We will only notify the newest and revelant news to you.
Vietnam’s economy continues to gain global attention as one of the most dynamic and investor-friendly in Southeast Asia. With consistent GDP growth, a strategic location, and a young, tech-savvy workforce, Vietnam has become a magnet for foreign direct investment. As a foreign entrepreneur or investor, one of your foundational decisions is selecting the best bank in Vietnam for foreigners, a decision that directly impacts operational efficiency, capital mobility, and your broader investment success.
In this guide, we dive deep into the most reliable banks in Vietnam for expats, with a focus on business-friendly services, foreign investment integration, and corporate banking solutions. Whether you're incorporating a company, expanding operations, or investing in local markets, choosing the right financial partner is essential.
Banking in Vietnam involves more than just storing funds. It’s about access to local and global financial tools, business account functionality, foreign exchange stability, and efficient cross-border transactions. For investors and entrepreneurs, the best bank for foreigners in Vietnam must provide:
Choosing the best bank in Vietnam for foreign investors
Vietnam offers a wide range of banking institutions, yet not all are structured to meet the specific needs of international investors. Banks may have different procedures depending on the type of company (e.g., LLC or JSC), so it's essential to check the specific requirements and timelines with each bank before initiating the account opening process.
Based on our experience assisting global clients, the following options represent the best bank in Vietnam for foreigners in terms of reliability, FDI compliance, and investor-oriented services:
Among Vietnam’s leading state-owned banks, Vietcombank stands out as a strong choice for businesses engaged in import-export and cross-border trade. Known for its solid foreign exchange capabilities, competitive international transfer rates, and connectivity with global banking networks, it meets many of the criteria that define the best bank in Vietnam for foreigners, particularly those operating in international commerce and supply chains.
Features attractive to expats and foreign investors:
For businesses engaging in global trade, supply chain finance, or vendor payment flows, Vietcombank is a reliable financial partner with regulatory familiarity and operational scale.
If your company values technology and digital efficiency, Techcombank is an excellent option. While not state-owned, Techcombank has emerged as one of Vietnam’s most innovative financial institutions, with a growing focus on corporate clients.
Highlights for entrepreneurs and SMEs:
Although not as institutional as Vietcombank, Techcombank excels in flexibility and digital user experience, making it an ideal solution for startups, tech companies, and agile investors.
While many banks in Vietnam, including Techcombank, offer digital banking solutions, some international companies may face additional requirements for accessing certain online banking features.
HSBC Vietnam is part of one of the world’s largest banking and financial service organizations. For foreigners investing through holding structures or managing assets across multiple countries, HSBC offers superior cross-border capabilities.
Strategic advantages for investors:
While HSBC’s corporate accounts often require higher capital thresholds and more rigorous documentation, the value is clear for large-scale investors, fund managers, and multinational entities.
For foreign investors seeking world-class banking services with global integration, Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank Vietnam offer a premium gateway to operating in Vietnam. Both institutions have a strong international footprint and are known for serving foreign enterprises, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth investors with complex cross-border needs.
Standard Chartered Bank and Citibank Vietnam
Key advantages for business and investment:
Why these banks stand out: Their international compliance standards, seamless global connectivity, and experience in handling foreign corporate structures make Standard Chartered and Citibank top-tier options for investors who prioritize transparency, efficiency, and scalability in their Vietnam operations.
Foreign investors establishing companies in Vietnam need to open various account types to comply with local regulations. These include:
Used to receive funds from the parent company or foreign investor. This account must be in a foreign currency and is used solely for the purpose of injecting capital into the business entity. All disbursements must be properly recorded and reported to local authorities.
The capital contribution account should only be used for the injection of capital into the company, not for daily transactions. The business must comply with the reporting obligations related to foreign currency deposits and withdrawals.
After completing capital contribution, businesses must open a VND-denominated operational account for regular income, expenses, and employee payments.
Depending on the industry (e.g., real estate, F&B, consulting), you may also need accounts for tax, escrow, or project finance purposes.
Key Banking Considerations for Business Setup in Vietnam
While requirements vary slightly by bank, the typical documents for foreign-invested companies (FIEs) include:
Engaging a local consultant or law firm is highly recommended to ensure that the account setup aligns with State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) regulations.
Key Features When Choosing a Business Bank in Vietnam
Here’s a breakdown of features to assess when selecting the best bank to use in Vietnam for investment and corporate activities:
Feature | Importance |
English-speaking corporate services | High – Essential for navigating compliance and contracts |
International remittance & FX management | High – Reduces transaction costs and facilitates repatriation |
Digital corporate banking platform | Medium – Affects operational efficiency |
Trade finance & credit facilities | High – Enables growth and working capital management |
Reputation and regulatory compliance | High – Critical for audit, transparency, and investor confidence |
Availability of SWIFT code for transfers | Essential – For inbound and outbound global capital |
Vietnamese law allows foreign investors to repatriate profits and send capital abroad, provided the business has fulfilled all tax and financial reporting obligations. The bank you choose will play a key role in:
Vietnam’s growing economy offers a supportive banking environment for foreign investors, especially those who understand the importance of choosing institutions aligned with international standards. Selecting the best bank in Vietnam for foreigners can simplify capital contributions, daily operations, and cross-border transactions.
At Offshore Company Corp, we help streamline this process by connecting businesses with reliable banking partners that match their investment needs and long-term strategy.
Latest news & insights from around the world brought to you by One IBC's experts
We are always proud of being an experienced Financial and Corporate Services provider in the international market. We provide the best and most competitive value to you as valued customers to transform your goals into a solution with a clear action plan. Our Solution, Your Success.