PROCEDURE FOR CHANGING BUSINESS LINES

March 9, 2026 | Guidelines, Setting up a company in Vietnam

In the current economic context, changing business lines is no longer an unfamiliar concept for enterprises. This not only reflects the flexibility and responsiveness of businesses in adapting to the market but also demonstrates a commitment to innovation for sustainable development. However, the process of changing business lines is not a simple decision, as it involves many legal and regulatory factors. This procedure requires a thorough understanding, from completing the paperwork and legal formalities to preparing for adjustments in business operations. Let’s take a closer look at this process and the key points to consider to ensure a smooth transition

1. Legal Basis

- Law on Enterprises No. 59/2020/QH14 dated June 17, 2020;

- Law No. 03/2022/QH15 dated January 11, 2022 on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on Public Investment, the Law on Investment in the Form of Public–Private Partnership, the Law on Investment, the Law on Housing, the Law on Bidding, the Law on Electricity, the Law on Enterprises, the Law on Special Consumption Tax, and the Law on Enforcement of Civil Judgments;

- Law No. 76/2025/QH15 dated June 17, 2025 on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on Enterprises;

- Decree No. 168/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 30, 2025 on enterprise registration;

- Circular No. 68/2025/TT-BTC dated July 1, 2025 providing forms used in enterprise registration and household business registration.

2. What is a Business Line

A business line refers to specific areas of production or business activities that individuals or organizations (including enterprises and business households) register and are legally authorized to perform for the purpose of generating profits.

Currently, business lines are regulated under Decision No. 36/2025/QD-TTG, issued on September 29, 2025, regarding the Vietnam Standard Industrial Classification (VSIC), which serves as a basis for business line registration.

3. Dossier for changing business lines

The dossier for registration of changes to business lines as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 49 of Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP shall include the following documents:

- Notice of changes to enterprise registration contents (Form No. 12 under Circular No. 68/2025/TT-BTC);

- A copy or the original of the resolution or decision regarding the change of the enterprise's business lines issued by:

+ The Company Owner (for single-member limited liability companies).

+ The Members' Council (for limited liability companies with two or more members and partnerships).

+ The General Meeting of Shareholders (for joint-stock companies).

4. Procedures for Registration of Changes to Business Lines

Procedures:

Step 1: Prepare the dossier for notifying the change of business lines;

Step 2: The enterprise submits the dossier to the provincial-level Business Registration Authority where its head office is located;

Step 3: The provincial-level Business Registration Authority issues a receipt of the dossier and an appointment for the results to the applicant;

Step 4: The provincial-level Business Registration Authority examines the validity of the dossier and reviews market access conditions for business lines restricted to foreign investors in accordance with investment laws;

Step 5: The provincial-level Business Registration Authority updates the enterprise's business lines in the National Business Registration Database;

In case the dossier is invalid, the provincial-level Business Registration Authority shall issue a written notice to the enterprise regarding the contents requiring modification or supplementation.

Upon the enterprise's request, the provincial-level Business Registration Authority shall issue a Certificate of Change to Enterprise Registration Contents to the enterprise.

Competent Authorities:

- The Business Registration Authority under the Department of Finance of the province or centrally-run city shall grant business registration for business locations situated within its managed administrative area.

- The Management Board of the High-Tech Park shall grant business registration for business locations situated within the High-Tech Park.

Processing Time: Within 03 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.

Changing business lines is not only a strategic move for an enterprise but also an opportunity for expansion and innovation. However, this process requires thorough preparation and full compliance with legal regulations to avoid risks and ensure legality in all operations. If your enterprise is considering a change in business lines, do not hesitate to seek reputable legal organizations for consultancy and support. Careful preparation from the beginning will help your enterprise transform smoothly and sustainably.

The information contained in this article is general and intended only to provide information on legal regulations. DB Legal will not be responsible for any use or application of this information for any business purpose. For in-depth advice on specific cases, please contact us.

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