A Criminal Record Certificate (Vietnam Police Check) is required for foreign experts to obtain a Vietnam work permit and work legally in the country.

What is a Criminal Record Certificate?

It is a document issued by the Department of Justice (or the National Criminal Record Center). It provides information confirming:

• Whether an individual has a criminal record, verdict, or court judgment.
• Whether an individual is prohibited from holding positions, establishing, or managing businesses in cases of companies or enterprises declared bankrupt by the court.

How many types of Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate?

At present, Viet Nam provides two types of certificates for foreigners:

• Criminal Record Certificate No. 1.

This document lists only unexpunged criminal records, excluding those that have been expunged. It is typically issued to individuals or relevant agencies and organizations.

• Criminal Record Certificate No. 2.

This certificate provides a complete record of all convictions, including both expunged and unexpunged ones. It is primarily issued to judicial authorities and agencies involved in legal proceedings.

For foreigners applying for a work permit, Criminal Record Certificate No. 1 is usually required to meet the eligibility criteria.

What is the Criminal Record Certificate’s validity?

The validity of the Criminal Record Certificate is specified in the regulations of each legal field. Notably, for Work Permit applications, the certificate must be issued within the last 6 months.

Step 1: Prepare required documents

• Filling in a form for Criminal Record Certificate.
• Original passport (and a copy) which includes valid Vietnam visa stamp, or visa exemption, or TRC.
• A temporary residency paper provied by your landlord and certified by local police.

Step 2: Submit the application

The application shall be submitted to the Department of Justice where the applicants resides.

• In Ha Noi City: Hanoi Department Justice, located at 221 Tran Phu Street, Ha Dong District, Hanoi City.
• In Ho Chi Minh City: Ho Chi Minh Department Justice, located at 143 Pasteur Street, District 3, HCMC.

Step 3: Receive result of the certificate

You will receive the Criminal Record Certificate within 10 working days in Hanoi and 15 working days in Ho Chi Minh City after submission.

In conclusion, obtaining a Criminal Record Certificate is a crucial step for foreign experts applying for a work permit in Vietnam. This certificate serves as official proof of an individual’s criminal history, ensuring they meet legal requirements for employment in the country. With clear guidelines on the types of certificates, validity, and application process, foreign nationals can efficiently navigate the procedure and obtain the necessary documentation to work legally in Vietnam.