Both vitamin D deficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are worldwide health problems. COPD ranks the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, with its prevalence and mortality rates increasing year by year. In recent years, a large number of basic animal studies and clinical observational studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with COPD. In this article, we review the role of vitamin D in pathogenesis of COPD so as to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of the disease.