How long does it take to get an IRC? Actual timeframe for FDI companies in 2026.

How long does it take to obtain an Investment Review Contract (IRC) is a top question for investors when starting a project in Vietnam. According to the 2020 Investment Law, the legally mandated processing time is typically 15 working days for a valid application. However, in practice, processing time can be longer depending on the type of project, the quality of the application, and the specific business sector. This article will analyze in detail the timelines and factors affecting the IRC issuance process in 2026.

Summary of the time frame for issuing investment registration certificates.

To give you a quick overview of the procedure timeline, here are the most important dates:

• According to legal regulations: 15 working days from the date the registration authority receives all valid documents.
• Actual processing time for standard applications: Typically ranges from 7 to 20 business days.
• Complex projects: This may take from 30 to 90 days if the project requires investment approval from the competent authority.

The time frame for issuing the Investment Registration Certificate is in accordance with the law.

As stipulated in Article 38 Investment Law 2020, The investment registration authority is responsible for reviewing the application and providing the results to the investor within a specified timeframe. For general projects that do not require investment policy approval, the legally mandated time for the competent authority to issue the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) is 15 working days.

However, in reality, the processing time for investment applications can vary depending on the scope of the project. For projects requiring verification or expert consultation from ministries and agencies, the total processing time typically ranges from 20 to 35 working days. Investors should note that these timelines are calculated in working days and do not include weekends and public holidays.

The actual time it takes for foreign investors to apply for an IRC.

Although the legal framework clearly stipulates the procedures, completing them in practice depends heavily on preparation experience and the type of project. At MAN – Master Accountant Network, we have observed the following common timeline scenarios:

• Fast process: It only takes about 7 to 12 working days if the application is complete, the documents are fully legalized, and the location is free of legal errors (Source: ASL Law).
• Conditional projects: These may take between 20 and 35 working days. They are typically large-scale production projects or those with environmental impacts, requiring careful assessment of financial capacity and actual impact by relevant authorities.
• Projects requiring investment approval: This is the most time-consuming scenario, potentially taking 30 to 90 days due to multiple levels of review from the Provincial People's Committee to the Government.

Investment Procedure Implementation Schedule (Expected for 2026)

Below is a summary table of the key stages in the FDI company establishment process to help investors easily plan.

Please note that the table above is for reference only. The actual processing time may be shortened if the business submits the application in localities with Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) High cost or use professional services.

Key factors affecting how long it takes to complete an IRC project.

The exact time it takes to apply for an IRC depends on many variables. Understanding these factors helps businesses be more proactive in their business process.

The completion of the investment dossier.

This is often the biggest factor affecting the process. If the application is missing documents or contains inaccurate financial information, the authorities will request corrections or additions.

The submission of additional documents affects the processing time as follows:

• Each additional request may push the processing time back by an additional 5 to 7 days.
• Foreign documents that have not been properly legalized by the consular office will be refused acceptance.
• Errors in the formatting of notarized translations also make the question of how long it takes to obtain an IRC a concern for investors.

Business lines of the FDI project

Sectors such as logistics, real estate, and education are conditional investment areas. For these projects, the registration authority must send official letters to request expert opinions from relevant departments and agencies. This inter-agency coordination process is the reason for the lengthy approval time. IRC Investment Registration Certificate It often takes longer than expected.

Investment location and capacity of the receiving agency

In major areas like Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, or Dong Nai, the processing procedures are generally highly standardized and coordinated. Conversely, in localities with fewer foreign projects, processing times may be slower because authorities lack experience in handling complex cases.

Is it faster to get an IRC (Integrated Receipt) in the industrial zone?

In reality, processing procedures at the Industrial Park Management Board tends to be faster than submitting them to the Department of Planning and Investment. This is because the Management Boards are usually granted the authority to handle procedures "on-site," and issues related to site planning have already been addressed during the industrial park's establishment phase. If the application is complete, investors can receive results within 7 to 10 working days.

Why are IRC applications delayed or rejected?

Investors often experience delays in their applications due to several common reasons:

• Lack of transparency in financial reporting: Failure to provide sufficient evidence of account balances or financial statements demonstrating the project's feasibility.
• Location issues: The office or factory is not located within the local development plan or does not meet the relevant legal requirements regarding the environment or fire safety.
• Sectors that are not yet open to the market: Areas with restricted market access for foreign investors due to international commitments.
• Delayed response: Investors fail to respond promptly to inquiries from authorities, causing delays in the assessment process.

Solutions to shorten the time required to obtain investment licenses.

To optimize the time taken to complete procedures and ensure progress, businesses need to take note of the following:

Early legal and site control

Investors should proactively review the legal documents of the host country and verify that the leased property has all the necessary legal documentation before making a deposit. This helps avoid situations where the application is suspended due to an invalid location.

Leverage support from operational experts.

Based on experience at MAN – Master Accountant Network, Collaborating with legal and accounting experts from the outset helps businesses avoid fundamental mistakes. Understanding local practices facilitates smooth documentation and significantly saves time in the actual process. (Source: [Reference]) IRC Investment Certificate Service).

Frequently Asked Questions about IRC Application Timeline

Below are the key questions that investors often have during the project implementation process.

You can refer to the comparison article. What is the difference between IRC and ERC? our.

Conclude

The time it takes to obtain an IRC depends on the investor's preparation and the nature of the project. Although the legally mandated deadline is 15 days, proactively completing the application and thoroughly understanding local regulations are key to shortening the licensing time, helping the project to operate effectively in Vietnam sooner.