Enterprise Names in Vietnam: Rules and Legal Notes

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Short answer: An enterprise name comprises the Vietnamese name, the foreign-language name, and the abbreviation; the Vietnamese name consists of the enterprise type + the proper name. The proper name must not be identical to or confusingly similar to a registered enterprise name, must not use names of state agencies or socio-political organizations without approval, and must not use words or symbols violating cultural traditions, ethics, or fine customs. Before submitting the dossier, the enterprise should check the intended name on the National Enterprise Registration Portal. Detailed rules are in Articles 37–41 of the Law on Enterprises 2020 (as amended by Law No. 76/2025/QH15).

Legal basis

The Law on Enterprises 2020, as amended and supplemented by Law No. 76/2025/QH15 (effective from 01/07/2025) — Articles 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 on enterprise names;
Decree 168/2025/ND-CP on enterprise registration (effective from 01/07/2025).

Structure of an enterprise name

Vietnamese name

Comprises two elements: enterprise type + proper name. The proper name is written with letters of the Vietnamese alphabet, the letters F, J, Z, W, digits, and symbols.

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Website information is for general reference only and does not replace legal advice for a specific matter.

Examples: “Công ty trách nhiệm hữu hạn ANT Legal”, “Công ty cổ phần Thương mại Dịch vụ Sao Mai”, “Doanh nghiệp tư nhân Hoàng Long”.

Foreign-language name

A name translated from the Vietnamese name into one of the Latin-alphabet foreign languages. When translating, the proper name may be kept as-is or translated by corresponding meaning.

Abbreviation

An abbreviation of the Vietnamese or foreign-language name.

Prohibitions when naming an enterprise

Identical names: a name identical to a registered enterprise’s name is prohibited;
Confusing similarity: a name confusingly similar to a registered enterprise’s name is prohibited (e.g., same proper name differing only in type, spelling, symbols, etc.);
State agency or political organization names: names of state agencies, armed forces units, political organizations, socio-political organizations, social organizations, or socio-professional organizations may not be used as all or part of the proper name, except with their approval;
Offensive words: words or symbols violating the nation’s historical traditions, culture, ethics, and fine customs are prohibited;
Names of famous persons: using a famous person’s name must comply with relevant laws.

How to check a name before registration

Visit the National Enterprise Registration Portal (dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn) and use the enterprise name lookup function;
Enter the intended proper name to check for duplication nationwide;
Assess confusing similarity: compare the proper name, type, and spelling;
Prepare 1–2 backup names to avoid repeated dossier amendments.

The Business Registration Office may refuse to approve a name that violates the rules; the enterprise must register a different name.

Enterprise name on signboards, invoices, and seals

Signboards: at the head office, branches, and representative offices must show the registered enterprise name correctly;
Invoices and documents: use the enterprise name consistent with the registration certificate;
Seals: the enterprise decides the seal contents itself, which typically show the name and enterprise code;
All transaction documents should use the registered name to avoid disputes over party identity.

Frequently asked questions

Can an enterprise name be entirely in English?

No. The Vietnamese name is mandatory and must fully contain the type + proper name written in Vietnamese letters. The foreign-language (English) name is a supplementary element translated from the Vietnamese name.

Can the proper name be a personal name?

Yes, provided it is not identical or confusingly similar to a registered enterprise and does not violate the prohibitions above. Using a famous person’s name must comply with relevant laws.

How to change the enterprise name after establishment?

The enterprise registers the name change with the Business Registration Office within 10 days from the date of the change; then updates the seal, invoices, bank accounts, and notifies partners and the tax authority.

Notes on applying current laws

Disputes over enterprise names and trademarks often arise when an enterprise names itself similarly to a protected brand. Before finalizing a name, besides checking the Enterprise Registration Portal, you should also check trademark registrability for long-term brand protection. Contact an ANT Legal lawyer at 0966.475.966 for advice on naming and brand protection.

Common risks to watch out for

Naming identically or confusingly, leading to dossier rejection and time lost on amendments;
Using state agency or political organization names without approval;
Enterprise name conflicting with another party’s registered trademark;
Signboards and invoices showing a name inconsistent with the registration certificate.

How ANT Legal can help

ANT Legal advises on compliant enterprise naming, checks names nationwide, reviews trademark conflicts, and carries out establishment registration and enterprise name change procedures. For quick advice, please contact our lawyers at 0966.475.966.

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