Rút bảo hiểm xã hội một lần cho người nước ngoài ngưng làm việc tại Việt Nam

Foreigners who have worked in Vietnam and participated in social insurance are entitled to a one-time social insurance claim when they meet the required conditions. The procedure directly at the social insurance authority can be complicated, especially when the employee has already left Vietnam. In this article, terra will provide detailed guidance on the conditions, documents, and process for a one-time social insurance claim for foreigners, helping you save time and reduce legal risks.

In which cases can foreigners make a one-time social insurance claim?

According to Article 9.6 of Decree No. 143/2018/NĐ-CP of the Government, foreigners who are subject to social insurance in Vietnam are entitled to a one-time social insurance claim upon request if they fall under one of the following cases:

1) Reaching the retirement age[1] but having less than 20 years of social insurance contributions;

2) Suffering from life-threatening diseases such as cancer, polio, cirrhosis with ascites, leprosy, severe tuberculosis, HIV that has progressed to AIDS, and other diseases as regulated by the Ministry of Health[2];

3) Foreigners who meet the conditions for pension entitlement[3] but no longer reside in Vietnam;

4) Foreigners whose labor contract is terminated or whose work permit, practicing certificate, or practicing license has expired and is not renewed.

[1] As stipulated in Article 9.1 of Decree No. 143/2018/NĐ-CP
[2] Refer to Article 4 of Circular 56/2017/TT-BYT and Article 1.1 of Circular 18/2022/TT-BYT

[3] As stipulated in Article 9.1 of Decree No. 143/2018/NĐ-CP

One-time social insurance claim procedure for foreigners

To apply for a one-time social insurance claim, a foreign employee should be well-informed about the process and prepare the necessary documents in advance. The following steps will help make the procedure smoother and minimize errors.

Step 1: Consultation on eligibility and document review

The first and most important step is to determine eligibility for a one-time social insurance claim. With terra’s service, you will receive in-depth consultation and a thorough review of each document in your file to ensure completeness and accuracy. This process helps eliminate errors and increases the likelihood of quick approval.

Step 2: Preparing the required documents

The application file for a one-time social insurance claim includes:

1) Original social insurance book;

2) Application form No. 14-HSB, Decision No. 222/QĐ-BHXH of 2021;

3) Passport (notarized copy);

4) In case of life-threatening diseases[4] a medical record extract or summary showing inability to self-care; for other illnesses, a Medical Assessment Council report proving a loss of working capacity of 81% or more and inability to self-care;

5) If medical assessment fees are incurred, receipts, invoices, and the detailed list of medical assessment items from the assessment facility.

[4] Such as: cancer, polio, cirrhosis with ascites, leprosy, severe tuberculosis, HIV that has progressed to AIDS.

* Note: Some social insurance authorities may request additional documents to prove that a foreigner has terminated their labor contract (e.g., resignation/termination decision).

Deadline for submission: Within 10 days from the date of contract termination or from the expiration date of the work permit, practicing certificate, or practicing license (whichever comes first).

terra supports clients in completing the entire application, ensuring compliance with the law and the requirements of the social insurance authority.

Step 3: Submitting the application and working with the social insurance office

Once the authorization procedure is completed with your presence, terra will take care of the rest on your behalf. If you are about to return to your home country, you can finalize this authorization before leaving Vietnam.

After that, terra’s specialists will work directly with the social insurance office to handle any additional requirements, making sure your one-time social insurance claim is processed on time without you having to be there in person.

Step 4: Tracking results and receiving the payout

Once your application is approved, Terra will keep you updated on the status and assist you in receiving the one-time social insurance claim payment. The payout timeline depends on the processing office, usually around 2–3 weeks. You can rest assured about the legal aspect, even if you are already living abroad.

Important notes when making a one-time social insurance claim

• Loss of long-term benefits: Once you receive a one-time social insurance claim, all your previous contribution years will be erased. This means you will lose related benefits such as pension, sickness allowance, and maternity allowance.
• Exemption from personal income tax: The payout from a one-time social insurance claim is not subject to personal income tax.
• Document requirements: If your application is incomplete or contains incorrect information, the social insurance office may return it, causing delays or rejection.
• Risks of handling it yourself: Trying to manage the process from abroad or authorizing an inexperienced individual may lead to mistakes, delays, and unnecessary risks. Using a professional service ensures the process is handled safely and efficiently.

To save time and avoid legal risks, many foreign employees choose terra’s one-time social insurance claim service.

Frequently asked questions about the one-time social insurance claim procedure for foreigners

After ending their contracts in Vietnam, many foreign employees wonder: “Can I still claim my social insurance after returning home?”, “What are the exact conditions?”, “Which documents are required and can someone else collect it on my behalf?”. Without clear answers, these questions can make the claiming process more difficult. Below are some frequently asked questions with detailed answers to help you prepare in advance.

Can a foreigner claim social insurance in Vietnam after returning home?

Yes. A foreign employee can authorize another person in Vietnam to handle the one-time social insurance claim or send the application back to Vietnam as regulated by the social insurance authority.

Can a foreigner authorize someone else to receive the one-time social insurance claim?

Yes. A foreign employee may issue a legally certified authorization for an individual or an authorized organization to collect the one-time social insurance claim on their behalf. 

However, it is important to note that this carries risks, as social insurance authorities are tightening controls to prevent fraud and protect employees’ rights.

How long does it take to process a one-time social insurance claim for a foreigner?

• Preparing and submitting documents (1–2 weeks): You need to gather all required papers and submit them directly to the social insurance office. If you have already returned home, you must authorize someone else to submit them on your behalf.
• Tracking and receiving payment (2–3 weeks or more): After submission, you will need to follow up on the processing progress. The payout time depends on the approval speed of the authority and whether your application requires additional documents.

Can a foreigner make a one-time social insurance claim online?

Not yet. Currently, the procedure cannot be completed entirely online. Applications must be submitted either directly or through authorization.

Can a foreigner still make a one-time social insurance claim long after leaving Vietnam?

Yes. There is no strict deadline requiring you to claim immediately after leaving. As long as you still have your social insurance book and meet the conditions, you can apply at any time.

Is the one-time social insurance claim subject to personal income tax for foreigners?

No. The payout from a one-time social insurance claim is exempt from personal income tax under Vietnamese law.

terra’s one-time social insurance claim service for foreigners

We are a subsidiary of I-GLOCAL (Japan), a corporation with over 21 years of experience in consulting and supporting Japanese companies investing in Vietnam. VPO was established with the mission of optimizing HR operations through a solid combination of technology and expertise.

Currently, VPO partners with more than 250 FDI enterprises and individual clients, particularly foreign professionals working in Vietnam, providing dedicated support in matters related to Personal Income Tax and Social Insurance.

Why choose terra for a one-time social insurance claim?

• Fast and compliant process: terra ensures that all documents are complete and fully aligned with Vietnamese regulations.
• Bilingual support in English and Japanese: We remove language barriers, making the procedure clear and stress-free.
• Ongoing progress updates: Clients receive regular updates on the status of their application and payout.
• Expert team: Our experienced specialists handle paperwork efficiently and resolve issues promptly.

With terra, foreign employees can complete their one-time social insurance claim quickly, safely, and with full legal assurance.

Contact terra today for a personalized consultation and a detailed quotation!