FDI registrations into Vietnam exceed $18 billion in the first four months of 2026

Foreign direct investment (FDI) remained a bright spot for Vietnam’s economy in the first four months of 2026, with total registered FDI rising to over $18 billion and realized FDI estimated at about $7.40 billion—the highest level for four months in five years.

According to data released by the General Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance), total registered FDI in Vietnam as of April 27, 2026 reached $18.24 billion, up 32% year-on-year.

Registered FDI: new projects and capital increases

In the period, 1,249 newly licensed projects were granted registered capital of $12.15 billion. This was up 3.7% in the number of projects and 2.2 times in registered capital compared with the same period last year.

The manufacturing and processing industry accounted for the largest share of new FDI registered, with registered capital of $8.12 billion (66.8% of total new registered capital). Electricity, gas, water and air conditioning production and distribution reached $2.31 billion (19%), while other sectors accounted for $1.72 billion (14.2%).

Registered capital increases involved 316 projects from previous years, with additional registered capital of $3.13 billion, down 51% year-on-year.

Combining new registrations and increases for existing projects, FDI registered in manufacturing and processing reached $10.49 billion (68.6% of total for new registrations and increases). Electricity, gas and related activities totaled $2.31 billion (15.1%), and other sectors $2.48 billion (16.3%).

Capital contributions and share purchases

Foreign investors registered capital contributions and share purchases in 976 cases, with total contributed capital of $2.96 billion, up 61.9% year-on-year.

Of these, 325 capital contributions and share purchases increased the charter capital of enterprises by $445.13 million, while 651 foreign investors bought back domestic shares without increasing charter capital, valued at $2.51 billion.

By investment type, wholesale and retail and repair of motor vehicles accounted for $1.89 billion (63.9% of contributed capital). Professional, scientific and technical activities accounted for $321 million (10.9%), and other sectors $747 million (25.2%).

Realized FDI: highest in five years for four months

FDI realized in Vietnam in the first four months of 2026 was estimated at $7.40 billion, up 9.8% year-on-year. This was the highest amount of realized FDI in four months in Vietnam over the past five years.

In this period, the manufacturing and processing sector realized $6.12 billion (82.7% of total realized FDI). Real estate business activities accounted for $540.5 million (7.3%), while production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioning reached $270.6 million (3.7%).

Source of new FDI: Singapore leads

Among 53 countries and territories with newly licensed investment projects in Vietnam in the four months of 2026, Singapore was the largest investor with $6.05 billion (49.8% of total newly registered capital), followed by Korea with $4.08 billion (33.6%).

Other major investors included China with $524.1 million (4.3%), Japan with $462 million (3.8%), Hong Kong SAR (China) with $329.2 million (2.7%), and the Netherlands with $318.5 million (2.6%).

Vietnam’s outward investment

Vietnam’s outward investment in the first four months of 2026 included 74 newly issued investment certificates with total capital from Vietnam of $691.1 million, equivalent to 2.6 times that of the same period last year. There were also four investment projects with capital adjustments adding $22.8 million, down 43.2%.

In the same period, 32 countries and territories received investment from Vietnam, with Laos leading at $198 million (27.7% of total outward investment), followed by Kyrgyzstan at $149.9 million (21%). The UK received $82.8 million (11.6%), while Kazakhstan received $36 million (5%).