With an increasing number of foreign workers coming to Vietnam, policies related to mandatory Social Insurance (SI) are gaining more attention. One significant benefit that many are unaware of is the ability to make a one-time social insurance withdrawal when their labor contract ends.
This is a legitimate right that allows foreign workers to get back the money they have contributed throughout their employment in Vietnam.
According to Vietnamese law, foreign workers who sign a labor contract of 12 months or more are subject to mandatory social insurance contributions. This means that upon termination of their labor contract, you are fully entitled to proceed with the procedure to receive the contributed amount as a one-time social insurance withdrawal, similar to Vietnamese workers.
This regulation applies to workers who have contributed to social insurance but are not yet eligible for a pension.
To ensure a smooth process, foreign workers should prepare the following documents:
Social Insurance Book: The contribution process must be finalized.
Confirmation of SI Contribution: A document from your former company confirming your social insurance contribution period.
Termination Decision: The decision to terminate your labor contract.
Vietnamese Bank Account: The name on the bank account must match the name on your passport exactly.
Passport: Along with a notarized Vietnamese translation.
Important Note: Many applications are rejected simply because the name on the bank account does not match the passport exactly. You should double-check this information carefully before submitting your application.
The process is straightforward and transparent:
Step 1: Prepare the documents as listed above.
Step 2: Book an appointment online with the local social insurance agency.
Step 3: Submit the documents in person at the social insurance agency on your scheduled date and fill out the required forms.
Step 4: Receive the result: Within 10 working days, the social insurance money will be transferred directly to your Vietnamese bank account.
Withdrawing social insurance provides several practical benefits:
Get your money back: It ensures you don’t lose the money you have legally contributed.
Immediate financial support: Provides you with a lump sum of money after leaving your job or returning to your home country.
Safe & transparent procedure: The process is legally protected, ensuring the safety of the worker’s funds.
In reality, many foreigners leave Vietnam without knowing about this right, leading them to forfeit a significant amount of money.
Withdrawing social insurance one-time is a legitimate and important right for foreign workers whose labor contracts in Vietnam have ended. By preparing all the necessary documents and following the correct procedure, you can easily and conveniently receive this amount.
👉 If you are a foreign employee in Vietnam preparing to resign or return to your home country, don’t miss your chance to claim your social insurance lump-sum. This is not only financial support but also recognition of your contributions while working in Vietnam.
Contact for Social Insurance Support:
Ms. Đỗ Thị Thu Quỳnh – Head of HR & Payroll Services Department
📧 quynh.do@tpm.com.vn
References:
The Law on Social Insurance 2024 (effective from July 1, 2025)
Decree No. 143/2018/ND-CP officially took effect on December 1, 2018
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