Vietnam to implement pension increases and social welfare reforms in 2026

Vietnam is implementing several significant regulatory and social welfare changes scheduled for 2026. Under Decree 300/2026/NĐ-CP, new regulations regarding the recruitment, use, and management of civil servants will expand the groups eligible for civil service positions and standardize salary mechanisms and appointment conditions.

In terms of social welfare, pensions for existing recipients will increase by 8% starting July 1, 2026. Additionally, Decree 335/2026/NĐ-CP will raise the monthly social retirement allowance to 540,000 VND effective October 5, 2026. This decree also increases the standard social assistance level from 500,000 VND to 540,000 VND, affecting various groups including abandoned children, orphans, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS in poor households.

Administrative reforms will also see the integration of citizen identity card issuance for children under six years old into the electronic birth registration process starting September 1, 2026.