Can Foreign Workers Withdraw Their Social Insurance When Leaving Vietnam?
Ms. M, a technical expert from South Korea, had worked in Vietnam for over five years. Upon completing her contract with a manufacturing company in Binh Duong, she began preparing to return to her home country. However, one major concern lingered: "Can I withdraw the social insurance I contributed during my time working in Vietnam?"
This question is not unique to Ms. M—it resonates with thousands of foreign workers across Vietnam. Let DEDICA help you understand the answer.
Conditions for Foreign Workers to Withdraw Social Insurance in Vietnam
According to Decree 143/2018/ND-CP (effective from January 1, 2022), foreign employees required to participate in Vietnam’s social insurance system are covered under two regimes: retirement and survivorship.
When your employment contract ends and you no longer work in Vietnam, you are eligible to withdraw your full social insurance contributions in a one-time payment.
You qualify for this withdrawal if you:
Finish your labor contract and do not renew or sign a new one;
Hold an expired work permit that cannot be extended;
Reach retirement age without accumulating 20 years of contributions;
Suffer from a serious illness as listed by the Ministry of Health.
Unlike Vietnamese workers, foreigners do not have to wait 12 months after leaving their job. You can submit your application as soon as the contract ends.
How to Withdraw Social Insurance – Step-by-Step
Prepare Your Documents
Completed social insurance book;
Form 14-HSB declaration (the company or legal services can help);
Passport and visa/residence card (notarized copy);
Expired labor contract or job termination confirmation;
Power of attorney if submitting via a third party (must be translated and notarized).
Submit to Social Insurance Agency
Submit to the local Social Insurance Office where your company is based.
You may authorize a representative to handle submission on your behalf.
Processing Time
Within 10 working days, your application will be reviewed and processed.
Payment is transferred to your Vietnamese bank account or paid directly if you're still in Vietnam.
How Much Will You Receive?
Your one-time social insurance payout is based on your average monthly salary and years of contribution.
For each year of contribution: you’ll receive 2 months' average salary.
Contributions under 1 year are prorated accordingly.
Example:
Worked in Vietnam: 3 years
Average salary: VND 30 million/month
→ 3 years x 2 months x VND 30 million = VND 180 million
Important Notes
Don’t delay: Withdraw your benefits early to avoid potential administrative hassles later.
Consider deferral: If you plan to return to Vietnam for work, you might want to retain your social insurance to accumulate retirement benefits.
How DEDICA Supports Foreign Workers
At DEDICA, we understand how daunting Vietnamese legal and administrative procedures can be. That’s why we offer comprehensive legal support for foreign workers—from document preparation, certified translations, to legal representation with social insurance offices.
We’ve successfully helped numerous professionals from Japan, Korea, Germany, and the U.S. reclaim their contributions efficiently—even after they’ve returned home.
Your social insurance is not just a mandatory payment—it’s your earned benefit. If you qualify, don’t let it remain dormant. Act now to secure your financial rights.
Need help? Contact DEDICA Law Firm for expert legal advice!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Support via WhatsApp, WeChat, Zalo)
🏢 Office: 144 Vo Van Tan St., Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
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