjoy three years of tax and license fee exemptions. Private providers are also offering integrated e-invoicing solutions for SMEs.

Takeaway: Digital invoicing makes Vietnam compliance simpler and more efficient, rewarding early adopters with both cost savings and operational benefits.

Online Investor Selection: Vietnam Digital Bidding for Land-Use Projects

Decree 225/2025/NĐ-CP mandates that from July 2026, all domestic land-use project bids must be submitted online, becoming mandatory for selected projects in 2027.

• From July 1, 2026: All domestic expressions of interest must be submitted online.
• From January 1, 2027: Online bidding becomes mandatory for specific land-use investment projects.

The system standardizes publishing, submissions, evaluations, and results on the National E-Procurement System.

Takeaway: This reform increases transparency and reduces bureaucracy, creating a fairer, more competitive Business & Investment environment in Vietnam.

Deregulation Drive: Cutting 21 Conditional Business Sectors

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is pushing for major reforms by recommending the removal of 21 conditional business sectors.

• 16 sectors to be completely deregulated.
• 5 sectors to have a narrowed scope.

This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs, simplify licensing, and stimulate private sector growth. According to VCCI, many current conditional sectors, including accounting services, customs brokerage, and gold jewelry trading, do not pose significant risks to national security or public health. 

Their inclusion under conditional business rules adds unnecessary complexity and hinders investment.

If approved, the reform could:

• Lower entry barriers for SMEs and startups.
• Increase foreign participation in deregulated industries.
• Encourage innovation by freeing businesses from outdated restrictions.

Takeaway: Deregulation signals Vietnam’s commitment to a more open, investor-friendly climate.

Vietnam Visa Waivers Expanded: Boosting Tourism and Talent

Vietnam is extending 45-day visa waivers to citizens from 12 additional European countries, effective August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028. Countries include:

• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Switzerland.

This move broadens the tourism market and enhances Vietnam’s appeal as a travel destination.

At the same time, Decree 221 introduces short-term visa waivers for:

• Scientists, professors, and engineers.
• Digital tech specialists.
• Executives and major investors.

Takeaway: Broader visa policies strengthen tourism while attracting top talent and foreign investment.

Vietnam Incentives for Tech Experts: Fueling Innovation

To position itself as a regional innovation hub, Vietnam plans to roll out bold incentives for science, technology, and digital transformation experts. Proposed measures include:

• Exemption from personal income tax on salaries, bonuses, and contractual income.
• Competitive salaries aligned with international benchmarks.
• Annual bonuses of up to four months’ salary.
• Profit-sharing schemes, allowing experts to claim at least 30% of revenues from commercialized scientific results.
• Housing, transportation, and immigration support.
• Coverage for international research trips.

Priority fields include AI, semiconductors, and new materials, with a goal to attract 100 experts by 2030.

Takeaway: These policies highlight Vietnam’s shift toward innovation-driven growth, creating opportunities for SMEs and investors in tech sectors.

Conclusion: Understanding Vietnam Business

This update underscores one reality: Vietnam is rapidly modernizing its regulatory and investment framework.

• Compliance is becoming digital with e-invoicing and online investor selection.
• Barriers are being lowered through deregulation proposals.
• Foreign participation is being encouraged via visa waivers and expert incentives.

For entrepreneurs and foreign investors, the message is clear: Vietnam is committed to building a transparent, innovative, and globally integrated economy.

However, success in this environment requires careful navigation of Vietnam compliance requirements, proactive adaptation to digital processes, and strategic alignment with new opportunities in tourism, technology, and investment.

If you are considering doing business in Vietnam, now is the time to reassess your strategy, engage with local advisors, and position your company to thrive in this dynamic market.

👉 Ready to explore business opportunities in Vietnam? Stay tuned for more updates on compliance, investment policies, and growth strategies.