Question:
I would like to name my household business using an English name. Is that permissible? Please advise how to name a household business in compliance with the law.
Answer:
According to Article 86 of Decree No. 168/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 30, 2025, issued by the Government, the owner of a household business may choose an English name, provided that it complies with the legal provisions on naming household businesses. The proposed name must satisfy the following requirements:
- A household business shall have its own name, consisting of two elements in the following order:
a) The phrase “Hộ kinh doanh” (Household Business);
b) A proper name of the household business.
The proper name may be written in Vietnamese letters, the letters F, J, Z, W, and may include numbers or symbols. - It is prohibited to use words or symbols that violate historical traditions, culture, ethics, or fine customs of the nation in the name of the household business.
- It is not allowed to use the phrases “company,” “corporation,” “group,” or “enterprise” in the name of the household business.
- It is prohibited to use trade names, trademarks, or geographical indications of other organizations, individuals, or household businesses that have been protected, unless the owner of such trade name, trademark, or geographical indication gives consent.
The household business shall be legally liable if its name infringes industrial property rights. The handling of such infringement shall comply with the relevant specialized laws.
A household business with a violating name must apply for a name change within 15 days from the date the competent authority issues a request for correction. If it fails to do so, the commune-level business registration authority shall request a report in accordance with Clause 6, Article 22 of this Decree. - In addition to its Vietnamese name, a household business may register a foreign-language name or an abbreviated name.
The foreign-language name is translated from the Vietnamese name into a Latin-script language. When translating, the proper name may be kept unchanged or translated according to its equivalent meaning. The abbreviated name may be derived from either the Vietnamese or the foreign-language name. - The Vietnamese name of a household business must not duplicate that of another household business registered within the same commune, except those that have ceased operations. Identical names are those written exactly the same, regardless of uppercase or lowercase letters.
- Changing the name of a household business does not affect its rights and obligations.
- The commune-level business registration authority has the right to approve or reject the proposed name in accordance with the law. Its decision on the name is final. If the applicant disagrees, he/she may file an administrative lawsuit as prescribed by law.
Conclusion: You may name your household business in English, provided that the name fully complies with the above requirements and is approved by the commune-level business registration authority.
Please note that the name must not duplicate or infringe the industrial property rights of others. In case of violation, the household business must register a name change within 15 days from the date of the competent authority’s request.
Consulting reference: Business Law services.
