How much does trademark registration cost in Vietnam? It is the first question most brand owners ask — and the one most often answered wrong online: many outdated articles still quote VND 75,000, a figure from 50% fee-reduction schemes that have expired. Since 1 January 2026, the standard rates under Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC apply, with a minimum total of about VND 1.28 million for a single-class application.
This article lists every official fee and charge under the current rules, with cost tables by number of classes and five lawful cost-saving tips businesses often miss.
1. Legal basis: rates as of 14 October 2026
Trademark protection in Vietnam is governed by the Intellectual Property Law 2005 (as amended in 2022, effective 1 January 2023). The schedule of industrial property fees and charges is set by Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance, which remains in force.
Important: the 50% reductions under Circular 44/2023/TT-BTC (expired 31 December 2023) and Circular 63/2023/TT-BTC (50% reduction for online filing until 31 December 2025) have ended. From 1 January 2026 all charges return to standard rates — which is why old figures such as VND 75,000 are no longer correct.
2. Detailed trademark fee schedule (2026 standard rates)
State charges for one trademark application fall into two groups: the filing fee (paid once on filing) and examination-related fees arising during prosecution:
| Charge | Amount (standard rate) | When payable |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | VND 150,000 | On filing |
| Substantive examination fee | VND 550,000 per class | On filing (provisional, based on declared classes) |
| Classification fee | VND 100,000 per class | On filing |
| Publication fee | VND 120,000 | When the application is accepted as valid |
| Priority claim examination fee | VND 600,000 | When claiming priority (if applicable) |
| Grant fee | VND 120,000 | On notice of intended grant |
| Recordal fee | VND 120,000 | At grant |
| Grant publication fee | VND 120,000 | At grant |
Note: from the second class onward, the grant fee increases by an additional VND 100,000 per class (Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC, item 2.1).
The minimum total for a single-class application: 150,000 + 550,000 + 100,000 + 120,000 + 120,000 + 120,000 + 120,000 = VND 1,280,000.
3. Cost examples by number of classes
Because examination (VND 550,000) and classification (VND 100,000) fees are charged per class, the total rises linearly with the number of classes:
| Scenario | Calculation | Total (VND) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 class, up to 6 goods/services per class | 150,000 + 650,000 + 480,000 | 1,280,000 |
| 3 classes | 150,000 + (650,000 × 3) + 480,000 | 2,580,000 |
| 1 class with 10 goods/services | Additional examination fees may apply for items exceeding 6 per class — check the detailed schedule when drafting | From 1,280,000 upward |
4. Costs beyond state fees
- Industrial property agent fees (if appointed): drafting, registrability searches, prosecution follow-up, responding to refusals — agreed between the parties.
- Translation and notarization of documents (for foreign applicants or foreign-language materials).
- Pre-filing search costs: a preliminary search assessing refusal risk costs far less than losing examination fees on a doomed application.
5. Five lawful cost-saving tips
- Consolidate goods/services within one class (up to 6 items per class under the Nice Classification) instead of splitting across classes.
- Search thoroughly before filing to avoid wasting examination fees on high-risk applications.
- File correctly and completely the first time: post-filing amendments can trigger extra fees and delays.
- File online via the public service portal to save travel time and track progress easily.
- Register only for your real business scope: blanket multi-class filings waste fees and are hard to maintain.
6. Where and how to file
Applications are filed with the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (headquarters in Hanoi, representative offices in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City) or via the online public service portal. Applicants may file directly or appoint an industrial property agent.
FAQs
Is the VND 75,000 figure still valid?
No. It was a 50% promotional rate from expired reduction schemes (the last one ended 31 December 2025). From 1 January 2026 standard rates apply — e.g. VND 150,000 filing fee.
Can one application cover multiple classes?
Yes — one application may designate multiple classes, but examination and classification fees are per class, so the total increases accordingly.
How long until the certificate is granted?
Substantive examination typically takes 9–12 months from publication if there are no issues; actual timelines may be longer depending on backlog.
Rates stated here apply as of 14 October 2026 under Circular 263/2016/TT-BTC. The Ministry of Finance may adjust the schedule — verify the current text before filing. See our other corporate legal services articles.
For advice on trademark strategy and a cost estimate for your specific case, contact FLAT Law Firm.
Transparency label: FLAW AI Legal Council. This article has been reviewed by the QA Council. Content is general information only and is not legal advice for any specific case.
