Insights & Analysis

One Contract, Many Risks: The Myth of the Global Template

Using a universal contract template with a single governing law and dispute resolution clause exposes businesses to significant cross-border risks, including difficulties in legal interpretation, hurdles in enforcing judgments, and being trapped in a jurisdiction completely unsuited to the specific deal.

Key regulations on export and termporary import re-export activities for FDI Entreprises in Vietnam

Foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) in Vietnam face two key trading rules: 1) No Temporary Imports: FDI firms cannot engage in temporary import for re-export activities (Decree 69/2018/ND-CP). 2) Export Rights Required: FDI companies may only export goods and related items if explicitly granted those rights in their business scope (Decree 09/2018/ND-CP). Takeaway: FDI enterprises must review their licenses and operations to ensure compliance with these export rules.

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Vietnam joins the Apostille Convention: what actually changes?

As of September 11, 2026, Vietnam has officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, replacing the old 3-step consular legalization process with a streamlined 2-step process (notarization + Apostille) for 130+ member countries—except for Germany, Austria, and Czechia, where traditional embassy legalization still applies.

US customs officials inspect China-linked factories in Vietnam

U.S. customs are inspecting China-linked factories in Vietnam to crack down on origin evasion. A simple Certificate of Origin is no longer enough; companies must now prove genuine manufacturing transformation, material traceability, and document consistency to survive strict trade audits.

Vietnam issues decree guiding implementation of the Apostille Convention

Vietnam's Decree No. 293/2026/NĐ-CP (effective September 2026) adopts the Hague Apostille Convention, replacing traditional consular legalization with fast, digital-ready apostilles issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in as little as one day to streamline international trade and legal transactions..

Our Senior Counsel Nhi Pham has been shortlisted for the Asia Legal Awards 2026 as Data Privacy Lawyer of the year

Nhi Pham's expertise in data privacy, cybersecurity, and technology law across Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region has been recognized alongside top legal practitioners, highlighting the firm's commitment to delivering practical, business-focused solutions in the digital age.

Thank you CCI France Vietnam - CCIFV for a wonderful evening at the French Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City.

It was a pleasure for DSEA LEGAL to attend this event and connect with members of the French and international business community in Vietnam.

Navigating Vietnam's New Tax Era: Impact of VAT Law No. 48/2024/QH15 on Foreign Investment

A predictable and efficient tax system is the backbone of any successful foreign investment. Recognizing this, Vietnam has taken a decisive step forward with the passage of the new Law on Value Added Tax (VAT).

The definitive bridge into the Asian market doesn't start with a plane ticket, but with the right legal structure.

If you're looking to expand your business or startup into Asia, Singapore is the natural strategic next step. But what do a Spanish S.L. and a Pte. Ltd. really have in common?

Vietnam raises the privacy bar. Is your business ready for the new PDPL enforcement?

The Southeast Asian data privacy landscape has shifted dramatically. With the Law on Personal Data Protection (No. 91/2025/QH15) now in effect, regulatory compliance in Vietnam is no longer a best practice—it is a critical business imperative.

Building Bridges in Hangzhou — DSEA Legal Meets Zhejiang Zhiren Law Firm

Nhi Pham and Jiajia Lin from DSEA LEGAL were pleased to meet with Zhejiang Zhiren Law Firm, one of Zhejiang Province's leading law firms, during our recent visit to Hangzhou.

Digital Governance in Healthcare Compliance — Hangzhou 2026

Nhi Pham and Jiajia Lin participated as speakers at the Digital Governance in Healthcare Compliance Conference at the Yanglin Biomedical Innovation Center in Hangzhou, China.

Vietnam Labour Forum 2026: Employee Data & Cybersecurity

Senior Counsel Nhi Pham delivered a keynote at the Vietnam Labour Forum 2026 on employee data governance and cybersecurity risks, drawing on real-world case studies from Vietnam and beyond.

ASEAN Legal Salon: Beyond Borders — China to Vietnam

The DSEA Legal Vietnam team joined the ASEAN Legal Salon organised by Hylands Law Firm in Chongqing, delivering a keynote on cross-border investment, trade and legal risk across the China–Vietnam corridor.

A New Chapter Begins: Welcome to DSEA Legal

The former DS Avocats team in Singapore and Vietnam officially launches DSEA Legal — combining recognised European legal expertise with deep knowledge of ASEAN markets and a pragmatic, business-oriented international approach.