E-commerce business license application process

E-commerce business licenses are a mandatory requirement for individuals and organizations to legally operate in the e-commerce sector. With the rapid growth of online business models, obtaining a license helps businesses comply with legal regulations, avoid risks, and build customer trust.

This article provides detailed guidance on the application process for obtaining a license, helping businesses easily navigate the registration steps and ensure smooth operations.

Entities eligible to apply for e-commerce business licenses

Organizations or enterprises involved in e-commerce can apply for a license if they own and operate one of the following types of websites:

• E-commerce trading platform: Provides an intermediary platform for buyers and sellers to conduct online transactions.

• Online promotional websites: Assist businesses in promoting products and services through promotional programs.

• Online auction websites: Allow users to participate in bidding for products or services.

Types of e-commerce models

According to Article 35, Decree 52/2013/ND-CP, the following types of e-commerce organizations are recognized:

• E-commerce retail websites
  E-commerce retail websites are those set up by businesses, organizations, or individuals to promote commercial activities, sell goods, or provide services.

Eligible applicants include businesses, organizations, or individuals who have been issued an individual tax identification number.

• E-commerce service provider websites
  E-commerce service provider websites are those set up by businesses or organizations to offer a platform for other businesses, organizations, or individuals to conduct commercial activities.

Eligible applicants include businesses or organizations involved in trade promotion or business support, and who operate an e-commerce service provider website.

Conditions for obtaining a trading platform license

To obtain an e-commerce trading platform license, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Valid legal status: Must be established in accordance with Vietnamese law and hold a business license.

• Operational plan: Must have a clear e-commerce service plan, including operation methods, transaction management, and user rights protection.

• Website registration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade: The e-commerce service website must be legally registered and display the confirmation symbol of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Procedure for obtaining an e-commerce trading platform license

Steps for registering an e-commerce retail website

For e-commerce retail websites, the following steps must be taken to register with the Ministry of Industry and Trade:

Step 1: Register an account on the management system
Visit the website www.online.gov.vn to create an account and provide the following information:

• Name of the business, organization, or individual

• Business registration number (for businesses), decision to establish (for organizations), or individual tax number (for individuals)

• Business activities or industry

• Registered office address (for businesses, organizations) or permanent residence (for individuals)

• Contact information: phone number, email, and fax (if available)

Step 2: Notify the Ministry of Industry and Trade about the website
After successful registration, log in to the system and notify the Ministry of Industry and Trade about the website as per the provided template.

Within 3 working days, the Ministry will respond by email with one of the following results:

• Confirmation that the website registration is complete and valid.

• Request for corrections or additional information if there are errors or missing data. In this case, make adjustments and resubmit according to the instructions.

Steps for registering an e-commerce service provider website

Prepare documents:

• Application form for registering an e-commerce service provider website (form TMĐT-1).

• A notarized copy of the Decision on Establishment (for organizations), or business registration certificate, investment certificate, or investment license (for businesses).

• Service provision plan as per Article 54, Clause 3 of Decree 52/2013/ND-CP.

• Website management regulations as per Article 55, Clause 2, Point d of Decree 52/2013/ND-CP.

• Service contracts or cooperation agreements between businesses, organizations owning the website, and parties involved in the sale of goods or provision of services on the platform.

• General terms and conditions for transactions related to buying and selling goods and providing services on the website (if any).

Step 1: Register an account on the system
Visit www.online.gov.vn to create an account by providing the following information:

• Company name: Clearly and accurately as per the business registration certificate.

• Business registration number: This is the business registration number or operating license issued by the relevant authority.

• Industry/activities: Specific business activities, especially related to e-commerce.

• Office address: Official business registration address.

• Contact information: Phone number, email, and the contact person for registration.

After entering all information, submit the registration request to process the account.

Step 2: Confirm account registration
After submitting the registration request, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will review it and respond within 3 working days via email. There are two possible outcomes:

• Account granted: If the information is complete and valid, the company will receive login credentials and can proceed to the next steps.

• Request for supplementation or rejection: If the information is incomplete or invalid, the Ministry will request the company to correct or add missing information.

Step 3: Register the e-commerce service provider website
After receiving the login credentials, the business continues the registration steps:

• Log in to the system using the provided credentials.

• Select “Register e-commerce service provider website.”

• Complete all information in the online registration form.

• Attach required documents, including the business registration certificate and other related documents.

After completing the information submission, send the documents for review by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Step 4: Confirm registration documents
Within 7 working days, the Ministry will review the documents and respond via email. Two outcomes are possible:

• Documents accepted: If everything is complete and correct, the Ministry will confirm and guide the next steps.

• Documents need correction or supplementation: If there are issues with the submission, the Ministry will request corrections. The company needs to update and resubmit the information.

Step 5: Submit paper documents
After receiving confirmation that the online documents are complete and valid, submit the paper documents to the Ministry of Industry and Trade:

• All documents submitted online.

• Additional legal documents as required by the Ministry.

Note: The paper documents must match the online submission. If discrepancies are found, the Ministry may ask for corrections.

Step 6: Receive registration confirmation code
Once the process is complete and approved, the Ministry will send a registration code by email. The company should:

• Display the confirmation code on the e-commerce service provider website.

• The confirmation will appear as a registration icon. Users can click it to access the e-commerce management portal, where the business registration information will be displayed.

Total time to complete the registration process

The registration process for setting up an e-commerce service provider website typically takes 15 – 20 working days, including:

• 3 days for account review.

• 7 days for document review.

• Processing time for paper documents and registration code issuance may take additional time depending on the case.

BKC Law’s E-commerce Business License Application Service

BKC Law offers a comprehensive service for obtaining e-commerce business licenses, helping businesses complete legal procedures quickly, accurately, and efficiently. With years of experience in corporate legal consulting, we assist clients in understanding e-commerce laws, ensuring full compliance with the necessary conditions for obtaining a license.

Our services include:

• License conditions consultation: Assessing business models and advising on the conditions required by law.

• Document preparation: Assisting in preparing all necessary documents and legal paperwork according to regulatory requirements.

• Submission and monitoring: Representing businesses in dealings with authorities, updating the status of the application, and resolving any issues that arise.

• Post-license support: Guiding businesses in fulfilling legal obligations and maintaining their licenses in accordance with regulations.

With a professional and dedicated team of lawyers, BKC Law is committed to providing fast, cost-effective services with a high success rate. We accompany businesses throughout the licensing process, helping them bring their e-commerce platforms into legal and sustainable operation.

For free legal consultation at BKC Law, you can contact our lawyers at the following details:

BKC Law’s E-commerce Business License Application Service

BKC Law offers a comprehensive service for obtaining e-commerce business licenses, helping businesses complete legal procedures quickly, accurately, and efficiently. With years of experience in corporate legal consulting, we assist clients in understanding e-commerce laws, ensuring full compliance with the necessary conditions for obtaining a license.

Our services include:

• License conditions consultation: Assessing business models and advising on the conditions required by law.

• Document preparation: Assisting in preparing all necessary documents and legal paperwork according to regulatory requirements.

• Submission and monitoring: Representing businesses in dealings with authorities, updating the status of the application, and resolving any issues that arise.

• Post-license support: Guiding businesses in fulfilling legal obligations and maintaining their licenses in accordance with regulations.

With a professional and dedicated team of lawyers, BKC Law is committed to providing fast, cost-effective services with a high success rate. We accompany businesses throughout the licensing process, helping them bring their e-commerce platforms into legal and sustainable operation.

For free legal consultation at BKC Law, you can contact our lawyers at the following details:

Phone: 0901 3333 41
Email: info@bkclaw.vn

District 1 Office: 9th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Lê Duẩn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Binh Tan Office: 41 Tên Lửa, Binh Tan, Ho Chi Minh City

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