Vietnam Personal Income Tax Laws Foreigners Should Know

As the deadline for declaring Personal Income Tax (PIT) is approaching, we are reviewing some tax laws in Vietnam that foreigners working and earning in Vietnam should know and comply.

Law No. 71/2014/QH13 dated 26 November 2014 issued by Vietnam National Assembly amending five tax laws including Law on Personal Income Tax (“PIT”) and Law on Tax Administration provides with regulations on PIT finalization.

Vietnamese Government further issued a number of regulations on tax declaration, payment and finalization, as follows:
1. Decree No. 91/2014/ND-CP dated 1 October 2014, of Government, amending Decree No. 65/2013/ND-CP and Decree No. 83/2013/ND-CP of guidance on the Law on Tax Administration (“Decree 91”). Decree 91 has complemented several exemptions from PIT finalization and comes into effect from 15 November 2014.
2. Circular No. 119/2014/TT-BTC dated 25 August 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, amending and supplementing a number of tax circulars in order to simplify tax formalities (“Circular 119”). Circular 119 has supplemented regulations on PIT obligations of any individual who is a citizen of the country and/or territory entered into an agreement on preventing double taxation with Vietnam.
3. Circular No. 128/2014/TT-BTC dated 5 September 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, guiding the reduction of personal income tax for individuals working in economic zones and border-gate (“Circular 128”). Circular 128 broadens the subject of tax deduction and comes into effect from 20 October 2014.
4. Circular No. 151/2014/TT-BTC dated 1 October 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, guiding Decree 91/2014/ND-CP on various aspects of PIT finalization, providing detail subjects which are not required to finalize PIT.

Tax resident in Vietnam should note that 2014 Personal Income Tax finalization shall be made no later than 31 March 2015.

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Why Japanese Are Interested in Da Nang?

There are many advantages in geographical location, low labor costs, open investment environment… have made Da Nang becoming more and more attractive to Japanese investors. The cooperative relation between Da Nang and Japan has already had a solid foundation and are in the best development stage…

Previously, many Japanese investors are often interested in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) but recently they have been paying much attention to Da Nang – the city by the Han River. Besides the natural advantages, the Da Nang Government has also actively support and creates favorable conditions for investors, including Japan.

Recently, Da Nang and Japanese localities have also actively expanded their friendly cooperative relations in various fields. Da Nang has officially signed the Memorandum and deploy the friendship cooperation with Kawasaki, Sakai Yokohamam, Mitsuke and is taking steps to promote expanded cooperation, towards the signing of the Memorandum with Nagasaki, Kobe, Yaizu, Fukuoka, Otawara, Nemuro, Kushiro, Matsusaka. Da Nang is Vietnam’s pioneering province of Vietnam that has representative office in Tokyo…

Up to now, there are more than 120 enterprises and representative offices of the company from Japan have been active in Da Nang, with total investment of about 500 million USD, creating more than 30 thousand jobs for local workers. Annually, Da Nang also welcomed about 200 Japanese delegations came to survey and seek opportunities for cooperation and investment.

There are many projects in Da Nang that are constructed using ODA capital from Japan such as Hai Van Tunnel, the project to upgrade Tien Sa port, Da Nang Hospital…

Da Nang has a favorable geographical location as international gateway when lying on the East – West economic corridor, linking the countries in the ASEAN region. In addition, Da Nang has open investment environment with the liberal policies, implemented by the Government, transparent and facilitate administrative transactions…Moreover, Da Nang also has the advantage of cheap labor costs. Labor cost here is only 1/3 the salary paid to Chinese workers, an important factor in deciding to investment…

To welcoming the wave of Japanese investors, Da Nang has applied teaching Japanese language at secondary and high schools. Until now, Da Nang is province with the highest the number of students who study Japanese language in the central of Vietnam.

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Vietnam: The Potential Destination for Venture Capitals

If we see the business, the attention of Venture Capitals (VCs) and foreign investors are the indication then Vietnam is emerging as a potential environment for the startup operation.

Besides the investment funds that have been presented in Vietnam as IDG Ventures Vietnam, a number of new VCs have joined the Vietnam entrepreneurship ecosystem and are very optimistic about the ahead opportunities.

On August 2015, the Captii Ventures owned by Captii Corporation has invested a sum of 6 numbers to the startup OnOnPay phone recharge. This represents the first venture investment of Captii in Vietnam.

Factors attracting investors here are the demographic advantages and business models that can be replicated. According to Techlist.asia, the startup figure in Vietnam has risen to 1,400, bringing this country becomes the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia after Singapore and Indonesia.

With a population of 90 million people who are in the process of economic growth, young population structure, emerging middle class and the rate of Internet user is increasing rapidly, especially mobile phone, Vietnam is in the beginning phase of a very exciting cycle.

Moreover, Vietnam is a large, young and growing rapidly economy, the technology index such as the ratio of using the Internet and smart phone are in large-scale, the leading founder generation have achieved success and demonstrate the potential of the talent and market of Vietnam.

Compared to other Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Vietnam), Vietnam has strong advantages in the available technique human resources, energy, resources and potential growth the market.

Moreover, the new policy on foreign investment has entered into force on July 1st 2015 with more freedom for foreigners to own real estate in Vietnam and simpler procedures for projects or portfolios.

In the 3 areas that Captii Ventures is focusing on that are market, digital media and apps for business, they will participate more actively in at least two areas that are market and apps for business.

Not only with the VCs, Vietnam startup is also attractive to other foreign companies such as Yello Mobile from South Korea, the company has invested in CleverAds advertising company and Websosanh – the price comparison site.

Garena, a Singapore’s internet company has invested Series B for Foody, startup locations that in the same month continued to receive Series C investment from Tiger Global Management – US venture capital fund.

Transcosmos, a software manufacturing company based in Tokyo, had previously acquired a 30% stake in Hotdeal e-commerce platform in a deal signed on August 2015.

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing corporate intelligence, risk advisory, management consulting services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice
• Outsourcing Services

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows.  We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

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Vietnam Reduce Visa Granting Fee to Attract Investment

Vietnam visa fees have been revised to make easy for the foreigners entering Vietnam.  This is expected to increase tourists and facilitate the investment.

The Ministry of Finance has issued Circular 157 regulate the fees for granting passport, visa and papers on entry, exit, transit and residence in Vietnam.

Accordingly, from the date of November 23rd 2015, the new fees related to the entry of foreigners, overseas Vietnamese are significantly reduced.

Specifically, the visa fees for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese are reduced as follow: visa valid once fell from 45 USD to 25 USD; visa valid up to 3 months decreased from 95 USD to 50 USD, visa valid more than 3 months to 6 months and visa valid over 6 months to 1 year stays at 95 USD and 135 USD.

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Benefits of Setting up Business in Hanoi

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Benefits of Setting up Business in Ho Chi Minh City

Assistance in Setting up Business in Vietnam

M&A Services in Vietnam

In addition, the fee rates for granting visa valid from 1 year to 2 years are 145 USD; visa valid over 2 years to 5 years have the rate of 155 USD.

The reduction of the visa fee rates for foreigners to Vietnam, including tourists to conform to the new regulations of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, at the same time, encouraging tourism development.

At the same time, also for the purpose of encouraging tourism, the fee rates for visa valid several times, visa valid for no more than 3 months for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese in the conference, workshop or travel has been reduced from 95 USD to 50 USD.

In addition, for tourists traveling to Vietnam and then go to Laos, Cambodia… then return to Vietnam to exit the country in less than 30 days, the 5 USD fee level is applied instead of the current 45 USD.

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Industrial Park Welcome the “Wave” of Investment from TPP

Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) between the 12 members, including Vietnam, has recently concluded negotiations after more than 5 years of hard working.

Before that, many enterprises with foreign direct investment (FDI) have come to establish factories and business in Vietnam to prepare for the economic benefits that TPP brings.

According to Long An Economic Zone Authority (LAEZA), up to September 30th, they have received 122 investment projects, increase by 14.02% compared to the same period in 2014.

In which there are 67 FDI projects with a total investment of over 395 million USD, increase by 2.37% over the same period in 2014. Enterprises mostly invest in such areas as apparel, footwear, textile, plastic… and factories located mainly in the industrial zone in Ben Luc, Duc Hoa, Can Giuoc.

Tan Tao Group (ITA), the investor of Tan Duc Industrial Park said that in September, Long An Provincial People’s Committee, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have approved Trillions Corporation (USA) to invest in Tan Duc industrial park phase 2 in Duc Hoa.

This project is a 30 hectares complex with an expected investment of 120 million USD, which is invested by the Trillions Group and their partners  like Cosmo, CHA Technologies, Starensier US, Mountian Star, Billion TW… to provide products for Adidas and Nike, as well as catching up with the opportunities from TPP in the future.

The business opportunities after Vietnam signed the free trade agreement (FTA) and the outlook from TPP has attracted waves of FDI as well as the shift of investment projects from China to Vietnam.

Earlier, in August, Long An Provincial People’s Committee has granted investment certificate for the spinning factory of Huafu Group (Hong Kong) with an area of 35 ha and a total investment of over 300 million USD.

The project has a planned capacity of pulling 30,000 tons mill per year, estimating to contribute more than 3,000 jobs for local workers.

Huafu is one of the largest economic conglomerate specialized in spinning with experience of more than 20 years of development in Hong Kong. Moreover, they are the world’s largest supplier of high-end color yarn for the textile industry of more 60 countries and regions, such as Europe, America, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Regarding FDI in the past 9 months, total FDI in industrial parks, economic zones throughout the country reached more than 8.7 billion USD, increase by 12% over the same period.

A recent study from Standard Chartered Bank showed that there is a shift of investment capital from China to ASEAN countries to take advantage of opportunities.

Approximately 44% of units involved in the study chose Vietnam because of large domestic market, 29% choose because of lower operating costs and 18% choose because of abundant labor.

As for the garment industry, when the TPP takes effect, this is the advantaged industry therefore large foreign companies have landed in Vietnam in recent years.

To welcome new waves of investment, many localities like Ho Chi Minh City and Long An have adjusted the investment policy or extended the area of the industrial park.

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing intelligence, information, management or support and administrative services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice
• Outsourcing Services

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows.  We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

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