Vietnam clarifies personal tax on foreign‑exchange trading profits

Vietnamese tax authorities answered a query from a resident who wishes to open an overseas Forex account and trade for profit. The response cites the Foreign Exchange Law 2005 (as amended in 2013) and the Personal Income Tax Law 2025, stating that income from foreign‑exchange trading is classified as investment income and is subject to personal income tax. The relevant provisions define foreign exchange activities, the permissible entities that may provide such services, and the tax treatment of capital‑investment earnings such as interest, dividends and other returns.

The guidance explains that individuals must report any Forex profit in their annual tax declaration, calculate tax according to the rates applicable to investment income, and that the tax can be self‑assessed or withheld by a qualified financial institution. The answer also notes that only banks or other institutions approved by the State Bank of Vietnam may legally offer foreign‑exchange services within the country.