Q&A
What is the difference between Foreign-owned enterprise (FOE) and Representative office (RO) in Vietnam?
What is the difference between Foreign-owned enterprise (FOE) and Representative office (RO) in Vietnam?
As the legally permissible business lines for Representative Offices (ROs) differ from foreign-owned entities (FOEs), namely that ROs are not allowed to directly conduct profit-generated business activities, therefore the annual reporting requirements are different for ROs as well.
Prior to the final working day of January of the following year, ROs must submit a report of their operations during the previous year to the Department of Industry and Trade in the province in which the RO is based.
This report, which must follow a form issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is generally comprised of the information described here, namely:
- basic information,
- human resources situation, and
- annual operation activities.
In addition, ROs should handle personal income tax finalization and annual social insurance obligations.
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