Insurance in Vietnam

Employee insurance is a critical component of employment benefits in Vietnam. This guide provides comprehensive information on the types of job insurance, statutory requirements, and best practices for employers.

Compulsory Insurance in Vietnam

 

Compulsory Insurance for Vietnamese

ItemCapped Salary for ContributionEmployee Contribution RateEmployer Contribution Rate
Social Insurance (SI)20 times of common minimum wage8%17.50%
Health Insurance (HI)20 times of common minimum wage1.5%3%
Unemployment Insurance (UI)20 times of regional common minimum wage*1%1%
  • Common minimum wage for SI/HI contribution purpose: from 1 Jul 2024: VND2,340,000
  • Capped salary for SI/HI contribution: from 1 Jul 2024: VND46,800,000

Regional minimum basic salary for UI contribution purpose:

RegionCurrent Minimum Wage (VND)Current Capped Salary for Contribution (VND)
I4,960,00099,200,000
II4,410,00088,200,000
III3,860,00077,200,000
IV3,450,00069,000,000

The salary cap for statutory unemployment insurance contributions will be adjusted as follows from 1 January 2026:

RegionMinimum Wage (VND) from 1 January 2026Current Capped Salary for Contribution (VND) from 1 January 2026
I 5,310,000106,200,000
II4,730,00094,600,000
III 4,140,00082,800,000
IV 3,700,00074,000,000
  • Employers are advised to review and update their labour contracts, collective agreements, and internal policies to ensure compliance with the new minimum wage levels.
  • Any existing terms or benefits that are more favorable to employees should remain unchanged.

 

Compulsory Insurance for Foreign Employees

ItemCapped Salary for ContributionEmployee Contribution RateEmployer Contribution Rate
Social Insurance (SI)46.800.000 VND8%17.5%
Health Insurance (HI)46.800.000 VND1.5%3%
Unemployment Insurance (UI)Not applicable0%0%
  • Common minimum wage for SI/HI contribution purpose: from 1 Jul 2023: VND2,340,000
  • Capped salary for SI/HI contribution: from 1 Jul 2024: VND46,800,000

 

Notes:

  • Part-time employees → Must still pay mandatory social insurance (even if not paid for 14+ days in a month).
  • Exemptions (no contribution for that month unless agreed otherwise):
    • Employees with contracts ≥ 1 month who do not receive salary for 14+ days.
    • Managers receiving salaries.
    • Foreign employees in the same situation.
  • Not subject to social insurance at all:
    • Employees on probationary contracts.
    • Part-time employees earning below minimum salary base.
    • Employees on fixed-term (≥1 month) or indefinite contracts but earning below the threshold.

Salary Used As The Basis For Compulsory Insurance Contribution:

The monthly salary used as the basis for social insurance contributions includes:

Salary components:

  • Based on job position/title
  • Allowances for working conditions, job complexity, living conditions, labour attraction (must be fixed & agreed in contract)
  • Other fixed allowances agreed in contract, paid regularly (excluding performance/productivity-based allowances)

Managers without salary & household business owners:

  • Can choose their salary as contribution basis
  • Range: minimum = reference level, maximum = 20 × reference level
  • After 12 months → can reselect salary

Contribution rules:

  • Salary basis must be between reference level and 20 × reference level
  • Until base salary is abolished → reference = base salary
  • After abolition → reference level cannot be lower than base salary

Social Insurance Contribution Rules

Contribution Rules for Managers (No Salary) & Household Business Owners

Contribution rates:

  • 3% → Sickness & maternity fund
  • 22% → Retirement & death fund

Payment methods & deadlines:

  • Pay via household business/enterprise/cooperative/union
  • Options: monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual
  • Deadline: Last day of the month following the contribution cycle

Other rules:

  • Late payment → 0.03% daily interest
  • Foreign currency → converted to VND at official exchange rate (fixed on Jan 2 & Jul 1 each year; next working day if holiday)

Late Payment Deadlines (Employers)

  • Monthly contributions → Due by last day of the following month.
  • Quarterly or semi-annual contributions → Due by last day of the month after the cycle ends.

 

Late / Evasion of Social Insurance Contributions

Delayed Payment:

Non-payment/underpayment → beyond due date (≤60 days)Failure to register employees → within 60 days after due period

Evasion:

  • Not registering or underreporting salary basis
  • Non-payment/underpayment >60 days, even after notice
  • Other cases per government regulations
  • Exceptions: Certain legitimate reasons (per Law 2024)

Penalties & Enforcement:

  • Full overdue + 0.03% daily interest
  • Administrative sanctions, no award eligibility
  • If unpaid/incomplete by June 30, 2025 → treated as late payment & evasion under law

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Employee insurance is a vital aspect of employment in Vietnam. Employers who prioritize providing robust insurance coverage create a supportive and secure work environment, which in turn enhances employee morale and productivity.

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Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Vietnam employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.

Updated on: November 2025