Updated at 22/03/2023 - 05:07 pm
Foreign loans are a necessary need of Vietnamese enterprises and especially foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam.
This article is a complete guide to 6 groups of issues that need to be done to implement foreign loans that are not guaranteed by the Government in accordance with the law.

Part 1 - Conditions for foreign loans #
Regulations on conditions for foreign loans of Residents being enterprises, cooperatives, unions of cooperatives, credit institutions (except commercial banks which are state-owned enterprises), foreign bank branches are allowed to apply for foreign loans. establishment, business activities in Vietnam are not guaranteed by the Government (hereinafter referred to as the Borrower) details as follows:
Subjects eligible for foreign loans
Enterprises, cooperatives and unions of cooperativesss legally established and operating in Vietnam (the borrower) are allowed to borrow foreign loans from foreign organizations and individuals (the creditor )
Conditions for getting a foreign loan
I. General conditions
The borrower is allowed to borrow from abroad to serve the following purposes:
1. Implementation of production and business plans, investment projects using foreign loans of the following subjects:
a) Of the borrower;
b) Of the enterprise in which the borrower participates in direct investment capital contribution (only applicable to medium and long-term foreign loans). In this case, the borrower's loan limit on the total loan turnover for the production and business plan, that investment project does not exceed the percentage of the borrower's capital contribution in the enterprise. take a loan to contribute capital.
Production and business plans, investment projects using foreign loans specified in this Clause must be approved by competent authorities in accordance with relevant provisions of Vietnamese law and in accordance with the scope of the license. establishment, business registration certificate, business registration certificate, investment certificate, registration of cooperatives and unions of cooperatives of the borrower or enterprise to which the borrower participates capital contribution for direct investment.
2. Restructuring the borrower's foreign debts without increasing borrowing costs.
II. Additional conditions
1. Conditions for short-term foreign loans:
a) Borrowers are not allowed to take short-term loans for medium and long-term capital use purposes;
2. Conditions for medium and long-term foreign loans:
(i) In case the borrower has an investment project using foreign loans and has been granted an investment certificate, the balance of medium and long-term loans (including domestic loans) of the borrower the case for that project must not exceed the difference between the total invested capital and the contributed capital recorded in the investment certificate;
(ii) In case the borrower borrows foreign loans to carry out production and business plans, investment projects are not granted investment certificates, the balance of medium and long-term loans (including outstanding loans in the borrower's country) does not exceed the total demand for loans in the production business plan, investment project approved by a competent authority in accordance with the law.
Borrowing cost - Foreign loan interest rate
The cost of foreign borrowing shall be agreed upon by the Borrower, the Lender and related parties, except for the case "In order to administer the foreign loan limit by self-borrowing and self-pay, when necessary, the Governor of the State Bank shall decide the application of conditions on foreign borrowing costs; decide and announce the ceiling on foreign borrowing costs from time to time.”
Types of foreign loans
A foreign loan agreement must be signed in writing before the loan is disbursed and not contrary to Vietnamese law.
Foreign loan currency
1. The foreign loan currency is the foreign currency.
2. Foreign loans in Vietnam dong are only allowed in the following cases:
a) The borrower is a microfinance institution;
b) The borrower is a foreign-invested enterprise that borrows from profits divided in Vietnam Dong from direct investment activities of the creditor being a foreign investor contributing capital to the borrower. ;
c) Other cases when considered and approved by the Governor of the State Bank based on the actual situation and necessary nature of each case.
Part 2 - Management of foreign borrowing and debt repayment #
From 14/11/2022 and earlier
Circular No. 03/2016/TT-NHNN, Circular No. 05/2016/TT-NHNN dated April 15, 04, Circular No. 05/2017/TT-NHNN dated June 30, 6
Consolidated document 03/VBHN-NHNN on foreign exchange management for foreign borrowing and repayment of enterprises #
Updated at 10/10/2022 – 11:17 am Place of issue: State Bank of Vietnam Incorporation date: 12/07/2017 Issued date: 12/07/2017 Status
From 15/11/2022 onwards
1. Instructions for registering foreign loans #
Foreign loans must be registered as medium and long-term loans. Failure to register or late registration leads to many risks. Procedures for foreign loan registration should be carried out as follows:
Which loans must be registered with the State Bank?
Loans that must be registered with the State Bank include:
1. Medium and long-term foreign loans.
2. Short-term loans may have their principal repayment period extended for which the total term of the loan is over 01 year.
3. Short-term loans without an extension agreement but with outstanding principal balance (including principally entered interest) at the full date of 01 year from the date of first capital withdrawal, unless the borrower completes payment pay the above principal balance within 30 working days 01 year from the date of the first withdrawal of capital.
(Before 14/11/2022 Circular 03/2016/TT-NHNN stipulates: unless the borrower completes the loan repayment for a period of 10 (ten) days 01 (one) year from the date of first capital withdrawal).
Who is responsible for applying for the loan?
Borrowers make registration and registration for loan changes, including:
1. The borrower signs a foreign loan agreement with the lender who is a non-resident.
2. The organization is responsible for directly repaying the debt to the entrusting party in case the credit institution, foreign bank branch signs an entrustment contract for on-lending with the entrusting party being a non-resident.
3. The party obligated to repay the debt under the debt instrument issued outside the Vietnamese territory to the non-resident.
4. The lessee in the financial leasing contract with the lessor is a non-resident.
5. Organizations inheriting foreign loan repayment obligations subject to registration or registration for changes as prescribed in this Circular. In case the borrower is making foreign loans, it shall divide and separate , merge or merge.
Procedure for applying for foreign loans
1. Preparation of application for a government-guaranteed foreign loan:
a) Where the borrower has declared loan information on the Website before submitting the application for foreign loan registration: the borrower prints the Application from the Website, signs and stamps it;
b) In case the borrower fails to declare loan information on the Website before submitting the application: the borrower completes the application for registration of foreign loans according to Appendix 01 issued with this Circular.
2. Deadline for submission:
The borrower shall send 01 application for registration of a foreign loan to the agency competent to certify the registration as prescribed in Article 20 of this Circular within the time limit:
a) 30 working days from the date of signing the medium- and long-term foreign loan agreement;
b) 30 working days from the date of signing the agreement to extend the short-term foreign loan into a medium or long-term for the loan specified in Clause 2, Article 11 of this Circular. from the date of first capital withdrawal;
c) 30 working days from the date the borrower is granted the Certificate of Business Registration, the License for establishment and operation under specialized law, the date of signing the investment contract under the mode of public-private partnership (public-private partnership agreement). PPP contract), the date on which the parties sign a foreign loan agreement to convert the amount prepared for investment into loan capital (whichever is later), applicable to foreign loans arising from the transfer of the amount made investment preparation of projects that have been granted investment registration certificates into foreign loans.
d) 60 working days from the full day of 01 year from the date of first capital withdrawal for:
Loans specified in Clause 2, Article 11 of this Circular, the date of signing the agreement to extend after 01 year from the date of first capital withdrawal; and
Loans specified in Clause 3, Article 11 of this Circular.
3. The State Bank shall issue a written confirmation or refusal to confirm the loan registration (with reasons clearly stated) within the time limit:
a) 12 working days from the date of receipt of the complete and valid dossier of the borrower in case the borrower has declared loan information on the Website;
b) 15 working days from the date of receipt of the borrower's complete and valid dossier in case the borrower fails to declare loan information on the Website;
c) 45 working days from the date of receipt of the complete and valid dossier of the borrower, for the case of loans in Vietnam dong, which must be reviewed and approved by the Governor of the State Bank as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article. 20 Article XNUMX of this Circular.
4. Agencies competent to certify registration and confirm registration of changes in foreign loans as prescribed in Article 20 of this Circular shall:
a) Check the consistency and accuracy of the loan application file with the information declared on the Website; update the status of application processing on the Website for timely follow-up by the borrower in case the borrower has declared loan information on the Website before submitting the application for foreign loan registration;
b) Enter the relevant information of the loan on the Website to generate the loan code and store the information in the database of foreign loans and repayments of enterprises not guaranteed by the Government in case the borrower the borrower does not declare loan information on the Website before submitting the application for foreign loan registration; Update the application processing status on the Website for timely monitoring by the borrower.
5. For a loan in Vietnam dong, it must be approved by the Governor of the State Bank in accordance with current law provisions on foreign loan conditions, the loan registration procedure and the procedure for requesting the Governor. The State Bank considers approving the loan; the written confirmation of loan registration is concurrently the loan approval document of the Governor of the State Bank.
Application file for foreign loan
1. An application for loan registration as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 15 of this Circular.
2. A copy of the borrower's legal documents: Establishment license, business registration certificate, registration certificate of cooperatives, union of cooperatives and amendments and supplements (if any) ) or other equivalent documents.
3. A copy or original of the document proving the loan purpose, including:
a) For loans to implement investment projects: Investment certificate, Investment registration certificate or Decision on approval of investment policy in accordance with the law on investment and current regulations. practice of relevant laws;
b) For loans for implementation of production and business plans other than investment projects: The plan for using foreign loans shall be approved by competent authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Investment, the Law on Enterprises and the Law on Enterprises. the enterprise's charter, the Law on Cooperatives and the cooperative's charter and other relevant legal documents;
c) For loans to restructure foreign debts of the borrower: The plan to restructure foreign debts of the borrower is approved by competent authorities in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Enterprises and the charter of the borrower. enterprises, the Law on Cooperatives and the cooperative's charter and other relevant legal documents;
d) For loans specified in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 11 of this Circular: Report on the initial use of short-term foreign loans that meet the requirements for short-term foreign loans (enclosed with other relevant documents). supporting documents such as the borrower's plan on using foreign loans, the plan on structuring foreign debts);
dd) The dossier components specified at Points a, b and c of this Clause do not apply to loans from commercial banks with state capital in which the State Bank is the representative agency of the owner and approved by the State Bank in accordance with regulations on management and use of state capital in enterprises.
4. A copy in foreign language and Vietnamese translation of the foreign loan agreement and the agreement to extend the short-term loan into medium or long-term (if any).
5. A copy of the foreign language and Vietnamese translation of the guarantee commitment (letter of guarantee, guarantee contract or other form of guarantee commitment) in case the loan is guaranteed.
6. A copy of the competent authority's document approving and approving the foreign loan in accordance with the law on assignment and decentralization of exercise of rights, responsibilities and obligations of the state owner, the agency State owner's representative agency according to regulations on management and use of state capital in enterprises for borrowers being state enterprises (not applicable to commercial bank loans issued by the State Bank of Vietnam). State is the owner's representative agency and has been approved and approved by the State Bank in accordance with regulations on management and use of state capital in enterprises).
7. Report on compliance with regulations of the State Bank on safety limits and ratios in operations of credit institutions and foreign bank branches in accordance with regulations on foreign loan conditions self-borrow, self-pay at the end of the last 03 months before the date of signing the loan agreement to the end of the latest month before the time of submitting a complete application for foreign loan registration according to the form specified in Appendix 02 issued. enclosed with this Circular or a document proving the non-compliance with the provisions of law on credit limit and prudential ratios approved by the Prime Minister or the Governor of the State Bank according to the provisions of this Circular. provisions of law (if any) for the borrower being a credit institution or foreign bank branch.
8. Confirmation of the account service provider on the situation of capital withdrawal and debt repayment (principal and interest) up to the time of loan registration (applicable to borrowers opening accounts for foreign loans and repayments) at the account service provider) in the following cases:
a) In case of foreign loan to restructure foreign debt: A document of the borrower's account service provider bank on the situation of capital withdrawal and debt repayment for the restructured foreign loan. from foreign loans;
b) In case the portion of capital transferred by foreign investors into Vietnam used to meet investment preparation expenses is converted into medium and long-term foreign loans of enterprises with foreign direct investment capital; Foreign direct investment in Vietnam: Copy of foreign language and Vietnamese translation of documents of the creditor's account service provider bank on revenue and expenditure transactions related to foreign direct investment in Vietnam. loan formation;
c) In case the loan falls into the subjects specified in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 11 of this Circular: A document from the borrower's account service provider on the situation of capital withdrawal and debt repayment for the loan. foreign short-term initial;
d) In case the borrower is unable to provide the confirmation of the account service provider as prescribed at Points a, b, c of this Clause due to:
The account service provider has closed or suspended operations before the borrower changes to another account service provider, or;
The withdrawal of capital and repayment of foreign loans in the cases of capital withdrawal and debt repayment are not required to be made through a foreign loan or debt repayment account according to the provisions of Article 34 of this Circular;
The borrower chooses one of the other documents proving the situation of capital withdrawal and loan repayment as follows: a copy of the audited or reviewed financial statement with information proving that the borrower has received the loan amount. loans, outstanding loans up to the time of requesting the State Bank to confirm registration of foreign loans; copy and Vietnamese translation of the written certification of the overseas commercial bank where the borrower opens and uses a foreign currency account abroad to withdraw capital and repay the loan; copy and Vietnamese translation of the letter of confirmation from an overseas bank about the amount of money the lender has directly paid to the beneficiary being a non-resident for the provision of goods and services under the goods sale and purchase contract. , service with the resident as the borrower.
9. Documents and documents proving that profits are lawfully distributed in Vietnam dong from direct investment activities of the lender being a foreign investor contributing capital at the borrower and certification of the supplying bank account service on the situation of sharing and repatriating profits of the lender to prove the loan disbursement in case of foreign loans in Vietnam dong according to regulations on foreign borrowing conditions in Vietnam dong .
10. The written explanation of the demand for foreign loans in Vietnam dong for the case of foreign loans in Vietnam dong must be approved by the Governor of the State Bank in accordance with the State Bank's current regulations on conditions. foreign loans in Vietnam dong.
Legal cases to register for changes in foreign loans
1. Except for the case specified in Clause 2 of this Article, in case of any change in loan-related contents mentioned in the written confirmation of registration, written confirmation of registration for change of foreign loans of the The State Bank and the borrower are responsible for registering changes to foreign loans with the State Bank in accordance with this Circular.
2. The borrower shall notify the changes on the Website, without registering for changes in foreign loans in the following cases:
a) Change the time of capital withdrawal and principal repayment within 10 working days compared with the plan confirmed by the State Bank;
b) The borrower's address changes but does not change the province or city where the borrower's head office is located, the borrower sends a notice of change of address to the agency competent to confirm registration and registration. sign changes to the borrower's foreign loan;
c) Change of the lender, relevant information about the lender in the syndicated loan with the appointment of representatives of the lenders, unless the lender is concurrently the representative of the lenders in the loan. syndication and the change of lender changes the role of representatives of the lenders;
d) Change the name of the commercial transaction of the account service provider, the security transaction bank;
dd) Change the plan for payment of interest and fees on foreign loans compared to the plan confirmed by the State Bank in the written confirmation of registration or registration for change of foreign loans, but do not change the method of payment of foreign loans. determine the interest and fees specified in the foreign loan agreement. The borrower is responsible for making a table to calculate the interest and fees to be paid so that the account service provider has a basis for checking and monitoring when making the money transfer;
e) Change (increase or decrease) the amount of capital withdrawal, repayment of principal, interest and fees within 100 currency units of the foreign loan currency compared with the amount stated in the registration confirmation document, confirmation of registration for change of foreign loan;
g) Change of the actual amount of capital withdrawal or principal repayment of a specific period is less than the amount stated in the capital withdrawal or debt repayment plan in the written confirmation of registration or written confirmation of registration for change of the loan amount. foreign loans.
3. With regard to the change at Point g, Clause 2 of this Article, before withdrawing and repaying the remaining amount of that period, the borrower is responsible for registering changes to the plan for capital withdrawal and debt repayment. for the remaining amount which has not yet been complied with the provisions of this Circular.
Authority to confirm foreign loan registration
1. The agency competent to certify the registration and registration of changes to foreign loans (hereinafter referred to as the competent authority in this Circular) is:
a) The State Bank (Foreign Exchange Management Department): for loans with loan amount over 10 million USD (or other currency of equivalent value);
b) State Bank branch in the province or city where the borrower's head office is located: for loans with a loan amount of up to USD 10 million (or other currency of equivalent value) minus loans foreign currency in Vietnam dong must be considered and approved by the Governor of the State Bank.
2. In case the change increases or decreases the loan amount, changes the loan currency, changes the head office of the borrower, changes the borrower to an enterprise whose head office is located in another province or city make changes Competent authority to confirm registration of loan changes:
a) The borrower sends the application file for registration of change of foreign loan to the agency confirming registration and registration for change of foreign loan for the latest time.
b) The agency confirming the most recent loan change registration or registration shall act as the focal point to receive the borrower's application for loan change registration. Within 07 working days from the date of receipt of the application for registration of changes, the agency confirming the most recent loan change registration and registration shall transfer all the original documents of the application for registration of loan changes. and a copy of the application for registration and registration of changes (if any) already made of the loan to the competent authority as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article for the competent authority to continue processing.
3. In case foreign loans in Vietnam dong must be considered and approved by the Governor of the State Bank, the Foreign Exchange Management Department shall act as the focal point and coordinate with relevant units of the State Bank to report. The Governor of the State Bank shall consider and decide according to his/her competence.
4. The exchange rate used to determine the agency competent to confirm the registration and registration of changes in foreign loans is the accounting rate announced by the Ministry of Finance and applied at the time of signing foreign loan agreements. or change agreement of the foreign loan in relation to the loan amount.
How long does it take for an approved subscription to expire?
Terminate the written confirmation of registration, registration for loan change
The agency competent to handle registration and registration for change of foreign loans shall issue a document to terminate the validity of the written confirmation of registration or registration of change of foreign loans in case the application for registration, registration for change of foreign loans with fraudulent information, forged documents, documents proving eligibility for registration confirmation, registration for change of foreign loans.
In case the written confirmation of registration or registration for loan change is automatically invalidated
1. The State Bank's written confirmation of registration or change registration for foreign loans will automatically expire in case the time limit is 06 months from the last day of the approved capital withdrawal period. The State Bank confirms that the borrower does not withdraw capital and does not register to change the loan withdrawal plan as prescribed in this Circular.
2. After the written confirmation of registration or registration for change of foreign loans automatically expires as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article, in case of continuing to perform the loan, the borrower must re-implement the procedure. continue to register for a foreign loan under the provisions of Chapter III of this Circular within 30 days from the date the parties have a written agreement on the continuation of the loan implementation.
2. Opening and using a bank account for foreign loans #
Foreign loans are not allowed to be transacted through the enterprise's current account, which leads to many serious consequences. The correct opening and use of a foreign loan account should be done as follows:
Open a loan account (Do not use a checking account to transact foreign loans)
Borrower's account for borrowing and paying foreign debts
1. Foreign loan and debt repayment account means the borrower's payment account opened at a bank providing account services to withdraw capital and repay foreign loans; perform derivative transactions to prevent risks for foreign loans and other money transfer transactions related to foreign borrowing and debt repayment activities, and foreign loan guarantees.
2. For the borrower being a foreign direct investment enterprise:
a) For medium and long-term foreign loans (excluding loans mentioned at point c of this clause):
The borrower uses the direct investment capital account to conduct revenue and expenditure transactions related to foreign loans specified in Articles 28 and 29 of this Circular. In case the loan currency is not the currency of the direct investment capital account, the borrower may open another foreign loan and debt repayment account to make a foreign loan at the bank where the borrower opens the account. direct investment.
Borrowers can use 01 account for 01 or more foreign loans. The contents of revenue and expenditure of this account are specified in Articles 28 and 29 of this Circular;
b) For short-term foreign loans: the borrower can use the direct investment capital account as prescribed at Point a of this Clause or other foreign loan and repayment accounts (not the capital account). direct investment) to conduct revenue and expenditure transactions related to foreign loans. Each loan specified in this clause can only be made through 01 bank providing account services. Borrowers can use one account for one or more short-term foreign loans. The contents of revenue and expenditure of this account are specified in Articles 01 and 01 of this Circular;
c) For short-term loans with outstanding principal at the time of full 01 year from the date of capital withdrawal and the borrower will make repayment within 30 working days from the date of full 01 year from the date of withdrawal. capital, the borrower shall repay the loan via the foreign loan account, which is being used for this loan;
d) In case a foreign direct investment enterprise is an organization jointly liable for the debt repayment obligation of the original borrower after the division, separation, consolidation or merger. Enterprises with foreign direct investment capital are not required to use direct investment capital accounts to repay debts for which this organization is jointly responsible.
3. Borrowers who are not foreign direct-invested enterprises must open foreign loan and debt repayment accounts at account service providers in order to conduct money transfer transactions related to loans. abroad (withdrawal of capital, repayment of principal and interest). Each foreign loan can only be made through 01 bank providing account services. Borrowers can use 01 account for 01 or more foreign loans. The contents of revenue and expenditure of this account are specified in Articles 28 and 29 of this Circular.
Regulations on the use of foreign loan accounts
Contents of receipts and expenditures on foreign currency loans and debt repayment accounts
Foreign currency loan and foreign debt repayment accounts may only be used to perform transactions related to foreign borrowing and foreign debt repayment activities as follows:
1. Collection transactions:
a) Collection of money withdrawn from foreign loans;
b) Revenues from buying foreign currency from authorized credit institutions to transfer money for debt repayment (principal, interest) of foreign loans or debt receipts between borrowers and non-resident guarantors, payment of fees according to the loan agreement;
c) Conversion of foreign currency from foreign loan withdrawals in case the loan disbursement from the lender is not the currency of the foreign loan or debt repayment account;
d) Receipts from the borrower's foreign currency payment account opened at an authorized credit institution in Vietnam, the borrower's foreign currency account opened in a foreign country;
dd) Collecting authorized revenues from derivative transactions related to foreign loans;
e) Received interest is calculated on the account balance in accordance with current law.
2. Payment transactions:
a) Remittance of money for debt repayment (principal, interest) of a foreign loan;
b) Expenses for overseas remittance to pay fees according to the loan agreement, payment of debt receipts between the borrower and the non-resident guarantor as prescribed in Chapter V of this Circular;
c) Transfer to the borrower's foreign currency payment account;
d) Sale of foreign currency to authorized credit institutions;
dd) Transfers to foreign currency accounts of the borrowers opened in foreign countries to fulfill commitments under foreign loan agreements;
e) Expenses to purchase foreign currency to repay the debt (principal, interest) of the foreign loan in case the debt payment currency is not the currency of the foreign loan and debt repayment account;
g) Pay service fees related to account management and money transfer transactions through the account in accordance with regulations of the account service provider bank;
h) Expenses allowed under derivative transactions to prevent exchange rate and interest rate risks related to foreign loans.
Contents of revenue and expenditure on foreign loan and repayment accounts in Vietnam dong
Accounts for borrowing and paying foreign loans in Vietnam dong can only be used to perform transactions related to foreign loans in Vietnam dong as follows:
1. Collection transactions:
a) Collecting transfer of money for withdrawal of foreign loans in case the lender uses a payment account in Vietnam Dong opened at a credit institution, foreign bank branch in Vietnam;
b) Collecting capital withdrawal from selling foreign currency to authorized credit institutions in Vietnam in case the lender does not use the current account in Vietnam dong opened in Vietnam to disburse the loan;
c) Remittance from the borrower's Vietnamese dong payment account;
d) Earning interest is calculated on the account balance in accordance with current law.
2. Payment transactions:
a) Expenses for transferring money to the lender's current account in Vietnam dong to pay the debt (principal, interest) in case the lender uses the current account in Vietnam dong to recover the debt as agreed upon; loan agreement;
b) Expenses to purchase foreign currency to repay the debt (principal, interest) of the foreign loan in case the lender does not use the payment account in Vietnam dong to recover the debt according to the loan agreement;
c) Payment of debt receipts between the borrower and the guarantor according to the provisions of Chapter V of this Circular;
d) Payment of fees in Vietnam dong, purchase of foreign currency to pay fees in foreign currency related to foreign loans;
dd) Transfer money to the borrower's Vietnamese dong payment account;
e) Pay service fees related to account management and money transfer transactions through the account in accordance with regulations of the account service provider.
Cases where the lender opens a foreign loan performance account
The lender's account for performing foreign loans is opened at a credit institution or foreign bank branch in Vietnam.
1. The lender opens and uses a Vietnamese dong payment account of a non-resident at a credit institution or foreign bank branch in Vietnam for the following purposes:
a) Disbursement and debt recovery of foreign loans in Vietnam dong in case the borrower is a foreign direct investment enterprise borrowing from profits from direct investment activities in the Vietnamese territory. South of the lender is a foreign investor contributing capital at the borrower;
b) Recovering debts of loans subject to registration as prescribed in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 11 of this Circular but ineligible for registration certification;
c) Debt recovery of outstanding foreign loans but the written certification of registration or change registration is terminated due to fraudulent information or forged documents in the dossier as prescribed in this Circular. .
2. The lender may not use the current account in Vietnam dong specified in Clause 1 of this Article for other purposes except for the following transactions:
a) Earnings from the profits distributed from direct investment activities in the territory of Vietnam by the lender
b) Spending to buy foreign currency to transfer to overseas lender's account;
c) Transfer to another current account in Vietnam dong opened by the lender at a credit institution or foreign bank branch in Vietnam;
d) Pay service fees related to account management and money transfer transactions through the account in accordance with regulations of the account service provider.
3. The lender's use of foreign currency accounts of non-residents at commercial banks for disbursement and debt recovery for foreign loans must comply with the provisions of law on restrictions on the use of foreign exchange. on the territory of Vietnam.
4. In case of opening and using an account in the territory of Vietnam, the lender is responsible for complying with the provisions of law on the opening and use of accounts of non-residents at commercial banks in Vietnam. to carry out revenue and expenditure transactions related to foreign loans.
Disbursement of foreign loans
Cash flow transparency principles
1. For the borrower who is not a commercial bank or foreign bank branch, all money transfer transactions (withdrawal of capital, debt repayment) related to a foreign loan must be done through the loan account, foreign debt repayment of the borrower, except for the cases specified in Article 34 of this Circular.
2. Money transfer orders between residents and non-residents related to capital withdrawal, debt repayment (principal, interest) and fee payment of foreign loans must clearly state the purpose of the money transfer to The bank providing account services has the facility to compare, check, keep documents and perform transactions.
3. The borrower is responsible for specifying and requesting the lender to specify the purpose of the remittance transaction related to the foreign loan to serve as a basis for determining the foreign debt obligation and transferring money to repay the loan. (principal, interest) upon maturity.
Transfer money to make foreign loans
1. The borrower shall transfer money for capital withdrawal and debt repayment (principal and interest) through a bank providing account services for foreign borrowing and debt repayment.
a) In case of changing the account service provider, the borrower shall request the current account service provider to confirm the situation of capital withdrawal and debt repayment related to the foreign loan for the bank to provide. The new account service provider continues to monitor the implementation of foreign loans in accordance with current regulations on management of foreign loans and repayment;
b) In case the currency is changed but the bank providing account services is not changed, the account service provider bank is responsible for supervising the withdrawal of capital and repayment of foreign loans in accordance with current regulations on foreign loans. management of foreign loans and repayments.
2. For foreign loans that must be registered with the State Bank, the borrower may only withdraw capital and repay the debt (principal and interest) of the foreign loan after the loan is verified by the State Bank. receive registration, registration of changes, except for the following cases:
a) Withdrawal of capital and partial repayment of principal and interest in the first year of the loan subject to registration specified in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 11 of this Circular. For short-term loans that are signed with an agreement to extend into medium and long-term within 12 months from the date of first capital withdrawal, from the date of signing the extension agreement, capital withdrawal and repayment (principal, interest) ) the loan can only be continued after the loan is registered by the State Bank. The borrower is responsible for notifying the account service provider that the short-term loan has been signed into a medium- and long-term loan;
b) Withdrawal of loan capital arising from a foreign loan agreement to convert the amount of money made for investment preparation into foreign loan capital.
3. Borrowers may only receive disbursements and transfer money to repay (principal, interest) loans from the accounts of the lenders, representatives of the lenders or the payment agent banks of the lenders. in the case of a syndicated loan or a loan using a payment agent bank as specified in the loan agreement.
4. In case of receiving disbursement and transferring money for repayment (principal and interest) of foreign loans in foreign currency through the account of a third party who is a non-resident other than the subjects mentioned in Clause 3 of this Article , this content should be clearly stated in the loan agreement (or change agreement), in case the loan is subject to registration with the State Bank, this content must be confirmed in the written confirmation of registration. register, register changes to foreign loans.
5. The borrower shall repay the debt to the creditor's current account in Vietnam dong opened at a credit institution or foreign bank branch in Vietnam in the following cases:
a) Loans subject to registration as prescribed in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 11 of this Circular but are not eligible for registration confirmation. The exchange rate applied to determine the amount in Vietnam dong to be paid to the lender according to the provisions of this Point is the accounting rate announced by the Ministry of Finance or the buying and selling rate of foreign currency announced by the Ministry of Finance. account service providers or other credit institutions, foreign bank branches in Vietnam listed for application at the time the competent authority issues a written refusal to confirm the registration of foreign loans or money transfer point for debt payment;
b) The foreign loan has outstanding balance but the written confirmation of registration, the written confirmation of registration of changes is terminated due to fraudulent information or forged documents in the dossier. The exchange rate applied to determine the amount in Vietnam dong to be paid to the lender according to the provisions of Clause 4, Article 24 of this Circular.
c) Foreign loans in Vietnam dong from profits from direct investment activities in the Vietnamese territory of the lender being a foreign investor contributing capital at the borrower.
How to repay foreign loans
Buy foreign currency and transfer money to pay foreign debt
1. Borrowers purchase foreign currency at authorized credit institutions to fulfill obligations related to repayment of principal, interest and fees of foreign loans on the basis of presentation of documents and documents proving the need for foreign loans. request for payment in foreign currency legally in accordance with the law and at the request of an authorized credit institution.
2. Credit institutions are allowed to prescribe documents and documents proving the lawful demand for foreign currency on the principle of verifying the borrower's lawful debt obligations through foreign loan agreements and documents. determine the loan's capital withdrawal, the State Bank's written confirmation of foreign loan registration (in case the loan must be registered with the State Bank) and other documents (if any) as required. requirements of authorized credit institutions.
3. Foreign loan report #
Enterprises, when having foreign loans, must implement the periodical reporting regime and the irregular reporting regime. Failure to comply with the reporting regime can lead to administrative penalties and problems when renewing or applying for a new loan. Enterprises need to comply with the full reporting regime, guided as follows:
Reporting regime for borrowers
1. On a monthly basis, no later than the 05th of the month following the reporting period, the borrower must report online performance of short, medium and long-term loans at the Website. In case the Website encounters a technical error and cannot send the report, the borrower shall send a written report using the form in Appendix 05 issued with this Circular.
2. Within 10 working days from the date of receiving the borrower's report on the Website, the State Bank branch shall approve the report on the Website (or enter information from the written report in in case the Website encounters a technical error) to save information in the database. In case the reported information is correct, the borrower will be notified via email of the completion of the report as prescribed. In case there is inaccurate information or need to be clarified, the State Bank branch shall notify by email to the borrower for adjustment of data.
3. Within 03 working days after detecting errors in foreign loan and repayment reports, the borrower is responsible for reporting online at the Website (or in writing in the school). In case the website encounters technical errors) the situation of short, medium and long-term loan performance with incorrect data has been overcome; at the same time, notify the State Bank's branch by email so that the State bank's branch can conduct censorship according to the provisions of this Circular.
Unexpected foreign loan report
In exceptional cases or when necessary, the borrower and the account service provider bank shall make reports at the request of the State Bank.
4. How to register an electronic account for foreign loans #
Register and grant access accounts for users who are borrowers:
Step 1: Visit the following management page, fill in the information on the electronic declaration to request an access account according to the instructions on the website, print the declaration from the website, sign and seal.
https://www.qlnh-sbv.cic.org.vn/qlnh/
Step 2: Send the declaration via postal service or submit it directly at the branch of the State Bank in the province or city where the borrower's head office is located.
c Within 03 working days from the date of receipt of the user's declaration of request for an access account with complete and valid information, the competent authority shall approve and grant an access account. via email registered user.
In case of refusal to grant an access account, there must be an online reply clearly stating the reason.
Part 3 - Converting foreign loans into contributed capital #
Foreign loan can be converted into contributed capital if the conditions prescribed by law are met. The conversion of foreign loans into contributed capital can be done under the following conditions:
Regulations on converting foreign loans into contributed capital
Cases of capital withdrawal and debt repayment that are not made through a foreign loan or debt repayment account
1. Cases of capital withdrawal not through foreign loan or debt repayment accounts:
a) Withdraw capital from the lender to pay directly to the beneficiary being a non-resident providing goods and services under the goods and service purchase and sale contract with the resident being the borrower;
b) Withdrawal of foreign loans in the form of financial leases;
c) Withdrawal of capital through the borrower's account opened abroad in case the borrower is allowed to open an account abroad to make foreign loans;
d) Withdrawal of medium and long-term foreign loans through clearing with obligations to pay directly to the lender, including: payment obligation under the goods import contract, payment obligation foreign loan debt, the obligation to repay the debt receipt under the provisions of this Circular directly to the lender;
dd) Withdrawal of capital in case the amount of money made for investment preparation is converted into foreign loan capital as agreed between the parties in accordance with the law on foreign exchange management for foreign direct investment activities. outside Vietnam.
2. Cases of debt repayment not through foreign loan or debt repayment accounts:
a) Paying debts in the form of providing goods and services to the lender;
b) Repayment of debt through the agreement between the lender and the borrower to convert the outstanding balance into shares or contributed capital in the borrower;
c) Debt repayment through the agreement between the lender and the borrower to swap the loan balance into shares or capital contributions owned by the borrower;
d) Repayment of medium- and long-term foreign loans through clearing and settlement of receivables directly with the lender;
dd) Repayment of debt through the borrower's account opened in a foreign country (in case the borrower is allowed to open an account abroad to make foreign loans).
3. Within 05 working days from the date of capital withdrawal or debt repayment in the cases specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, the borrower is responsible for notifying and sending documents proving the implementation. capital withdrawal, debt repayment in the form of not using loan accounts, foreign debt repayment so that the account service provider knows and continues to monitor the borrower's foreign loan.
Conditions for being approved to convert foreign loans into contributed capital
The borrower and the lender can agree to repay the debt with the borrower's shares or capital contribution and need to be registered in accordance with the law, approved by the business registration and investment registration agency.
If you need advice on this point, please contact us.
Part 4 - Sanctions for administrative violations related to foreign loans #
In case the Borrower fails to comply with regulations related to the performance of foreign loans and repayment, the Borrower may penalties for not registering foreign loans, subject to the application of major violation handling measures as prescribed by law, as follows:
Penalties for administrative violations of foreign loans: Violations against regulations on reporting, management and information provision
Article 47. Violations against regulations on reporting, management and information provision
1. A fine of between VND 5.000.000 and VND 10.000.000 shall be imposed on one of the following acts of violation:
a) Violating the regulations on time limit and requirements for completeness and accuracy for the second time or more in the fiscal year of statistical reports with a period of less than 01 month;
b) Sending reports not on time as prescribed by law, except for the cases specified at Point a of this Clause, Points a and c, Clause 5 of this Article and Clause 1, Article 44 of this Decree;
c) Failing to keep and preserve dossiers and documents on time as prescribed by law, except for the case specified at Point a, Clause 1, Article 14 of this Decree;
d) Reported data submitted is inaccurate 02 or more times in a fiscal year, except for the case specified at Point b, Clause 5 of this Article.
2. A fine ranging from VND 10.000.000 to VND 15.000.000 shall be imposed for failing to submit sufficient reports or reports with insufficient contents as prescribed by law, except for the cases specified in Clauses 2 and 3, Article 44. , Clause 1, Article 45 of this Decree.
3. A fine of between VND 20.000.000 and VND 30.000.000 shall be imposed on one of the following acts of violation:
a) Failing to register with a competent state agency the changes specified at Point b, Clause 4, Article 29 of the Law on Credit Institutions;
b) Failing to publish changes as prescribed at Points a, b, c and d, Clause 1, Article 29 of the Law on Credit Institutions on the media of the State Bank and a daily newspaper in 03 consecutive issues or electronic newspaper of Vietnam within 07 working days from the date of approval by the State Bank.
4. A fine of between VND 30.000.000 and VND 40.000.000 shall be imposed on one of the following acts of violation:
a) Making untruthful reports;
b) Providing information related to the operation of the State Bank, credit institutions, foreign bank branches, customer information of credit institutions, foreign bank branches in contravention of regulations; provisions of law;
c) Failing to provide information, records and documents as prescribed by law;
d) Leaking or using customer information of credit institutions or foreign bank branches for improper purposes as prescribed by law.
5. A fine of between VND 40.000.000 and VND 50.000.000 shall be imposed on one of the following acts of violation:
a) Send reports on credit information indicators not on time to the State Bank;
b) To report inaccurate, untimely, incomplete or technical credit information criteria to the State Bank;
c) Failing to report credit information to the State Bank in accordance with regulations on credit information activities of the State Bank;
d) Failing to report on statistics of international money transfer transactions in and out as prescribed by law.
6. A fine of between VND 50.000.000 and VND 100.000.000 shall be imposed on one of the following acts of violation:
a) Failing to immediately report to the competent authority the risk of insolvency;
b) Failing to provide information at the request of the State Bank and competent state agencies as prescribed in Clause 4, Article 18 of the Law on prevention and combat of money laundering.
7. Remedies:
a) Forcible sending back complete and accurate reports, for violations specified at Points a, b, d, Clause 1, Clause 2 and Clause 5 of this Article;
b) Prohibit the expansion of the scope, scale and area of operation and the addition of new business operations while the violation has not yet been fully remedied, for the violations specified at Point a, Clause 5, and Point a, Clause 7 of this Article. XNUMX This Article;
c) Requesting or requesting competent authorities to consider and apply the measure of suspension from 01 to 03 months or dismissal of management, executive and control positions; not allow to hold administrative, executive and controlling positions at credit institutions, foreign bank branches for violators and/or individuals responsible for violations specified in Clause 6 of this Article. Point a, Clause XNUMX of this Article.
Request credit institutions, foreign bank branches to dismiss and take other handling measures as prescribed by law for violators within the competence of credit institutions, foreign bank branches. outside.
Penalties for not applying for a loan
A fine ranging from VND 20.000.000 to VND 30.000.000 shall be imposed for one of the following violations: Failure to comply with the law on administrative procedures for registration and registration for loan changes foreign.
Other consequences due to violations of regulations on foreign loans
Besides being sanctioned for administrative violations due to improper implementation of foreign loans, in our experience, there is another consequence of not being able to make loan repayments unless approved in writing. of the State Bank of Vietnam.
See also the Official Letter of the State Bank guiding the sanction of both the borrower and the loan-executing bank for violating regulations on foreign loans here: Official Letter 899-NHNN-QLNH 2019 regarding the administrative office in the process of implementing foreign loans