A system for secure management of licensing and distributing virtual network functions (VNF) is provided. The system includes a VNF license manager, a VNF repository, and a VNF license database. The VNF license manager is in communication with the VNF repository and the VNF license database. The VNF license manager is programmed to receive a request for access to a first VNF from a virtual network. The virtual network is configured to execute the first VNF. The VNF license manager is also programmed to determine if the virtual network may access the first VNF based on one or more policies associated with the first VNF. If the virtual network may access the first VNF, the VNF license manager is programmed to retrieve the first VNF from the VNF repository and transmit the first VNF to the virtual network.