Instructions for obtaining a Vietnam Police Check (Criminal Record)

How to get a Vietnam Police Check (Criminal Record Certificate) for Foreigners

The Vietnam Police Check is a key document for confirming a foreigner (expat) individual’s legal status. This document also called Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate being asked by Employers, immigration authorities, and academic institutions often require it from teachers for work permits, job applications, overseas studies, and naturalization. This online guide breaks down the process for both foreigners and Vietnamese citizens, helping you navigate each step with confidence. Check out if you need a visa to visit Vietnam in 2025

Understanding What Vietnam Police Check is & why you need it

To get a Police Check in Vietnam, also called a Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate, which is an official document issued by the Department of Justice or the National Criminal Record Certification Center. It confirms that:

• Whether an individual has any criminal records, court verdicts, or penalty decisions during their time in Vietnam.

• Whether they are restricted from managing or establishing a business due to a prior court-declared bankruptcy.

This online guide walks you through police check, an essential document in verifying personal history and ensuring transparency in legal and professional matters.

Legal Framework: How Vietnamese Law Issues Police Checks

Vietnamese law outlines the regulations for police checks through several key legal documents:

• Law on Judicial Records No. 28/2009/QH12

• Circular No. 44/2016/TT-BTC – Establishes fees, collection processes, payment, and management for judicial record services (effective November 11, 2016).

• Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP – Regulates foreign workers in Vietnam and the recruitment/management of Vietnamese employees working for foreign employers.

• Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP – Introduces amendments and supplements to Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP (issued September 18, 2023).

These regulations define the legal requirements and procedures for obtaining a Police Check in Vietnam.

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Types of Vietnam Police Checks: Key Differences

Vietnamese law classifies police checks into two types, as outlined in Article 41 of the Law on Criminal Records.

Police Check (Criminal record) No. 1: Who Needs It?

• Issued to Vietnamese citizens and foreigners residing in Vietnam for job applications, work permits, and similar purposes.

• Provided to agencies and socio-political organizations for personnel decisions, business registration, and enterprise management.

Lists unexpunged criminal records. If no criminal record exists or has been expunged, it will not appear on the document. Applicants can authorize someone else to submit the request on their behalf.

Police Check (Criminal record) No. 2: When Is It Required?

• Issued to law enforcement agencies, courts, and other legal bodies for investigations and judicial proceedings.

• Available to individuals needing to review their complete criminal record history.

Includes both unexpunged and expunged criminal records. For privacy reasons, foreigners must apply in person and cannot authorize another individual to do so.

Important: If applying for Criminal Record Certificate No. 2, you must submit the application yourself. Authorization is not allowed.

Who Needs a Police Check Clearance in Vietnam?

Foreigners looking to apply for a work permit in Vietnam or those who previously lived in Vietnam and are applying for jobs or residency abroad may need to provide a Vietnam Police Check Certificate or Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate.

Why Foreign Residents Should Obtain a Police Check?

Foreigners living in Vietnam need a police check when applying for a work permit, seeking citizenship, or if being asked when completing marriage procedures. This document verifies their legal status and ensures compliance with Vietnamese laws throughout their stay.

When Should Former Vietnam Residents Obtain a Police Check?

Those who previously lived and worked in Vietnam as an expat need a police check when applying for a visa, securing employment abroad, or verifying their legal history. This document is also essential for significant transactions like real estate purchases or bank loans.

When Do Vietnamese Citizens Need a Police Check?

Vietnamese citizens must obtain a police check when applying for jobs, visas, or studying abroad. Certain roles in government, banking, and education also require this document to confirm a clean legal record.

Where to Get a Vietnam Police Check (Criminal record) Certificate

Vietnam offers two main authorities for obtaining a police clearance check:

1. At National Center for Criminal Records

The National Center for Criminal Records, under the Ministry of Justice, provides police checks for:

• Vietnamese citizens without a known permanent or temporary residence.

• Foreigners currently living in Vietnam.

2. At Department of Justice

The Department of Justice in each province and centrally governed city issues police checks criminal record for:

• Vietnamese citizens with permanent or temporary residence in Vietnam.

• Vietnamese citizens living abroad.

• Foreigners residing in Vietnam.

How Foreigners Can Apply for a Vietnam Police Check: Step-by-Step Guide

Foreigners living in Vietnam can obtain a police check certificate by following these steps:

Applying While in Vietnam

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Completed application form for a police check certificate.

• Notarized copy of an ID card or passport including a valid visa

• Notarized temporary residence permit from the landlord.

• If authorizing someone else to apply for Police Check No. 1, provide a notarized power of attorney and a copy of the authorized person’s ID.

Step 2: Apply for a Police Check Online or In Person

To speed-up the process, foreigners can register online through the Ministry of Justice’s portal (https://dichvucong.gov.vn/p/home/dvc-trang-chu.html), fill in their details, and upload the necessary documents. After submitting the application, they must print a copy and submit it in person or by post to the Department of Justice in their area.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Application fees vary, and details are available at submission points or on official websites. Payments can be made in cash at the office or via online banking.

Step 4: Receive an Appointment

After submitting the application, applicants receive an appointment with a date for collecting their results. Processing usually takes 10-15 working days.

Step 5: Collect the Police Check Certificate

Results can be picked up in person at the Department of Justice or delivered via post. When collecting the certificate, bring identification and the appointment prove. Carefully review the document and request corrections if any details are incorrect.

How Foreigners Who Previously Lived in Vietnam Can Apply for a Police Check

Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

• Completed application form for a police check certificate.

• Notarized copy of an ID card or passport with a valid visa.

• Consular legalized power of attorney (if authorizing someone to apply for Police Check No. 1).

• Copy of the authorized person’s ID.

• Notarized Vietnamese translation of the power of attorney.

Step 2: Submit the Application from Abroad

Foreigners who no longer live in Vietnam can apply for a police check certificate through the National Criminal Record Center before leaving or send the application by post. Double-check all details to avoid delays or rejections.

Step 3: Receive the Police Check Certificate

After submitting the application, applicants receive an appointment letter with the expected completion date. Processing takes about 10-15 working days.

Applicants can collect the certificate in person at the National Criminal Record Center by bringing their ID and appointment letter or opt for delivery to a registered address.

If you cannot travel to Vietnam and want to authorize a Vietnamese citizen to apply on your behalf, you’ll need following documents:

• Application Form No. 04

• Certified copy of your passport (all pages), including Vietnam visa stamps

• Consular legalized authorization letter

• Notarized Vietnamese translation of the authorization letter

• Copy of the authorized person’s ID card

What Documents Needed for a Vietnam Police Check / Criminal record

Under Article 45 of the 2009 Law on Criminal Records, individuals must prepare the following documents for a criminal record check:

Police Check No. 1 Required documents:

• Original application for a police check certificate

• Notarized copy of the applicant’s ID card or passport

• Notarized temporary residence certificate from the homeowner

• Authorization option: Applicants can authorize someone else to apply for Police Check No. 1 by providing a certified power of attorney and a copy of the authorized person’s ID card. If the authorized person is a close relative (parent, spouse, or child), no authorization letter is necessary.

Police Check No. 2 Required documents:

The process follows the same steps as Police Check No. 1, but applicants cannot authorize another person to apply on their behalf. The request must be made in person.

Vietnam Criminal record / Police Check: Processing Time, Fees & Validity

How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Check Certificate?

Authorities issue police check certificates within 10 days after receiving a valid application. For Vietnamese citizens who have lived in multiple locations, foreigners, or those with residency in abroad, the processing time extends to 15 days.

Authorities issue police check certificates within 10 days after receiving a valid application. For Vietnamese citizens who have lived in multiple locations, foreigners, or those with residency in abroad, the processing time extends to 15 days.

How much is the fee for Vietnam Criminal Record Certificates?

Applicants must pay one of the following fees for a police check certificate: (USD1= 25000 In Feb 2025)

• 200,000 VND per certificate per person

• 100,000 VND per certificate for students, individuals with revolutionary contributions, and relatives of martyrs

• For requests of three or more certificates, an extra 5,000 VND per certificate applies from the third copy onward

How Long Is a Police Check Certificate Valid?

Vietnamese law does not define an official validity period. The certificate reflects a person’s legal record only at the time of issuance. Since individuals could commit offenses afterward, its validity depends on specific requirements set by relevant agencies.

Many organizations accept police check or Criminal record certificates for six months to one year from the issue date. Before applying, confirm the validity requirements with the requesting agency to avoid complications.

Using a Criminal record Certificate for Work Permit Applications

Police checks & Crimea records issued in Vietnam

Police Checks or criminal records Issued in Vietnam for foreigners applying for a Vietnamese work permit must provide a Vietnam-issued police check certificate to confirm they have no unresolved criminal records. The certificate must be issued within six months before submitting the work permit application.

Police Checks Issued Abroad

Foreigners who never resided in Vietnam can submit a police check certificate from their home country instead. This document requires Vietnamese translation by a certified agency, consular legalization, and notarization to be valid for work permit applications in Vietnam.

FAQ About Vietnam Police Check (Criminal Record)

Final Thoughts

Understanding the Police Check / Police Clearance / Criminal records, process ensures a smoother application and compliance with local laws. By following these steps, even first-time applicants can successfully register for their police check certificate.

NOTICE: Starting March 1, 2025, the issuance of Vietnam police check certificates will be transferred from the Ministry of Justice to the Ministry of Public Security, potentially leading to significant procedural changes. The transfer of files and data is currently underway. The current ongoing applications may experience some delays. 

Source: Plo.vn