How Freelancers Accept Crypto Payments in Vietnam

10 Min

May 29, 2025

Particularly among freelancers, Vietnam has become a leader in the world in acceptance of cryptocurrencies. Over 85% of Vietnamese freelancers own digital currencies, and more than 34% actively welcome crypto payments. Real structural needs—limited access to traditional banking systems, growing interest in financial innovation, and continuous worries about the volatility of the Vietnamese Dong—rather than hype define this trend.

For remote Vietnamese employees dependent on cross-border income, these circumstances have made cryptocurrencies a sensible alternative. Faster, less expensive, more flexible payment methods let crypto let independent contractors participate in the global economy free from the constraints of antiquated financial infrastructure.

Legal Status 

The legal environment around cryptocurrencies in Vietnam remains convoluted even with the increasing use. Officially, the State Bank of Vietnam forbid using cryptocurrencies as legal tender. This implies that crypto cannot be used for national purchases of goods or services.

Owning and trading cryptocurrencies is legal, though. Though they must do so without using cryptocurrency as direct payment within domestic transactions, Vietnamese freelancers are allowed to accept international payments in digital currencies, save them in wallets, and convert them as needed.

The Vietnamese government is expected to bring thorough legislation by middle-2025 after realising the legal uncertainty. Most likely, this future framework will handle digital asset taxation policies, transaction validity, and asset classification.

Taxation 

Income taxation of cryptocurrencies in Vietnam is yet unknown. Though general tax law lets the government tax all kinds of commercial income, cryptocurrencies are not yet formally categorised as taxable commodities or assets.

For freelancers who pay in cryptocurrencies but lack clear instructions on how to report their income, this leaves uncertainty. By mid-2025, the government is expected to implement capital gains tax and better reporting systems, which will probably result in fresh responsibilities for freelancers getting income via digital currencies.

Also read: How to Pay into a Fiscal Representative Bank Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Instruments That Support Crypto Payments

Cash and Exchanges

Freelancers first need a digital wallet to get crypto payments. Depending on user preference, these wallets, which are available via sites like Binance and Coinbase, can be online, mobile-based, or hardware-secured. Wallets let independent contractors securely save, send, and accept a range of cryptocurrencies.

Payment gates and processors

Vietnamese freelancers now have simpler access to effectively handle cryptocurrency transactions thanks to specialised crypto payment processors.
With fast processing and low transaction fees, TransFi BizPay is a cross-border payment system that lets freelancers get USD payments and translate them to Vietnamese Dong or stablecoins like USDT and USDC.

Targeting freelancers in developing countries lacking access to traditional financial systems, Grey offers a peer-to-peer platform allowing quick crypto transfers with low fees. Ruul is another tool that streamlines invoicing and automatic crypto to fiat currency conversion, so facilitating management of changes in digital asset values.

How Vietnamese Freelancers Get Started

Starting to take crypto payments is rather easy. Freelancers have first to create a safe digital wallet and make sure it supports the cryptocurrencies they want. Two-factor authentication and hardware backup choices for extra security should be features of this wallet.

Freelancers can then register using crypto payment processors such as Grey or TransFi BizPay, which assist in receiving and converting cryptocurrency. These systems also help with invoicing, automatic conversions, and interface with local bank accounts or Stablecoins balances.

At last, freelancers should keep informed on local crypto laws. Though crypto is legal to own and trade, its use as a payment method is still limited in Vietnam. One must be ready for forthcoming tax compliance requirements and know how to correctly report income.

Also read: 5 Must-Have Money Management Tools for Freelancer

Advantages of embracing cryptocurrencies for freelancers

Using cryptocurrencies offers many benefits. Unlike a several days it could take for an international bank transfer to complete, crypto transactions settle in minutes. The much smaller related transaction fees allow freelancers to keep more of their income.

Many Vietnamese freelancers, especially those without access to official banking systems, gain from the financial inclusion crypto presents. They can get paid from anywhere in the globe just using internet access. Furthermore, shielding income from the devaluation of the Vietnamese Dong is keeping it in stablecoins such as USDT and USDC.

Difficulties and Constraints

Adopting crypto comes with difficulties even if its several advantages. Since cryptocurrencies are not formally accepted as a valid form of payment in Vietnam, regulatory uncertainty remains a major problem. Freelancers have to be careful to make sure they do not transact internationally violating local laws.

One more issue is volatility. Value of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum might change quickly. Those freelancers who neglect to quickly convert their income could suffer large losses. For some, technical knowledge also presents a challenge; setting up wallets, negotiating crypto platforms, and knowing safe storage techniques calls for a learning curve.

Conclusion 

As a dependable, quick, internationally accepted payment method, Vietnamese freelancers are turning to cryptocurrencies more and more. Freelancers are legally permitted to obtain and retain digital currencies notwithstanding laws prohibiting their use as legal currency. They are grabbing fresh prospects in the global digital economy with the correct tools: digital wallets, payment gateways, and newly developing freelancing platforms.

FAQs 

Commonly used cryptocurrencies among Vietnamese freelancers are what?

Because of their consistent value, most freelancers choose stablecoins like USDT and USDC; Bitcoin and Ethereum are more widely accepted but not preferred.

Can one accept crypto payments in Vietnam legally?

While owning and receiving cryptocurrencies is legal, using them as payment for goods or services within Vietnam is still forbidden.

Are Vietnamese taxable crypto earnings?

Crypto profits today lie in a regulatory grey area. Mid-2025, however, expected are capital gains and income tax policies unique to cryptocurrencies.

Can sites like Upwork pay with cryptocurrencies?

Though more recent platforms like Multiplier provide this capability, mainstream sites like Upwork do not accept crypto payments.

How might independent contractors control bitcoin volatility?

Platforms like Ruul or TransFi BizPay allow freelancers to convert incoming crypto into stablecoins or Vietnamese Dong to escape price swings.

TransFi Team

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