South Korean businesses in Vietnam have asked the government to give six to 12 months’ notice before any new regulation takes effect. This request highlights why predictable tax rules matter for foreign investors.

Some businesses have reported difficulties because policies can change unpredictably, corporate‑income‑tax incentives may be altered, and tax enforcement differs across localities. In some cases, regulations have provided transition periods as short as 15 days, making compliance hard. When tax authorities, customs agencies or local administrations interpret the same rules differently, businesses can struggle to determine their obligations and plan reliably.

Lee Mi Yon, South Korean ambassador to Vietnam, said South Korean investment in Vietnam increased by about 160 percent from the previous year. Under current regulations, high‑tech businesses may qualify for a preferential corporate income tax rate of 10 percent for up to 25 years for large‑scale projects. These incentives are attractive, but they rely on stable and predictable policy.

Nguyen Thi Cuc, chairwoman of the Vietnam Tax Consultants’ Association, said consistent guidance and enforcement of tax laws remains a major concern for businesses. She emphasized the need to ensure consistency and predictability in the implementation of tax policies across localities, so companies can avoid unexpected costs.

Advance notice and clear, uniform tax enforcement allow foreign investors to assess risks and develop long‑term strategies in Vietnam. Without them, even generous incentives may be outweighed by uncertainty.