Vietnam's Pilot Crypto Program 2025-2030: What You Need to Know

Vietnam's Pilot Crypto Program 2025-2030: What You Need to Know Nov, 16 2025

Vietnam Crypto Tax Calculator

How Vietnam's Crypto Tax Works

Under Vietnam's pilot program, crypto profits are taxed at 20% under securities tax rules. This rate may change as regulations develop. You must report all transactions and keep detailed records of your trades.

Note: This calculator uses the current 20% tax rate under securities rules. The final tax law for crypto is expected by 2027.

Tax Calculation Results

Profit Before Tax ₫0
20% Tax Rate 20%
Tax Amount ₫0
Net Value After Tax ₫0
Important Note: This tool uses the current 20% tax rate under securities rules. Final tax regulations for crypto are expected by 2027. Keep detailed records of all transactions for compliance.

On September 9, 2025, Vietnam did something no other country has ever done: it launched the world’s first legal, government-run pilot program for cryptocurrencies - and it’s set to run until 2030. This isn’t a trial run with loose rules. It’s a full legal framework, written into national law, that turns crypto from a gray-area activity into something regulated, monitored, and officially recognized. If you’re trading, investing, or even just holding crypto in Vietnam, this changes everything.

What Exactly Is the Pilot Program?

The program is built on two official documents: Law No. 71/2025/QH15 on Digital Technology Industry and Resolution 05/2025/NQ-CP. Both were passed in mid-2025 and took full effect on January 1, 2026. The goal? To bring crypto out of the shadows and into a controlled environment where the government can watch, manage, and tax it - without banning it outright.

Vietnam now officially recognizes virtual assets as legitimate property under its Civil Code. That’s huge. For the first time, owning Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other digital token isn’t just tolerated - it’s protected by law. But there’s a catch: you can’t use them to buy coffee or pay bills. The State Bank of Vietnam still bans crypto as a payment method. You can’t use it like cash. But you can own it, trade it, and invest in it - if you follow the rules.

Three Types of Digital Assets - One Clear System

The law doesn’t treat all digital assets the same. It splits them into three clear categories:

  • Virtual assets: Any digital item used for exchange or investment - like tokens, NFTs, or utility coins - as long as they’re not money or securities.
  • Crypto assets: A subset of virtual assets that use encryption or digital tech to secure ownership and transfers - think Bitcoin and Ethereum.
  • Other virtual assets: Anything else that doesn’t fit the first two - like game items or loyalty points that can be traded.
This isn’t just semantics. It’s a legal architecture. If you’re running a platform that lets people trade crypto, you’re now in the same legal bucket as a bank. You need a license. You need to report everything. You need to protect users’ data and stop money laundering.

Who’s in Charge? The Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance is the gatekeeper. No one can offer crypto services in Vietnam without their approval. That includes exchanges, wallet providers, and even staking platforms. The first licensed provider is expected to launch by March 2026. After that, Vietnamese users have six months to move all their trading activity onto these approved platforms.

If you’re using Binance, KuCoin, or any offshore exchange right now, you’re already operating in violation of the new law - once licensing begins. You won’t get arrested overnight. But you could face fines, account freezes, or worse. The government has made it clear: after the grace period, only licensed platforms are legal.

Vietnamese traders using licensed crypto platforms as offshore exchanges fade away in smoke

Why Is Vietnam Doing This?

Vietnam isn’t trying to become the next crypto hub like Singapore or Switzerland. It’s trying to stop money from leaking out and keep control over its financial system.

Before this law, Vietnamese traders were doing over $600 million in daily crypto transactions - mostly through offshore exchanges. That’s billions flowing out of the country, outside the banking system, untaxed, untracked. The government couldn’t stop it. So instead of fighting it, they decided to regulate it.

This move also positions Vietnam as a tech leader in Southeast Asia. While China bans crypto completely and India taxes it heavily without clear rules, Vietnam is building a system that could attract foreign investment, tech talent, and blockchain startups. It’s a strategic play: let innovation happen - but only on our terms.

What’s Still Unclear?

Even with a full legal framework, big gaps remain.

  • Taxes: There’s no official crypto tax rate yet. For now, the government is applying securities tax rules, which could mean 20% on profits. But that’s temporary. Final rules are coming.
  • Mining: Is it legal? Nobody’s said. Miners are in limbo. No permits, no penalties - just silence.
  • Penalties: What happens if you trade on an unlicensed platform? Administrative fine? Criminal charge? The law says violators face “administrative sanctions or criminal liability,” but doesn’t define thresholds.
  • Foreigners: Can non-Vietnamese investors participate? Yes - but only if they use licensed Vietnamese platforms. No direct access to offshore exchanges.
These gray areas are why experts are cautious. Dr. Tran Quy from the Vietnam Institute for Digital Economy Development calls it a “controlled runway” - not a free flight. The government wants to see how it works before opening the doors wider.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a Vietnamese citizen trading crypto:

  • Start preparing now. Find out which platforms are getting licensed. The Ministry of Finance will publish a public list.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute. The six-month window after the first license is granted will be chaotic. Expect long wait times, technical issues, and limited support.
  • Keep records. Every trade, every deposit, every withdrawal. You’ll need proof for taxes and compliance.
  • Don’t use unlicensed platforms after March 2026. The risk isn’t just financial - it’s legal.
If you’re an investor or business from outside Vietnam:

  • Don’t assume you can serve Vietnamese users directly. You must partner with a licensed local provider.
  • Expect strict KYC and AML checks. Vietnam’s standards are tighter than most Western countries.
  • Watch for changes in 2027. The pilot is five years long, but the government may adjust rules based on early results.
A scale balancing unclear crypto mining against legal compliance under a blockchain gavel

How This Compares to Other Countries

Comparison of Crypto Regulatory Approaches in Key Markets
Country Legal Status Trading Allowed? Taxation Key Restriction
Vietnam Legal under pilot (2025-2030) Yes, only via licensed platforms Temporary securities tax (20%) No payments, no mining clarity
China Banned No N/A All crypto activities illegal
India Legal but heavily taxed Yes 30% tax + 1% TDS No clear licensing
Singapore Legal, licensed Yes Capital gains tax applies No ban on payments
United States Legal, fragmented Yes Capital gains tax State-by-state rules
Vietnam’s model is unique because it’s not just about legality - it’s about control. Unlike the U.S. or EU, where regulation is patchy and slow, Vietnam moved fast and set strict boundaries. You can trade, but only where they say. You can own, but only if you report. You can’t avoid oversight.

What’s Next? The Road to 2030

The next two years will be critical. By 2027, the government will have enough data to decide whether to extend the program, tighten rules, or even shut it down. Early signs point to success: over 80% of Vietnamese crypto traders say they support the move toward regulation, according to a VIR survey in early 2026.

But challenges remain. Small traders are worried about fees and complexity. Startups fear they won’t be able to afford compliance costs. And without clear mining rules, Vietnam could lose out on blockchain infrastructure development.

Still, the direction is clear. Vietnam isn’t trying to kill crypto. It’s trying to tame it. And if it works, this pilot could become the blueprint for other developing economies - especially in Asia - that want to benefit from digital assets without losing control.

Is it legal to hold cryptocurrency in Vietnam after 2025?

Yes. Vietnam now legally recognizes cryptocurrency as a virtual asset under its Civil Code. You can own Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital tokens. But you cannot use them to pay for goods or services - that’s still banned.

Can I trade crypto on Binance or KuCoin in Vietnam?

After the first licensed platform launches (expected by March 2026), you have six months to move your trading to approved Vietnamese platforms. After that, using offshore exchanges like Binance or KuCoin for trading is illegal and could lead to fines or account freezes.

Will I be taxed on my crypto profits in Vietnam?

Yes, but the exact rate isn’t final yet. For now, the government is applying a 20% tax on crypto profits under securities rules. A dedicated crypto tax law is expected before 2027. Keep detailed records of all trades.

Is crypto mining allowed in Vietnam?

No official rule exists yet. Mining is in legal limbo. The government hasn’t banned it, but it hasn’t legalized or licensed it either. Don’t assume it’s safe - wait for official guidance, expected in 2026-2027.

What happens if I don’t comply with the new rules?

You could face administrative fines, account freezes, or even criminal liability depending on the severity. The law doesn’t specify exact penalties yet, but enforcement is expected to ramp up after the six-month transition period ends.

Can foreigners invest in Vietnam’s crypto market?

Yes - but only through licensed Vietnamese platforms. Foreign investors cannot directly access offshore exchanges to trade with Vietnamese users. All transactions must go through approved local providers under strict AML and KYC rules.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam’s crypto pilot isn’t about freedom. It’s about order. It’s about taking something that was wild, fast-moving, and out of control - and putting it on a leash. For users, that means less anonymity. For the government, it means more power. For the economy, it could mean more innovation - if the rules are applied fairly.

By 2027, we’ll know if this experiment works. Will Vietnam become a regional leader in digital finance? Or will the rules become too heavy, pushing users back underground? Right now, the country is betting big. And whether you’re in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or halfway across the world - this is one of the most important crypto stories of the decade.