We investigated the association of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGF gene with the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its association with clinical characteristics of RCC, such as tumor stages, metastasis, and tumor size. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to genotype specimens for three polymorphisms (−2578C/A, −1154G/A, and −634G/C) in the VEGF gene. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their confidence intervals (CIs) were used to analyze the association of three SNPs in the VEGF gene with survival time using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Frequencies of VEGF−2578AA genotype and A allele were significantly higher in patients with III–IV tumor stage or larger tumor size when compared with CC genotype. Moreover, frequencies of VEGF−634CC genotype and C allele were significantly higher in patients with tumor size >4 cm when compared with −634GG genotype. By Cox proportional hazards model, patients carrying VEGF−2578AA genotype and A allele significantly increased the risk of death from RCC, with the adjusted HRs (95 % CI) of 2.23 (1.15–4.36) and 1.55 (1.11–2.17), respectively. Our study suggests that VEGF−2578C/A and VEGF−634G/C polymorphisms may have effects on the prognosis of RCC. This finding might help in clarifying the mechanisms of RCC development and progression. © 2014, International Society of Oncology and BioMarkers (ISOBM).