A Compliance Checklist for General Businesses

Table of Contents

This article organizes, in checklist form, the key compliance items that a general business operating in Vietnam should observe. It covers areas relevant to day-to-day operations — labor management, tax filings, environmental and fire safety compliance, license management, and data protection — helping to make violation risk visible. Use this as a first step toward internal auditing, risk assessment, and strengthening governance. NEXORA LAWFIRM has extensive experience conducting compliance reviews, proposing improvements, and supporting the establishment of internal systems for Japanese companies, providing comprehensive support for stable business operations built on legal compliance.

Corporate Decision-Making

■ Does the company retain its charter (both the original version adopted at incorporation and subsequent amended versions)?

■ Does the company strictly comply with the provisions set out in its charter?

■ Are the company's decisions made through the correct process?

■ Are the governance bodies required under the Enterprise Law properly operating?

Licenses and Permits

■ Are the company's various licenses (Investment Registration Certificate, Enterprise Registration Certificate, environmental protection license, fire safety license, and any specific business licenses) in proper order?

■ Has the company obtained all necessary licenses?

■ Is there any discrepancy between the registered business lines and the company's actual activities?

■ Are there any other issues relating to licenses and permits?

Verification of Asset Ownership

■ Have the company's assets (in particular, real estate) been lawfully acquired?

■ Does the company hold sufficient evidence proving its right to use or own its assets (in particular, real estate)?

■ Are the company's intellectual property rights (trademarks, patents, etc.) adequately protected?

■ Is there any potential risk of infringement of the company's assets, including intangible assets?

Employment Relationships

■ Are there any issues with the company's internal labor regulations?

■ Has the company established adequate processes and measures for terminating employment relationships (mutual termination, contract cancellation, dismissal, etc.)?

■ Have any issues arisen relating to sexual harassment or workplace bullying/harassment?

■ Are there any issues with the company's probationary agreement templates, employment contract templates, or other internal labor-related rules?

■ Is the company strictly complying with overtime regulations?

■ Are there any other issues (establishment of a trade union, drafting of a collective labor agreement, etc.)?

Business Operations

■ Is the company strictly complying with the regulations specific to its line of business?

■ Does the company keep up to date with, and strictly comply with, regulations specific to its line of business?

■ Is there a significant discrepancy between the business plan and actual activities (particularly relevant for joint ventures)?

Contracts with Business Partners

■ Are there any significant issues in the company's contracts with business partners?

■ Do the payment terms and amounts in contracts with business partners contain any terms unfavorable to the company, or that diverge from standard market terms?

■ Are there any signs of kickbacks or improper purchasing in connection with procurement?

■ Is customer information properly managed (to prevent employees from taking customer data outside the company)?

Receivables Management and Collection

■ Is the process for managing and collecting receivables appropriate?

■ Are adequate measures in place for the actual collection of receivables?

■ Do contracts with business partners include provisions addressing receivables management and collection?

Intellectual Property and
Confidentiality

■ Does the company have confidentiality agreements in place?

■ Has the company entered into appropriate confidentiality agreements with employees, business partners, and other third parties?

■ Is confidential information — such as customer lists, company technology, and know-how — properly managed?

■ Where employees make inventions, has the company prepared agreements addressing employee inventions?

Risk Management

■ Is the organization adequately equipped to handle disputes, complaints, and similar matters?

■ Is the company's risk management framework adequately established?

Other

■ Is the company strictly complying with advertising regulations?

■ Is the company complying with the requirements of the Consumer Protection Law?

■ Does the company handle personal data? If so, is it strictly complying with the applicable regulations and procedures governing personal data?