Prices checked August 2026. Vietnamese đồng is the authoritative figure — dollar equivalents move with the exchange rate.
How much does a lawyer cost in Hanoi?
English-speaking law firms in Hanoi commonly charge US$50–165 an hour depending on seniority — roughly US$50 for a paralegal, US$100 for an associate, US$120 for a senior lawyer and US$165 for a partner. General Vietnamese legal advice is benchmarked at 1,000,000–5,000,000₫ per hour. Written advice typically starts around US$100.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Vietnam?
A standard foreign-invested company setup in Vietnam costs US$2,000–3,500 or more, with published packages starting around US$2,000 covering the investment registration certificate, enterprise registration certificate, company stamp and charter. Complex or specially licensed businesses can run to US$7,000–9,000 and beyond. Government fees are usually separate from the firm's fee.
What should I agree with a Hanoi lawyer before instructing them?
Get a written scope with either a fee cap or staged pricing before any work starts. Hourly billing without a cap is where foreign clients in Vietnam most often get caught out. Confirm separately what is excluded, because VAT, government fees, translation, notarisation, legalisation, court fees and third-party specialists are typically all on top.
Do I need an English-speaking lawyer in Vietnam?
For anything contractual, yes — Vietnamese law and its documentation are complex enough that misunderstanding a clause is expensive. Most foreigners need a lawyer for one of three things: company registration, a property lease, or a work permit. Firms used to foreign clients will quote a fixed fee for those rather than billing hourly.
Where these prices come from
Prices are market benchmarks for Hanoi, not quotes from the businesses listed below. Always confirm directly before booking.