Foreign workers in Vietnam are sometimes paid in cash. Depositing cash into a bank account at a teller counter or via a CDM/ATM is fully legal, but keep proof of the source of funds (payslips, labor contract) for anti-money-laundering checks under the Law on Anti-Money Laundering 14/2022/QH15 (effective 01/03/2023) (EFFECTIVE: cross-checked against the original legal text, verified 19/10/2026).
1. What documents do I need to deposit cash?
Bring your ID. At the counter the bank will ask for identification and may ask about the source of funds for large amounts. Foreigners should carry their passport and keep payslips or payroll records proving lawful income.
2. Are large cash deposits reported?
Yes. Under the Anti-Money Laundering Law 14/2022/QH15, cash transactions of VND 400 million or more (or foreign currency equivalent) in one day must be reported by the financial institution to the State Bank of Vietnam. This is routine supervision, not an accusation of wrongdoing.
3. Can I deposit cash through a CDM/ATM?
Yes, if your bank has cash deposit machines (CDMs) that accept deposits. Machine limits are usually lower than counter limits and only intact VND banknotes are accepted. The machine prints a receipt after the deposit.
4. What records should I keep after depositing?
Keep the bank deposit slip, signed payslips, and your labor contract. These documents prove the source of funds if the tax authority or the bank asks for an explanation.
5. Does being paid in cash affect my annual tax settlement?
No, as long as the income was declared and PIT was withheld correctly by the company. Employees should reconcile payslips with the tax withholding certificate issued by the company when filing the annual settlement.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council
This article provides general legal information and does not substitute advice for specific cases.