What Is a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate (Lý Lịch Tư Pháp No. 2)?
A Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate, officially known as a Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu Lý lịch tư pháp số 2), is an official document that records all criminal convictions, including those that have been expunged or remitted, as well as any prohibitions on holding certain positions or establishing enterprises. For expats, this document is often required for work permit applications, visa conversions, permanent residence applications, or when applying for jobs or residencies in other countries that require proof of no criminal record from Vietnam.
The legal basis for this procedure is the Law on Judicial Records, which was significantly amended by Law No. 107/2025/QH15, effective from July 1, 2026. Under the new law, individuals with electronic identification level 2 can receive the Judicial Record Certificate electronically through the National Public Service Portal and VNeID, which holds the same legal value as the paper version. Importantly, foreigners and individuals without electronic identification can still apply for the certificate through direct submission or postal services.
Who Can Apply for a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate?
Vietnamese citizens and foreigners who have resided or are currently residing in Vietnam, aged 16 or older, have the right to request a Judicial Record Certificate from the competent authority. For foreigners, the applicant must have a valid temporary residence or permanent residence registration in Vietnam. If you have lived in multiple locations within Vietnam, the certificate will cover your entire residence history in the country.
Individuals may also authorize others to carry out the application procedure on their behalf. The authorization must be made in writing in accordance with the law.
Required Documents Checklist for Judicial Record Certificate No. 2
The application dossier must include the following documents. This checklist is based on the official requirements under the Law on Judicial Records and its implementing circulars.
- Application Form (Tờ khai yêu cầu cấp Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp) — Form No. 03/2013/TT-LLTP for individuals requesting a Judicial Record Certificate. This form is available in Vietnamese.
- Valid passport — A certified copy or a scan with the original shown for comparison.
- Temporary Residence Certificate, Permanent Residence Certificate, or household registration book — A certified copy or scan of your temporary residence certificate (Sổ tạm trú), permanent residence certificate (Sổ hộ khẩu), or confirmation of residence information (Xác nhận thông tin cư trú).
- Authorization letter (if applicable) — If you are applying through a representative, a written authorization letter is required, along with the representative's identification documents.
- Fee payment receipt — Proof of payment of the applicable fee (see the Fees section below).
Form No. 03/2013/TT-LLTP Field-by-Field Translation & Breakdown
The application form is in Vietnamese, but understanding each field is essential to avoid errors. Below is a breakdown of the key sections you must complete.
- Họ và tên / Full name: Enter your full name in capital letters, exactly as it appears in your passport.
- Ngày sinh / Date of birth: Day, month, year.
- Giới tính / Sex: Male (Nam) or Female (Nữ).
- Quốc tịch / Nationality: Your current nationality.
- Số hộ chiếu / Passport number: Your passport number, issuing authority, and expiry date.
- Nơi thường trú/tạm trú / Permanent or temporary residence: Your registered address in Vietnam. If you do not have a permanent residence, provide your temporary residence address.
- Mục đích yêu cầu cấp Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp / Purpose of requesting the certificate: State the reason, such as work permit application, visa conversion, or employment.
- Thông tin về án tích / Criminal record information: Declare any prior criminal convictions, including those that have been expunged. If you have no criminal record, state that clearly.
- Yêu cầu xác nhận thông tin cấm đảm nhiệm chức vụ, thành lập, quản lý doanh nghiệp / Request for confirmation of prohibition on holding positions, establishing, or managing enterprises: If applicable, indicate whether you require confirmation regarding any business-related prohibitions.
Copyable Template: Authorization Letter for Judicial Record Certificate Application
If you are unable to submit the application in person, you may authorize a representative to do so on your behalf. Below is a copyable template for the authorization letter. Replace all bracketed placeholders with your actual information.
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
--------o0o-------- [Date: DD/MM/YYYY] LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION To: The Competent Authority for Issuance of Judicial Record Certificates
[Office Name and Address] I, the undersigned: Full Name: [Applicant Full Name]
Passport Number: [Passport Number]
Nationality: [Nationality]
Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Address in Vietnam: [Full Address] Hereby authorize: Full Name: [Authorized Person Full Name]
Identification Number: [ID/Passport Number]
Relationship to Applicant: [Relationship]
Address: [Full Address]
Phone: [Phone Number] To carry out all procedures related to the request for a Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 on my behalf, including but not limited to: - Submitting the application dossier to the competent authority
- Receiving the result on my behalf
- Paying the applicable fees I confirm that I take full responsibility for the actions of the authorized person in relation to this authorization. Respectfully, [Signature of Applicant]
[Full Name]
[Passport Number]
Official Submission Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow these steps in order to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
- Step 1: Prepare your dossier. Complete Form No. 03/2013/TT-LLTP. Gather your valid passport, temporary residence certificate or confirmation of residence, and any supporting documents. If applying through a representative, prepare the authorization letter.
- Step 2: Choose your submission method. You have three options: (a) Online through the National Public Service Portal or the National Identification Application (VNeID) if you have electronic identification level 2; (b) By post by sending the dossier with certification of your signature to the competent authority; or (c) Directly by submitting the dossier to the competent authority issuing the Judicial Record Certificate.
- Step 3: Submit your application. If applying in person, go to the competent authority at the provincial level (Công an cấp tỉnh) where you are registered. If you have no permanent residence, submit at the provincial police authority where you have temporary residence.
- Step 4: Pay the fee. Pay the applicable fee at the submission point. The standard fee is 200,000 VND per person per application. A reduced fee of 100,000 VND applies to students from 16 years of age, individuals with meritorious service to the revolution, and relatives of martyrs.
- Step 5: Receive acknowledgment. If your dossier is complete and valid, the receiving officer will accept it and provide a receipt and appointment slip for result return.
- Step 6: Wait for processing. The processing time is 5 working days from receipt of a valid request. If verification of criminal records is required, the period may be extended but must not exceed 15 working days.
- Step 7: Collect your certificate. Return on the appointed date with your receipt and identification to collect your Judicial Record Certificate No. 2. If you applied online, you may receive an electronic version through VNeID or the National Public Service Portal.
Common Mistakes & Rejection Warnings
- Incomplete or incorrect application form. Ensure all fields are filled out accurately, especially your full name, passport number, and residence address. Missing or incorrect information will result in the application being returned.
- Failure to provide proof of residence. A certified copy of your temporary residence certificate, permanent residence certificate, or confirmation of residence information is mandatory. Without it, your application cannot be processed.
- Using an outdated form. Ensure you are using the current Form No. 03/2013/TT-LLTP. The new electronic form under Circular No. 101/2026/TT-BCA (Form No. 07/2026/LLTP) is used for the certificate itself, not the application.
- Not declaring criminal records. You must declare all criminal convictions, including those that have been expunged. Failure to do so can result in rejection and legal consequences.
- Insufficient fee payment. Pay the correct fee. The standard fee is 200,000 VND, and the reduced fee is 100,000 VND for eligible categories.
- Submitting to the wrong authority. For foreigners, submit your application at the provincial police authority where you have temporary residence.
Official Processing Time, Fees & Submission Locations
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 5 working days from receipt of a valid request.
- Extended processing (if verification is required): Not more than 15 working days.
Official Government Fees
- Standard fee: 200,000 VND per person per application.
- Reduced fee: 100,000 VND per person for students from 16 years of age, individuals with meritorious service to the revolution, and relatives of martyrs.
- Free of charge: Children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, poor households, and residents of specially disadvantaged communes.
Submission Locations
You can submit your application at the following locations:
- Provincial Police Authority (Công an cấp tỉnh): Submit at the provincial police authority where you have permanent residence. If you do not have permanent residence, submit at the provincial police authority where you have temporary residence.
- National Public Service Portal: Online submission is available at dichvucong.gov.vn for individuals with electronic identification level 2.
- By post: Send your dossier with certification of your signature to the competent authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Judicial Record Certificate No. 1 and No. 2?
A: Certificate No. 1 records only criminal cases that have not been remitted (expunged). Certificate No. 2 records all criminal cases, including those that have been remitted, as well as information on prohibitions from holding certain positions.
Q2: How long does it take to get a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate?
A: The processing time is 5 working days from receipt of a valid request. If verification of criminal records is required, the period may be extended but must not exceed 15 working days.
Q3: What is the fee for a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate?
A: The standard fee is 200,000 VND per person per application. A reduced fee of 100,000 VND applies to students from 16 years of age, individuals with meritorious service to the revolution, and relatives of martyrs.
Q4: Can I apply for a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate online?
A: Yes. Individuals with electronic identification level 2 can apply online through the National Public Service Portal or the National Identification Application (VNeID). Foreigners and individuals without electronic identification can apply through direct submission or postal services.
Q5: Where do I submit my application for a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate?
A: For foreigners, submit your application at the provincial police authority (Công an cấp tỉnh) where you have temporary residence. If you have permanent residence, submit at the provincial police authority where you have permanent residence.