Le Van Hanh
Team Lead Market Entry & Saxony-Anhalt Representative
+84 (28) 3822 7539 hanh.le@vietnam.ahk.de
Establishing a physical presence in Vietnam is often associated with significant costs, administrative effort, and legal risks. At the same time, having local resources on the ground is crucial for successful market entry and business development.
With the Office-in-Office concept, AHK Vietnam offers a flexible and low-risk solution that allows you to start your business activities in Vietnam immediately, without setting up your own company or representative office.
Why is market entry without a local structure challenging?
Companies entering Vietnam typically face several barriers:
- High costs and complexity of establishing a representative office
- Legal and administrative requirements
- Challenges in recruiting and managing local staff
- Lack of on-the-ground presence for sales, sourcing, or quality control
These challenges often lead to delays and increased risks when entering the market.
Our solution: Office-in-Office as a flexible alternative
AHK Vietnam provides you with ready-to-use infrastructure and local support—without the need to establish your own legal entity.
The concept includes two flexible options:
Physical presence
- Dedicated workspace within AHK Vietnam premises (e.g. Deutsches Haus in Ho Chi Minh City or Lotte Center Hanoi)
- Access to meeting rooms and office infrastructure
Virtual presence
- Use of AHK infrastructure without physical presence
- Operational support from the local team
Outcome:
A fast and efficient market entry with minimal setup and maximum flexibility.
On-the-ground project manager: Your local extension in Vietnam
A key element of the Office-in-Office model is the option to work with an experienced AHK project manager:
- Available full-time or part-time
- Responsible for executing and managing your activities locally
- Direct communication with customers, suppliers, and partners
Typical use cases:
- Sales development and customer acquisition
- Supplier sourcing and quality management
- Preparation of investment projects
- Representation at trade fairs and events
Your key advantages
With the Office-in-Office model, you benefit from a practical and structured approach:
- Reduced risk: No need for your own legal entity or capital investment
- Immediate start: Begin operations without licensing procedures
- No administrative burden: No need for your own HR or accounting setup
- Local presence: Direct access to the Vietnamese market
- Network access: Leverage AHK Vietnam’s extensive business network
- Continuity: Supervision and support of your project manager by AHK Vietnam
Who is this service for?
The Office-in-Office model is particularly relevant for:
- German SMEs and family-owned businesses
- Companies entering or testing the Vietnamese market
- Firms without an existing presence in Vietnam
- Businesses seeking a flexible and low-risk expansion approach
Typical use cases
This model is commonly used for:
- Building initial sales activities in Vietnam
- Testing the market before making an investment decision
- Managing suppliers and quality processes
- Establishing a local business network
- Preparing for a future subsidiary or representative office
Frequently asked questions about Office-in-Office
Can I operate in Vietnam without setting up a legal entity?
Yes. The Office-in-Office model allows you to start and manage market activities without establishing your own local company.
How are my local operations managed?
Through a dedicated AHK Vietnam project manager who handles and coordinates your activities on the ground.
Is this a long-term solution or only for market entry?
Both are possible. Many companies use Office-in-Office as either an entry solution or a flexible long-term setup