Digital goods fuel innovations but the laws are catching up in the virtual economies.

Vietnam’s digital economy is growing fast. More apps are offering digital rewards, in-app purchases, and monetized gifts. But behind the excitement, a new law is changing the rules. Platforms that fail to prepare may find themselves blocked.

The challenge lies in a misunderstood legal space: virtual goods regulation in Vietnam. While developers focus on user experience, Vietnamese authorities are now watching the virtual economy with closer eyes. The law defines, classifies, and supervises digital items with real world value.

If your business involves in-app credits, gifting tools, or user-generated rewards,  you would need to watch and avoid five mistakes and stay legally safe under the virtual goods regulation in Vietnam.

Why Virtual Goods Suddenly Matter in Vietnam

For years, Vietnam allowed digital platforms to operate in a legal gray zone. Apps distributed across borders. Payments flowed freely. No one asked tough questions about how virtual items were created, sold, or exchanged.

Then came the Vietnam law on digital technology industry, a major legal reform that takes effect on January 1, 2026. This law defines what virtual goods are, who can distribute them, and how platforms must operate.

Now, virtual items are not just game stuff anymore. They are legally recognized assets. That means they come with obligations.

This shift is not just a local issue. Any platform that allows Vietnamese users to top up credits, send gifts, or receive monetized rewards must comply with these rules under virtual goods regulation in Vietnam.

What You Would Need To Know?

In here, we will break down the five most common traps foreign platforms fall into when dealing with virtual goods regulation in Vietnam, being:

• What qualifies as a virtual good
• Why digital features may require licensing
• How payment flows trigger compliance
• What sandbox approvals mean and when you need them
• How to structure agreements with Vietnamese resellers

We will then go through a step-by-step guide on virtual goods regulation in Vietnam and FAQ to help your team navigate the new law that details virtual goods regulation in Vietnam. Whether you are a developer, legal counsel, or CEO, this gives you some ideas toward compliance in operations in Vietnam.

What Virtual Goods Look Like in Real Life

Look into your platform that allow:

• Users buy “gems” to unlock features in a game
• Viewers tip livestreamers using “stars”
• Fans send “gifts” to content creators
• Users earn “tokens” that convert to cash

All of these would count as virtual goods under the new legal framework.

What makes this complex is how the goods interact. One digital item may be purchased with real money, another may be earned, a third might be traded or redeemed. When these virtual units affect user spending or income, they become legally significant.

It is no longer about code. It is about currency, tax, and compliance.

The 5 Legal Traps You Must Avoid Under Virtual GoodsRegulation in Vietnam

Trap 1: Assuming virtual goods are unregulated

The Vietnam law on digital technology industry defines virtual goods as any digital items with transactional value. If your platform sells or allows the resale of digital units, even indirectly, you must comply under the virtual goods regulation in Vietnam.

Do not assume that this game is only about entertainment or not withdrawable nature that you can get away without being subject to enforcement. The law looks at economic function, not just technical design under the virtual goods regulation in Vietnam.

Trap 2: Using unlicensed payment channels

Many platforms rely on resellers or corporate top-up agents. In Vietnam, this model may be flagged if the agreement involves virtual goods but lacks clear tax treatment or legal purpose under the virtual goods regulation in Vietnam.

Bank transfers oversea have been denied because platforms could not explain what the payments were for. If your distributor agreement is vague, it may block funds.

Trap 3: Ignoring consumer rights and refund rules

Vietnamese law protects users who purchase or lose digital items. If a user buys credits and does not receive them due to a technical issue, or if a gift is wrongly transferred, your platform may be liable.

Under virtual goods regulation in Vietnam, platforms must adopt clear policies for user complaints, refunds, and lost assets. Ignoring these can lead to investigation.

Trap 4: Misunderstanding What Counts as a Virtual Goods

Many platforms presume their “gifts” are just emojis or icons. But Vietnamese regulators are focusing on function over form. Under virtual goods regulation in Vietnam, if the item represents value, it is treated like a digital asset, even if the platform calls it something playful.

Trap 5: Overlooking reseller compliance

If your platform signs contracts with Vietnamese entities to distribute digital units (e.g., top-up partners or local agents), those contracts must be reviewed to reflect local law.

If the reseller can not prove legal use of funds or purpose of transaction, Vietnamese banks may reject transfers. That affects your cash flow, and your reseller relationships.

Every agreement should define:

• The type of virtual goods involved
• Purpose of the transaction
• Pricing model (fixed or flexible)
• Restrictions on resale or refunds

Step-by-Step Guide to Stay Compliant

Step 1: Map all virtual goods used on your platform.

Step 2: Identify if users in Vietnam can access, buy, or redeem them.

Step 3: Review your distributor or reseller agreements.

Step 4: Ensure the agreements explain the product, payment purpose, and refund rules.

Step 5: Consult a local lawyers in Vietnam to determine virtual goods definition.

Step 6: Prepare internal documentation to explain virtual asset flows.

Step 7: Establish user complaint and refund policies for Vietnam.

Step 8: Monitor updates from authorities on enforcement guidance.

FAQ: Virtual Goods Regulation in Vietnam

Q1: My platform doesn’t use real money. Are we still affected?

Yes. If users exchange digital goods that represent value (gifts, credits, tokens), it may still be regulated.

Q2: We only sell to distributors. Why are banks rejecting transfers?

Banks in Vietnam are cautious with payments labeled as “virtual items” unless clear legal justification is provided. Documentation preparation helps.

Q3: What is the sandbox, and why apply?

It’s a government program that allows platforms to test regulated features without facing full enforcement. It’s ideal for experimental monetization tools.

Q4: What happens if we do nothing?

You risk blocked payments, app store removals, or being blacklisted as non-compliant.

Q5: Can we rename our digital goods to avoid legal problems?

No. The law focuses on function, not names.

Act Now, Do not Wait

The time to act is not next year. It is now. Platforms that begin compliance work in 2025 will be ready when the Vietnam law on digital technology industry is enforced. Those who wait may face confusion, disruption, or shutdown.

Go review your systems. Talk to your legal counsels in Vietnam. Protect your users.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/virtual-goods-regulation-in-vietnam-traps.html

New Hopes, New Rules

Some decisions change lives. Others change nations.

Vietnam’s new nationality law may do both.

For years, foreign investors, Vietnamese born citizens abroad, and professionals have struggled with the uncertainty around Vietnam’s citizenship policy and how to apply for Vietnamese nationality. The requirements were complex. The possibility of holding dual nationality was almost always off the table.

That changes now.

Interestingly, the changes come at the time other powerful countries are apply hard policy on immigration matters!

In July 2025, a game changing regulation came into effect, Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality. This is not just another rulebook. It is a gateway.

A gateway for those who consider to move to Vietnam. A framework for those who wish to live, invest, and belong officially.

Why Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality Matters

Vietnam is changing fast. The economy is booming. Global companies are shifting production here. Talents, experts, and overseas Vietnamese are returning to reconnect with their roots. But one thing held many of them back: citizenship.

The legal process to apply for Vietnamese nationality, return, or keep Vietnamese nationality was previously difficult. There were legal obstacles. And for those holding foreign citizenship, very few options exist.

Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality and how to apply for Vietnamese nationality is a response to these long-standing issues. It reflects Vietnam’s effort to modernize, internationalize, and humanize its nationality policies.

This decree provides clearer rules. And for the first time, it openly allows dual citizenship in specific cases.

Who Will Benefit and Why This Is a Turning Point

If you are a foreign investor living in Vietnam, a tech expert contributing to the country’s future, or an overseas Vietnamese who dreams of returning to apply for Vietnamese nationality, check for the eligibility for Vietnamese nationality, and the procedures on how to get Vietnamese nationality, and this decree might finally unlock your legal status.

Here is what it provides:

• A clearer process for acquiring or reclaiming Vietnamese nationality
• New flexibility for dual citizenship
• Specific exemptions for investors, experts, and descendants of Vietnamese citizens
• Reduced paperwork and digital submission options
• Transparent approval timelines

For many, this is the first time Vietnam offers a structured, welcoming path to official belonging.

What the New Policy Looks Like in Practice

Let’s imagine that you were born in Vietnam but have lived abroad for quite some time. You want to come home. Start a business. Maybe buy land in Vietnam. Now, with the help of Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality, you can:

• Submit your request to return to Vietnamese nationality
• Prove your heritage and current contribution
• Request to keep your foreign nationality
• Receive a decision within a transparent time frame
• Become a dual citizen with full rights

Key Features of the Decree

Let’s explore the highlights of Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality:

Dual Citizenship

This is the most powerful shift. The decree allows Vietnamese nationals to retain their foreign nationality, subject to:

• No national security risk
• Approval by the President of Vietnam
• Valid justification: economic, cultural, scientific contribution

Investor and Expert Exemptions

If you are an investor or expert in science, technology, education, or health, you may be exempt from:

• Residency time
• Language fluency
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency

Descendants of Vietnamese People

Children and grandchildren of Vietnamese nationals can:

• Reclaim Vietnamese nationality
• Request simplified procedures
• Apply even if they were never registered at birth in Vietnam

Legal Transparency

The decree sets a standardized process. It reduces discretion and ensures national unity in implementation.

Check How to Become a Vietnamese Citizen 

Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality is Vietnam’s signal that it wants its people back. It wants international minds on its side.  You should act now if:

• You are an investor with long-term plans in Vietnam
• You were born in Vietnam and now live abroad
• You want to legally settle in Vietnam with your family
• You want your business leadership to reflect your citizenship

Step-by-Step Guide: Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

Step 1: Determine Eligibility to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

• Are you of Vietnamese descent?
• Do you hold a long-term visa, work permit, or investment license?
• Are you an expert in a field Vietnam needs?

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

Depending on your case:

• Passport(s)
• Birth certificate or proof of Vietnamese origin
• Investment certificates
• Work contracts or business licenses
• Residence permit or temporary card
• Language ability

Step 3: Submit the Application to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

• At Ministry of Justice
• Or through Vietnam’s overseas embassies
• Include request for dual citizenship if applicable

Step 4: Await Verification

• Ministry of Justice processes file
• Ministry of Public Security validates identity and background

Step 5: Receive Decision

• If approved, you would receive an official nationality certificate
• Provincial People’s Committees may hold an official ceremony
• If dual nationality was granted, your foreign citizenship remains intact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality

Can I keep my foreign citizenship if I become Vietnamese?

Yes. Under Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality, dual citizenship is permitted if:

• It does not harm national interests
• The President of Vietnam approves it
• You have significant personal or national contributions

Do I need to speak Vietnamese?

Normally, yes. But if you are:

• A high-level investor
• A scientific or cultural expert
• A returning overseas Vietnamese

…then the requirement may be waived.

How long does the process to Apply for Vietnamese Nationality take?

The review may take:

• Up to 30 days by the Ministry of Justice
• 45 days for security verification
• Extra time for Presidential approval if dual citizenship is involved

Can I apply for Vietnamese nationality from abroad?

Yes. You may apply through Vietnamese embassies and consulates. The decree encourages overseas Vietnamese to reclaim nationality.

From Residency to Belonging

Vietnam is no longer just a destination for short-term opportunity. It is building a future of shared citizenship.

With Decree 191/2025 on Vietnamese Nationality, the door is open for those ready to contribute, return, and stay and apply for Vietnamese nationality.

Whether you are a business leader, a second-generation Vietnamese abroad, or a global expert drawn to Vietnam’s growth, this is your moment.

Now, Vietnam is not just welcoming tourists. 

Vietnam is welcoming you, the citizens.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/update/apply-for-vietnamese-nationality-steps.html

  Vietnam is introducing a major new legal framework for digital platforms, and it will reshape how apps, games, streaming services, and digital content businesses operate in here. The Vietnam law on digital technology industry, taking effect on January 1, 2026, is set to establish clear requirements for both domestic and foreign platforms that engage with Vietnamese users.

Whether your company offers in-app credits, digital tipping, or any monetized content features, this law is likely to affect your business, even if your company is not established in Vietnam.

In here, let us go through the overview of what the law covers, who it applies to, and what businesses should start doing now to prepare.

Why Vietnam Needs the Law on Digital Technology Industry Now?

Vietnam’s digital economy is booming. Mobile games, livestream platforms, social media, and app-based services are expanding rapidly, while the legal framework governing these sectors has remained fragmented, outdated, or simply nonexistent.

Up to now, platforms dealing in virtual goods (like in-app credits, top-ups, or digital gifts) operated in a legal gray zone. At the same time, foreign platforms often reached millions of Vietnamese users without any local registration or tax responsibility.

The introduction of the Vietnam law on digital technology industry is not about stopping innovation. It is about catching up to it, making sure platforms that profit from Vietnamese users also respect local rules, pay tax, and protect consumers. 

What Does The Law Cover?

The Vietnam law on digital technology industry is designed to regulate a wide range of online services and platforms. It introduces official definitions for digital units like in-app credits and reward points, classifying them as “virtual assets.” These virtual assets, previously were not clearly defined under Vietnamese law, are now subject to state oversight, especially when they are sold, exchanged, or used as part of a digital economy.

The Vietnam law on digital technology industry applies to:

• Game platforms with in-app purchases,
• Live-streaming and content apps with tipping or virtual gifting,
• Cloud services that support monetized user features,
• Any digital business offering reward-based engagement systems.

Another key feature of the Vietnam law on digital technology industry is its regulatory sandbox. This allows platforms to test new technologies and digital models in Vietnam under government supervision. Companies applying for sandbox approval can develop innovative services before full regulation kicks in, reducing the risk of being penalized for trying something new.

Who Needs To Comply?

If your digital platform serves Vietnamese users and includes features like virtual goods, monetized content, or creator payments, then your business is likely to fall within the scope of the Vietnam law on digital technology industry. This is true even if you have no office in Vietnam.

Many platforms allow users to buy in-app credits or offer tips to broadcasters and creators. If those credits or gifts have any monetary value, they may now be considered regulated virtual assets. Even reward points or loyalty tokens could trigger legal obligations.

The law is especially important for foreign platforms whose user base includes Vietnam, but who have not yet engaged with any local licensing, tax, or regulatory process. It closes the gaps that many services have relied on for years.

What Are The Risks?

Companies that do not adjust to the Vietnam law on digital technology industry may face a range of issues. These include local banks rejecting fund transfers related to digital goods, app stores being ordered to delist non-compliant platforms, and potential audits for tax violations or unlicensed business activity.

For example, some Vietnam-based resellers of virtual goods have already reported bank rejections for transactions connected to distributor agreements involving in-app digital units. These informal signals are early signs that enforcement is on the way.

Failure to act could result in commercial delays, frozen payments, or reputational risks. But platforms that prepare early may gain a strategic edge over competitors by securing sandbox access or applying for licenses before the rush.

Getting Ready And Steps To Consider

For now, platforms should review the structure of their digital services. If your app uses any system where users purchase or exchange digital items, whether as top-ups, gifts, or credits, you should consult legal counsel on how those features align with Vietnam’s new definitions of virtual assets.

You should also examine how your business model handles payments to creators or resellers. These flows may need to be disclosed or licensed under the law. Consider whether any part of your model would benefit from applying to the sandbox, particularly if you are trying something new in the market.

The Vietnam law on digital technology industry is not an isolated law. It will interact with existing rules on game licensing, tax declarations, cross-border payment reporting, and user data protection. Platforms should prepare with a broader compliance mindset.

From Virtual Goods To Platform Licenses

To further exploring, we will be looking forward to upcoming topics that discuss legal risks surrounding virtual goods in Vietnam, how game platforms must approach license classifications (from G1 to G4), and how digital reward systems are interpreted by local banks and regulators.

We will also explore what payment structures raise red flags for banks, how corporate contracts with Vietnamese resellers can be strengthened, and what the sandbox process means for apps looking to enter the market legally.

By understanding how the Vietnam law on digital technology industry fits into the broader digital economy, platforms can stay compliant, competitive, and prepared for what is next.

Go check your platform compliance.

Now is the time to align with the Vietnam law on digital technology industry before the year 2026!

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/digital-assets/vietnam-law-on-digital-technology-industry.html

  In Vietnam’s rapidly evolving market, protecting your brand’s identity is more crucial than ever. The Vietnam trademark opposition procedures serve as a vital legal mechanism for preventing unauthorized trademark registrations that could harm your business. With the shortened opposition timeframe under Decree 65/2023/ND-CP, businesses must be more proactive in monitoring and challenging conflicting trademarks.

This article provides a brief guide to Vietnam trademark opposition procedures. Whether you are a business owner, an IP attorney, or a startup looking to safeguard your brand, this guide will help you navigate the trademark opposition landscape effectively.

What is Trademark Opposition in Vietnam?

Trademark opposition is a legal procedure that allows a third party to challenge a pending trademark application before it is officially registered. This process ensures that conflicting trademarks do not enter the market, reducing the risk of brand dilution and consumer confusion.

Unlike trademark cancellation or invalidation, which occur after a trademark is registered, opposition happens before the official grant of the trademark. This proactive approach helps businesses prevent costly legal disputes and brand damage in the future.

Legal Basis for Trademark Opposition

Intellectual Property Law which grants third parties the right to oppose trademarks before registration.
Decree 65/2023/ND-CP which provides detailed procedures for filing an opposition with the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP).

Why is Trademark Opposition Important?

Failing to act during the opposition window can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Here’s why trademark opposition matters:

1.Protecting Brand Identity

Trademark opposition helps businesses prevent competitors from using names, logos, or symbols that closely resemble their own, safeguarding brand distinctiveness.

2.Avoiding Market Confusion

Similar trademarks create confusion among consumers, affecting brand loyalty and trust. By opposing conflicting trademarks early, businesses ensure that customers can easily recognize and trust their products.

3.Preventing Bad Faith Registrations

Some entities register trademarks with dishonest intent, hoping to either:
-Sell the trademark to the rightful brand owner.
-Profit from an established brand’s reputation.
-Block a competitor’s market entry.

Vietnam’s updated IP laws allow businesses to oppose trademarks on the basis of bad faith registration, preventing unfair competition.

4.Cost-Effective Legal Strategy:

Opposing a trademark at the application stage is significantly cheaper than pursuing cancellation or invalidation after registration.

Who Can File a Trademark Opposition in Vietnam?

Eligible Parties

Under Vietnam trademark opposition procedures, the following parties can file an opposition:
-Businesses or individuals with prior trademark rights.
-Owners of well-known trademarks, as recognized under the IP Law.
-Competitors who believe that a new trademark would cause market confusion.
-Government bodies and consumer protection organizations if public interest is at stake.

When Can a Trademark Be Opposed?

One of the most significant changes under Decree 65/2023 is the reduction of the opposition period:
-Previous Deadline: 9 months from the date of publication in the IP Gazette.
-New Deadline: 5 months from publication.

This means businesses must act faster to monitor trademarks and file oppositions within the revised timeframe.

Where to File a Trademark Opposition in Vietnam?

Trademark opposition applications must be submitted to the National Office of Intellectual Property (NOIP):

How to File a Trademark Opposition?

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Conduct a Trademark Search:

Use NOIP’s public database to check whether a newly published trademark conflicts with your brand.

Step 2: Prepare an Opposition Application:

Your application must include:
-Information about the opposed trademark (application number, owner).
-Grounds for opposition (e.g., similarity, bad faith).
-Evidence (prior registrations, brand usage, market reputation).
-Legal arguments based on Vietnam’s IP Law.

Step 3: Submit the Opposition to NOIP:

Ensure submission is made within 5 months of publication to be considered valid.

Step 4: NOIP Review and Decision:
-NOIP examines the legal basis and evidence.
-The trademark applicant can respond with a counterargument.
-NOIP issues a decision either:
-Rejecting the opposed trademark (opposition successful).
-Approving the opposed trademark (opposition denied).

Step 5: Appeal if Necessary:

If opposition is denied, the challenger can file an appeal or administrative lawsuit.

Common Grounds for Trademark Opposition

Vietnam’s IP Law recognizes the following legal grounds for opposition:
-Identical or confusingly similar to an existing trademark.
-Bad faith registration (e.g., registering a famous mark to demand payment).
-Lack of distinctiveness (generic or descriptive terms).
-Violation of public policy or morality.
-Infringement on geographical indications.

Challenges in Vietnam Trademark Opposition Procedures

While the opposition process is essential for brand protection, some challenges exist:
-Shorter opposition deadline increases the burden on businesses.
-Burden of proof is on the opposing party, requiring strong evidence.
-NOIP decisions can be unpredictable, leading to lengthy legal disputes.
-International businesses may face difficulties navigating local IP laws.

Best Practices for a Successful Trademark Opposition

To maximize success, businesses should:

Monitor the IP Gazette regularly for conflicting marks.
File oppositions as early as possible within the 5-month window.
Gather strong evidence (prior use, brand reputation).
Work with IP attorneys experienced in Vietnam’s trademark laws.
Be prepared for counterarguments from the trademark applicant.

Stay Proactive in Protecting Your Brand

The Vietnam trademark opposition procedures play a crucial role in safeguarding brand identity and preventing unfair competition. With the shortened opposition period, businesses must act quickly and strategically.

By monitoring trademarks proactively, leveraging legal expertise, and using strong evidence, businesses can successfully oppose conflicting trademarks and maintain their market reputation.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://antlawyers.vn/ip/vietnam-trademark-opposition-procedures-10-insights.html