Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has a relatively large double-stranded DNA genome. The EBV genome is approximately 172 kb in length. EBV has been associated with several cancer types, such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma, lymphoma and gastric cancer. EBV miRNAs can regulate gene expressions of virus and host cell, and play a variety of roles in the development of EBV-associated cancers. This article reviews the biological functions of EBV miRNAs in viral infection, oncogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis, anti-apoptosis, signaling pathway, and potential significance as biomarkers for diagnosis of EBV-associated cancers. EBV miRNAs may be candidate targets of the therapy for EBV-associated cancers.