List of industries and occupations that do not have market access for foreign investors

Article overview

Industries and professions that do not have market access for foreign investors is an important part of Vietnam’s investment policy. This category includes fields that are sensitive or affect national security and social order. Restricting market access is intended to protect national interests and domestic businesses. This article will analyze in detail this category and related regulations.

 Industry and occupations do not have market access for foreign investors
Industry and occupations do not have market access for foreign investors

Purpose of market access

Market access refers to the ability of a business or country to sell goods and services to foreign markets. This method applies to both domestic and international trade. However, market access is most common in the field of international trade.

Controlling market access aims to protect national interests, domestic businesses and ensure economic security. At the same time, create a fair competitive environment between domestic and foreign businesses. This regulation also contributes to orienting foreign investment in industries consistent with Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy.

List of industries and occupations that limit market access for foreign investors

What is the list of industries and occupations with limited market access?

Pursuant to Clause 2, Article 9 of the Law on Investment 2020, the list of industries with limited market access for foreign investors includes:

  • Industries and occupations that have not yet accessed the market;
  • Sectors and occupations have conditional market access.

This classification helps strictly manage foreign investment activities, while creating conditions to attract investment capital into appropriate fields. Foreign investors need to carefully study this list before deciding to invest in Vietnam.

 Restricted market access
Restricted market access

Conditions of market access for foreign investors

According to Clause 3, Article 9 of the Law on Investment 2020, for foreign investors to access the Vietnamese market, they must meet the following conditions:

  • Charter capital ownership ratio of foreign investors in economic organizations;
  • Investment form;
  • Scope of investment activities;
  • Capacity of investors and partners participating in investment activities;
  • Other conditions are prescribed by law, resolutions of the National Assembly, ordinances, resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, decrees of the Government and international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

These conditions are to ensure that foreign investment activities are in accordance with Vietnamese laws and international commitments. Investors need to prepare complete records and documents proving that they meet the above conditions when applying for an investment license.

List of industries and occupations that do not have market access for foreign investors

Pursuant to Section A Appendix I of Decree 31/2021/ND-CP, there are 25 occupations that have not yet had market access for foreign investors. Some typical occupations in the list:

  • Trading in state-monopolized goods and services in the field of commerce
  • Journalism and news gathering activities
  • Fishing or exploiting seafood
  • Investigation and security services
  • Judicial administrative services
  • Services for sending workers to work abroad
  • Investing in the construction of cemetery and graveyard infrastructure
  • Producing and trading in weapons and explosives
  • Public postal service
  • Travel service business (except international travel serving foreign visitors to Vietnam)……..

The full list of 25 occupations is listed in detail in the Decree. Foreign investors need to pay attention to these areas when investing in Vietnam.

No market access yet
No market access yet

Consulting and introducing professions that that do not have market access for foreign investors in Long Phan

At Long Phan, we provide professional consulting services and advice on solving investment problems. Specifically, the services we provide include:

  • Provide detailed information about 25 industries in the investment restriction list;
  • Consulting on current regulations and impacts on foreign investors;
  • Consulting on market access conditions for investors;
  • Support legal procedures on necessary documents, records, and investment registration process;
  • Analyze the development potential of each industry and warn about possible challenges;
  • Timely notification of policy changes;
  • Propose strategy adjustments when necessary.

Long Phan’s consulting services not only help foreign investors understand legal regulations but also provide safe and effective investment solutions in the context of Vietnamese law. With a deep understanding of the investment field and licensing, we will accompany our customers in optimizing investment strategies, avoiding unnecessary risks and ensuring legal compliance. For detailed and timely advice, please contact Long Phan via hotline 0906735386.