Updated: 23 September 2026<\/p>\n
Selling online does not automatically exempt you from business registration simply because you have no physical shop. Determine whether the activity is a business, whether an exemption applies and the intended operating structure. Opening a marketplace account does not replace registration with a state authority.<\/p>\n
A shop regularly sourcing stock, listing prices, taking orders and arranging delivery should review its business status before expanding. Occasional sales of an individual's used belongings should instead be assessed according to the transaction's nature, rather than treated identically to a resale business.<\/p>\n
Article 82(3) of Decree No. 168\/2025\/ND-CP dated 30 June 2025 specifies cases not requiring household business registration, including certain agricultural activities, street vending, seasonal businesses and low-income services, subject to conditions and exceptions. Local authorities determine the low-income threshold. This is not a general exemption for everyone describing themselves as a small seller. [1]<\/p>\n
A household business may suit operations directly organised by an individual or family, but its exposure to liability must be understood. A company may better accommodate capital contributions, governance and shared interests among several people. Limited liability attaches only to the relevant legal form and conditions, not every business structure.<\/p>\n
Compare contributors, assets exposed to liability, invoicing needs, accounting resources and growth plans. Do not choose solely on a general claim that one structure pays less tax; tax also depends on revenue, activity and the applicable method.<\/p>\n
For example, two people funding a brand, sharing profits and planning further investment should clarify ownership from the outset. Holding every account, inventory item and revenue stream in one person's name can create disputes when the relationship changes.<\/p>\n
Business registration records the business entity. E-commerce procedures concern platform management and operation. A seller opening a shop on someone else's platform differs from an operator of its own sales website or a platform hosting multiple sellers.<\/p>\n
E-Commerce Law No. 122\/2025\/QH15 dated 10 December 2025 and Decree No. 248\/2026\/ND-CP dated 30 June 2026 impose duties by model. A business registration certificate does not replace required platform notification or registration. [2][3]<\/p>\n
Business details, contact address and the person managing the account.<\/p>\n
Descriptions of goods and services and any required sector-specific documents.<\/p>\n
Sourcing records, purchase documents and rights to use product images.<\/p>\n
Payment account, revenue recording method and person responsible for tax.<\/p>\n
Delivery and returns policies and a complaints channel.<\/p>\n
This is an operational preparation checklist, not a substitute for an administrative dossier. Use the forms and receiving authority identified in the currently published registration procedure.<\/p>\n
The platform name does not determine exemption. Assess actual activities against the exemption conditions. Having no physical shop is also insufficient.<\/p>\n
Tax thresholds and registration duties are separate. A revenue threshold exempting one tax does not imply exemption from all business procedures.<\/p>\n
No. Sellers of conditional goods or services must also meet sector-specific requirements. Before buying stock, check business, market circulation and advertising conditions.<\/p>\n
Start by describing the model on one page: what is sold, to whom, through which channels, who receives payment and who is responsible. This supports a more accurate procedural assessment than a generic question about online selling.<\/p>\n
[1] Decree No. 168\/2025\/ND-CP dated 30 June 2025 on enterprise registration, Article 82.<\/a><\/p>\n [2] E-Commerce Law No. 122\/2025\/QH15 dated 10 December 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n