Vietnam Crypto Trading vs Payment Laws 2025: Key Differences Explained
Explore Vietnam's new crypto regulations, the clear split between trading and payment rules, licensing steps, and what businesses and investors need to know.
When working with crypto payment rules Vietnam, the set of laws and guidelines governing how digital currencies can be used for payments in Vietnam, you also have to understand related frameworks like Vietnam cryptocurrency regulation, the broader legal environment that defines what crypto activities are allowed, payment gateway compliance, the technical and operational standards payment processors must meet, and digital asset licensing, the official permits required for any crypto‑related service provider. These pieces fit together like a puzzle: the rules dictate who can offer services, the compliance steps ensure safe transactions, and the licensing confirms legitimacy. Below we break down the most important parts so you can see how they affect businesses and users alike.
First, any company that wants to accept or process cryptocurrency payments must obtain a payment service provider license from the State Bank of Vietnam. This license is part of the digital asset licensing process and requires proof of AML/KYC procedures, capital reserves, and technical security measures. Without it, operating a crypto checkout or wallet service is illegal. Second, the Vietnam cryptocurrency regulation mandates that all transactions be reported to tax authorities, tying directly into crypto tax in Vietnam. The tax rate for crypto gains is currently set at 20%, and businesses must file quarterly statements using the national e‑tax portal.
Third, payment gateway compliance goes beyond licensing. Gateways must implement geofencing to block users from jurisdictions where crypto payments are prohibited, mirroring the approach used by exchanges like Bybit. They also need real‑time monitoring tools to flag suspicious flows, which satisfies both AML guidelines and the State Bank’s anti‑money‑laundering (AML) directives. Finally, crypto tax in Vietnam extends to merchants who accept crypto as payment for goods or services; they must convert crypto receipts into VND value at the time of sale and record the amount for tax reporting.
These rules create a clear chain of responsibility: licensing enables operation, compliance safeguards the process, and tax reporting ensures governmental revenue. The State Bank’s recent circulars have tightened the definition of “payment service” to include DeFi platforms, meaning even decentralized apps that facilitate peer‑to‑peer crypto transfers now fall under crypto payment rules Vietnam. Ignoring these updates can lead to fines up to 10% of annual revenue or even revocation of the operating license.
For businesses looking to launch crypto payment options, the practical steps are straightforward. Start by filing the licensing application with a detailed KYC/AML policy. Next, integrate a compliance stack that provides IP geolocation, transaction monitoring, and automated reporting to the tax portal. Finally, set up a conversion mechanism—either in‑house or via a licensed exchange—to handle VND valuation for tax purposes. By following this roadmap, you stay within the law while offering a modern payment experience.
Beyond the legal side, there’s a growing community of SMEs in Vietnam experimenting with crypto payments to tap into the 30‑plus million crypto users in the country. These early adopters often use stablecoins to avoid price volatility, which the State Bank now recognizes as a legitimate payment method provided the above licensing and compliance steps are met. This trend shows how the crypto payment rules Vietnam are evolving from restrictive to enable‑friendly, as long as participants respect the framework.
Below you’ll find a curated list of articles that dive deeper into each of these topics—ranging from detailed guides on licensing, to how VPN detection impacts compliance, to the tax implications of crypto earnings. Whether you’re a payment processor, a merchant, or just curious about the legal landscape, the resources ahead will give you actionable insights and up‑to‑date information on navigating Vietnam’s crypto payment rules.
Explore Vietnam's new crypto regulations, the clear split between trading and payment rules, licensing steps, and what businesses and investors need to know.