How Much Social Insurance Can Foreigners Claim in Vietnam?

Are you about to leave Vietnam but unsure whether you can claim back your social insurance (SI)? Worried that the money you’ve contributed for years might be lost? Or have you already left without completing the procedure?

These are common concerns among foreign employees and HR teams in FDI companies.

This article will help you clearly understand your legal entitlements, how your SI lump-sum benefit is calculated, and the most practical way to claim it—so you don’t miss out on your financial rights.

1. Social Insurance Entitlements for Foreign Employees in Vietnam – Can You Claim It?

Foreign employees working in Vietnam are subject to mandatory social insurance under Vietnamese law. However, many are unaware that they are fully entitled to claim a one-time social insurance payment if certain conditions are met.

1.1 Legal Basis

According to:

• Law on Social Insurance 2014
• Decree 143/2018/ND-CP (on compulsory SI for foreign employees)

Foreign employees are eligible for a one-time SI benefit if they fall into one of the following cases:

• Termination of employment and no longer residing in Vietnam
• No longer participating in social insurance after leaving the job
• Other cases as prescribed by law

In simple terms, if you stop working and leave Vietnam, you are legally entitled to withdraw your SI in a lump sum.

1.2 Common Real-Life Situations

At DEDICA Law, we frequently see cases such as:

• Foreign experts working for years but unaware they can claim SI
• Employees leaving Vietnam urgently without preparing documents
• HR departments unsure how to support foreign staff

The common issue is clear: most people fear losing their money simply because they do not understand the legal framework.

2. How Much Social Insurance Can You Receive?

This is the most important question—and also the most misunderstood.

2.1 How the Lump-Sum SI Is Calculated

The amount you receive is not equal to the total contributions made, but is calculated based on statutory formulas:

• 1.5 months of average salary for each year contributed before 2014
• 2 months of average salary for each year contributed from 2014 onward

Example:

An employee:

• Contributed for 4 years (after 2014)
• Average monthly salary: VND 20,000,000

Total benefit:
 4 years × 2 months × 20,000,000 = VND 160,000,000

It is important to understand that this is not a full refund, but a legally defined benefit.

2.2 Factors Affecting Your Payout

Your SI benefit depends on:

• Contribution period
• Salary used for SI contributions
• Time of participation
• Accuracy of your documentation

Errors in your file may result in underpayment or delays.

3. When Can You Withdraw SI? Do You Need to Wait?

This is where many people misunderstand the law and risk losing their entitlement.

3.1 Timing for Withdrawal

Foreign employees can withdraw SI when:

• Their employment contract has been terminated
• They no longer reside in Vietnam

In practice, foreign employees do not need to wait 1 year, unlike some cases involving Vietnamese employees. This is a critical distinction.

3.2 Processing Time

According to regulations:

• Processing time is approximately 10–15 working days

However, delays may occur if:

• Documents are incomplete
• Information is incorrect
• There is no local representative in Vietnam

Proper preparation from the beginning can significantly shorten the timeline. DEDICA Law regularly supports clients in optimizing this process.

4. Can You Claim SI After Leaving Vietnam?

Yes, you can—but it must be handled correctly.

4.1 Can You Authorize Someone?

Yes. You may authorize:

• A family member
• A friend
• A lawyer or legal service provider in Vietnam

The authorization document must be properly notarized and legalized if issued abroad.

4.2 Risks of Handling It Yourself from Overseas

Many individuals encounter issues such as:

• Rejected applications due to missing documents
• Misunderstanding requirements from SI authorities
• No one to follow up locally
• Delays lasting several months

As a result, many people fail to claim money that rightfully belongs to them.

5. Practical Guide: How to Withdraw SI Efficiently

To avoid unnecessary risks, follow a structured approach.

5.1 Required Documents

Typically include:

• Social insurance book
• Passport
• Employment termination confirmation
• Application for lump-sum SI benefit
• Power of attorney (if applicable)

5.2 Submission

You may:

• Submit directly to the social insurance authority
• Or authorize a professional service provider

5.3 Receiving Payment

Payment can be made via:

• Bank transfer in Vietnam
• Authorized recipient

6. Real Case: Urgent SI Withdrawal Before Departure

A foreign client contacted DEDICA Law just days before leaving Vietnam.

The client had:

• No prepared documents
• No awareness of SI entitlement

Solution provided:

• Quick eligibility assessment
• Document preparation within a short timeframe
• Backup authorization arrangement

Result:
 The application was submitted on time, and the client successfully received a substantial amount that could otherwise have been delayed indefinitely.

7. Important Legal Disclaimer

Each case may vary depending on:

• Employment duration
• Type of contract
• Residency status
• Personal documentation

Therefore, professional legal advice is strongly recommended to avoid mistakes and protect your financial rights.

Contact DEDICA Law Firm for Professional Legal Support

📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Available via WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)

🕒 Working Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 – 18:00)

Contact us today for a free initial consultation with our experienced lawyers!