Within Vietnam’s social security system, social insurance (SI), health insurance (HI), and unemployment insurance (UI) are essential programs that protect the rights and welfare of workers. Fully and properly participating in these insurance programs not only provides financial support during times of illness, maternity leave, or workplace accidents, but also offers assistance during periods of unemployment or retirement.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to register for social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance, along with answers to common questions to help workers easily understand and exercise their entitlements.
What Is Social Insurance Registration?
1.1. Definition of Social Insurance
Social insurance (SI) is an essential social welfare policy organized by the State to support employees when they encounter risks during their working life or upon reaching retirement age. Social insurance operates on the principles of contribution and benefit, as well as intergenerational solidarity. By participating in SI, workers are guaranteed income in cases such as loss or reduction of work capacity, maternity, illness, occupational accidents, retirement, or death.
1.2. Benefits of Participating in Social Insurance
Joining social insurance provides both immediate and long-term benefits for employees. In addition to financial support during difficult times, SI allows workers to accumulate retirement entitlements. Specifically, participants may receive:
- Allowances for sickness, maternity, and work-related accidents;
- Monthly pension upon reaching retirement age and meeting conditions;
- Funeral subsidies and survivor benefits in the event of death;
- Long-term protection and financial stability.
1.3. Mandatory Participants in Social Insurance
Under current Vietnamese law, the following groups must participate in compulsory social insurance:
- Employees with labor contracts of at least 1 month;
- Government officials, civil servants, and public employees;
- Commissioned and non-commissioned officers in the armed forces and police;
- Foreign employees working in Vietnam with valid work permits or professional licenses.
1.4. Types of Social Insurance Benefits
Compulsory SI includes five main benefit schemes:
- Sickness benefits;
- Maternity benefits;
- Occupational accident and disease benefits;
- Retirement pension;
- Survivors’ benefits (death benefits).
Voluntary SI currently includes only two schemes:
- Retirement pension;
- Survivors’ benefits.
Participants can choose to pay monthly, quarterly, or annually, with government support for low-income groups.
1.5. Differences Between Compulsory and Voluntary Social Insurance
There are two main types of SI in Vietnam:
- Compulsory SI applies to employees under formal labor contracts and regulated professions. It offers full coverage of all five benefit schemes.
- Voluntary SI is designed for those not covered by compulsory SI, such as freelancers or household businesses. It currently covers only retirement and death benefits.
The key difference lies in the scope of coverage and contribution structure. Choosing the right form helps workers maximize benefits and ensures financial security in retirement or unforeseen circumstances.
Social Insurance Registration Process
2.1. Preparing the Registration Documents
To register for social insurance (SI), the employer or individual must prepare a complete application file as required by the social insurance agency. The dossier includes:
- Form TK1-TS: Declaration for SI and Health Insurance (HI) enrollment or information adjustment;
- A notarized copy of the labor contract;
- A copy of the employee’s ID card/citizen ID and household registration book or temporary residence certificate (if any).
In addition, the employer must submit:
- A list of employees participating in SI, HI, and unemployment insurance (UI) (Form D02-TS);
- The unit’s first-time participation declaration (Form TK3-TS).
Proper and complete documentation ensures a smooth and prompt registration process.
2.2. Submitting the Application to the Social Insurance Office
Once the documents are completed, they should be submitted to the district-level SI office where the business is headquartered or where the individual resides. Submission can be done:
- In person at the public administration office, or
- Online via the National Public Service Portal: https://dichvucong.baohiemxahoi.gov.vn.
The SI agency will review the documents. If valid, it will issue a social insurance number and a health insurance card to the employee. If there are missing or incorrect documents, the agency will request corrections or additional information. Processing time is typically within 10 working days from receipt of complete and valid documents.
2.3. Processing Time and Issuance of SI Book
The usual processing time for SI registration and issuance of the SI book is 5 to 10 working days. During this time, the agency will verify the documents, assign an SI number, and issue an SI book. This book serves as the official record for tracking contributions and benefits over the employee’s career.
Currently, electronic SI books have replaced physical ones, allowing workers to access and track their information quickly and transparently. Employees can register for an account on the public service portal to monitor their participation history.
2.4. How to Check Your Social Insurance Information
Employees can check their SI information in several ways:
- Via the official website of Vietnam Social Security: https://baohiemxahoi.gov.vn;
- Through the VssID mobile app provided by the Social Insurance Authority;
- By SMS text message, following the instructions on the SI website.
Checking this information helps employees understand their contribution details, duration, and coverage for SI, HI, and UI, minimizing errors in data and ensuring accurate benefit claims later.
2.5. What to Do If You Lose or Damage Your SI Book
If the SI book is lost, damaged, or contains incorrect information, the employee should promptly apply for a replacement or correction. The application includes:
- Form TK1-TS, indicating the needed correction or stating the reason for the lost book;
- A request letter for reissuance;
- A copy of the employee’s ID.
Submit the documents to the managing SI office or local SI branch. Upon receipt and verification, a new book will be issued. If the worker already has an account on the public service portal, the entire process can be done online, making it faster and more convenient.
Health Insurance Registration and Key Information
3.1. Importance of Health Insurance
Health insurance (HI) is one of the three essential pillars of Vietnam’s social security system. It helps individuals reduce the financial burden of medical treatment. Participating in HI not only protects personal health rights but also contributes to the community’s shared responsibility for universal healthcare. HI participants are entitled to significant support for medical examinations, inpatient and outpatient treatments, and emergency care.
3.2. Who Must Participate in Health Insurance
According to current regulations, HI applies to the following groups:
- Employees participating in compulsory social insurance;
- People eligible for social welfare policies, such as poor and near-poor households;
- Students and pupils;
- People receiving social protection benefits;
- Citizens participating on a household basis.
For employees, employers are responsible for paying HI contributions along with social insurance (SI) and unemployment insurance (UI) monthly at rates prescribed by law.
3.3. Benefits of Health Insurance Participation
Participants in HI enjoy various practical benefits, including:
- Coverage of 80% to 100% of medical examination and treatment costs at authorized facilities;
- Financial support for outpatient, inpatient, surgery, maternity care, etc.;
- Referral privileges with maintained entitlements;
- Partial coverage even when receiving care at non-designated (out-of-network) facilities;
- Long-term support for chronic or critical illnesses.
3.4. Registration Procedure and Issuance of Health Insurance Cards
Employees are enrolled in HI by their employers at the same time as SI registration. Individuals registering under the household scheme must submit applications to the commune-level People’s Committee or designated HI collection agents. Required documents include:
- Form TK1-TS (health insurance declaration);
- A copy of ID and household registration or temporary residence certificate;
- For students: a confirmation of enrollment from the school.
After receiving and processing the application, the social insurance agency will issue a health insurance card within 7 working days.
3.5. Using the Health Insurance Card for Medical Services
When seeking medical care, participants must present their HI card and a photo ID. To receive maximum reimbursement, it is important to go to the healthcare facility registered on the HI card (in-network). In emergency cases or out-of-network visits, a partial reimbursement is still provided, according to specific rates.
In addition, the VssID mobile app supports digital HI cards, making it more convenient for users to check and present insurance information at medical facilities, thus reducing the risk of losing the physical card.
Unemployment Insurance Registration Guide
4.1. Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment insurance (UI) is an important entitlement for workers who unexpectedly lose their jobs. To be eligible for unemployment benefits, employees must meet the following basic conditions:
- Have paid unemployment insurance for at least 12 months within the last 24 months before becoming unemployed;
- Have legally terminated their labor contract (e.g., due to company downsizing or lawful unilateral termination);
- Register for unemployment benefits at an Employment Service Center within 3 months from the end of the labor contract or the date of unemployment.
4.2. Duration and Level of Benefits
The duration of unemployment benefit payments depends on the length of UI contributions:
- 12 to under 36 months of contribution: 3 months of benefits;
- 36 to under 72 months: 6 months of benefits;
- 72 months or more: 9 months of benefits.
The benefit amount is calculated based on the average monthly salary on which UI was paid during the last 6 months before unemployment. This amount typically ranges from 60% to 80% of the UI contribution salary.
4.3. Required Documents for Application
To apply for unemployment benefits, the following documents are needed:
- Application form for unemployment benefits (Form No. 03-TC);
- Social insurance book;
- Decision of termination, expired labor contract, or a confirmation letter proving contract termination;
- National ID card or Citizen Identification Card;
- Other relevant supporting documents (if any).
Applications must be submitted to the Employment Service Center under the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs where the applicant resides.
4.4. Submission and Approval Process
Once submitted, the social insurance agency will review the application. If valid, a decision on benefit entitlement will be issued within 10 to 15 working days. After approval, the monthly unemployment benefit will be paid throughout the applicable entitlement period.
4.5. Obligations While Receiving Benefits
During the period of receiving unemployment benefits, beneficiaries must fulfill the following obligations:
- Register for job search activities at the employment service center;
- Attend vocational training if required;
- Report their job search status as requested by the social insurance authority.
Complying with these obligations not only helps maintain benefit entitlements but also improves employability and skills for future job opportunities.
Important Notes When Participating in Social, Health, and Unemployment Insurance
5.1. Timely Submission of Application and Registration
Registering for social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance must be done on time to ensure full entitlement to benefits.
- For social insurance (SI): Employees must register as soon as they start working under a labor contract.
- For health insurance (HI): Employers are required to register HI for employees from the effective date of the labor contract.
- For unemployment insurance (UI): Employees must submit their claim within 3 months from the termination date of the labor contract.
5.2. Preservation of Contribution Periods
If an employee takes a temporary break from work or transfers to another company, their previous contribution period to SI, HI, and UI will be preserved. This ensures that employees retain their entitlements when rejoining the system later. To preserve their contribution record, employees must notify the social insurance authority and follow the appropriate procedures.
5.3. Handling Changes to Personal Information
Throughout participation, employees must ensure that their personal information (name, address, family status, etc.) on the social insurance book and health insurance card is accurate. In case of any changes, they must promptly inform the social insurance agency to update the records. Timely updates help prevent data discrepancies and disruptions in benefit claims.
5.4. Responsibilities and Rights of Participants
Each participant is responsible for paying contributions accurately and on time in accordance with the law. In return, they are entitled to various benefits in situations such as:
- Sickness, maternity, work accidents;
- Retirement and unemployment;
- Death (with death grants for relatives).
To maximize benefits, employees must stay informed about their responsibilities and rights under the social insurance system.
5.5. Contacting Social Insurance Authorities for Support
If encountering issues or uncertainties regarding SI, HI, or UI, employees should directly contact the local Social Insurance Office where they registered. These offices provide support in resolving issues related to:
- Records and applications;
- Contribution history;
- Legal rights and procedures.
Additionally, participants can access online support via the official website of Vietnam Social Security (https://baohiemxahoi.gov.vn) or through the VssID mobile app for convenient self-service.
Participating in social, health, and unemployment insurance is both a right and obligation of every worker. These systems protect health, provide financial stability in difficult times, and contribute to a safer and more secure future. Workers are encouraged to learn about these programs and register as soon as they begin employment to avoid missing out on important benefits for themselves and their families.
For any inquiries, contact Wacontre Accounting Services via Hotline: (028) 3820 1213 or email info@wacontre.com for prompt assistance. With a team of experienced professionals, Wacontre is committed to providing dedicated and efficient service. (For Japanese clients, please contact Hotline: (050) 5534 5505).
