Vietnam Taxi Business Registration Guide [2025]

The taxi business registration in Vietnam is a multi-step legal process. It demands a comprehensive understanding of both the Law on Enterprises and specific transportation regulations. To operate legally, an enterprise must complete two distinct phases: first, the enterprise registration, and second, securing the automobile transport business license. This guide provides a technical analysis of the conditions, documentation, and procedures required for compliant and efficient operations.

Legal Conditions for Taxi Business Registration

An enterprise must obtain a Certificate of Enterprise Registration and an Automobile Transport Business License. The process involves meeting both general and specific legal requirements.

General Conditions

Compliance with Article 27 of the Law on Enterprises 2020 is mandatory for the Certificate of Enterprise Registration. Key conditions include:

• The intended business line, passenger transport by taxi, must not be on the list of prohibited business activities.
• The enterprise’s name must comply with Articles 37, 38, 39, and 41 of the Law on Enterprises 2020.
• The application dossier must be valid, and all required fees must be paid in full.

Additionally, Article 13 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP outlines general conditions for automobile transport businesses:

• Vehicle Ownership: All vehicles must be under the legal ownership or have legal usage rights of the transport business. This is established through:
  • A written vehicle lease contract.
  • A business cooperation contract as stipulated by law.
• Cooperatives: For vehicles owned by cooperative members, a service contract between the member and the cooperative is required. This contract must define the cooperative’s rights and responsibilities in managing and operating the vehicle.
• Required Equipment: All commercial transport vehicles must be fitted with a journey monitoring device and a driver-facing camera, as per Clause 2, Article 35 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024.

Specific Conditions

The business of passenger transport by taxi is heavily regulated to ensure safety and service quality. Article 6 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP mandates the following:

• Licensing: The enterprise must possess an Automobile Transport Business License specifically for the taxi service model.
• Vehicle Standards: Taxis must meet all technical and safety standards defined in Clause 9, Article 56 of the Law on Roads 2024.
• Identification:
  • A “XE TAXI” badge (Model 04, Appendix XIII, Decree 158/2024/ND-CP) must be fixed to the upper right corner of the inside of the front windshield.
  • The phrase “XE TAXI” in reflective material (minimum size 06 x 20 cm, Model 05, Appendix XIII) must be affixed to the front and rear windshields.
  • An optional roof-mounted “TAXI” light box (minimum size 12 x 30 cm) can be used. If this option is chosen, the windshield stickers are not required.
• Fare Calculation and Payment:
  • Vehicles must have a calibrated and sealed taximeter from a certified metrology agency.
  • A device to print invoices or receipts connected to the taximeter must be installed within the passenger’s view.
  • Drivers must issue electronic invoices to passengers upon trip completion.
  • A passenger-facing device for booking and canceling trips must be available.
• Software Requirements: If using a software-based fare calculation system:
  • The software must comply with laws on electronic transactions.
  • The interface must display the business’s name or logo.
  • Pre-trip information must be provided, including business name, driver’s name, license plate, route, distance, total fare, and a contact number for feedback.
• Reporting: The business must notify the Department of Transport and the Tax Authority of the fare calculation method being used.

Procedure for Taxi Business Registration

The taxi business registration process is executed in two main stages.

Stage 1: Enterprise Establishment

This procedure is conducted at the provincial Department of Planning and Investment (DPI).

• Step 1: Prepare the Dossier:
  • Application for enterprise registration (Form Appendix I-2 of Circular 01/2021/TT-BKHĐT for a single-member LLC).
  • Draft of the company charter.
  • List of capital-contributing members (for an LLC) or founding shareholders (for a joint-stock company).
  • Certified copies of personal identification (ID card/citizen ID card) for individual founders.
  • Certified copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate for any organizational founder, along with the ID of its authorized representative.
  • A letter of authorization if the applicant is not the company’s legal representative.
• Step 2: Submit Dossier to the Business Registration Office:
  • Receiving Body: The Business Registration Office of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment where the company’s head office is located.
  • Processing Time: 03 working days from receipt of a valid dossier.
• Step 3: Publicize Registration Content:
  • Within 30 days of receiving the Certificate of Enterprise Registration, the company must publish its registration details on the National Business Registration Portal.
• Step 4: Engrave the Company Seal:
  • The enterprise determines the form, quantity, and content of its seal. Notification of the seal sample is no longer required.

Stage 2: Issuance of the Transport Business License

This procedure is conducted at the provincial Department of Transport (DOT).

• Step 1: Submit Application Dossier: The transport business submits one set of documents to the Department of Transport via direct submission, online portal, or postal service. The dossier includes:
  • An application for a Business License (Appendix I, Decree 158/2024/ND-CP).
  • A certified copy of the diploma or certificate of the person directly managing transport activities.
  • The decision to establish and define the functions of the company’s safety management department.
  • A decision assigning duties to the transport operator.
• Step 2: Dossier Review: If the dossier requires amendment, the licensing authority will provide feedback within 03 working days.
• Step 3: License Issuance: Within 05 working days of receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Department of Transport will assess and issue the Automobile Transport Business License (Appendix II, Decree 158/2024/ND-CP). A written refusal with clear reasons will be provided if the license is not granted.

Consulting Services for Taxi Business Registration by Long Phan Consulting Company

Long Phan Consulting Company provides expert services for taxi business registration. Our legal team possesses extensive experience in passenger transport regulations. Our services include:

• Advising on the optimal business entity type and ensuring all legal conditions are met.
• Guiding through the enterprise registration and taxi business licensing procedures.
• Managing changes in business registration, license renewals, and resolving legal issues.
• Preparing all necessary legal documents with precision.
• Acting as an authorized representative to submit dossiers, receive results, and work with state authorities.

With a comprehensive service package, Long Phan Consulting Company is a reliable legal partner for a fast and compliant taxi business registration.

>>> See more at: Comprehensive, Reputable and Effective Startup Consulting Services in Ho Chi Minh City.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a taxi registered in one province operate regularly in another?

In principle, taxis must operate primarily within the jurisdiction of the Department of Transport that issued their badge. Inter-provincial operations must comply with separate regulations for fixed-route or contract-based transport. (Legal basis: Article 4, Article 7 of Decree 158/2024/ND-CP).

What are the penalties for non-compliance with business conditions?

Violations can result in administrative fines, partial or full suspension of operations, or revocation of the Business License and Certificate of Enterprise Registration. (Legal basis: Article 6 of Decree 98/2020/ND-CP).

Does the taxi business registration procedure differ for LLCs and joint-stock companies?

The initial enterprise registration dossier at the Department of Planning and Investment varies by company type. However, the conditions and procedures for obtaining the transport license at the Department of Transport are the same for all entity types.

What is the primary role of the traffic safety department in a taxi company?

This department is responsible for developing and implementing traffic safety plans, monitoring driver and vehicle compliance, analyzing accidents, and proposing preventive measures.

Must a company report a change of head office address?

Yes. A change of head office requires filing for an amendment to the enterprise registration with the Department of Planning and Investment and notifying the tax authority and the Department of Transport. (Legal basis: Article 47 of Decree 01/2021/NĐ-CP).

What class of driver’s license is required for a taxi driver?

In addition to a Class B driver’s license, drivers must complete a professional training course and obtain a transport operations certificate as per new regulations. (Legal basis: Point d, Clause 1, Article 57 of the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024).

Conclusion

The successful establishment and operation of a taxi company depend on strict adherence to legal frameworks. From enterprise registration and document preparation to meeting vehicle standards and obtaining the transport license, each step is critical. The process requires precision to ensure stable and sustainable business operations.

For any inquiries regarding the taxi business registration process, contact Long Phan Consulting Company via our hotline at 1900 636389 for detailed consultation and to utilize our professional registration services.