Whether or not to open an accounting services company is a question that needs to be answered again from July 1, 2026, when Resolution 66.17/2026/NQ-CP and Resolution 66.18/2026/NQ-CP Accounting services have been officially removed from the list of conditional investment and business sectors. The barrier of sub-licenses that once made many accountants hesitant has been temporarily lifted, but this doesn't mean all professional risks have disappeared. This article provides a comprehensive update on the latest legal basis, analyzes the advantages and risks, and offers a practical decision-making framework to fully answer the question of whether or not to open an accounting services company at this time.
Why is the question of whether to open an accounting services company becoming a hot topic again after July 2026?
It's no coincidence that the question of whether or not to open an accounting services company has been raised again by many professionals since mid-2026. Three direct reasons:
- First, barriers to entry into the industry have just been removed: On May 15, 2026, the Government issued Resolution 66.17/2026/NQ-CP, removing 56 conditional investment and business sectors from Appendix IV of the 2025 Investment Law, including accounting services. This is the biggest change for the industry in many years.
- Secondly, the number of small and micro-enterprises continues to increase rapidly., which leads to increased demand. full accounting service instead of hiring internally.
- Thirdly, the wave of household businesses converting into enterprises. Creating a new customer base requires a partner right from day one of bookkeeping operations.
Important update: How have the requirements for opening an accounting services company changed?
Framework of conditions before July 1, 2026
Previously, providing accounting services was a profession. conditionalAs stipulated in the Accounting Law No. 88/2015/QH13, Decree 174/2016/ND-CP, and Circular 296/2016/TT-BTC, businesses can only be established under three types (limited liability companies with two or more members, partnerships, and sole proprietorships). The legal representative must be a practicing accountant, and the business can only officially provide services after receiving an additional Certificate of Eligibility to Conduct Accounting Services from the Ministry of Finance, in addition to the regular Business Registration Certificate.
From July 1st, 2026: Accounting services will no longer be a conditional business activity.
On May 15, 2026, the Government issued Resolution 66.17/2026/NQ-CP, effective from July 1, 2026 to February 28, 2027, reducing the number of conditional investment and business sectors from 198 to 142, including the removal of accounting services from the List of Conditional Investment and Business Sectors under Appendix IV of the 2025 Investment Law. Simultaneously, Resolution 66.18/2026/NQ-CP decentralizes, reduces, and simplifies administrative procedures and business conditions for 11 sectors under the management of various ministries, including accounting services under the Ministry of Finance, which also saw corresponding reductions, including the conditions for providing cross-border accounting services by foreign enterprises.
To guide implementation, the Department of Accounting and Auditing Management and Supervision issued the following on May 22, 2026. Official Document 773/QLKT-DN of 2026, which states that: applications for the issuance or re-issuance of Certificates of Eligibility for Accounting Services and Certificates of Registration for Accounting Services received before July 1, 2026, that have not yet been processed will be Stop the procedure, return the documents. if requested by individuals or organizations; and also do not continue Regulations regarding the suspension of business operations and revocation of the aforementioned certificates are in accordance with Article 69 of the 2015 Accounting Law. Certificates issued before July 1, 2026, that have not yet expired may continue to be used until their expiration date.
In other words, as of July 1, 2026, respondents to the question of whether they should open an accounting services company will be subject to these conditions. No more need to apply for additional sub-licenses. To continue operating as before, the company can register for accounting services (industry code 6920) and start operating immediately after obtaining the Business Registration Certificate, similar to most other common business activities.
Please note the temporary nature of this change.
This is a crucial point to consider carefully before deciding whether to open an accounting services company: Resolution 66.17/2026/NQ-CP is only valid until February 28, 2027, and is essentially a reform step shifting from a "pre-audit" to a "post-audit" mechanism, while the original 2015 Accounting Law, which stipulates the conditions for practicing accounting, has not yet been officially amended. The Ministry of Finance is currently proposing the complete abolition of all regulations on the conditions for practicing accounting and conducting accounting services at the law level to align with the aforementioned reduction policy. Businesses should closely monitor official documents during this transitional period instead of assuming that the conditions have been permanently abolished.
Before deciding whether or not to open an accounting services company, what factors need to be considered?
Capital, human resources, and professional quality.
Although obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility to conduct accounting services is no longer mandatory, the actual operation still requires sufficient working capital to maintain the staff, accounting software, and office expenses during the period when there are not enough clients to break even. The shift to a post-audit mechanism also means that the regulatory agency will monitor the quality of services. after Businesses have been operating based on professional standards and industry management mechanisms rather than prior screening through licensing. Therefore, when considering whether to open an accounting services company, maintaining a team with certified accountants or auditors should still be considered as a competitive advantage and a safeguard of credibility, even though this is no longer a mandatory requirement for licensing as it was before July 1, 2026.
Tax obligations of an accounting service company after establishment
The abolition of conditional business conditions does not change the tax obligations of accounting service companies. Businesses still declare and pay business license tax, value-added tax using the deduction method on revenue from service provision, and corporate income tax on the profit after deducting reasonable deductible expenses, including:
- Accountant's salary costs;
- The cost of professional development training.
This is a point many people overlook when considering whether to open an accounting services company: the company providing accounting services to clients is still responsible for fulfilling its own tax filing obligations.
Should you start an accounting services company? Benefits and challenges.
Benefit
Establishing an accounting services company is considered a promising business venture, as it not only meets the practical needs of the business community but also creates economic value and supports improved financial management. However, before implementation, businesses need to comprehensively assess both market opportunities and the requirements regarding resources and legal aspects.
In terms of business potential, the demand for accounting services tends to increase along with the growth rate of new businesses, especially in sectors such as e-commerce, manufacturing, and service businesses. According to market analyses, this demand could increase by approximately 15-20% annually. This presents an opportunity for businesses to build a diverse service portfolio, from bookkeeping and financial statement preparation to consulting and support in fulfilling tax obligations as stipulated by the Accounting Law No. 88/2015/QH13. Compared to maintaining an in-house accounting department, outsource accounting services It can also help client businesses optimize personnel costs, training, and system investments.
Furthermore, industry code 6920 (Activities related to accounting, auditing, and tax consulting) under Decision No. 27/2018/QD-TTg provides a basis for businesses to orient their development towards appropriate professional services. By building a capable workforce and establishing a systematic service delivery process, businesses can expand their service scope, increase revenue, and gradually build a stable customer base. Adhering to relevant regulations, including Decree 174/2016/ND-CP, also contributes to strengthening professionalism and building trust with customers and partners.
Challenge
Despite numerous opportunities, this field still faces many challenges. The accounting services market is highly competitive, not only among domestic businesses but also with foreign-owned entities. Furthermore, initial investment costs can be relatively high, especially for recruiting and training specialized personnel, establishing business processes, and equipping with appropriate accounting software.
Legal aspects also require special attention. Accounting service providers must fully meet all regulatory requirements, including personnel requirements and professional certifications in cases stipulated by law. Failure to meet these requirements may result in penalties and damage to their reputation in the market, including penalties stipulated in Circular No. 271/2016/TT-BTC.
Furthermore, tax and accounting policies are frequently adjusted to suit economic conditions and management requirements. These changes necessitate that accounting service businesses maintain a mechanism for regularly updating legal documents and continuously improving the professional capacity of their staff. This is a crucial factor in minimizing errors during the consulting and execution of services for clients.
To build a sustainable accounting services business, in addition to meeting all legal requirements, the business needs a clear business and marketing strategy, correctly identifying its target customer group, and differentiating itself through service quality. Investing in a professional team, technology, quality control processes, and the ability to update policies will help the business enhance its competitiveness, minimize risks, and create a foundation for long-term growth.
The process for registering an accounting services company during the transition period.
Establishing an accounting services company not only requires businesses to complete business registration procedures but also to meet specialized conditions as stipulated by accounting laws. The implementation process is based on Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP on business registration and related provisions of the Accounting Law.
For a business to operate legally, it needs to have complete documentation, accurate information, and follow the correct procedures at the competent authority. The basic steps include:
Step 1: Prepare the business registration documents.
First, businesses need to prepare a set of incorporation documents according to the type of registration, which usually includes the company's charter, a list of members or shareholders depending on the case, legal documents of the legal representative, and other relevant documents.
Business sectors and professions also need to be registered in accordance with the intended activities, with accounting services falling under industry code 6920 according to the Vietnamese economic sector classification system issued in Decision No. 27/2018/QD-TTg.
Thoroughly reviewing the application from the outset is crucial in minimizing requests for revisions or additions, thereby shortening the processing time. In addition, businesses need to consider a registered capital level that is appropriate to their scale, operational direction, and actual financial capacity.
Step 2: Submit the business registration application.
After completing the application, the business proceeds with the registration procedure at the competent business registration authority. The application can be submitted online through the National Business Registration Portal or via other methods permitted by current law.
Based on the information you provided, the processing time for applications is typically around 3-5 business days, depending on the application status and the processing requirements of the registration authority.
Upon receiving a Business Registration Certificate, a company is officially established legally and assigned a business code. However, for the accounting services sector, having a Business Registration Certificate does not automatically mean the business is qualified to provide accounting services. The business must still complete the required specialized procedures.
Step 3: Complete the procedures to meet the requirements for providing accounting services.
This is a crucial step to ensure that the business meets all the necessary professional requirements before providing accounting services to clients.
Businesses need to prepare documentation related to the conditions for conducting accounting services, including information about their team of practicing accountants, professional certifications, and documents proving that the business meets the requirements regarding personnel, experience, and other necessary conditions as stipulated by specialized laws.
The issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility to conduct accounting services is carried out in accordance with the Accounting Law and related guiding documents. Businesses should carefully check each condition before submitting their application to minimize the risk of invalid applications or the need for multiple revisions.
Step 4: Complete the procedures to get the business up and running.
After completing the establishment procedures and meeting the requirements for providing accounting services, the business continues to carry out the necessary tasks to operate in practice.
Some common tasks that need to be completed include engraving and managing a company seal, opening a bank account, registering and using a digital signature, and establishing a method for filing and fulfilling tax obligations electronically. At the same time, businesses need to develop procedures for managing documents, ledgers, and accounting records in accordance with current regulations.
For businesses providing accounting services, establishing internal control procedures and protecting client information is particularly important. This is not only a compliance requirement but also contributes to mitigating risks during the service delivery process.
Conclude
The question of whether or not to open an accounting services company has significantly changed since July 1, 2026. With Resolutions 66.17/2026/NQ-CP and 66.18/2026/NQ-CP removing accounting services from the list of conditional business sectors, the biggest barrier that previously made many accountants hesitant – the procedure for obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility to conduct accounting services – has been removed, at least during the pilot phase until February 28, 2027. This is good news for those with expertise, but it also means the market will become more crowded and competitive, requiring new businesses to build their own quality control capabilities instead of relying on licensing barriers as before.
If you are currently considering your business model, updating yourself on the latest regulations, or need a trial run before officially opening your company, the MAN – Master Accountant Network team is ready to support and advise you so that your idea of opening an accounting services company becomes a well-founded decision, not a gamble.
Contact MAN – Master Accountant Network For free support and advice!
Important Note: The above content is compiled and edited for reference purposes only. Due to legal regulations, policies, and data, changes may occur over time. For practical application or to address specific issues, please consult with an expert or professional consulting firm.
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Responsible for production and professional content review by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO of MAN – Master Accountant NetworkHe is a CPA Vietnam auditor with over 30 years of in-depth experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate legal consulting.
