Vietnam Moves to Tax Crypto Trades Under New Draft Rules

The Vietnam Ministry of Finance has opened public consultations on a draft circular that would introduce a tax on cryptocurrency transactions, signaling a major step toward formal oversight of the countrys digital asset market.

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam plans a 0.1% tax on every crypto transfer made through licensed platforms.
• The tax is based on transaction value, not profit, and applies even to losing trades.
• The proposal is part of a wider push to formally regulate and legalize the crypto market.

Circulated in early February 2026, the proposal sets out a 0.1% personal income tax on the value of each crypto transfer conducted through licensed platforms, aligning digital assets with the existing tax framework used for securities trading.

If implemented, the rules would mark one of the clearest attempts yet to bring crypto activity into Vietnams formal financial system.

How the proposed tax would work

Under the draft, individual investors, including both residents and non-residents, would pay a 0.1% tax on the gross value of every crypto transfer. Because the levy is based on transaction turnover rather than profit, it would apply regardless of whether a trade results in gains or losses.

Domestic institutional investors would be treated differently. Companies established in Vietnam would be subject to a 20% corporate income tax on net profits from crypto trading, calculated after deducting purchase costs and related expenses. Foreign institutions transferring crypto through Vietnamese service providers would face the same 0.1% turnover tax applied to individuals.

The proposal also confirms that cryptocurrency trading would remain exempt from value-added tax, reinforcing the view that digital assets are to be treated as financial instruments rather than consumer goods.

Part of a wider regulatory overhaul

The tax initiative fits into a broader effort to move crypto out of a long-standing legal gray area. It builds on a five-year pilot program launched in September 2025 that requires all crypto transactions during the trial phase to be settled exclusively in Vietnamese dong.

As part of this push, the State Securities Commission began accepting license applications for digital asset exchanges in January 2026. Licensing requirements are strict, including a minimum charter capital of 10 trillion VND, roughly $408 million, and a foreign ownership cap of 49%, pointing to a preference for large, well-capitalized operators with strong local participation.

Legal recognition sets the foundation

These developments follow the Law on Digital Technology Industry, which came into force on January 1, 2026. The law provides Vietnams first formal legal definition of digital assets and recognizes them as a form of property, laying the groundwork for taxation, licensing, and enforcement.

What comes next

The Ministry of Finance is now gathering feedback on the draft circular before finalizing the rules. Once adopted, the framework is expected to bring long-awaited clarity to crypto activity in Vietnam, a country that consistently ranks among the worlds leaders in grassroots cryptocurrency adoption.

Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.