Summary of Policies & Incentives to Support Vietnamese SMEs

In Vietnam, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for more than 95% of the number of enterprises, playing a key role in promoting the national economy. Recognizing this importance, the State has continuously issued many preferential policies, support programs and promoted investment resources specifically for SMEs, especially at the start-up stage - the time when enterprises are most likely to encounter difficulties in capital, management, technology and market.

Tax & Fee Incentives

• Corporate income tax exemption: According to Resolution 198/2025/QH15 recently passed by the National Assembly, newly established SMEs will be exempted from corporate income tax for the first 3 years, calculated from the date of issuance of the first business registration certificate.
• Preferential tax rate: After the tax exemption period, enterprises with revenue under 3 billion VND/year will apply the tax rate of 15%, while enterprises with revenue from 3-50 billion VND/year will apply the tax rate of 17% according to the amended Law on Corporate Income Tax.
• Fee reduction: Many annual fees (such as registration maintenance fees, information disclosure fees, etc.) have been eliminated or significantly reduced, reducing the financial burden on SMEs.

Capital Access Support Programs & Packages

• Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (SMEDF): Supports preferential interest rate loans of up to 80% total investment, focusing on creative start-up SMEs, technological innovation, and participation in the value chain. SMEDF also directly consults and trains for free, without charging any service fees in any form.
• Preferential credit policies from banks: BIDV, VietinBank, ABBANK, Eximbank and many other banks continuously deploy fast loan packages, high limits, interest rate exemption/reduction, guarantee fee reduction, L/C issuance or international transaction fee support to solve cash flow difficulties for SMEs right from the start.

Digital Transformation Support & Technology Platform

• National Digital Transformation Program (SMEdx): Chaired by the Ministry of Information and Communications, the program supports SMEs in accessing management software, cloud computing solutions, e-commerce, and digital process training, helping to save costs and optimize operations.
• Project to support small and medium-sized enterprises in innovative startups (Ministry of Science and Technology): Financial support, technology consulting, development of innovation ecosystem, connection of startup community.

Policy to Support Training, Consulting & Human Resource Development

• Management training support: The state budget sponsors a minimum of 50% in tuition fees for business start-up training courses and improving management skills for SMEs. In particular, businesses operating in particularly difficult areas or female-owned businesses are also exempted from tuition fees.
• Consulting and expert connection program: Enterprises have access to a network of management, finance, marketing and innovation consultants organized by ministries, branches and associations.
• Free legal advice and market information: The national portal supporting SMEs and many state electronic platforms are constantly updated and provide free advice on legal issues, technical standards, export potential, market expansion, etc.

Preferential Access to Space & Infrastructure

• Support for production premises: In many industrial parks, high-tech zones and key localities, start-up SMEs are given priority to rent land/premises at low prices, with policies to extend rental payment periods and reduce facility-related fees.
• Industry clusters, co-working spaces: Many localities support new SMEs to access industry clusters, co-working spaces, incubators, etc. to promote cooperation and reduce operating costs in the early stages.

Investment Fund, Startup Support

• SMEDF, NextBold Capital and many other foreign funds: Provide cheap loans, indirect or direct funding to help SMEs innovate technology, participate in international markets, focusing on potential areas such as education, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, agriculture.
• Startup fundraising program: Many crowdfunding programs, connecting investment between Vietnamese SMEs with corporations and foreign investment funds - both providing capital and management knowledge, and expanding international relations and cooperation.

Movement of Reforming Procedures & Business Environment

• Administrative procedure reform: By 2025, the Government requires a reduction of at least 30% in procedure processing time, 30% in compliance costs, and the abolition of unnecessary business conditions; strongly shifting management from "pre-inspection" to "post-inspection" to create a more favorable start-up atmosphere than before.
• Promoting the development of digital government: Thanks to e-government, SMEs can easily access information, register for public services online, and reduce waiting time for documents and procedures.

SME Startup Tips & Experience

• Follow information from the SME support portal of ministries and branches, quickly grasp new incentives.
• Proactively connect investment funds, national support projects and business associations to maximize resources.
• Prioritize digitalization of management and human resource training towards multitasking and integration for sustainable development.

Starting a business is an exciting adventure, but it is also not without its challenges. The roadmap of preferential policies and support for SMEs in Vietnam is ready. However, understanding and making the most of these resources requires a deep understanding of legal and administrative processes.

Don't let legal troubles become a barrier on the way to realizing your dreams. With extensive experience in the field of business consulting, GT Law Proud to be a trusted companion, helping you:

• Consulting and implementing business registration and intellectual property registration procedures.
• Support in building legal documents to access tax incentives and loans.
• Advice on capital structure, investment contracts, and other legal issues.

Let GT Law Become a map, helping you locate and effectively exploit all support resources, taking your business further on the journey to conquer the market.