Is Crypto Legal in Vietnam?

Cryptocurrency is legal in Vietnam following the passage of the Law on Digital Technology Industry in June 2025, which formally recognizes digital assets as a legitimate category of property under the Civil Code (1). The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, allowing digital assets to be owned, transferred, inherited, and protected under civil rights (1). In September 2025, the government issued Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP establishing Vietnam's first formal licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges within a five-year pilot framework (1).

The Ministry of Finance serves as the lead regulatory authority, working in coordination with the State Securities Commission, the State Bank of Vietnam, and the Ministry of Public Security (1). Companies seeking to operate cryptocurrency exchanges must meet strict requirements including minimum charter capital of VND 10 billion (approximately $378 million), with at least 65 percent equity held by institutional investors and foreign ownership capped at 49 percent (1). All offerings, issuances, and trading activities must be conducted exclusively in Vietnamese Dong (1).

"By launching a five-year sandbox regime for crypto assets, the framework provides detailed provisions for the licensing of service providers, issuance and trading of crypto assets, and participation of both domestic and foreign investors."

The State Bank of Vietnam maintains that credit institutions and organizations providing intermediary payment services may not provide payment services or support transactions related to virtual currencies as these activities may give rise to money laundering, terrorist financing, and tax fraud risks (2). Credit institutions must review and timely report on suspicious transactions related to virtual currencies and work out handling measures to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering laws (2). Despite these restrictions, Vietnam ranks among the top five countries globally for cryptocurrency ownership, with approximately 18% of the population holding digital assets (1).

Source:
https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/vietnam-licensing-regime-cryptocurrency-exchanges-digital-economy.html/
https://english.luatvietnam.vn/directive-no-02-ct-nhnn-on-measures-to-enhance-control-of-virtual-currency-related-transactions-and-161903-doc1.html

Last updated: 19-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.