Guide · 7 min read
Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate for Foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City
Where foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City apply for a Vietnam police check, which documents to bring, what it costs and how long it takes, updated for 2026.
If you live in Ho Chi Minh City, sooner or later someone may ask you for a Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate: your employer for a work permit, the immigration office for a temporary residence card, or another country for a visa. This guide explains what the certificate is, where foreigners apply in Ho Chi Minh City, which documents to bring, what it costs and how long it takes, so you can get it right the first time.
- Official name
- Judicial Record Certificate (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp)
- Where to apply
- Ho Chi Minh City Police (Công an TP. Hồ Chí Minh)
- Government fee
- 200,000 VND per person
- Processing time
- Up to 10 days, or up to 15 days if your residence needs to be verified
What is a Vietnam Criminal Record Certificate?
The Criminal Record Certificate, officially called the Judicial Record Certificate (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp), is the Vietnamese equivalent of a police check or police clearance. It states whether you have a criminal record in Vietnam. There are two types:
| Type | What it shows | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate No. 1 | Convictions that have not been cleared | Work permits, temporary residence, most local procedures |
| Certificate No. 2 | Your full record, including cleared convictions | Some foreign immigration and visa applications; only you can request it |
Not sure which one you need? Ask the organisation requesting it, or send us a message and we will check.
What foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City use it for
- Work permit applications, for new permits and renewals
- Temporary residence procedures, such as applying for a temporary residence card (TRC)
- Visa or immigration applications to another country that ask for a police check from Vietnam
- Other administrative or legal procedures that require a criminal record check in Vietnam
Where to apply in Ho Chi Minh City
Foreigners who currently live in Vietnam apply to the provincial-level police where they reside. In Ho Chi Minh City, that is the Ho Chi Minh City Police. Since 2025, the police have handled Criminal Record Certificates. Older guides that send you to the Department of Justice (Sở Tư pháp) are out of date.
If you have already left Vietnam, you apply to the Records Department of the Ministry of Public Security instead. We can help with that too, without you having to fly back.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Government fee (Certificate No. 1 or No. 2) | 200,000 VND per person |
| Each extra certificate, from the 3rd one in the same request | +5,000 VND |
| Postal delivery of the certificate (optional) | Depends on the address |
Government fee set by Circular 16/2025/TT-BTC. Our assistance fee is quoted separately before you pay anything.
Documents you need
Bring these on the day. Originals must be the real documents, not photos on your phone.
- 1. PassportYour original passport and one photocopy.
- 2. Visa or temporary residence card (TRC)The original of your current, valid Vietnam visa or TRC and one photocopy.
- 3. Temporary residence declarationThe original confirmation of your temporary residence registration in Ho Chi Minh City, with the red stamp of the local police. Your full name must be written exactly as in your passport.
- 4. Application formThe Criminal Record Certificate request form, filled in completely and accurately. We prepare this with you.
The officer can ask for other documents depending on your situation. That is why we check everything with you before the appointment.
The most common mistake: names that don’t match
Most rejected applications come down to small details on the temporary residence declaration. Before your appointment, check that:
- your full name is written exactly as in your passport, with no missing middle names;
- you have the original declaration, with the red stamp of the local police, not a photocopy;
- your visa or TRC stays valid while your application is processed. If your stay ends soon, sort that out first. Our Moc Bai visa run and express e-visa can help.
How long it takes
The police issue the certificate within 10 days of accepting a complete application. For foreigners whose place of residence needs to be verified, it can take up to 15 days. Plan for this if you have a work permit or TRC deadline.
On the day you submit, arrive early. Depending on how many people are applying, queuing, document checks and review can take a while.
How we help
- STEP 1
Document check
Send us your passport, visa or TRC and temporary residence declaration. We check them in advance and prepare the application form with you.
- STEP 2
Meet our staff
We arrange to meet you at the police office where the application is submitted, at a time that suits the queue.
- STEP 3
Application support
Our staff go with you through submission and help with communication when needed, then follow up until your certificate is ready.
Need a Criminal Record Certificate in Ho Chi Minh City? Send us photos of your passport, visa or TRC and temporary residence declaration on WhatsApp. We check them and tell you exactly what to bring before you visit the office.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a Criminal Record Certificate in Ho Chi Minh City?
Up to 10 days from the day a complete application is accepted. For foreigners whose residence needs to be verified, it can take up to 15 days.
How much is the government fee?
200,000 VND per person per request, under Circular 16/2025/TT-BTC. From the third certificate in the same request, each extra certificate costs 5,000 VND more.
Where do foreigners apply in Ho Chi Minh City?
At the Ho Chi Minh City Police (Công an TP. Hồ Chí Minh). Since 2025, Criminal Record Certificates are issued by the police, not the Department of Justice.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
For Certificate No. 1, yes, with a written authorisation. Certificate No. 2 must be requested by you in person, because it shows your full record.
I have already left Vietnam. Can I still get one?
Yes. Foreigners who used to live in Vietnam apply to the Records Department of the Ministry of Public Security instead of the city police. We can help you prepare the request from abroad.