Franchise registration Thanh My Tay – Complete legal guide 2025 by TRAN &CO. Attorneys
With its strategic location and youthful consumer base, Thanh My Tay has become a key hub for international franchise brands. To operate legally, franchisors must clearly understand the franchise registration Thanh My Tay process. With extensive experience advising global franchises, TRAN &CO. Attorneys provides precise legal guidance and an up-to-date roadmap for fast, compliant registration.
1. Legal conditions for franchise registration in Vietnam
Franchising is deemed a conditional business activity in Vietnam. Consequently, a thorough review and satisfaction of legal criteria prior to submission are essential steps to prevent requests for supplementation or procedural delays.
1.1 Conditions for the franchisor
Under Vietnamese law, franchising is a conditional business line. A franchisor must satisfy two essential requirements:
- Minimum one-year operation: The business model intended for franchising must have been operated continuously for at least one year before registration.
- Industrial property protection: Intellectual property relating to the brand, trade name, or technical know-how must be registered and protected in Vietnam where applicable.
Expert Note:
For international brands, documents proving the one-year operation are often issued in the home country. These materials must be legally processed via consular legalization, sworn translation, and notarization to guarantee absolute validity when submitted to Vietnamese state agencies, especially when dealing with franchise registration Thanh My Tay.
1.2 Conditions for franchise activities
Beyond the operational timeframe, the franchise system must demonstrate effectiveness and readiness for replication. This includes standardized operating procedures, training programs, quality control, and ongoing technical support. Well-structured FDDs from Singaporean or other ASEAN brands often illustrate these elements clearly and serve as strong supporting evidence in the registration process.
2. Franchise registration dossier
The registration application must be comprehensively prepared and filed with the competent authority. Accurate and complete documentation is the deciding factor in the speed and success of the registration process.
2.1 Mandatory documentation
Enterprises must meticulously prepare, draft, and refine the following documents for the franchising activity application:
- Application form for franchise activity registration.
- Business/Investment registration certificate of the franchisor.
- Evidence of at least one year of operation.
- Franchise disclosure document (FDD) prepared in accordance with Vietnamese law and notarized in Vietnamese.
- Certified copy of IP protection certificates, if applicable.
2.2 Special notes for foreign franchisors
TRAN &CO. Attorneys specialize in handling foreign brand applications, which require simultaneous compliance with Vietnamese law and international disclosure standards (particularly for brands that have operated in the U.S. or E.U.). We provide end-to-end support for the preparation, review, and legalization of all documentation to ensure the file is accepted on the first submission, thereby minimizing the risk of rejection.
3. Filing process & Review procedure in Ho Chi Minh City
Although the franchised business will operate within the Thanh My Tay, the legal registration is processed at the City level, not the district level.
3.1 Competent authority
The competent authority is the Department of Industry and Trade (DoIT) of Ho Chi Minh City. Foreign and domestic franchisors operating in Thanh My Tay must submit their dossier to this department.
3.2 Processing time & Common issues
Applications may be submitted online via the DoIT portal or directly at its office. The statutory review period is five working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier.
Practical Insight:
In reality, the appraisal process can take longer, especially for foreign brand applications that require supplemental explanations regarding the legal validity of the one-year operation proof or IPR documentation. Timely intervention and clarification from a legal expert team are essential for reducing the waiting period. Common reasons for application rejection include:
- Documentation proving the one-year operation of the foreign brand is not legally recognized (lacking proper consular legalization).
- Inconsistencies between the intellectual property documentation and the FDD.
- Inaccurate or non-compliant translation and notarization.
4. Post-registration legal obligations
Completing the registration is only the starting point; the franchisor continues to have mandatory compliance obligations:
4.1 Franchise disclosure obligation (FDD)
Vietnamese law requires franchisors to provide the FDD to prospective franchisees at least 15 days before signing the franchise agreement. This is a crucial due diligence window that protects franchisees and mitigates risks for both parties.
4.2 Franchise agreement & IP protection
The franchise agreement must comply with Vietnam’s Commercial Law and reflect a balanced allocation of rights and obligations. Maintaining trademark protection throughout the franchise lifecycle is essential, especially for brands from Korea, Japan, and Singapore entering Vietnam’s competitive F&B and retail sectors.
5. Comprehensive advisory services from TRAN &CO. Attorneys
Franchise registration Thanh My Tay involves stringent regulatory requirements, especially for international brands with complex operational systems. TRAN &CO. Attorneys offers a full-scope legal service, including:
- Deep international experience: Extensive cross-border expertise with leading Asian and global franchise brands
- Up-to-date legal compliance under Decree 07/2016/ND-CP and current IP regulations
- Standardized FDD structure: FDD drafting and localization to meet both Vietnamese and international disclosure standards
- Representation & clarification: Acting on behalf of the franchisor with the Ho Chi Minh City DOIT, promptly addressing any requests for supplementation or clarification.
6. Conclusion
Franchise registration Thanh My Tay is a critical step to establishing a solid legal foundation for your brand’s entry into the Vietnamese market. As a trusted partner for international franchisors, TRAN & CO. Attorneys ensures accuracy, full compliance, and a smooth, efficient expansion process. Don’t let regulatory procedures slow down your growth. Contact TRAN & CO. Attorneys today for expert guidance and end-to-end support throughout the franchise registration process in Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact information:
- Address: 34th Floor, Landmark 81, 720A Dien Bien Phu Street, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Hotline: +84 765 888 168
- Email: info@tranandcolaw.com
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