What Is a Red Invoice in Vietnam? The VAT Invoice Explained
Short answer: a red invoice (hóa đơn đỏ) is the everyday name for a Vietnamese VAT invoice (hóa đơn giá trị gia tăng). The name comes from the era of paper invoices; today the invoice is electronic, and companies ask for it to record expenses and deduct input VAT.
Part of our guide to Vietnam VAT invoices for hotel stays.
Red invoice, VAT invoice, e-invoice
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Red invoice (hóa đơn đỏ) | Common name for the VAT invoice, still used in conversation and in hotel and supplier emails. |
| VAT invoice (hóa đơn GTGT) | The legal document issued by a VAT-registered seller, showing the price, the VAT rate, and the VAT amount. |
| E-invoice (hóa đơn điện tử) | The format the VAT invoice is issued in. Since 1 July 2026 the rules are set by Decree 254/2026/ND-CP and Circular 91/2026/TT-BTC. |
Why companies ask for one
Expense record
A VAT invoice in the company's name supports the cost in the company's accounts.
Input VAT
A VAT-registered company can deduct the VAT shown, subject to the rules, including a non-cash payment record for amounts of VND 5 million or more.
Audit trail
The e-invoice carries the seller's and buyer's tax codes, which makes reconciliation simpler.
Asking a hotel for a red invoice
Send the company's registered name, address, and tax code before or at check-in, and the email that should receive the invoice. A receipt or a booking confirmation is not a VAT invoice. When you book through Bedtara, the invoice is issued the same day by Dong Thi Co., Ltd. See company details for a Vietnam VAT invoice.
Questions
Is a red invoice the same as a VAT invoice?
Yes. Red invoice is the common name for the Vietnamese VAT invoice, hóa đơn giá trị gia tăng.
Are red invoices still printed on paper?
No. VAT invoices are issued electronically. Under Decree 254/2026/ND-CP, paper invoices printed by the tax authority are no longer valid from 1 July 2026.
Is a hotel receipt enough for company accounts?
A receipt or booking confirmation is not a VAT invoice. Ask for the VAT e-invoice in the company's name.
VAT rate on hotel rooms Company details for the invoice Foreign companies
Last reviewed 9 October 2026. General information, not tax advice.
Book with the invoice handled
Send the city, dates, and rooms with your company details.