Starting from July 1, 2025, Vietnam will officially apply new rules to its Social Insurance Law. These changes aim to improve the system for workers, employers, and people living or working abroad. If you’re working in Vietnam or employing workers, here’s what you need to know.

What’s New in the Updated Law?

The government has made several adjustments to make social insurance more accessible, fairer, and easier to manage. Some of the most important updates include:

1. More People Can Join Social Insurance

The new rules allow more workers to take part in the system, including:

1. Vietnamese workers working overseas under contracts.
2. Foreigners working in Vietnam.
3. Informal workers and self-employed people who now have more chances to join through voluntary programs.

This change helps more people secure future benefits like pensions or support during illness and pregnancy.

2. New Monthly Support for Non-Pensioners

People who are too young to get a social pension and don’t qualify for a retirement pension will now receive monthly financial support if they’ve contributed to social insurance. This is especially helpful for older workers who haven’t worked long enough to meet pension requirements but still need support.

3. You Can Get a Pension After 15 Years of Paying

In the past, people needed to pay into social insurance for at least 20 years to get a pension. From 2025, you can receive retirement benefits after only 15 years of contribution. This makes it easier for workers, especially those in short-term jobs, to benefit from the system.

4. Voluntary Insurance Now Includes Maternity Pay

Previously, only those in the compulsory system could get maternity benefits. From now on, people who join voluntary social insurance can also receive money when taking time off to have a baby. This is great news for many women who work freelance or in informal jobs.

5. New Way to Calculate Contributions: "Reference Salary"

The law now uses a new term called “reference salary” instead of the old "basic salary" or minimum wage. This salary level is set by the government and will change over time depending on prices, economic conditions, and the health of the insurance fund. It helps make contributions more consistent and fair for everyone.

6. Less Support for Long-Term Illness

Before, people with chronic illnesses could receive up to 180 days of full benefits. Under the new law, this is no longer guaranteed. Instead, the benefits for long-term illness will be reviewed more carefully to make sure they are reasonable and based on actual need.

7. Easier Online Transactions and Simpler Procedures

The law encourages the use of online services in social insurance:

1. You can register, pay, and apply for benefits online.
2. Less paperwork is needed.
3. Rules and procedures are being made clearer and faster to follow.

This is expected to save time for both workers and employers.

8. Support for Workers Abroad and Foreign Employees in Vietnam

The law protects the social insurance rights of Vietnamese workers overseas and foreign employees in Vietnam. It ensures they can join the insurance system and enjoy the same benefits as local workers, depending on international agreements.

Summary

The 2025 update to Vietnam’s Social Insurance Law brings many positive changes. It allows more people to join, adds new benefits like maternity pay in voluntary insurance, and makes the process easier through online services. It also reduces the number of years needed to get a pension, helping more workers secure a stable income in retirement.

Whether you’re an employer or an employee, it's important to understand these changes and plan ahead before the law takes effect in July 2025.