Navigating administrative procedures in a foreign country can often feel like a complex puzzle, and securing a Criminal Record Certificate —commonly known as a Police Clearance or Judicial Record—is no exception. Whether you are applying for a work permit, residency extension, or preparing documents for use in another country, this certificate serves as vital proof of your legal standing during your stay. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate the application process efficiently, ensuring your paperwork is handled with minimal stress and maximum accuracy.
- Applying for a criminal record certificate abroad
Foreigners may use a criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of their nationality or of the country where they previously resided. Please note that, in order for this document to be legally valid in Vietnam, it must be legalized, notarized and translated into Vietnamese, in accordance with Decree No. 111/2011/ND-CP.
The consular legalization procedure is carried out at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the relevant country. Specific procedures may vary depending on the regulations of each country.
- Applying for a criminal record certificate in Vietnam
For foreigners who are legally residing in Vietnam, the following two options are available:
- Applying to a Foreign Diplomatic Mission in Vietnam
Procedure:
The applicant contacts their own country’s embassy or consulate in Vietnam and follows the procedures prescribed by that country.
However, this criminal record certificate is considered a document issued by a foreign authority. Therefore, after receiving the result, the applicant must carry out consular legalization at the Department of Consular Affairs (Vietnam) in Hanoi, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, or other authorized local foreign affairs authorities.
Application dossier:
- 01 application form for consular legalization;
- The criminal record certificate issued and certified by the competent foreign authority;
- 01 notarized Vietnamese translation;
- 01 photocopy.
Processing time:
Depending on the number of documents in the dossier, but not exceeding 04 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application.
- Applying to the provincial-level police authority in Vietnam
Foreigners who are currently or previously lawfully residing in Vietnam may submit an application directly to the competent Vietnamese authority for issuance of a criminal record certificate. As the certificate is issued by a Vietnamese authority, consular legalization and notarized translation are not required, and it can be used directly for work permit applications.
Procedure:
The applicant must appear in person at the competent police authority.
From 01 March 2025, the provincial-level police authorities receive and process applications for criminal record certificates for foreigners, following the transfer of responsibilities from the Ministry of Justice (Vietnam) to the Ministry of Public Security (Vietnam) in accordance with Official Dispatch No. 454/BTP-TCC.
Application dossier:
- Application form for issuance of a criminal record certificate;
- Copy of the applicant’s passport and valid visa (the original must be presented for comparison);
- Temporary residence declaration certified by the ward-level police.
Processing time:
Within 10 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application.
Applying for a criminal record certificate is an important prerequisite before submitting an application for a work permit for foreign employees in Vietnam.
- Guidance notes for foreigners:
- In practice, a criminal record certificate is usually valid for 06 months from the date of issuance (subject to the specific requirements of each administrative procedure).
- Any document issued in a language other than Vietnamese must be notarizedly translated into Vietnamese and certified true copies must be provided when submitting the dossier.
- If the applicant cannot submit the application in person, they may authorize another individual or organization to do so. The power of attorney must be notarized or certified in accordance with applicable regulations.
- To avoid errors during dossier preparation, foreign employees and employers are advised to use professional legal consulting services to ensure that the criminal record application is prepared and processed in full compliance with Vietnamese regulations.
In conclusion, obtaining your Criminal Record Certificate is a fundamental step in maintaining your legal compliance and professional eligibility while living abroad. While the requirements may seem meticulous, staying organized with your documentation and adhering to the official timelines will ensure a smooth and successful experience. Remember that regulations can occasionally shift, so staying informed is key. With your certificate in hand, you can confidently move forward with your career or residency goals, knowing your legal affairs are in perfect order.
📞 CONTACT LEGAL CONSULTANT:
TLA Law is a leading law firm with a team of highly experienced lawyers specializing in criminal, civil, corporate, marriage and family law, and more. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal support and answering all your legal questions. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Lawyer Vu Thi Phuong Thanh, Chairman of the Members’ Council, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: vtpthanh@tlalaw.vn
2. Lawyer Tran My Le, Manager of TLA Law LLC, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: tmle@tlalaw.vn.
Dinh Phuong Thao