๐ป๐ณ Opening a Bank Account in Vietnam
Honest assessment of business banking for foreign founders in Vietnam.
Vietnam's banking sector includes major state-owned banks (Vietcombank, BIDV, VietinBank, Agribank) and international banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citibank, ANZ). Foreign-invested enterprises must open a Direct Investment Capital Account (DICA) โ a dedicated account for receiving and managing foreign investment capital, denominated in foreign currency. This is separate from a regular VND operating account. Most banks require in-person visits by the legal representative. Documentation requirements include the IRC, ERC, company charter, tax registration, and legal representative identification. English-speaking bank staff are available at international banks and major Vietnamese bank branches in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Tips for Success
- Have all company formation documents ready before applying โ trade licence, articles of association, certificate of incorporation.
- Prepare a clear business plan or description of your business activities, even if the bank doesn't explicitly ask for one.
- Consider digital/neo-banks as your first account โ they typically have faster onboarding for new companies.
- Apply to multiple banks simultaneously rather than sequentially โ rejection at one doesn't affect others.
This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.