Gov't decrees financial support to address declining fertility

The Government has promulgated Decree No. 168/2026/ND-CP on detailed implementation of several articles of the Population Law.

From January 1, 2027, women who give birth to two children before the age of 35 shall receive financial support of at least VND 2 million (US$76) for each birth, according to the Decree.

Other beneficiaries shall include ethnic women and women living in localities where the fertility rate drops to below replacement level. 

This policy was introduced as Viet Nam's fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level, raising concerns over long-term demographic and labor force challenges.

According to the General Statistics Office, Viet Nam's total fertility rate declined from 2.11 children per woman in 2021 to 1.91 in 2024, the lowest level ever recorded.

Although the figure slightly increased to 1.93 in 2025, authorities said the overall trend remains downward, with fertility decline expanding beyond major urban centers such as Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City to provinces that previously maintained relatively high birth rates.

Earlier, Ho Chi Minh City launched a similar support program in late 2024. The southern metropolis, whose population exceeded 14 million has granted financial support ranging from VND 3 million to VND 5 million (US$114–190) to nearly 9,000 women who gave birth to a second child before the age of 35./.