For individuals or small-scale household businesses, registering as a household business is a crucial legal step to operate legally, declare taxes correctly, and avoid future risks.

In reality, the business registration process is not complicated, the processing time is fast, and the cost is low. However, many people are still confused because they are not clear about the application form, required documents, and the procedure.

The article below will help you understand the entire process.

Current forms of business registration

Those registering a household business can choose one of the following three options :

Register directly

• Submit the application directly to the commune-level business registration agency.
• Processing time: Within 3 working days from the date of receipt of the application.
• Fees: Determined by the Provincial People's Council (based on the regulations in Circular No. 85/2019/TT-BTC)

Register online

• Implemented on the Business Registration Information System
• Processing time: 3 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents.
• Pay the fee through the online payment service on the National Public Service Portal.

Register via postal service.

• Submit your application by mail.
• Processing time: 3 working days from the date the agency receives the application.

Important note:

The business registration fee is non-refundable if the application is not approved. The registration fee also does not include the fee for using electronic payment services.

Components of the business registration application file

Basic profile

• Application form for business registration (according to the prescribed form: Mus1-Pl2.doc)
• A copy of the applicant's identification document (valid National Identity Card or Citizen Identification Card)

This applies to cases where a household business is registered by multiple members of the same household.

• Copies of the power of attorney document from household members authorizing one person to act as the head of the household business.
• This document must be notarized or certified.

In cases where authorization is given to perform the registration procedure.

If the applicant cannot register in person, they can authorize someone else to do so, but the application will need to include additional relevant documents.

Authorization for individuals

• Authorization document (not required to be notarized or certified)

Authorize the service organization

• Copy of the service agreement
• Letter of introduction for individuals personally handling the procedures.

Authorization via postal service

• A copy of the document submission form provided by the postal service.
• It has the signatures of the business owner and the postal employee.

In all cases:

• Both the grantor and the grantee are legally responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of the authorization.
• Electronic authentication must be carried out as required.
• If you do not yet have an electronic identity account, your application must include a copy of your National Identity Card/Citizen ID Card.

Procedure for registering a household business

Register in person or by mail.

1. Submit the application at the commune-level business registration office where the company's headquarters are located.
2. Receive the application receipt and appointment for results, and check the conditions for granting a business registration certificate as stipulated in Clause 2, Article 85 of Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP.
3. Within 3 working days:
4. If the application is valid: issue a Business Registration Certificate and send the information to the tax authority.
5. If the application is incomplete: a written notification will be issued, stating the reasons and requesting additional information.

Register online

1. Log in to the business registration information system using your electronic identification account.
2. Declare information, upload electronic documents, digitally sign, and pay fees.
3. Receive electronic application receipt
4. The business registration agency processes and responds with results through the system.

Conditions for obtaining a business registration certificate

A household business is granted registration when it meets all of the following conditions:

Legitimate business sector: Not included in the list of prohibited investment and business activities.

Business name: Must be named in accordance with the regulations in Article 88 of Decree No. 01/2021/ND-CP

Valid documents: Complete, accurate, and in the correct format.

Fees: Fully paid as required.

For online applications, in addition to the above conditions, the following must also be met:

• There are complete electronic versions corresponding to the paper documents.
• The information declared matches both the file and the system.
• The record is authenticated with a valid digital signature.

Conclude

Registering a business is a mandatory first step if you want to conduct business legally, transparently, and facilitate tax filing later on.

The current procedures have been simplified, processing times are faster, and can be done in person, online, or via mail. Most importantly, prepare the correct documents and understand the process to avoid having to make multiple trips and submit additional information.