Licensing time for foreign representative offices to be shortened to 14 days
VGP - From March 2026, Viet Nam shall shorten time required for licensing a foreign representative office to just 14 days from current 30 days.
The Government has issued Decree No. 62/2026/ND-CP amending and supplementing Decree 06/2005/ND-CP regarding on the establishment and operation of representative offices of foreign research and cooperation organizations in Viet Nam.
Under Decree 62, time required for licensing representative offices for foreign research and cooperation organizations in Viet Nam shall be reduced to 14 days from current 30 days, effective from March 1, 2026.
Foreign organizations can now submit their applications through the National Public Service Portal, in addition to direct submission or postal services.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) shall be required to check the validity of the application documents within one working day since it receives the documents.
Upon receiving an application, the MoFA shall consult relevant ministries, local authorities and the Ministry of Public Security. These consulted authorities shall have to provide their feedbacks within 10 working days compared to current 15 days.
In case the application is rejected, the MoFA shall have to provide a written explanation to the applicant.
For license extensions, the applicant shall have to submit a request at least 14 days before the current license expires./.
