SOCIAL INSURANCE FOR FOREIGNER WORKERS IN VIETNAM (Effective from July 1, 2025)

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SOCIAL INSURANCE FOR FOREIGNER WORKERS IN VIETNAM (Effective from July 1, 2025)

Date: 2025.05.26

More and more foreigners are coming to live and work in Vietnam, and with that comes a growing need to understand Social Insurance (SI) policies and benefits. But not everyone is aware of the latest regulations — especially with the new Social Insurance Law taking effect on July 1, 2025.

To help you stay informed and feel confident working in Vietnam, Help All has summarized the most important updates below.

1. Who Needs to Join Vietnam’s Social Insurance?

From July 1, 2025, under the 2024 Social Insurance Law, foreign workers must join mandatory social insurance if:

✅ They have a labor contract of 12 months or more with a Vietnamese employer.

❌ They are exempt if they are:

– Internally transferred within a global company

– Already at retirement age when signing the contract

– Covered under international treaties that Vietnam is part of

🔎 Important Note:

Foreigners are not allowed to sign indefinite-term contracts in Vietnam under the 2019 Labor Code, therefore, they are excluded from certain insurance categories.
However, foreign workers who are exempt from a work permit but have a labor contract of 12 months or more (and do not fall under any exemption categories) are still required to participate in Vietnam’s Social Insurance system.

2. Benefits of Participating in Social Insurance in Viet Nam.

When you participate in Social Insurance (SI) in Vietnam, you’re entitled to the following benefits:

a. Sick Leave Benefits

– Eligibility: Sick leave certified by a licensed medical facility.

– Allowance: From 75% to 100% of your monthly salary (based on how long you’ve contributed).

b. Maternity Benefits

*For Female Workers:

– Leave for childbirth and childcare.

– One-time allowance after giving birth.

*For Male Workers:

– Financial support when your wife gives birth.

c. Work Accident & Occupational Disease Benefits

– Eligibility: Injury or illness caused by work conditions.

– Coverage includes:

+ Medical treatment and rehabilitation

+ Monthly or one-time compensation depending on the level of disability

d. Retirement Pension

– Eligibility: At least 15 years of contributions and reaching retirement age.

– Benefit: A monthly pension, calculated based on your average salary during your contribution years.

e. Death & Funeral Benefits

– Applies to: The family of a deceased insured worker.

– Includes:

+ Funeral allowance

+ Monthly or lump-sum survivor benefit, depending on the worker’s contribution history

🔍 Note:
According to the 2013 Employment Law, foreign workers are not eligible for unemployment insurance. This is because their employment is typically tied to visa or work permit terms, which are not as stable or long-term as local employment contracts.

3. Contribution Rates

Contributor	SI	Health Ins.	Work Accident & Disease	Total
Employee	8%	1.5%	0	9.5%
Employer	17%	3%	0.3%–0.5%	20.5%

✅ Total: 30% of monthly salary, with 9.5% paid by the employee and 20.5% by the employer.
The amount is based on contract salary, including base wage, allowances, and bonuses regularly and stably in each pay period.

4. Retirement Pension Conditions

To qualify for a monthly retirement pension in Vietnam, foreign workers must meet the following:
Have at least 15 years of mandatory Social Insurance (SI) contributions in Vietnam.
If you’ve contributed to SI in other countries but less than 15 years in Vietnam, the time you contributed abroad may be combined — provided there’s an international agreement between that country and Vietnam.

Pension Calculation (According to Article 66, Social Insurance Law 2024)

+ Female Workers: 45% of the average monthly salary (used as SI contribution base) after 15 years of contributions. Each additional year adds 2%, up to a maximum of 75%.

+ Male Workers: 45% of the average monthly salary after 20 years of contributions. Each additional year adds 2%, up to a maximum of 75%.

📝 Required Documents

To combine international SI periods, submit the following:

+ Social Insurance Book (Vietnam)

+ Proof of overseas contributions: Employment termination document or pension request form

✅ Why This Matters

– Supports workers who’ve contributed SI in multiple countries

– Helps avoid duplicate payments across borders

– Promotes transparency, fairness, and international integration in Vietnam’s social insurance system

5. One-Time Social Insurance Withdrawal Upon Contract Termination

Foreign workers participating in Vietnam’s Social Insurance (SI) system may request a one-time lump-sum payout in the following cases:

– Reached retirement age but haven’t completed 15 years of SI contributions.

– Diagnosed with a life-threatening illness as listed by the Ministry of Health.

– Eligible for a pension but choose to leave Vietnam permanently.

– Labor contract, work permit, or practicing license expires and is not renewed.

📄 Required Documents

+ Application form for one-time SI payout (Form 14-HSB)

+ Finalized Social Insurance Book

+ Certified copy of your passport

+ Documents proving eligibility (e.g. medical records or health assessment for serious illness or disability)

+ Proof of permanent relocation abroad

📝 Submission & Processing

+ Submit your documents to the district or provincial Social Insurance office where you live or work.

+ Processing time: Within 7 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the SI agency will process and disburse your payment.

6. Track Your Social Insurance with the VssID App

VssID is the official mobile app of Vietnam Social Security — a helpful tool that makes it easy for foreign workers to manage their Social Insurance (SI) information.
With VssID, you can:

+ View your SI contribution history;

+ Check your benefits for sick leave, maternity, work accidents, and more;

+ Receive important notifications from the SI authority;

The app supports multiple languages, including English, making it accessible and user-friendly for expats in Vietnam.
Just download the app to your smartphone, log in with your SI number, and get full access to your benefits — anytime, anywhere.

7. Conclusion

Social Insurance is more than just a legal requirement — it’s a vital safety net that helps foreign workers feel secure while living and working in Vietnam. With the new Social Insurance Law taking effect on July 1, 2025, the rules are now clearer and more supportive, making it easier for foreign employees to join the system and receive their rightful benefits.

At Help All, we’re here to support you every step of the way — bringing you the latest updates on Social Insurance and related policies so you can stay informed and confident throughout your journey in Vietnam.