Obtaining a criminal record certificate is a mandatory requirement for foreigners who work, live, or conduct business in Vietnam. However, many applicants struggle with the Vietnam police check process due to language barriers or a lack of familiarity with the necessary steps.
These challenges can lead to submitting incorrect forms, missing documents, or misunderstanding requirements which can delay important procedures, such as applying for a visa, temporary residence card, or work permit.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to acquiring a Vietnam police certificate for foreigners, covering the types of certificates, required documents, and processing times, to help you navigate each step and complete the process accurately and efficiently.
What is a Vietnam police certificate?
A Vietnam police certificate, also known as a criminal record certificate or police check, is an official document issued by a competent state authority. It confirms whether an individual has a criminal record (prior convictions or offenses) and whether they are prohibited from holding certain positions or practicing certain professions according to a court decision.
2 Types of Vietnam police certificates
A Vietnam police check for foreigners are divided into two types, each serving different purposes:
Police Certificate No. 1
Vietnam criminal record certificate No. 1 is used for common administrative procedures such as applying for a job, investing, obtaining a work permit, temporary residence card, registering marriage with a Vietnamese citizen, or other procedures requiring confirmation that an individual has no criminal record.
The certificate records convictions that are still in effect or have not been expunged by a court decision and does not disclose expunged convictions or other sensitive information.
Police Certificate No. 2
Vietnam criminal record certificate No. 2 is used for special legal procedures, at the request of judicial authorities, courts, or for serious legal matters.This certificate provides full information about all convictions, including those that have been expunged, giving a comprehensive record of an individual’s criminal history.
How to apply for Vietnam police certificate for foreigners
To apply for a Vietnam police clearance certificate, foreigners need to prepare the following documents:
– Application form for the criminal record certificate
– A valid passport copy
– Proof of residence in Vietnam
- If you are currently in Vietnam: Provide a valid temporary residence card or permanent residence card.
- If you are currently overseas: Provide documents proving the specific time period and location of your legal residence in Vietnam such as a police residence confirmation, housing rental contract, previous work permit, or a letter of confirmation from the company or organization that previously sponsored you.
*Note: All documents in foreign languages must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized.
The processing time is 10–15 working days from the date the competent authority receives a complete and valid application. If additional verification is required across provinces or with judicial agencies, the processing time may be extended by up to 10 additional working days.
Key notes on Vietnam police check for foreigners
According to Circular No. 16/2013/TT-BTP, foreigners who wish to apply for a police clearance certificate in Vietnam must fall into one of the following two categories:
- Currently residing legally in Vietnam with a valid temporary residence card or permanent residence card
- Previously resided in Vietnam and are now living abroad but need a police clearance certificate to process legal procedures in another country
Foreigners are only allowed to authorize immediate family members (parents or spouse) to apply for Criminal Record Certificate No. 1 on their behalf. For Criminal Record Certificate No. 2, the applicant must submit the application in person at the issuing authority.
If a foreigner loses or damages their certificate, or needs a new one for a different purpose, they must reapply, clearly state the reason in the application, and pay the required fee.
Conclusion
Applying for Vietnam police check is an important procedure for foreigners, especially when it involves visas, work permits, or legal documents required abroad. Understanding the process will help you stay proactive, but if you want to ensure accuracy from the very beginning, FISC’s police clearance certificate service is a reliable choice.
With extensive experience handling hundreds of cases for foreign applicants, FISC is committed to providing proper guidance, preparing complete and accurate documents, and supporting you throughout the entire process until you receive the final result.
Contact FISC today for a free consultant!
