Not covered by compulsory social insurance but still want a pension in old age — voluntary social insurance is the option for you. Since 01/7/2025, the Law on Social Insurance 2024 (No. 41/2024/QH15) has brought major changes to contribution rates and benefits. This article updates the figures applicable for 2026.
1. Voluntary SI contribution rates in 2026: formula and figures
Under Article 36 of the 2024 Law, the monthly contribution equals 22% of the chosen income base, within the following band:
- Floor: the rural multidimensional poverty standard = VND 1,500,000/month (applicable through 31/12/2026) → minimum contribution VND 330,000/month;
- Ceiling: 20 times the base salary (VND 2,340,000) = VND 46,800,000 → maximum contribution VND 10,296,000/month.
Example: choosing an income base of VND 5,000,000/month means contributing VND 1,100,000/month (before state support).
2. State support: how much do you actually pay?
Participants do not pay the full amount above. Under Decree 159/2025/ND-CP, the State subsidizes contributions as a percentage of the minimum contribution:
- 50% (VND 165,000/month) — poor households, island commune and special-zone residents;
- 40% (VND 132,000/month) — near-poor households;
- 30% (VND 99,000/month) — ethnic minorities;
- 20% (VND 66,000/month) — others.
So at the floor rate, an ordinary participant actually pays only VND 264,000/month; a poor-household member only VND 165,000/month. Many localities add further support from local budgets.
3. Pension rights: only 15 contribution years needed
The biggest change in the 2024 Law: the pension eligibility period drops from 20 years to 15 years of contributions (plus reaching retirement age). Monthly pension rates (Article 66):
- Women: 45% of average income for 15 contribution years; +2% per additional year; maximum 75%;
- Men: 45% for 20 contribution years; +2% per additional year; maximum 75%. Men with 15 to under 20 years: 40% + 1% per additional year.
Example: a woman contributing 20 years at an average income of VND 5 million/month gets a 55% rate → VND 2,750,000/month pension. Those exceeding the maximum years (women over 30, men over 35) also receive a lump-sum retirement allowance of 0.5 month’s average income per excess year.
4. Other voluntary SI benefits
- Survivor benefits and funeral allowance for relatives when the participant dies;
- Preservation of contribution periods when participation pauses;
- Lump-sum payment for future years or back-payment for missing years to qualify for pension;
- Flexible payment: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
5. Frequently asked questions
Q: I am a 40-year-old freelancer just starting voluntary SI. Can I still earn a pension?
A: Yes. Fifteen continuous years of contributions gets you to 55 with the time requirement met (plus reaching retirement age on schedule). You can also pay lump-sum for future years to shorten the wait.
Q: What if I later join a company and compulsory SI?
A: Contribution periods accumulate and transfer to compulsory SI normally — no benefits are lost.
Q: Is VND 330,000/month fixed?
A: No — that is the minimum under the current poverty standard. You may choose a higher income base for a higher future pension.
Want the optimal voluntary SI contribution plan for your situation? Contact us for advice.
This article was prepared by the FLAW AI Legal Council. The content is pending QA Council review prior to approval; the information is for reference only and does not replace legal advice for your specific circumstances.