VIETNAM CRIMINAL RECORD CERTIFICATE FOR FOREIGNERS: APPLICATION PROCEDURES FROM 1 JULY 2026

Key Factors

Details

Application Methods

According to Article 45, Procedures for Requesting Criminal Record Certificates, there are three methods for submitting Criminal Record Certificate applications from July 1, 2026:

• Method 1: Submit directly to the local Division of Record Management. This method applies to Vietnamese citizens or foreigners who do not yet have a VNEID electronic identification number. If a citizen already has a VNEID, they cannot submit the application by post or in person.
• Method 2: Submit via post. In this case, the application must include a certified copy of the applicant's signature.
• Method 3: Submit through authorization. The authorization must be in writing in accordance with the law.

Certificate Format

From July 1, 2027, Criminal Record Certificate No. 1 and Criminal Record Certificate No. 2 will also have electronic version. The electronic version will have the same legal validity as the paper version.

Result Delivery

According to Clause 1, Article 48, corresponding to the 3 methods of application submission, there will be 2 ways of issuing Criminal Record Certificates:

• Online application: Electronic Criminal Record Certificate.
• Direct or postal application: Paper Criminal Record Certificate.

Processing Time

The standard processing time is generally 05 working days from the date a complete and valid application dossier is received.

Expanded Authorization

From July 1st, 2026, authorization to submit applications will be permitted for both Criminal Record Certificate No. 1 and Criminal Record Certificate No. 2.

The authorization to submit a Criminal Record Certificate can be done by:

• Authorizing another person; or
• Requesting one's parents, spouse, children, or guardian to apply for the Criminal Record Certificate.

Required documents if submitting in person

Required documents if submitting through authorized representative

1. Form No. 02/2026/LLTP (Declaration form for individuals requesting a Criminal Record Certificate)

2. Passport

3. Valid Vietnamese Visa or Temporary Residence Card

4. Temporary Residence Confirmation certified by the local police station where the foreigner is residing

1. Form No. 03/2026/LLTP (Application form for issuance of Criminal Record Certificate - used for individuals requesting a Criminal Record Certificate for their father, mother, spouse, child, guardian, or authorizing another person to carry out the procedure for requesting a Criminal Record Certificate)

2. Passport

3. Valid Vietnamese Visa or Temporary Residence Card

4. Temporary residence confirmation certified by the police station of the ward where the foreigner is residing

5. Power of attorney

6. Identification Card of the authorized person

Procedure for applying Vietnam Criminal Record in Vietnam

Step 1:
Prepare documents

Depending on the application method, prepare the appropriate application documents, as shared above.

Step 2:
Documents submission

• After preparing all the necessary documents, go to the local Division of Record Management to submit your application as required.
• In some cases, when the number of applicants is too high, you will have to take a number and wait for your turn to submit your application. The date you can submit your application will be based on the time indicated on the number you receive.
• After documents are received, you will need to pay Criminal Record Certificate Fee: 200.000 VND.

Step 3:
Result collection

There are two ways to receive the results:

• Method 1: In person. When you come to collect your results, please bring your receipt and come on the scheduled date.
• Method 2: Through postal service. To receive your results by postal service, you need to register for postal delivery immediately after submitting your application.

Required documents if submitting through postal service

Required documents if submitting through authorized representative

1. Form No. 02/2026/LLTP (Declaration form for individuals requesting a Criminal Record Certificate) – The signature must be authenticated or the document consularly legalized by the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate overseas.

2. Passport - Notarized/ Legalized by Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate overseas

1. Form No. 03/2026/LLTP (Application form for issuance of Criminal Record Certificate - used for individuals requesting a Criminal Record Certificate for their father, mother, spouse, child, guardian, or authorizing another person to carry out the procedure for requesting a Criminal Record Certificate)

2. Passport - Notarized/ Legalized by Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate overseas

3. Power of attorney – The signature must be authenticated or the document consularly legalized by the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate overseas.

4. Identification Card of the authorized person

Procedure for applying Vietnam Criminal Record when foreigers are not in Vietnam

Step 1:
Prepare documents

Depending on the application method, prepare the appropriate application documents, as shared above.

Step 2:
Documents submission

• Sending the documents to Division of Record Management – Ministry of Public Sercurity (54C Tran Hung Dao, Cua Nam Ward, Ha Noi City, Vietnam)
• Once the documents are received, the Division of Record Management will send an email notifying you of the fee payment.
• The amount to be paid will include:
  + Criminal Record Certificate Fee: 200.000 VND
  + Express delivery fee to your current address (applicable to addresses abroad)

Step 3:
Result collectiom

Once the results are approved, the Division of Record Management will send you an email notification, and the agency will then send the results to you via express delivery.