You once lived in Vietnam and now need a criminal record certificate for an immigration or job application elsewhere. It can still be done without returning, through authorisation.
Who usually needs it
Immigration authorities in many countries ask for a criminal record check from every country where the applicant has lived for a certain length of time. People who worked or studied in Vietnam therefore often need the certificate after they have left.
How it works from abroad
For Certificate No. 1 you can authorise someone else to file the application and collect the result. Authorisation is more restricted for Certificate No. 2, so check first which one the receiving authority requires.
Documents to prepare
- A passport copy, including any old passport used while you lived in Vietnam.
- Proof of residence: temporary residence card, visas, entry and exit stamps, residence confirmation.
- A letter of authorisation. One signed abroad usually has to be notarised and legalised.
- The application form.
After the certificate is issued
The certificate is issued in Vietnamese. For use abroad it usually needs translation, consular certification in Vietnam and legalisation by the receiving country's mission, depending on that country's rules. We send a scan by email and the original by international courier.
Notes
- The issuing authority changed in 2025. Where and how to file should be checked against the latest rules.
- The certificate is usually accepted for about 6 months. Time your application to the deadline of your main application.
- Keep copies of your residence card and passport pages before leaving Vietnam. Missing proof of residence is a common cause of delay.
Need help with your own case?
See our Criminal Record Check service, or send a request for a free consultation.
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