Starting no later than January 1, 2026, Vietnam's social insurance agency will begin issuing electronic social insurance (SI) books to participants, with full legal validity equivalent to paper books. The e-books will be accessible via platforms such as VssID and VNeID.

Participants will still have the right to request paper copies if desired. However, the electronic version will be the primary form, aimed at improving transparency, enabling easier access, reducing paperwork, and lowering administrative costs.

According to the Vietnam Social Security (VSS) agency, as stipulated in the 2024 Law on Social Insurance and Government Decree 164/2025 on electronic transactions in social insurance, the transition to digital SI books is a key reform measure.

The VSS is currently developing the e-book template, consulting with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Finance to ensure timely issuance in compliance with legal requirements. As outlined in Article 8, Clause 2 of Decree 164/2025, the Ministry of Finance will be responsible for generating the digital SI books and managing them centrally through electronic systems.

The issuance and management processes for the electronic version will remain largely similar to the current paper system. In cases of suspected fraud or forgery, the VSS has the right to temporarily revoke the digital book for verification to protect the rights of workers.

Transitioning to electronic SI books offers several advantages. For individuals, it allows instant access to information on social insurance, unemployment insurance, workplace accident and occupational disease benefits - anytime, anywhere - without the need to carry or protect a physical book. It also simplifies the paperwork for claiming entitlements.

For businesses, it significantly reduces administrative burdens related to managing and distributing SI books for employees.

For the VSS, the shift will cut printing and distribution costs, prevent illegal trading or pawning of SI books, enhance data management, and facilitate the detection of fraudulent claims.

For Employment Service Centers, the integration of data with the VSS will allow workers to submit applications online, reducing system overload and enhancing convenience for the public.

The rollout of electronic SI books marks a crucial step in administrative reform and the adoption of digital technology in social welfare services, contributing to a more modern, transparent, and citizen-friendly administrative system.

Vu Diep