Digital signature and e-invoice for new businesses: how to register?
When a new company needs a digital signature and e-invoices, what they are for, reference costs and the steps to register to use e-invoices with the tax authority.
Once you have the Enterprise Registration Certificate, a digital signature and e-invoices are two tools your company needs almost immediately to file taxes and sell.
Digital signature and e-invoices
| Item | Digital signature | E-invoices |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Signing returns, contracts and electronic filings | Issuing sales and service invoices |
| When You Need It | Right after receiving the enterprise code | Before the first invoice is issued |
| Registration | Buy from a digital signature certification provider | Register with the tax authority through a provider |
| Reference Cost | VND 1.5 – 2 million per year | VND 0.5 – 1.5 million for the starter package |
Digital signature
A digital signature (usually a USB token or remote signing) is used to sign tax returns, social insurance filings, e-invoices, electronic contracts and other online administrative procedures. Companies buy a digital signature from a licensed certification service provider; the term is usually 1 – 3 years.
Points to Note When Choosing
- Choose a provider with fast technical support, especially during peak tax filing days.
- Keep track of the validity period so you can renew before it expires.
- Manage passwords and devices as carefully as you would the company seal.
E-invoices
Under Decree 123/2020/ND-CP (as amended by Decree 70/2025/ND-CP), companies use e-invoices when selling goods or providing services. Before issuing the first invoice, the company must register to use e-invoices with the tax authority.
Registration Steps
- Choose an e-invoice service provider and sign a contract.
- Submit the e-invoice registration declaration to the tax authority (signed with a digital signature).
- Receive the acceptance notice, set up the invoice template and start using it.
Reference Cost
A digital signature costs about VND 1.5 – 2 million per year; a starter e-invoice package costs about VND 0.5 – 1.5 million depending on volume. HDS Law's Startup package already includes a 12-month digital signature and 300 e-invoices.
No in-house accountant? Our full-service accounting and tax service helps you register and use invoices and file periodic tax returns.
Legal basis
- Decree 123/2020/ND-CP
- Decree 70/2025/ND-CP
Content reviewed by Lawyer Đoàn Minh Đức (Director – Managing Lawyer); updated 26 Sep 2026.
This article is for reference only, based on regulations as of the update date. For advice on your specific case, please contact a lawyer.
