Vietnam passes law recognizing crypto as property, new rules effective January 2026

Vietnam has officially legalized cryptocurrencies under the “Digital Technology Industry Law,” introducing tax breaks and other incentives aimed at supporting local startups and retaining homegrown talent.

The new rules, scheduled to take effect in early January 2026, establish a legal framework for crypto regulation and formally recognize cryptocurrencies as property under civil law.

Vietnamese law will categorize cryptocurrencies into four types: security tokens or encrypted securities assets, payment tokens, utility tokens, and mixed tokens. Startups and developers will also benefit from tax exemptions, subsidies, special visas, and other incentives designed to boost the country’s digital economy.

Voted for on June 14, the bill follows a directive from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in March. Minch had instructed the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Vietnam to propose a draft regulation by the end of Q1 2025. The move is part of a broader plan to drive economic growth by 8%.

With the new framework, Vietnam joins jurisdictions such as the European Union and Dubai in implementing dedicated crypto regulations distinct from traditional financial oversight. The law could also improve Vietnam’s international crypto standing.

Vietnam ranked fifth in blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis’s 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index. However, the country remains on the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list due to deficiencies in crypto-related anti-money laundering practices. The landmark bill could help address those concerns.