Indochine Counsel

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Indochine Counsel Indochine Counsel - The leading commercial law firm with more than two decades of service - Your Trusted Partner in Navigating Vietnam's Legal Landscape!

Indochine Counsel is one of the leading commercial law firms in Vietnam. We provide legal services in Inward Investment; Corporate & Commercial; Mergers & Acquisitions; Securities & Capital Markets; Banking & Finance; Property & Construction; Taxation; International Trade; Dispute Resolution; Intellectual Property; and Technology & Media. We aim to provide quality legal services and add value to clients through effective customised legal solutions

[Vietnamese below]🎊 HAPPY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL | Indochine CounselFor many of us, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the time to ...
25/09/2026

[Vietnamese below]

🎊 HAPPY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL | Indochine Counsel

For many of us, the Mid-Autumn Festival is the time to slow down, reconnect, and appreciate those who have been part of our journey so far and the road ahead.

This Mid-Autumn season, Indochine Counsel would like to extend our warmest wishes to our clients, partners and friends, and express our sincere appreciation for your continued trust and support throughout our journey.

May you and your loved ones enjoy a celebration filled with warmth, laughter and precious moments together.

🌕 Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and memorable Mid-Autumn Festival 2026!

—
🎊 CHÚC MỪNG TẾT TRUNG THU | Indochine Counsel

Đối với nhiều người trong chúng ta, Tết Trung Thu là dịp để chậm lại, kết nối và trân trọng những người đồng hành cùng mình trong hành trình vừa qua và trên con đường phía trước.

Nhân dịp Trung Thu, Indochine Counsel xin gửi lời chúc tốt đẹp nhất đến Quý khách hàng, Quý đối tác và bạn bè, cùng lời cảm ơn chân thành vì sự tin tưởng và đồng hành trong suốt thời gian qua.

🌕Chúc Quý vị và gia đình một mùa Trung Thu ấm áp, vui vẻ và trọn vẹn.

⚖️ Overseas Heirs, Incomplete Information: What Happens to the Inheritance Dispute?When heirs reside overseas, inheritan...
25/09/2026

⚖️ Overseas Heirs, Incomplete Information: What Happens to the Inheritance Dispute?

When heirs reside overseas, inheritance disputes can become more complex, particularly where information about overseas heirs or their successors is incomplete.

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨. 𝟎𝟔/𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟔/𝐀𝐋 provides practical guidance on how courts should handle these situations, including the court’s responsibility to collect evidence and identify relevant heirs rather than suspending proceedings solely because certain information remains unavailable.

Following our Case Notes series, which discovers practical legal insights from matters we have successfully handled while safeguarding client confidentiality, in the latest edition “Inheritance Disputes Involving Heirs Residing Overseas – Insights from Precedent No. 06/2016/AL”, the team examine:

• How courts should handle cases involving overseas heirs whose information is unavailable;
• The court’s responsibility to collect and verify relevant evidence;
• How inheritance shares may be preserved where heirs cannot yet be fully identified; and
• Key considerations for succession planning and maintaining records of overseas heirs.

📖 Read the full Case Notes here: https://indochinecounsel.short.gy/fb-casenotes-precedentno06

Authors:
- Mr. Pham Dac Hoang - Associate
- Mr. Du Gia Huy - Legal Assistant

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For inquiries regarding inheritance disputes involving overseas heirs, succession planning or related estate matters, please get in touch with our team:
🌐 www.indochinecounsel.com
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (+84) 28 3823 9640

🚨 Using foreign documents in Vietnam? The new Apostille regime may simplify your document authentication process. On 23 ...
23/09/2026

🚨 Using foreign documents in Vietnam? The new Apostille regime may simplify your document authentication process.

On 23 July 2026, the Government issued Decree No. 293/2026/ND-CP (“Decree 293”), providing guidance on the implementation of the Apostille Convention in Vietnam. The Decree will take effect on 11 September 2026, when the Convention also enters into force for Vietnam.

The changes are particularly relevant to foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises that regularly use foreign-issued documents for investment, corporate, licensing and other legal procedures in Vietnam.

In our latest Regulatory Notes, “Decree No. 293/2026/ND-CP: New Apostille Mechanism for Foreign Public Documents Used in Vietnam”, we explore:

• When an Apostille can replace consular legalization for foreign public documents
• Which countries and types of documents fall within the Apostille regime
• Why an Apostille does not replace translation or substantive document requirements
• How e-Apostilles and online verification will work
• What businesses should know about documents legalized before 11 September 2026

📖 Read the full article here: https://indochinecounsel.short.gy/fb-rn-apostille

Authors:
- Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Lan - Partner | Co-Head of Corporate and M&A
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc - Associate | Head of Investment & Corporate Services
- Ms. Than Thi To Nhi - Junior Associate

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For tailored advice on document authentication and legal procedures for foreign investors and foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam, please contact our team:
🌐 www.indochinecounsel.com
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (+84) 28 3823 9640

🌟 A New Chapter for Vietnam’s Growth: Looking back at Indochine Counsel's 20th Anniversary Client SeminarOn 18 September...
22/09/2026

🌟 A New Chapter for Vietnam’s Growth: Looking back at Indochine Counsel's 20th Anniversary Client Seminar

On 18 September 2026, we were delighted to welcome our clients, partners, business leaders and the community to our Client Seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City, under the theme: “Vietnam’s Next Growth Era: Investment Opportunities, Business Expansion and Resilience in the Age of AI”.

Bringing together participants from across the business, investment and legal community, the seminar provided a platform to exchange practical perspectives on Vietnam’s evolving investment landscape and the opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase of growth.

More than a celebration of a twenty-year journey, the seminar was an opportunity to look ahead, exchange ideas and strengthen the connections that have shaped our journey over the years.

We would like to extend our most sincere appreciation to Mr. D**g from FiinGroup, Mr. Ronni from AesirX, and Ms. Phuong from the Trung tâm Trọng tài Thương nhân Việt Nam for sharing their exceptional expertise with us.

A heartfelt thank you as well to our trusted media partners, Beluxcham Vietnam, British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam, Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants - Vietnam Chapter (ISCA), and VNIDA - Hội Thành viên Độc lập HĐQT DN Việt Nam for their unwavering support throughout the event.

To our speakers, panelists, clients, and partners - thank you for your presence and active engagement, which made this gathering such a resounding success and a truly memorable milestone.

Your trust and continued support have been an important part of this journey, and we look forward to continuing the conversation and supporting businesses as Vietnam enters its next chapter of growth.

And this is only the beginning!

Stay tuned for more events and celebrations as we continue to mark 20 years of Practical Commercial Law.

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For enquiries or tailored legal support, please contact our team:
🌐 www.indochinecounsel.com
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (+84) 28 3823 9640

🚨Running a Direct Business Platform in Vietnam? New E-Commerce Rules Mean New Compliance Checks.The E-Commerce Law 2025 ...
22/09/2026

🚨Running a Direct Business Platform in Vietnam? New E-Commerce Rules Mean New Compliance Checks.

The E-Commerce Law 2025 and Decree No. 248/2026/ND-CP introduce changes to the regulatory framework for e-commerce platforms, including new requirements applicable to Direct Business Platforms.

For businesses operating this type of platform, understanding the applicable notification, information disclosure, data accessibility and reporting requirements will be important for maintaining compliance under the new framework.

In this week’s Weekly Debrief, “E-Commerce Law and Decree 248: Operational Adaptation Amid Legal Shifts – What Businesses Need to Know? Part 2”, we examine:
• Key notification and reporting obligations for Direct Business Platforms
• Information disclosure and accessibility requirements
• Key policy and compliance updates businesses should consider

📖 Read the full article here: https://indochinecounsel.short.gy/fb-wd-14.1b

Authors:
- Ms. Thai Gia Han - Senior Associate | Head of IP & TMT Practice Group
- Mr. Nguyen Trung Nghia - Junior Associate

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If you would like to discuss how the new e-commerce regulations may affect your business or require tailored advice, please contact our team.
🌐 www.indochinecounsel.com
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (+84) 28 3823 9640

🚨 Appointing a foreigner as the sole Legal Representative? Practical considerations may arise when that person is not re...
16/09/2026

🚨 Appointing a foreigner as the sole Legal Representative? Practical considerations may arise when that person is not regularly present in Vietnam.

Vietnamese enterprise law does not prohibit a foreigner from acting as a Legal Representative, and an enterprise may appoint one or more Legal Representatives. However, where the sole Legal Representative is a foreigner who does not regularly reside in Vietnam, practical issues may arise, particularly during the initial period of operation.

These considerations are particularly relevant to foreign investors and FDI enterprises when establishing their corporate governance structure and planning post-establishment procedures.

In the next episode of our Regulatory Note series “Sole Foreign Legal Representative: Key Considerations for Businesses”, we will explore:

• The distinction between the Legal Representative and Authorized Representative
• Residence and authorization requirements for a sole Legal Representative
• Practical considerations for bank account opening and VNeID registration
• Key considerations when selecting a Legal Representative and structuring corporate governance

📖 Read the full article here: https://indochinecounsel.short.gy/fb-rn-foreignlegalrepresentative

Authors:
- Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Lan - Partner | Co-Head of Corporate and M&A
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc - Associate | Head of Investment & Corporate Services

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For tailored advice on corporate governance, Legal Representative arrangements, and related legal procedures for foreign investors and FDI enterprises in Vietnam, please contact our team:

🌐 www.indochinecounsel.com
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (+84) 28 3823 9640

Growth creates opportunity. It also creates new layers of risk.At the IC 20th Anniversary Client Seminar – Vietnam’s Nex...
15/09/2026

Growth creates opportunity. It also creates new layers of risk.

At the IC 20th Anniversary Client Seminar – Vietnam’s Next Growth Era, our second discussion turns from investment and expansion to the question of business resilience: how companies manage the risks created by AI, data and increasingly digital operations.

Panel 2 focuses on Business Resilience components such as AI, Data & Digital Risk: From Compliance to Operational Control

AI and digital technologies rarely create risks that sit neatly within one function.
- An employee using ChatGPT.
- A vendor processing data overseas.
- HR collecting candidate information.
- A website running third-party technologies.
Each can quickly become a data, employment, contractual, technology and dispute issue at the same time.

Our panel will explore:
→ Employee use of AI in day-to-day operations
→ Personal and HR data, consent and cross-border transfers
→ Third-party technology and vendor risks
→ Incident response, evidence and dispute implications
→ Governance and controls that work beyond policies on paper

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Mr. Nguyen Trung Nghia - Junior Associate

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬:
- Ms. Le Thi Khanh Hoan – Partner | Head of Employment, Regulatory & Compliance
- Ms. Thai Gia Han – Senior Associate | Head of IP & TMT Practice Group
- Ms. Dang Dieu Phuong - Vice President, Vietnam Traders Arbitration Centre (VTA)
- Mr. Ronni K. Gothard Christiansen – CEO & Founder, AesirX.io

The discussion will focus on one practical question: how can businesses move from knowing the rules to actually controlling the risk?
📅 18 September 2026 | 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
🌐 Vietnamese with simultaneous English interpretation

Register: https://indochinecounsel.zohobackstage.com/IC20YrsClientSeminar

Vietnam’s next growth era will be shaped not only by where opportunities emerge — but by how businesses act on them.To m...
14/09/2026

Vietnam’s next growth era will be shaped not only by where opportunities emerge — but by how businesses act on them.

To mark Indochine Counsel’s 20th anniversary, our upcoming Client Seminar "Vietnam’s Next Growth Era: Investment Opportunities, Business Expansion and Resilience in the Age of AI", will bring together business, market and legal perspectives on the decisions shaping the next phase of growth in Vietnam.

The first conversation of the afternoon focuses on Investment & Business Expansion, where capital is moving and what does it take to turn opportunity into real growth.

Together with expert from FiinGroup, the panel will explore:
→ Where are FDI and M&A opportunities emerging?
→ Which sectors are attracting greater investor attention?
→ Greenfield, JV or acquisition — what fits the business objective?
→ What can slow down or reshape an otherwise attractive investment?
→ How do governance, tax and transaction readiness affect ex*****on?

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Mr. Ngo Dang Loc - Senior Associate | Deputy Head of Banking & Finance, Capital Markets

𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬:
- Mr. Le Xuan D**g – Managing Director, Head of Market Research & Consulting Services | FiinGroup
- Mr. Dang Hoan My – Partner | Co-Head of Corporate and M&A, Projects & Infrastructure
- Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Lan – Partner | Co-Head of Corporate and M&A
- Mr. Phan Anh Vu – Partner | Co-Head of Corporate and M&A, Projects & Infrastructure
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Duong – Senior Associate | Head of Taxation

From market opportunity to executable growth, the discussion will connect what the data is showing with what businesses need to prepare for in practice. Join us:

📅 18 September 2026 | 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
🌐 Vietnamese with simultaneous English interpretation

Register: https://indochinecounsel.zohobackstage.com/IC20YrsClientSeminar

🚨 Vietnam’s New Decree 342: What Changes for Foreign-Invested Trading and Retail Businesses?On 3 September 2026, Vietnam...
11/09/2026

🚨 Vietnam’s New Decree 342: What Changes for Foreign-Invested Trading and Retail Businesses?

On 3 September 2026, Vietnam issued Decree No. 342/2026/ND-CP, replacing Decree No. 09/2018/ND-CP and introducing important changes to the rules governing foreign-invested trading, distribution and retail activities. The new Decree will take effect on 18 October 2026.

The changes may be particularly relevant to businesses engaged in:

• Trading, distribution and retail
• Retail outlet expansion
• Logistics and e-commerce
• Digital and platform-based business models

Key changes include the decentralisation of licensing authority, new national-security review mechanisms, recognition of modern digital-commerce models, a narrower application of the Economic Needs Test (ENT), and stronger post-licensing compliance requirements.

Businesses should review their existing licences, compliance procedures and expansion plans to prepare for the new regulatory framework.

Read more: https://indochinecounsel.short.gy/fb-sa-decree342

Authors:
- Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Lan - Partner | Co-Head of Corporate and M&A
- Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc - Associate | Head of Investment & Corporate Services
- Ms. Than Thi To Nhi - Junior Associate

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If you would like to discuss how Decree 342 may affect your business or require tailored advice on trading, distribution or retail activities in Vietnam, please contact our team.
🌐 www.indochinecounsel.com
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (+84) 28 3823 9640

🚨Decree 330 Is Now Effective: What Businesses Need to Know About Cybersecurity & Data Protection PenaltiesOn 19 August 2...
09/09/2026

🚨Decree 330 Is Now Effective: What Businesses Need to Know About Cybersecurity & Data Protection Penalties

On 19 August 2026, Vietnam’s Government issued Decree No. 330/2026/ND-CP on administrative penalties in cybersecurity and personal data protection, which took effect immediately.

The Decree introduces a more comprehensive enforcement framework for violations under Vietnam’s cybersecurity and personal data protection laws, with specific penalties and remedial measures covering a wide range of business activities.

These changes may be particularly relevant to businesses involved in:
• Cybersecurity and digital platforms
• Personal data collection, processing and retention
• Cross-border data transfers
• Marketing communications, including emails, messages and calls
• Recruitment, employee management and customer-facing activities
• Digital accounts, AI/deepfake technologies and online services

Notably, penalties may include service suspension, data processing or cross-border transfer suspension, mandatory data deletion and other remedial measures, creating significant operational risks.

Businesses should therefore proactively review their cybersecurity and personal data protection practices to ensure compliance is effectively implemented and evidenced in practice.

📖 Read more: https://indochinecounsel.short.gy/fb-sa-decree330

Authors:
- Mr. Dang The Duc - Managing Partner
- Ms. Thai Gia Han - Senior Associate | Head of IP & TMT Practice
- Mr. Nguyen Le Toan Phuoc - Legal Assistant

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If you would like to discuss how the proposed amendments may affect your business or require tailored advice on cybersecurity and personal data protection compliance, please contact our team.

🌐 www.indochinecounsel.com
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (+84) 28 3823 9640

Address

Unit 305, 3rd Fl, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Xuan Hoa Ward (previously District 3)
Ho Chi Minh City
70000

Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 18:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 18:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00
Thursday 08:30 - 18:00
Friday 08:30 - 18:00

Telephone

+8428 3823 9640

Website

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