Instead of queuing with paper dossiers, enterprises can now complete the entire business registration procedure electronically. The online enterprise registration process is set out in Article 39 of Decree 168/2025/ND-CP, as amended by Article 9 of Decree 296/2026/ND-CP (effective 23 July 2026). This article does not summarize the decree — it is a step-by-step operational guide showing what to do, in which order, and where mistakes most often happen.
Step 1 — Log in with an electronic identification account
The filer logs into the online business registration system with an electronic identification account, via the National Public Service Portal or the national identification application. This is the only gateway — without an electronic identification account, the process cannot begin. Companies should register and activate an account for the authorized filer well before an urgent filing is needed.
Step 2 — Declare the dossier: one signer vs. multiple signers
This is the most confusing step, because the rules split into two cases:
- Only ONE signer: the signer declares directly on the system — no digital signature required, no upload of documents;
- Multiple signers: documents must be digitally signed and uploaded as electronic documents.
Getting the case wrong (e.g., direct declaration for a dossier that needs multiple signers) is a common reason dossiers are returned for supplementation. Before acting, count exactly how many people must sign each document in the dossier.
Step 3 — Pay fees, authenticate electronically, and file
After completing the declaration, the filer pays the prescribed fees, completes electronic authentication, and submits the dossier on the system. Note: only click submit after reviewing the entire declaration — a filed dossier enters the formal processing workflow.
Step 4 — Receive the electronic receipt and result appointment
Upon successful filing, the system issues an electronic dossier receipt and an electronic result-collection appointment. These prove the dossier was received — keep them for tracking and cross-checking progress.
Step 5 — Automatic tax linkage
Enterprise registration information is automatically linked with the tax authority. There is no separate standalone “tax registration” step as before — but do verify that the linked tax information is accurate, to avoid trouble later with invoicing and tax declarations.
Step 6 — Dossier processing: two scenarios
The business registration authority processes the dossier under two scenarios:
- Dossier is eligible: the Enterprise Registration Certificate is issued;
- Dossier is not yet eligible: the authority sends an electronic notice requesting amendment or supplementation. The enterprise revises and re-files based on the notice — read each requested point carefully instead of patching hastily.
Step 7 — Stop the procedure (when needed)
Where necessary, the enterprise may stop the procedure for online business registration under Clause 6, Article 31 of Decree 168/2025/ND-CP (as amended). This is the safety valve when serious errors are found in a filed dossier or when the incorporation strategy changes.
The most common mistakes — recap
- Confusing the one-signer case (direct declaration) with the multiple-signer case (digital signature + upload);
- The filer has no activated electronic identification account;
- Filing with an incomplete declaration, forcing a supplementation loop;
- Failing to keep the electronic receipt and result appointment;
- Not checking the linked tax information after the certificate is issued.
Frequently asked questions
Is a digital signature required in every case for online filing?
No. Only the multiple-signer case requires digital signatures and uploading electronic documents; the one-signer case uses direct declaration with no digital signature and no upload.
What are the fees and the statutory processing time?
This article states no specific fee amounts or time limits, as these have not been firmly cross-checked at the time of writing (14 October 2026); enterprises should consult the current instruments and registry announcements.
Must a dossier returned for supplementation be re-filed from scratch?
No. The enterprise amends and supplements exactly the points in the electronic notice, then re-files.
Key legal bases: Article 39 of Decree 168/2025/ND-CP (as amended by Article 9 of Decree 296/2026/ND-CP, effective 23 Jul 2026); Clause 6, Article 31 of Decree 168/2025/ND-CP (as amended). Validity checked as of 14 October 2026.
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For reference only, not legal advice.
The legal content of this article is reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council and submitted to the owner for approval; it is not an opinion of a licensed lawyer and does not replace legal advice for specific cases.
Need help preparing an online enterprise registration dossier or responding to a supplementation request from the registry? Reach us via the Contact page of FLAT Law Firm.
