In 2025, Vietnam will continue its phased increase in retirement age, aligning with the roadmap outlined in existing labor and social insurance laws. Simultaneously, the Social Insurance Law 2024 introduces measures to reduce the eligibility age for social pension benefits, offering more support for senior citizens.

Gradual increase in retirement age

The retirement age in Vietnam is gradually increasing to 62 for men by 2028 and 60 for women by 2035 under the Labor Code 2019.

Government Decree No. 135/2020 provides a clear schedule for this adjustment.

Since January 1, 2021, the retirement age for workers in normal labor conditions began rising incrementally, starting at 60 years and 3 months for men and 55 years and 4 months for women.

Each year, the retirement age increases by 3 months for men and 4 months for women until the target ages are reached.

By 2025, male workers will retire at 61 years and 3 months, while women will retire at 56 years and 8 months.

Workers in specific circumstances, such as those in hazardous environments or economically disadvantaged areas, may retire up to five years earlier than the standard age, provided they meet certain conditions.

Reduced contribution period for pension eligibility

From July 1, 2025, the new Social Insurance Law will reduce the minimum contribution period for pension eligibility from 20 years to 15 years.

This change ensures that workers who have contributed to social insurance for 15 years or more can receive a pension once they reach the required retirement age.

Female workers with 15 years of contributions will receive 45% of their average wage, while male workers with 15 years of contributions will receive 40%.

After 20 years of contributions, the rate increases to 45%, with an additional 2% for each extra year, capped at 75%.

Social pension benefits for seniors aged 70 and above

The Social Insurance Law 2024 also introduces new provisions for social pension benefits.

From July 1, 2025, Vietnamese citizens aged 70–75 from poor or near-poor households, who do not receive pensions or monthly social insurance benefits, will qualify for government-funded social pension benefits.

Citizens aged 75 and above without any pension or monthly social insurance benefit will also be eligible.

Beneficiaries will receive monthly payments along with health insurance coverage.

Currently, seniors aged 80 and above receive a monthly social pension of 500,000 VND.

The amount will be periodically reviewed and adjusted every three years based on the country’s economic conditions and budget.

Vu Diep