Criminal Record Certificate for Foreigners in Vietnam (2026)
Foreigners who live or have lived in Vietnam can apply for a Vietnamese criminal record certificate (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp). Since 1 July 2026 the certificate is issued by the police, not the Department of Justice: foreigners residing in Vietnam apply at the provincial police; those who have left Vietnam apply to the Professional Records Department of the Ministry of Public Security. Processing takes 5 working days (up to 15 if verification is needed) and the fee is 200,000 VND.
On this page
- What changed on 1 July 2026
- Where to apply
- Documents
- Processing time and fee
- Using it for a work permit
- FAQ
What changed on 1 July 2026
- Judicial records moved to the Ministry of Public Security (amended Law on Judicial Records No. 107/2025/QH15 and Decree 216/2026/ND-CP).
- Processing cut from 10 to 5 working days.
- New forms under Circular 101/2026/TT-BCA (Form 02/2026/LLTP for your own request, Form 03/2026/LLTP for authorised requests).
Older guides saying “apply at the Department of Justice, 15 days” no longer apply.
Where to apply
| Your situation | Where |
|---|---|
| Currently residing in Vietnam | Provincial police where you reside |
| Left Vietnam, or residence unknown | Professional Records Department, Ministry of Public Security |
Foreigners apply in person or by post (a posted form needs a certified signature). Online filing via VNeID is mainly for Vietnamese citizens.
Documents
- Application form (Form 02/2026/LLTP, or 03/2026/LLTP if authorised).
- Passport copy (original shown when filing in person).
- Proof of residence in Vietnam (temporary residence card or registration).
- Notarised power of attorney if someone files for you.
Processing time and fee
- 5 working days from a complete application; up to 15 days if verification is required.
- 200,000 VND per request (Circular 16/2025/TT-BTC); 5,000 VND for each certificate from the third copy.
Using it for a work permit
Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, a work permit application needs a criminal record certificate from Vietnam or abroad issued no more than 6 months before filing. Foreign certificates need consular legalisation (unless exempt by treaty) and a notarised Vietnamese translation. You also need a health certificate.
FAQ
Can I still apply at the Department of Justice?
No. Since 1 July 2026 the police issue criminal record certificates.
I have left Vietnam. Can I still get one?
Yes, from the Professional Records Department of the Ministry of Public Security, by post or through an authorised person.
How long is the certificate valid?
It has no expiry date itself, but work permit files only accept certificates issued within the last 6 months.
Need a criminal record certificate?
We handle the application, legalisation, translation and the full work permit. Contact us or call +84 327 828 822.
Legal basis: Law No. 107/2025/QH15, Decree 216/2026/ND-CP, Circular 101/2026/TT-BCA, Circular 16/2025/TT-BTC, Decree 219/2025/ND-CP.
