Q: Does Decree 268/2025 set an age limit for companies seeking Innovative Startup Enterprise recognition?

No. Under Article 35.1 of Decree 268/2025/NĐ-CP , there is no age or founding-year limit for companies applying for Innovative Startup Enterprise recognition. However, to access HCMC-specific incentives under Resolution 31/2024/NQ-HĐND , the enterprise must have been first registered on or after 1 January 2020 . Companies founded before 2020 still qualify for recognition and for nationwide tax relief under Resolution 198/2025/QH15 — 2-year CIT exemption plus 50% reduction for the next 4 years.

Q: What are the three tiers of tax incentives available to Innovative Startup Enterprises?

Benefits extend across three tiers — enterprise, investor, and key experts: Tier 1 — Enterprise: 5-year CIT exemption in HCMC (NQ 98/2023 + NQ 31/2024) or 2 years + 50% reduction for the next 4 years nationwide (NQ 198/2025/QH15); 200% deduction of actual R&D spend; up to 20% of taxable income allocated to the Science & Technology Development Fund; 10% preferential rate for 15 years if S&T criteria are met. Tier 2 — Investor: 0% capital-gains tax on exits from qualified innovative startups. Tier 3 — Key experts: 2-year PIT exemption plus 50% reduction for the following 4 years for core experts employed by the enterprise.

Question 1

What is Victory Incubation Center?

Accepted Answer

VIC is a registered science & technology organization founded in 2020 and headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. It supports innovative SMEs through incubation, acceleration, coaching, product advisory, and investment facilitation.

Question 2

How can I partner with VIC?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out at contact@victory-incubator.net or call +84 91 688 1143 for a tailored consultation. The VIC team responds within two working days.

Question 3

What R&D ratio does my company need to register as a Science & Technology Enterprise?

Accepted Answer

Per Decree 268/2025, a Science & Technology Enterprise must spend at least 2% of revenue on R&D and derive 20–30% of revenue from S&T products, while holding legally recognized S&T results.

Question 4

Who is the VND 400 million grant under NQ 20/2023 designed for?

Accepted Answer

The grant targets innovative HCMC startups in one of nine priority sectors, with a finished prototype and initial customers or revenue, sponsored by a qualified incubator such as VIC.

Question 5

What is HOIP and how can I join?

Accepted Answer

HOIP is the HCMC Open Innovation Platform established by the Department of Science and Technology and operated by VIC. Enterprises can register at hoip.doimoisangtao.vn or contact VIC for assistance.

Question 6

How long does it take to process an Innovative Startup Enterprise recognition dossier?

Accepted Answer

Without a review council, processing takes around 20 working days. With a review council (typically for complex or regulated sectors), it can extend to 42 working days.

Question 7

Does Decree 268/2025 set an age limit for companies seeking Innovative Startup Enterprise recognition?

Accepted Answer

No. Under Article 35.1 of Decree 268/2025/NĐ-CP, there is no age or founding-year limit for companies applying for Innovative Startup Enterprise recognition.

However, to access HCMC-specific incentives under Resolution 31/2024/NQ-HĐND, the enterprise must have been first registered on or after 1 January 2020. Companies founded before 2020 still qualify for recognition and for nationwide tax relief under Resolution 198/2025/QH15 — 2-year CIT exemption plus 50% reduction for the next 4 years.

Question 8

What are the three tiers of tax incentives available to Innovative Startup Enterprises?

Accepted Answer

Benefits extend across three tiers — enterprise, investor, and key experts:

Tier 1 — Enterprise: 5-year CIT exemption in HCMC (NQ 98/2023 + NQ 31/2024) or 2 years + 50% reduction for the next 4 years nationwide (NQ 198/2025/QH15); 200% deduction of actual R&D spend; up to 20% of taxable income allocated to the Science & Technology Development Fund; 10% preferential rate for 15 years if S&T criteria are met.
Tier 2 — Investor: 0% capital-gains tax on exits from qualified innovative startups.
Tier 3 — Key experts: 2-year PIT exemption plus 50% reduction for the following 4 years for core experts employed by the enterprise.

Question 9

What documents do I need to prepare to apply for Innovative Startup Enterprise recognition?

Accepted Answer

Under Decree 268/2025/NĐ-CP the dossier is organized in three parts:

Part A — Legal documents

Application form (per the template attached to Decree 268/2025)
Certified copy of the enterprise registration certificate and related legal papers
Company charter and list of founding members / shareholders

Part B — Evidence of innovation

Project description of the innovative startup initiative
Growth evidence (revenue reports for two consecutive years)
IP certificates or documents proving novelty (if available)

Part C — Evidence of investment (at least one required)

Investment contract or investment commitment from a VC fund or angel investor
Letter of support from an innovation center, incubator, or accelerator program
Memorandum of understanding with a recognized startup-support organization

VIC drafts and reviews the full dossier before submission under Articles 66–67 of Decree 268/2025/NĐ-CP.

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