Investment Support Fund: A Strategic leap for Vietnam's economic future
The Vietnamese Government's Decree No. 182/2024/ND-CP, which outlines the establishment, management and use of the Investment Support Fund, represents not just policy instruments for attracting investment but also foundations for advancing strategic sectors and elevating the country's position in the global economy, writes Tran Anh Son, tax & legal director, Global Innovation and Investment Incentives (Gi3), Deloitte Vietnam.

Tran Anh Son, tax & legal director, Global Innovation and Investment Incentives (Gi3), Deloitte Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the company.
In the face of growing global economic challenges, ranging from geopolitical instability to a slowdown in growth, attracting investments into strategic sectors has become a top priority for many nations.
High-tech industries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation are not only vital for economic growth but also for establishing a country's position in the global value chain. Vietnam, a favored destination for foreign investors, is keeping pace with these trends.
With geographical advantages, a robust labor force, and a strong commitment to improving the investment environment, Vietnam continues to draw significant attention from international investors.
Over the past 35 years of economic reforms and foreign investment attraction, the Vietnamese Government has implemented numerous policy changes, facilitating a continuous influx of foreign capital. These efforts have transformed the country’s economic landscape.
However, with fierce competition from neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and India, which offer superior investment incentives, Vietnam needs strategic breakthroughs to remain attractive to investors.
After extensive study and learning from advanced economies, the Government issued Decree No. 182/2024/ND-CP (Decree 182) on December 31, 2024, to establish, manage, and utilize the Investment Support Fund.
Decree 182, which came into effect from fiscal year 2024, represents a strategic initiative to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to substantive investments, focusing on priority sectors, enhancing innovation, and positioning Vietnam as a hub for advanced technology. This approach aims to solidify Vietnam’s status as a preferred destination for global “eagle investors.”
Key provisions
Decree 182 introduces two primary forms of support from the Investment Support Fund: Annual expense support and Initial investment cost support. Each form targets specific industries and enterprises, aligning with sectoral development objectives.
Annual expense support applies to four groups: high-tech enterprises, enterprises having projects manufacturing high-tech products, enterprises having projects applying high technology, and enterprises investing in research and development (R&D) centers.
Projects in the first three groups must typically meet a minimum investment threshold of VND12,000 billion ($472.72 million) or achieve annual revenue of VND20,000 billion ($787.87 million). Exceptions apply to projects in strategic sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, integrated circuits, and AI data centers, which require only VND6,000 billion ($236.38 million) in investment or VND10,000 billion ($393.97 million) in annual revenue. Some projects with breakthrough products or technologies may qualify without meeting capital or revenue criteria.
Enterprises investing in R&D centers must commit to a minimum investment of VND3,000 billion ($118.19 million), with at least VND1,000 billion ($39.4 million) disbursed within three years to ensure feasibility and timely execution.
The decree specifies support percentages for different expense categories, urging enterprises to thoroughly study eligible expenses for alignment with their projects. Eligible costs include R&D, training and human resource development, fixed asset investments, high-tech product manufacturing, and social infrastructure system investments.
Initial investment cost support, on the other hand, focuses primarily on enterprises with R&D centers in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and AI. Eligibility criteria include no overdue tax liabilities at the time of application and evidence of the project’s positive impact on the innovation ecosystem.
Through the Investment Support Fund, Vietnam expands its incentive framework by introducing cost-based incentives alongside traditional profit-based incentives. This necessary shift brings flexibility and ensures effective support for priority investment projects.

Illustration courtesy of Criticalriver.
Benefits for businesses
The Investment Support Fund provides significant benefits, particularly for businesses operating or planning investments in high-tech sectors. Notably, support received by businesses under this policy is exempt from corporate income tax.
Firstly, enterprises benefit from financial relief through specific support rates tailored to annual costs or initial investment costs, depending on eligibility. For instance, training and human resource development expenses may receive up to 50% support, while R&D expenses may be covered up to 30%.
Fixed asset investments and high-tech product manufacturing expenses can receive maximum support of 10% and 1%, respectively, while strategic projects in sectors like semiconductors and AI may qualify for up to 3% support. Social infrastructure system investments may be supported up to 25%. For initial investment costs, the subsidy could be up to 50%. This support structure enables businesses to focus resources on scaling production, developing new technologies, and improving competitiveness.
The policy also serves as a catalyst for innovation, particularly in high-tech industries like semiconductors and AI, by offering subsidies for R&D and human resource development.
In addition, businesses investing in R&D centers are also empowered to build internal research capabilities, enhancing their global value chain positioning.
Besides, support from the fund not only improves operational efficiency but also elevates the enterprise’s reputation among partners and clients, creating a foundation for additional domestic and international investments.
Finally, businesses engaging in this policy contribute to Vietnam’s sustainable economic growth, fostering a stable and long-term investment environment.
Recommendations for businesses
Accessing the Investment Support Fund requires meticulous preparation and long-term strategic planning.
Enterprises should first study Decree 182 to fully understand its provisions, eligibility criteria, and the list of supported costs. This analysis helps identify project compatibility with the decree’s objectives, minimizing errors and enhancing access to support.
In addition, businesses should review their investment plans, including capital scale, projected revenue, and related expenses. Ongoing projects should be assessed against the decree’s criteria, while new projects should be planned from inception to align with eligibility requirements, particularly for critical criteria like minimum investment thresholds and disbursement timelines.
Application dossiers should be meticulously prepared, ensuring transparency and accuracy. Enterprises in high-tech sectors need to obtain certification as high-tech entities or activities, while financial reports, expense evidence, and other legal documents should be submitted in compliance with regulations.
Finally, consulting investment and tax policy experts is advisable to ensure applications and plans meet the requirements, especially for large or complex projects.
Conclusion
Decree 182/2024/ND-CP and the Investment Support Fund represent not just policy instruments for attracting investment but also foundations for advancing strategic sectors and elevating Vietnam’s position in the global economy. With thorough preparation, sound strategies, and professional support, businesses can seize the opportunities provided by this policy to scale operations, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
If effectively implemented, the Investment Support Fund will act as a catalyst for attracting high-tech projects, fostering a sustainable, innovative, and globally integrated economy. This policy underscores the Government’s commitment to creating the most favorable conditions for investors, domestic and international alike, to jointly develop key industries and establish Vietnam as a regional innovation hub.
- Read More
AI, data platform investment unlocks huge opportunities to enhance customer experience: Masan CEO
Vietnam’s leading multi-sector conglomerate Masan Group has made strong investments in AI, big data, and integrated supply chains to improve its operational efficiency, optimize costs, and better serve Vietnam’s 100 million consumers, said CEO Danny Le.
Companies - Sun, July 13, 2025 | 6:51 pm GMT+7
HCMC poised to become Southeast Asia's innovation, financial hub following merger: experts
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern metropolis, is expected to establish itself as a hub for finance, manufacturing, trade, logistics, and innovation in Southeast Asia, after its merger with neighboring provinces.
Economy - Sun, July 13, 2025 | 1:56 pm GMT+7
PVI Insurance honored with prestigious international awards
2025 marks a proud milestone for PVI Insurance Corporation (PVI Insurance), as it has been consecutively recognized with prestigious accolades from top-tier institutions in the Asian insurance industry.
Companies - Sun, July 13, 2025 | 1:27 pm GMT+7
Green logistics a vital condition for Vietnam firms to flourish: exec
Green logistics is not just a long-term goal but a present-day opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to advance amid the global transition toward sustainable development.
Companies - Sun, July 13, 2025 | 12:18 pm GMT+7
VNPT-VinaPhone, VNPT-Media to merge into parent company VNPT
Telecommunication Services Corporation (VNPT-VinaPhone) and Communications Corporation (VNPT-Media) will be merged into their parent company, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT).
Companies - Sun, July 13, 2025 | 9:52 am GMT+7
Real estate major Kinh Bac gains majority control of Trump International Vietnam
Vietnamese developer Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (HoSE: KBC) has expanded its portfolio to 19 subsidiaries following a new ownership move involving Trump International Vietnam.
Companies - Sun, July 13, 2025 | 8:41 am GMT+7
Sumitomo seeks to clear hurdles for industrial park expansion in northern Vietnam
Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo has called on authorities in Hung Yen province to resolve several pressing issues affecting the expansion of Thang Long Industrial Park II (TLIP II), one of the largest industrial parks in northern Vietnam.
Industrial real estate - Sun, July 13, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7
Rixos debuts in Southeast Asia on Vietnam’s 'Pearl Island'
A new chapter in travel is unfolding in Southeast Asia as Rixos Hotels, the world’s leading all-inclusive brand, prepares to unveil its first-ever resort in the region.
Travel - Sat, July 12, 2025 | 6:48 pm GMT+7
Vietnam’s biggest airport project ‘races to the finish line’
The Ministry of Construction has requested investors of the Long Thanh International Airport to complete the main route by August 2025 to facilitate trial operations of the passenger terminal and other components.
Infrastructure - Sat, July 12, 2025 | 6:19 pm GMT+7
Singapore's YCH Group eyes developing logistics center in southern Vietnam economic zone
Tay Ninh province has pledged full support to Singapore’s YCH Group in developing a logistics center within its Moc Bai Border Gate Economic Zone.
Industries - Sat, July 12, 2025 | 1:48 pm GMT+7
Vietnam PM asks US firms to sustain support for 'reasonable, detailed tariff pact'
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on U.S. businesses to continue supporting the Vietnamese government in dialogues with U.S. agencies to soon reach "a reasonable, detailed tariff agreement for individual products and product groups".
Economy - Sat, July 12, 2025 | 11:32 am GMT+7
Mergers of Vietnamese provinces unlock new property development opportunities
The merging of Vietnamese localities is expected to create a strong "boost" for the real estate market as expanded planning space, synchronized infrastructure, and new land reserves are key factors driving the market's transformation.
Real Estate - Sat, July 12, 2025 | 11:00 am GMT+7
Measures proposed for Thailand to minimize US tariff impacts
Financial and banking experts in Thailand have warned that the U.S.'s proposed 36% tariff on Thai goods is likely to severely undermine Thailand's export competitiveness.
Southeast Asia - Sat, July 12, 2025 | 9:06 am GMT+7
Chinese construction major PCG eyes $383 mln underwater tunnel project in northern Vietnam
Pacific Construction Group (PCG), one of China’s leading construction firms, has expressed interest in developing a VND10 trillion ($383 million) underwater road tunnel in Quang Ninh, a coastal province in northern Vietnam.
Infrastructure - Sat, July 12, 2025 | 8:04 am GMT+7
Vingroup stocks pull VN-Index up for sixth consecutive session
VN-Index, which represents the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, on Friday increased for the sixth consecutive session thanks to large-cap stocks, with foreign investors continuing to strongly net buy.
Finance - Fri, July 11, 2025 | 7:20 pm GMT+7
Coca-Cola inaugurates largest-scale Vietnam factory in Tay Ninh province
Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam on Friday inaugurated a $136 million factory in Tay Ninh province, the largest-scale among its four facilities in Vietnam.
Industries - Fri, July 11, 2025 | 5:27 pm GMT+7