Expanding social insurance for household businesses in Viet Nam: Challenges, policy options, and the way forward

This report forms part of the International Labour Organization’s ongoing support to the Government of Viet Nam and social partners in advancing formalization and expanding social protection. It contributes to national dialogue on the implementation of the 2024 Social Insurance Law, which took effect on 1 July 2025.

The report assesses the feasibility of extending effective compulsory social insurance coverage to household business owners and their employees under the new legal framework. It examines the barriers that may hinder participation, including challenges faced by HHB owners to register their businesses, enrol themselves and their employees, local social insurance agencies, and government actors responsible for the implementation of the new law.

Based on this assessment, the report proposes policy options to support the progressive expansion of effective social insurance coverage to this large and diverse segment of the informal economy in Viet Nam.