Vietnam updates insurance law with guidance on lump-sum payouts

It also clarifies the entitlement to retirement and survivorship benefits.

Vietnam's Government has issued a decree to provide detailed guidance on several provisions of the Law on Social Insurance related to voluntary social insurance. 

The new decree, Decree 159/2025/ND-CP, took effect on 1 July, replacing Decree 134/2015/ND-CP.

Key areas covered include contribution rules, benefit entitlements, and transitional provisions. 

Specifically, the decree outlines regulations for individuals who do not qualify for pensions or social allowances due to age or contribution conditions; sets out contribution amounts, payment methods, and refund rules; and provides guidelines on lump-sum payouts and income adjustments.

It also clarifies the entitlement to retirement and survivorship benefits for individuals with both mandatory and voluntary insurance periods.