According to the latest revision of the Social Insurance Law in 2025, business owners and enterprise managers who do not work under a labor contract with their own company are now required to participate in the mandatory social insurance scheme. This marks a significant step forward in Vietnam’s social welfare policy, expanding protection to a group that had previously not been fully covered by the insurance system. In practice, many business owners and managers devote their time, effort, and financial resources entirely to their enterprises; however, when facing health risks or old age, they often lack the safety net of social insurance if they have not voluntarily participated. The new requirement ensures that all working individuals — whether employees or employers — have access to essential social insurance benefits, including retirement, sickness, maternity, occupational accident, and survivor allowances.
In terms of procedure, the registration process for mandatory social insurance for this group is similar to that for employees under labor contracts. It involves submitting an electronic declaration via the social insurance authority’s online portal, providing documentation proving the individual’s status as a business owner or manager, and paying insurance contributions based on the income level guided by the social insurance authority. Once registration is complete, the participant is issued a social insurance number and their contribution record is officially recognized as the basis for future benefit entitlements.
From a broader perspective, this regulation carries deep humanitarian and social significance. It reflects the inclusive spirit of Vietnamese law — recognizing that every working person deserves protection against life’s uncertainties. By doing so, it helps build a fairer, more resilient, and compassionate social security system for all.