Compliance guides
Messaging Compliance in Vietnam
SMS, WhatsApp, voice and RCS rules for businesses messaging customers in Vietnam.
Overview
Commercial SMS in Vietnam is governed by Decree 91/2020/ND-CP on combating spam messages, emails and calls. Advertising SMS must use a registered brand name, respect recipients' consent and do-not-call registrations, and stay within limits on daily frequency and permitted sending hours.
Vietnam's personal data framework, built on Decree 13/2023/ND-CP and the Personal Data Protection Law adopted in 2025, requires notice and consent for processing personal data and sets rules for cross-border transfers.
Vietnamese is the main search language; Google is dominant, Zalo and Facebook are central to customer communication, and mobile-first design is essential.
WhatsApp's popularity varies across Asia; where it is widely used, Meta's policies and the local data protection law both apply to business messaging.
Some Asian markets operate do-not-call registers for marketing calls and messages, so lists should be checked before voice campaigns.
Advertising Rules
Advertising must follow Vietnam's Law on Advertising, including its rules on online advertising, and platform policies.
Guides by Channel
SMS in Vietnam
Commercial SMS in Vietnam is governed by Decree 91/2020/ND-CP on combating spam messages, emails and calls.
Read the guide →WhatsApp in Vietnam
Zalo is the dominant local messaging app in Vietnam, while WhatsApp is used more by international customers and businesses.
Read the guide →Voice Call in Vietnam
Advertising calls are also covered by Decree 91/2020/ND-CP, which requires consent, respects the Do Not Call registry and restricts calling hours..
Read the guide →RCS in Vietnam
RCS business messaging availability in Vietnam depends on operator and device support, so we confirm coverage before planning campaigns and keep SMS as a fallback; the same consent rules that apply to SMS apply to RCS..
Read the guide →Digital Habits and Channels in Vietnam
Vietnam has high smartphone use, and Zalo is the leading local messaging app, used alongside Facebook and Messenger; Zalo Official Accounts are a common way for businesses to send updates. Advertising SMS must follow Decree 91/2020 on spam, which requires consent, sender identification and restricted sending hours, and branded sender names (brandname SMS) are registered with the operators.
Bank transfers by VietQR, MoMo and ZaloPay are widely used, and cash on delivery remains common. Tet (Lunar New Year) is the biggest commercial period, followed by the 11.11 and 12.12 online sales and Mid-Autumn Festival. Vietnam's Personal Data Protection Law took effect on 1 January 2026.
Vietnam's economy has grown fast through electronics manufacturing (Samsung is the largest foreign investor), textiles, footwear, coffee, rice and seafood. VAT is 10%, temporarily reduced to 8% on many goods. Zalo is the main local messaging app, and MoMo and bank QR codes are used for payments.
Regulators, Registers and Practical Rules in Vietnam
Vietnam's Decree 13/2023 and the Personal Data Protection Law apply.
Brand names for SMS must be registered.
Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology now oversees telecoms after the 2025 ministry merger, and Decree 91/2020 on fighting spam messages, calls and emails requires prior consent for advertising messages, limits ad SMS to a set number per day and to daytime hours, and requires brand names to be registered. The Personal Data Protection Law, effective from January 2026, replaces much of Decree 13/2023. Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone are the main operators, and Zalo is the dominant messaging app, often more important than WhatsApp.
General guidance, not legal advice. Check current rules with the regulator or a local adviser before launch.
Practical Details
Country code +84; time zone Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh; currency Vietnamese dong (VND). Usual working week: Monday to Friday.
Cities we cover in Vietnam
General information, not legal advice, as of October 2026.
Compliance in Vietnam: FAQs
Which messaging channels need registration in Vietnam?
It depends on the channel. Sender IDs for SMS often need registration with operators or the regulator, WhatsApp requires a verified business account and approved templates, and RCS needs brand verification. Each channel guide explains the details.
Does data protection law apply to messaging in Vietnam?
Vietnam's personal data framework, built on Decree 13/2023/ND-CP and the Personal Data Protection Law adopted in 2025, requires notice and consent for processing personal data and sets rules for cross-border transfers.
Is this legal advice?
No. These guides are general information. For significant campaigns, take advice from a local lawyer.
Plan Compliant Campaigns in Vietnam
Tell us what you need and we will get back to you, usually within one working day.
- Free requirement discussion
- Clear written quotation, in USD on request
- No long lock-in for most services
Prefer to talk? Call +91 88274 09728 or message us on WhatsApp.