Don't Miss Out: How Foreign Workers Can Claim One-Time Social Insurance Before Leaving Vietnam

After completing their employment period in Vietnam and terminating their labor contract, foreign workers are eligible to apply for a one-time social insurance payment in accordance with Vietnamese law. This is a crucial entitlement that ensures workers can reclaim their contributions to the social insurance fund during their time working in Vietnam before returning to their home country. This article outlines the eligibility criteria, required documents, procedures, and key considerations to help foreign workers complete the one-time social insurance claim smoothly and lawfully.

1. Eligible Participants for Mandatory Social Insurance Contributions

Foreign nationals working in Vietnam are subject to mandatory social insurance contributions if they are employed under a fixed-term labor contract of 12 months or more with a Vietnamese employer. Exceptions include cases of internal transfers or individuals who have reached retirement age.

2. Conditions for Receiving One-Time Social Insurance (According to the Latest 2024 Law Effective from July 1, 2025)

Foreign workers who have ceased participating in social insurance and submit a request may receive a one-time payment if they fall under one of the following categories:

• Reached retirement age but have not completed 15 years of social insurance contributions;
• Diagnosed with serious illnesses such as cancer, polio, decompensated cirrhosis, severe tuberculosis, or AIDS;
• Have a working capacity reduction of 81% or more; or are classified as severely disabled;
• Eligible for retirement benefits but no longer reside in Vietnam;
• Labor contract, work permit, practicing certificate, or professional license has expired and is not renewed.

A common scenario is when foreign workers finish their labor contract and no longer intend to work in Vietnam. They often wish to claim their one-time social insurance benefit. 

In urgent cases where the worker must leave Vietnam quickly and cannot complete the procedures in person, it is advisable to authorize a trusted individual residing in Vietnam to act on their behalf. 

The authorized person will handle the paperwork, liaise with the social insurance agency, and ensure the worker’s entitlements are processed correctly and in compliance with regulations.

3. Calculation of One-Time Social Insurance Payment for Foreign Workers

Formula:

One-time payment = (2 × Average monthly salary used for SI contribution × Number of years of SI contribution after 2014)

Average monthly salary = (Total salary used for SI × inflation adjustment factor × number of months) / total number of months

Social insurance contribution time is calculated in full years (12 months). For partial years:

• 1 to 6 months = half a year
• 7 to 11 months = one full year

Example:

Worker A contributed to mandatory social insurance from January 2023 to October 2025, with an average monthly salary of VND 36,000,000. 

Upon contract termination and meeting the eligibility criteria, this worker will receive a one-time payment of VND 219,049,410. This is a substantial amount, reflecting the worker’s contributions during their employment in Vietnam and providing meaningful financial support upon returning home.

These are TPM’s insights on one-time social insurance claims for foreign workers. 

For assistance, please contact TPM for consultation and support:

Do Thi Thu Quynh , Head of Payroll & HR Services 

📩 quynh.do@tpm.com.vn

Legal Reference: 

Law No. 41/2024/QH15 dated June 29, 2024, effective from July 1, 2025