Article 44. Branches, representative offices and business locations of an enterprise

1. A branch of an enterprise is its dependent unit which has some or all functions of the enterprise, including authorized representative. The business lines of a branch shall match those of the enterprise.

2. A representative office of an enterprise is its dependent unit which acts as the enterprise’s authorized representative, represents and protect the enterprise’s interests. A representative office shall not do business.

3. A business location of an enterprise is the place at which specific business operations are carried out.

Article 45. Registration of branches and representative offices; notification of business location

1. An enterprise may establish branches and representative offices in Vietnam and other countries. An enterprise may have more than one branch and representative office in an administrative division.

2. When establishing a domestic branch/representative office, the enterprise shall submit an application for branch/representative office registration to the business registration authority in charge of the area where the branch/representative office is established. Such an application shall consist of:

a) The notice of establishment of the branch/representative office;

b) Copies of the Establishment Decision and minutes of the meeting on the establishment of the enterprise’s branch/representative office, legal documents of the head of the branch/representative office.

3. Within 03 working days from the receipt of the application, the business registration authority shall consider the validity of the application and decide whether to issue a Certificate of Branch/Representative Office Registration. The business registration authority shall inform the applicant of necessary supplementation in writing if the application is not satisfactory or inform the applicant and provide explanation if the application is rejected.

4. The enterprise shall apply for revision of the Certificate of Branch/Representative Office Registration 10 days from the day on which a change occurs.

5. Within 10 days from the day on which the business location is decided, the enterprise shall send a notice of business location establishment to the business registration authority.

6. The Government shall elaborate this Article.