Tool · Planning
When could your first franchised store in Vietnam open?
The slowest step is not the one most franchisors expect. MOIT registration takes days or weeks; a trademark takes 16–24 months, and finding the right partner can take two years. Choose a start date to see the whole path.
- Trademark registration1 Nov 2026 → 1 Mar 2028 – 1 Nov 2028
File first: 16–24 months in a smooth case. Vietnam is first-to-file.Source: Asia IP, Vietnam IP Guide 2025 (S&O IP) (5 Nov 2025)
- Partner search and due diligence1 Nov 2026 → 1 May 2027 – 1 Nov 2028
The U.S. trade agency warns a successful sale can take up to two years.Source: U.S. International Trade Administration (26 Mar 2026)
- Structure, disclosure document, legalisation and translation1 Feb 2027 → 1 May 2027 – 1 Aug 2027
Foreign documents must be consularly legalised and translated into Vietnamese.Source: Vietnam Briefing (Dezan Shira & Associates) (8 May 2024)
- MOIT franchise registration1 May 2027 → 9 May 2027 – 1 Jul 2027
Five working days by law; up to one or two months in practice. No state fee.Source: Vietnam Briefing (Dezan Shira & Associates) (8 May 2024) · Tilleke & Gibbins (24 Jul 2018)
- Disclosure period before signing1 Jul 2027 → 24 Jul 2027
Disclosure document and sample agreement at least 15 working days before signing.Source: Decree 35/2006 consolidated text, VBHN 15/VBHN-BCT (Ministry of Industry and Trade) (25 Apr 2014)
Dark bar: fastest realistic case. Light bar: slower case. Phases overlap on purpose — the trademark and partner search run in parallel with everything else. Planning aid only; dates depend on authorities and partners.
Every step links to its guide. For the full picture read how to franchise in Vietnam, then check your gaps with the market entry readiness check.