Key considerations for gold trading in 2026

The gold market is one of the markets that fluctuates continuously. In 2025, the gold price index continued to increase; specifically, according to the Report of the General Statistics Office of Vietnam – Ministry of Finance, the gold price index in December increased by 2.18% compared to the previous month; increased by 70.37% compared to the same period of the previous year; and, on average in 2025, the gold price index increased by 47.67%. This development partly explains the trend that people, and even a segment of investors, choose to buy gold for profit-taking purposes or for hoarding, depending on their needs.  

Entering 2026, in the context that many new legal documents have taken effect, gold trading activities have been regulated in a stricter and clearer manner. Accordingly, when engaging in gold trading or investing in gold, individuals should note the following:  

1. Prohibited acts in gold trading: 

Building on certain provisions under Decree No. 88/2019/ND-CP, as from February 09, 2026, under Decree No. 340/2025/ND-CP, the following acts will be considered administrative violations in gold trading: 

1.1. Trading gold bullion with a credit institution or enterprise that does not hold a valid license for gold bullion trading: 

Accordingly, individuals may only buy and sell gold bars with a credit institution or enterprise that satisfies the conditions and holds a License for gold bullion trading. In case of non-compliance—i.e., conducting transactions with an unlicensed entity—depending on the severity and nature of the violation (first-time violation, repeated violation, etc.), the fine may be imposed up to VND 20,000,000 for individuals and up to VND 40,000,000 for organizations. 

1.2. Using gold as a method of payment: 

Individuals are only permitted to use lawful means of payment as permitted by the State in transactions. Using gold as a method of payment remains a prohibited act and, depending on the severity and nature of the violation (first-time violation, repeated violation, etc.), may be subject to a fine of up to VND 20,000,000 for individuals and up to VND 40,000,000 for organizations. 

1.3. Failing to make payment for gold purchase and sale via a payment account in accordance with law: 

Accordingly, Decree No. 24/2012/ND-CP (as amended and supplemented by Decree No. 232/2025/ND-CP) provides as follows: “Payments for gold purchase and sale transactions of VND 20 million or more in a day by a customer must be made via the customer’s payment account and the gold trading enterprise’s payment account opened at a commercial bank or a foreign bank branch.”. Therefore, individuals should comply with the cases in which payment via a payment account is required when buying and selling gold. Non-compliance may result in a fine of up to VND 20,000,000 for individuals and up to VND 40,000,000 for organizations. 

1.4. Other violations to note: 

• Trading in gold bars not in accordance with law; 

• Carrying gold upon exit/entry in contravention of law; 

• Conducting gold bar trading through authorized agencies; 

• Failing to comply with legal requirements on gold position. 

If other provisions under Decree No. 340/2025/ND-CP do not stipulate otherwise, or if specialized legislation does not stipulate otherwise, the sanctions prescribed in Decree No. 340/2025/ND-CP will apply. Depending on the severity and nature of the violation, the violating subject shall be subject to corresponding sanctions and may also be subject to additional penalties and remedial measures. 

Where individuals conduct other business activities such as export, import, production, processing, or fabrication of gold, they should review and comply with the relevant regulations to avoid administrative penalties. 

2. Tax implications for gold trading activities: 

As from July 01st, 2026—being the date on which the 2025 Law on Personal Income Tax takes full effect – Income from the transfer of gold bullion will be taxable income under Point d, Clause 10, Article 3 of the 2025 Law on Personal Income Tax. 

Personal income tax in respect of “other income” of resident individuals in the above case is determined by multiplying the transfer price (x) by the tax rate of 0.1% (Clause 2, Article 19 of the 2025 Law on Personal Income Tax). 

As of the date of this article, there is no guiding document providing specific rules on the method of tax calculation, including how tax will be computed on the transfer price (based on revenue or profit), who is responsible for tax declaration, the value threshold of gold bullion subject to tax, the time of collection, and any adjustment of the personal income tax rate applicable to transfers of gold bullions in line with the roadmap for gold market management. Accordingly, it is necessary to await the Government’s official guiding documents on tax matters in relation to transfers of gold bars.  

Date written: 20/01/2026

See more: Why should people not join gold and forex exchange platforms in Vietnam?

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