Vietnam updates social and health insurance regulations

Vietnam Social Security has introduced several updates to social insurance (BHXH) and health insurance (BHYT) regulations effective from September 2026.

Key changes include an electronic inter-agency process for birth registration, permanent residence registration, and health insurance card issuance for children under six years old. Under Decree 301, the processing time for these integrated procedures is set at no more than three working days, extending to five days if verification is required. If identity card issuance for children under six is included, the processing time is no more than five working days.

Additionally, the system will transition to using personal identification numbers or citizen identity cards instead of traditional social insurance numbers in professional software. New mechanisms also allow for the use of VNeID accounts to receive pensions, allowances, and other social security payments. New regulations regarding administrative penalties in the social insurance sector have also been implemented.