Investors undertaking investment projects in economic zones are eligible for various state-sponsored incentives. These incentives are designed to encourage investment projects and promote stable, long-term investment and business development, fostering a transparent management framework to provide favorable conditions for both domestic and foreign investors to confidently invest in the production, and trade of goods, and services.

1. Definition of economic zones

The term economic zone is defined in Clause 13, Article 2 of Decree No. 35/2022/ND-CP dated May 28, 2022, which regulates the management of industrial parks and economic zones. According to this decree, an economic zone is a defined geographical area with multiple functional zones established to achieve goals such as attracting investment, developing the economy and society, and ensuring national defense and security.

Economic zones receive investment incentives, and these incentives are applied similarly to areas with particularly difficult socio-economic conditions as stipulated by investment laws. Investment incentives for economic zones are effective from the date of the economic zone’s establishment.

2. Tax and land rental incentives for investment in economic zones

Tax Type

Preferential Tax Rate

Regular Tax Rate

Notes

Corporate Income Tax

Preferential tax rate of 10% for 15 years

20%

Calculated from the first year of the new investment project, generating revenue in accordance with Decree No. 218/2013/ND-CP.

  • Tax exemption for 4 years.
  • 50% reduction for the subsequent 9 years.

Calculated from the first year during which enterprise earns taxable profits from the investment project, as per Decree No. 218/2013/ND-CP.

Value Added Tax

Entities exempt from tax as per the provisions of:

  • Article 5 of the Law on Value Added Tax;
  • Clause 1 of Article 1 of the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Value Added Tax, and
  • Clause 1 of Article 1 of the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Value Added Tax, the Law on Special Consumption Tax, and the Tax Management Law.

10%

Based on Decree No. 100/2016/ND-CP.

Special Consumption Tax

Entities exempt from special consumption tax as defined in Article 3 of the Law on Special Consumption Tax, and Clause 2 of Article 1 of the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Special Consumption Tax. As specified in Decree No. 108/2015/ND-CP and Circular No. 195/2015/TT-BTC.

Land and Water Surface Rent

  • Exemption from land and water surface rent for the entire lease period for projects:
    • constructing housing for workers and employees within the economic zone, or leasing land from investors to build infrastructure in the Economic Zone following approved planning by competent state authorities;
    • the investor is not allowed to include land rental costs in the rental price for leased premises, land for constructing facilities of public service entities within the economic zone, land for building maintenance, repair, parking lots (including ticketing areas, management and operation areas, public service areas) serving public passenger transportation activities within the Economic Zone as stipulated by road transport laws. Land for constructing water supply facilities within the Economic Zone is also exempt from land rental fees.
  • For investment projects specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Law on Investment, the Prime Minister decides the duration of land and water surface rental exemption, which shall not exceed 1.5 times the duration of the land and water surface rental exemption specified in Point d, Clause 3, Article 19 of Decree 31/2021/NĐ-CP, and does not exceed the project’s duration.
  • For investment projects specified in Clause 2, Article 20 of the Law on Investment, the Prime Minister determines the reduction rate of land rental fees, which shall not exceed 1.5 times the reduction rate of land rental fees specified in point a Clause 1, Article 20 of the Law on Investment.
Based on Decree No. 46/2014/ND-CP, Decree No. 31/2021/ND-CP, and Decree No. 35/2017/ND-CP.

Based on the analyses presented above, leveraging the favorable policies, especially tax incentives, and aligning with their needs and objectives, foreign investors find it easier to choose investment activities within economic zones. By integrating various investment and business activities, they can maximize the benefits of their investments and establish a clear trajectory for business investment in Vietnam. Capitalizing on the full spectrum of investment incentives, including tax benefits, will contribute to the successful development of foreign investors’ businesses.

The article is based on laws applicable at the time noted as above and may no longer be appropriate at the time the reader approaches this article as the applicable laws and the specific cases that the reader may wish to apply may have changed. Therefore, the article is for referencing only.

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