icon fb blueicon linkedin blueicon call blueicon youtube blue

Steps for incorporating a Brunei company in 2022

Long Nguyen
Project Manager & Legal Counsel, Viettonkin Joint Stock Company
With over a decade of experience managing investment projects in construction and extensive legal expertise, Nguyễn Hoàng Long leads business planning, sales, and client relations at Viettonkin. As both Project Manager and in-house Lawyer, he ensures strategic, compliant, and client-focused solutions for FDI projects.
With over a decade of experience managing investment projects in construction and extensive legal expertise, Nguyễn Hoàng Long leads business planning, sales, and client relations at Viettonkin. As both Project Manager and in-house Lawyer, he ensures strategic, compliant, and client-focused solutions for FDI projects.

The government of Brunei, the Islamic Kingdom in Southeast Asia, wants to diversify its economy and increase foreign investment, therefore it has implemented a number of initiatives to draw in investors from across the world, including Vietnam. If you wish to start a business in Brunei but are unsure how to do so, read our article below for more details.

I. Procedure to apply for a Vietnam external investment certificate

The first step in forming a company in Brunei is to apply for an offshore investment certificate from a Vietnamese authorized body. Follow these steps to carry out this procedure:

STEP 1: CREATE DOCUMENTATION FOR OFFSHORE INVESTMENTS

The following documents must be prepared:

Offshore Investment Registration Document (made according to the form)

Among the documents demonstrating legal status are:

  • For individual investors, a copy of an identity card, passport, or identity card
  • For institutional investors: a copy of the Certificate of Establishment or other comparable document establishing the investor's legal existence as an organization, such as the Investment License; Decide to establish; obtain a certificate of business registration;

The following are the main sections of the investment project proposal: project implementation status, investment stages (if any), the form, goal, size, and location of the investment; preliminary capital determination; capital mobilization strategy; and capital structure preliminary evaluation of the project's investment effectiveness

One of the following documents is among the ones demonstrating the investor's financial capability:

  • Investors' most recent two years' worth of financial statements
  • Dedication to providing a financial institution with funding
  • A promise of the investor's financial strength
  • Further records attesting to the investor's financial stability

— A formal agreement to arrange for investors of an approved credit institution to receive foreign currency or a commitment to self-balancing foreign currency sources.

The investor must provide written permission from a competent state agency on the satisfaction of the conditions for outward investment for projects involving outward investment in industries and trades subject to conditional outward investment. in compliance with applicable laws when overseas (if any)

— A statement from the taxing authority attesting to the investor's compliance with tax responsibilities

STEP 2: APPLY FOR AN OFFSHORE INVESTMENT CERTIFICATE IN TWO STEP

— Apply at the Ministry of Planning and Investment for an offshore investment certificate.

— The Ministry of Planning and Investment shall deliver the dossiers for the evaluation views of pertinent state agencies within three working days of the date of receipt of complete dossiers.

— You will receive an offshore investment certificate if you fully satisfy the requirements following the application review period.

II. Steps to establish a business in Brunei

STEP 1: PRE-INCORPORATION

  • Consultation phase: We discuss our Client's needs and goals for the new company before incorporating a Brunei resident company. The best corporate structure for the prospective business is then planned;
  • Due diligence and dedication on the part of the client: i) pays the engagement costs owed to Viettonkin Consulting in Brunei; ii) returns our client engagement letter signed by them; iii) gives us all the documentation necessary for our due diligence;
  • Planning phase: Viettonkin Consulting creates a thorough project plan for our Client's engagement that includes i) procedures for obtaining a corporate bank account; ii) procedure of incorporation. This project plan outlines each stage to the completion of the engagement week by week, maximizing openness and establishing client expectations;
  • Customers provide three distinct company names in order of preference for a name availability check. Viettonkin Consulting then i) on behalf of your business, inquiries the Brunei Registrar of Companies about the availability of the company name; ii) informs the customer of the availability;
  • Document preparation: Following the agreement with our client on the organizational structure, Viettonkin Consulting will draft incorporation documents for that client's signing and courier return.

STEP 2: INCORPORATION PROCEDURE

  • Viettonkin Consulting will be used as an example i) the Brunei Registrar of Companies, and register our Client's business there and ii) pay the registration money on behalf of our client;
  • Approval of incorporation: After registration is accepted, Viettonkin Consulting emails our Client i) public perception of the business, ii) company certificate, and iii) a seal is acquired for the company;
  • Additional requirements: In order to register a corporation in Brunei, you need an address there. Viettonkin Consulting gives our Client, upon request, a Brunei business address for the purpose of billing. In addition, after the establishment of the firm, clients can ask for a phone, fax, and email support for their business.

STEP 3: POST-INCORPORATION

  • Additional licenses: Depending on the nature and type of business activity, you may require an approval or clearance from a specific regulating agency. Viettonkin Consulting, if necessary i) requests a variety of licenses from the Municipal Board and ii) secures the Ministry of Health's and the closest fire department's approval for such a license;
  • Opening a corporate bank account is something Viettonkin Consulting helps our Clients with after receiving the certifications. Most of our clients opt for a business bank account in either Singapore or Malaysia, because i) efficiency in taxes and transfers; ii) considering that both jurisdictions are important financial centers; iii) multi-currency accounts and top-notch Internet banking services are offered by banks in both countries;
  • Following the conclusion of the engagement, Viettonkin Consulting sends our client a complete business kit that includes the original Brunei corporate documents, untouched bank correspondence, and a client satisfaction survey about the caliber of our Brunei incorporation services.
Found This Insight Valuable?
Need expert guidance on ASEAN market entry?
Schedule a Consultation
About the Author
Long Nguyen
Project Manager & Legal Counsel, Viettonkin Joint Stock Company
Nguyễn Hoàng Long is a Project Manager and Legal Counsel at Viettonkin Joint Stock Company, bringing more than 10 years of hands-on experience in managing large-scale investment projects, particularly in the construction sector. His expertise spans both business and legal dimensions, with over 5 years specializing in legal affairs for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects. Long is responsible for business planning, sales, marketing, and consulting, working closely with the CEO to drive the company's strategic growth and client service excellence. In his dual role, Long leads client relations and account management, overseeing project delivery, client status monitoring, and effective debt collection processes. He is performance-driven, implementing robust reporting systems and tracking team performance to achieve business objectives. As Viettonkin’s in-house legal counsel, Long also provides crucial legal guidance, ensuring that all projects comply with Vietnamese regulations and international best practices. His well-rounded experience, leadership, and commitment to transparency guarantee that clients receive strategic, reliable, and comprehensive support throughout every stage of their project.

Related Insights

Representative Office in Vietnam: Procedures and Compliances for Setting Up and Dissolution

The Representative Office (RO) has no function of profit generating, but functions such as researching, approaching market expansion, promoting brands, products, contacting customers … So, it can be fairly essential to get one. Thus, how is the procedure and compliance how to establish representative office in Vietnam as well as dissolution? The following article of […]
Read Article →

Setting Up a Company in Indonesia (Part Two)

Part Two of the article focuses on the Indonesian business entity known as Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing (PT PMA) and issues related to its establishment. Part Two: PT PMA What is a PT PMA? PMA Indonesia (Penanaman Modal Asing) or PT PMA (Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing) is also known as a Foreign-Owned Company […]
Read Article →

Understanding Types of Business Entities in Indonesia

With this in mind, it will be opportune, before starting any business, to gain a clear view of the various types of available business entities in Indonesia. The form of legal entity a business owner chooses has not only long-term implications on the legal status of his or her business but also on taxation, liability […]
Read Article →

A Full Guide How to Start a Trading Company in Indonesia

Trading companies played a great role during the early stages in setting up Indonesia's commercial scenery. From highly being characterized by small enterprises operated by families, during the expansion of the economy, it became more diverse and sophisticated. Today, setting up a trading company in Indonesia thus bears a great deal of opportunity and potential […]
Read Article →
Entering Vietnam's Banking Market: Get Your Essential 2025 eBook 

Vietnam's dynamic banking sector is a top destination for foreign investment. To succeed, you need a deep understanding of the local landscape, from new regulations to market entry models.

Our eBook, "ESTABLISHING FOREIGN BANK PRESENCE IN VIETNAM" gives you the crucial insights you need, including:

  • 2024–2025 Sector Overview: Key economic and banking industry analysis.
  • Step-by-Step Entry Guidance: A deep dive into all primary market entry modes.
  • The Latest Legal Updates: Critical regulatory changes taking effect in 2025.
  • Smart Investment Strategies: Insights on M&A, strategic equity, and Fintech.

Download now for the expert knowledge to invest with confidence.

Entering Vietnam's Banking Market: Get Your Essential 2025 eBook 

Vietnam's dynamic banking sector is a top destination for foreign investment. To succeed, you need a deep understanding of the local landscape, from new regulations to market entry models.

Our eBook, "ESTABLISHING FOREIGN BANK PRESENCE IN VIETNAM" gives you the crucial insights you need, including:

  • 2024–2025 Sector Overview: Key economic and banking industry analysis.
  • Step-by-Step Entry Guidance: A deep dive into all primary market entry modes.
  • The Latest Legal Updates: Critical regulatory changes taking effect in 2025.
  • Smart Investment Strategies: Insights on M&A, strategic equity, and Fintech.

Download now for the expert knowledge to invest with confidence.

Download E-Book

About Us

Founded in 2009, Viettonkin Consulting is a multi-disciplinary group of consulting firms headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam with offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong and a strong presence through strategic alliances throughout Southeast Asia. Our firm’s guiding mission is aimed towards facilitating intra-ASEAN investments and connecting investors in Southeast Asia with the rest of the world, thus promoting international business relationships and strengthening inter-nation connections.
Contact
Email: 
info@viettonkin.com.vn
Phone Number: 
+84 977093166
Support
FAQ
Subscribe to our insights to look at the critical issue that your business is facing and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly changing world.
Subscription Form
img linkedin
Viettonkin Consulting Logo © 2025 - Viettonkin JSC

Anything we can help with?

arrow-up