A vibrant country nestled in Southeast Asia, Vietnam boasts a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a rapidly evolving economy. With its robust market potential and favorable business environment, the Land of the Blue Dragon has become an enticing destination for companies looking to expand their operations. To successfully navigate Vietnam’s business landscape, it is crucial for organizations to familiarize themselves with the country’s labor regulations, particularly those related to social security contributions.
Employers in Vietnam are required to fulfill their obligations towards the social security programs overseen by the Vietnam Social Security (VSS). These obligations include making contributions to social insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurances in a bid to ensure that employees receive essential benefits and protections. By meeting these obligations, employers can demonstrate their commitment to maintain the well-being and security of their workforce, provide access to vital healthcare services and support in times of unemployment. Understanding and adhering to Vietnam’s social security requirements is a fundamental aspect of establishing a successful presence in the country as it fosters a positive working environment for both employers and employees alike.
Contributions for health and social insurances are based on salary and other fixed payments, capped at 20 times the common minimum salary.
As of July 2024, Vietnam implemented a 6 percent increase in the regional minimum wage. This decision followed extensive negotiations and represents a middle ground between proposals from key stakeholders. On one side, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor had advocated for a raise between 6.48 to 7.3 percent, citing the rising cost of living. On the other, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry recommended a more conservative 4.5 to 5 percent adjustment to support business sustainability.
This marks Vietnam’s first minimum wage hike in two years, breaking a freeze despite persistent inflationary pressures. With inflation still a concern, further wage reviews and potential adjustments may be on the horizon.
The most recent wage adjustment was implemented under Decree No. 74/2024, which took effect on July 1, 2024. Under this decree, the minimum wage increased by an average of 6% compared to 2023. The current minimum wage rates are:
Vietnam operates under a dual minimum wage structure designed to differentiate between public and private sector employment.
The common minimum wage, currently set at VND 2,340,000 (approximately US$93) per month, serves as the baseline for calculating salaries in state-owned enterprises and organizations. Additionally, it is a key reference point for determining social insurance contributions across all types of enterprises. For instance, the maximum social insurance contribution is capped at 20 times the common minimum wage.
For non-state enterprises, Vietnam enforces a Regional Minimum Wage system. This wage varies based on four government-designated geographical zones, reflecting the differing costs of living across the country. Each region’s rate is updated periodically and applies to employees in private and foreign-owned businesses.
This two-tier system ensures wage alignment with both government frameworks and regional economic realities, offering a more tailored approach to income standards nationwide.
| Region | Monthly Minimum Wage (VND) |
| Region 1 | $195/month (4.96 million VND) |
| Region 2 | $173/month (4.41 million VND) |
| Region 3 | $151/month (3.86 million VND) |
| Region 4 | $135/month (3.45 million VND) |
In addition, unlike many of its neighbors, expats in Vietnam are not expected to contribute to the unemployment insurance.
| Contribution Rates for Locals | Contribution Rates for Expatriates | |
| Health Insurance | 3% | 3% |
| Social Insurance – Sickness, Maternity | 3% | 3% |
| Social Insurance – Occupational diseases and accidents | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Social Insurance – Retirement and Death | 14% | 14% |
| Unemployment Insurance | 1% | – |
| Total | 21.5% | 20.5% |
| Contribution Rates for Locals | Contribution Rates for Expatriates | |
| Health Insurance | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Social Insurance – Retirement and Death | 8% | 8% |
| Unemployment Insurance | 1% | – |
| Total | 10.5% | 9.5% |
The compulsory health insurance fund in Vietnam provides extensive coverage for both locals and expatriates. By obtaining a health insurance card, beneficiaries gain unrestricted access to medical care irrespective of age, duration of treatment, or total expenses. However, the benefits do vary (i.e. 100%, 95%, or 80% coverage for medical care costs) depending on the specific circumstances and the insured’s premium payment history. This robust insurance scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with healthcare by giving individuals and families peace of mind during times of illness while fostering a sense of solidarity within the community.
The health insurance coverage can be summarized as follows:
| Coverage | Details |
| Medical Care | Full coverage for medical examinations, treatments, rehabilitation, regular pregnancy check-ups, and transfers to higher-level hospitals. |
| Medications | Coverage for over 1,000 medications, including treatments for cancers, rare diseases, and hemophilia. |
| Technical Services and Medical Materials | Coverage for over 9,000 technical services, medical materials, and high-cost surgeries like robotic surgery and joint replacements. |
| Inpatient Bed Expenses | Reimbursement based on hospital type, averaging six days of inpatient treatment. |
| Critical Diseases | Coverage for long-term or life-long treatment of critical diseases such as cancer, with substantial reimbursements provided. |
In Vietnam, the unemployment insurance system provides benefits to eligible individuals who have contributed to the unemployment insurance fund for at least 12 months. These individuals can receive monthly unemployment allowances amounting to 60% of the average insured salary earned in the preceding six months, capped at five times the regional minimum wage. It is important to note that these rules and benefits specifically apply to Vietnamese citizens and do not extend to expatriates.
To claim the allowance, unemployed individuals need to submit a request to an employment service center within three months of their termination and must demonstrate their inability to secure new employment within 15 days of the request. The number of monthly allowances an individual is entitled to depends on their contribution period, ranging from three monthly allowances for a contribution period of 12-36 months to an additional monthly allowance for every 12 months thereafter (up to a maximum total of 12 monthly allowances). Alongside financial support, unemployed individuals also have access to free employment counseling, recommendations based on their professional qualifications and up to six months of job training for those seeking reemployment opportunities.
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave ranging from 30 to 60 working days per year under the Social Insurance Law, with those in heavy, hazardous, or dangerous jobs getting an extra 10 days. The social insurance scheme covers 75% of the insured’s salary during their sick leave, with reduced rates being applied after 180 days of leave. Furthermore, employees who have not fully recovered within 30 days of returning to work can take 5 to 10 days of convalescence and rehabilitation leave with a 30% per-diem allowance.
Notwithstanding the above sickness benefit, female employees can take 6 months of paid maternity leave, with the leave taken before childbirth not exceeding 2 months. An extra month per child is granted in the event of multiple births, and other additional leave may be granted based on other qualifying criteria. It is also important to point out that maternity leave also applies to mothers adopting children under 6 months old. The social insurance scheme will cover for the maternity allowance payable to these employees, calculated at 100% of their average salary in the 6 months preceding their leave, for the duration of their maternity leave.
The Social Insurance Law also guarantees compensation to employees experiencing a working capacity decrease of 5% or more due to workplace accidents or occupational diseases. This includes a lump sum or monthly allowances based on the degree of working capacity decrease the employee suffers from. In the unfortunate event of an employee’s death, their surviving relatives may receive a lump sum payment. Employees with ongoing health issues can take convalescence and rehabilitation leave with a per-diem allowance of 25%-40% of their basic salary.
Vietnam’s Social Insurance program includes retirement and death benefits. To qualify for retirement benefits, individuals generally need to contribute for at least 20 years for men and 15 years for women. Upon reaching the retirement age, individuals can start receiving monthly retirement pension payments based on their average earnings and contribution years. Those who do not meet the minimum contribution period may receive a lump sum payment instead. In the event of death, eligible survivors may receive a survivors’ pension based on the deceased pensioner’s earnings and contribution years, along with a funeral allowance to cover funeral expenses.
While we have summarized the employer contribution in Vietnam together with a detailed guide to its benefits, there is still so much to know about the complex payroll landscape that is Vietnam. Therefore, seeking guidance from experts in the field is highly recommended to ensure compliance and streamline payroll processes. At Slasify, our team of professionals offers comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs, providing in-depth knowledge and assistance in understanding Vietnam’s labor regulations. Connect with us today to benefit from our expertise and seamless payroll processing services.
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