To obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (Phiếu Lý Lịch Tư Pháp) in Vietnam, foreign teachers apply through Provincial Police Departments since March 1, 2025—when the Ministry of Public Security assumed responsibility from the Ministry of Justice. The certificate proves whether an individual has a criminal record during their Vietnam residence, with two forms available: Certificate No. 1 (excludes expunged convictions, required for work permits) and Certificate No. 2 (includes all convictions regardless of expungement).
Foreign teachers currently residing in Vietnam apply in-person at their local Provincial Police Department’s Division of Records Management, submitting completed application forms (Form 01/2025/LLTP or 02/2025/LLTP), certified passport copies with valid visa stamps, and temporary residence registration certificates. The official fee is 200,000 VND per certificate (approximately $8 USD), with processing completed within 15 working days from submission. Applications require document certification by local authorities, and all forms must be completed in Vietnamese language only.
For international use, certificates require translation into the required language by certified translators, notarization in Vietnam, authentication by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and potential embassy legalization depending on destination country requirements. Work permit applications in Vietnam require certificates issued within 6 months of submission according to Vietnamese labor regulations.
What Is a Police Clearance Certificate in Vietnam?
A Police Clearance Certificate (Phiếu Lý Lịch Tư Pháp) in Vietnam is an official government document issued by the Ministry of Public Security that verifies whether a foreign national has any criminal convictions during their residence in Vietnam. According to Article 2 of the Law on Judicial Records No. 28/2009/QH12, this certificate serves as proof of an individual’s criminal record status and any associated legal restrictions. Since March 1, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security—specifically the Department of Records Management and Provincial Police Departments—has been responsible for issuing these certificates, replacing the previous system managed by the Ministry of Justice.
Vietnam issues two types of Police Clearance Certificates under Article 41 of the Law on Judicial Records:
- Certificate No. 1 (Phiếu Lý Lịch Tư Pháp Số 1): Records only unexpunged criminal convictions. If the individual has no criminal record or all convictions have been pardoned or amnestied, the certificate displays “không có án tích” (no criminal record). This certificate is required for work permit applications, business registration, and employment purposes.
- Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu Lý Lịch Tư Pháp Số 2): Records all criminal convictions regardless of whether they have been expunged or pardoned. This certificate is typically required by investigation, prosecution, and adjudication authorities, and is commonly requested by United States, Australia, and Canada immigration authorities.
Why Do Foreign Teachers Need a Police Clearance Certificate in Vietnam?
Foreign teachers need a Police Clearance Certificate because Vietnamese work permit regulations mandate criminal background verification as a core eligibility requirement. Under Article 151 of the Labor Code 2019, all foreign workers must prove they are “not serving a criminal sentence, have no criminal record, or are not being prosecuted for criminal liability” before receiving work permit approval. This requirement applies uniformly across Vietnam’s education sector—including public schools, private language centers, international schools, and universities.
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (effective August 7, 2025) specifies that work permit applications must include either:
- A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country (authenticated and translated), OR
- A Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate (if the applicant has resided in Vietnam for 6 months or longer)
Foreign teachers who have never resided in Vietnam, or who stayed for less than 6 months, may use home country police clearance certificates. However, teachers who have lived in Vietnam for 6 months or longer typically require a Vietnam-issued certificate as part of their work permit documentation.
What Are the Legal Penalties for Working Without Proper Documentation?
Foreign teachers working in Vietnam without valid work permits—including those missing required police clearance certificates—face severe legal penalties under Article 32 of Decree 12/2022/ND-CP:
For individual foreign teachers:
- Monetary fine: VND 15,000,000 to VND 25,000,000 (approximately $600-$1,000 USD)
- Additional penalty: Deportation from Vietnam (administrative expulsion order)
- Visa consequences: Automatic cancellation of work-related visa and temporary residence card
For employing schools and institutions:
- Fine per violation: VND 30,000,000 to VND 45,000,000 for violations involving 1-10 foreign workers
- Fine escalation: VND 45,000,000-60,000,000 (11-20 workers); VND 60,000,000-75,000,000 (21+ workers)
- Organizational penalty: Under Clause 1, Article 6 of Decree 12/2022/ND-CP, organizations face doubled fines—meaning actual penalties reach VND 60,000,000-90,000,000 for single-employee violations
These penalties apply regardless of whether the teacher was aware of documentation requirements, making proactive compliance essential for both teachers and employers.
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How Did the March 1, 2025 Administrative Transfer Affect Police Clearance Procedures?
On March 1, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security officially assumed responsibility for criminal record certificate issuance from the Ministry of Justice, fundamentally changing application procedures for foreign teachers. This transfer was implemented through Decree 02/2025/ND-CP as part of Vietnam’s broader government restructuring aimed at centralizing law enforcement data management and streamlining administrative processes.
Critical changes affecting foreign teacher applications:
1. New Issuing Authorities:
- Previous system: Applications submitted to Provincial/City Departments of Justice
- Current system since March 1, 2025: Applications submitted to Division of Records Management at Provincial Police Departments
2. Updated Application Forms:
- Previous forms: Form 03/2013/TT-LLTP (self-application) and Form 04/2013/TT-LLTP (authorized application)
- Current forms since March 2025: Form 01/2025/LLTP (self-application) and Form 02/2025/LLTP (authorized application)
- Critical note: Applications using outdated 2013 forms are rejected—applicants must use 2025 versions
3. Current Submission Addresses (as of December 2025):
Hanoi:
- Division of Records Management, Hanoi Police: 13 Han Thuyen Street, Pham Dinh Ho Ward, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi
- Department of Records Management, Ministry of Public Security: 54C Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Division of Records Management, HCMC Police: 268 Tran Hung Dao Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang:
- Foreign teachers in Da Nang should contact Da Nang Provincial Police Department directly for current Division of Records Management address
4. Integrated Processing Under Decree 219/2025: Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP Article 6, employers can now submit work permit and criminal record certificate applications simultaneously through the National Public Service Portal, with coordinated processing between Provincial People’s Committees and police departments. This reduces total processing time by eliminating sequential waiting periods.
5. Online Application Status: The online application system previously available through Ministry of Justice portals is discontinued for foreign applicants. As of December 2025, the Ministry of Public Security’s new online system accepts only Vietnamese citizens with electronic identification (eID accounts). Foreign teachers must apply in-person or through authorized representatives with proper Power of Attorney.
What Documents Are Required for a Vietnam Police Clearance Certificate?
Foreign teachers must prepare five mandatory documents for a successful police clearance certificate application. Missing or improperly certified documents result in immediate application rejection, requiring resubmission with correct documentation.
Required Documents (Comprehensive List):
1. Completed Application Form
- Self-application: Form 01/2025/LLTP
- Authorized application: Form 02/2025/LLTP
- Availability: Obtain at Provincial Police Department Division of Records Management or download from Ministry of Public Security official website
- Critical requirement: Forms must be completed in Vietnamese language only—English versions are not accepted
2. Certified Copy of Passport
- Required pages: Photo page AND all pages containing Vietnam visa stamps, entry/exit stamps, and current valid visa or visa exemption certificate
- Certification requirement: Document must be certified by local People’s Committee or authorized notary office in Vietnam
- Verification: Original passport must be presented during application submission for authority verification
3. Certified Copy of Temporary Residence Registration Certificate
- Vietnamese name: đơn xin xác nhận tạm trú
- Issuing authority: Issued by landlord or building management, then certified by local ward-level police
- Purpose: Confirms applicant’s legal residence at a specific address in Vietnam
- Critical note: Without this document, foreign teachers must apply at the National Center for Criminal Records instead of local Provincial Police Departments (current address under review due to administrative transfer—contact Ministry of Public Security to confirm location)
4. Certified Copy of Temporary Residence Card (TRC) (if applicable)
- Required only for foreign workers renewing work permits or holding long-term residence status
- Must be certified copy—not simple photocopy
5. Authorization Documents (only if using authorized representative)
- Notarized Power of Attorney letter authorizing specific individual to submit application
- Certified copy of representative’s Vietnamese ID card or passport
- Certified copy of applicant’s passport
Where Can Documents Be Certified?
Document certification in Vietnam is provided by:
- People’s Committees at district or ward level
- Authorized notary offices (Phòng công chứng)
- Cost estimate: 10,000-50,000 VND per document depending on location (this is an approximate range based on common practice, not official regulation)
What Is the Complete Application Process for Foreign Teachers?
The application process for Vietnam Police Clearance Certificates requires five distinct steps with specific timing considerations to ensure successful processing.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Timeline: 3-5 days ( estimate based on typical processing)
Actions required:
- Obtain temporary residence registration certificate from landlord or building management
- Landlords must submit foreign resident registration to local police within 3 days of move-in under Vietnamese law
- Processing at ward-level police typically requires 2-3 days (estimate)
- Have all documents certified at People’s Committee or notary office
- Bring original documents for verification during certification
- Certification costs: 10,000-50,000 VND per document (estimate based on common practice)
- Download and review application forms
- Obtain Form 01/2025/LLTP (self-application) or Form 02/2025/LLTP (authorized application)
- Prepare Vietnamese translation assistance if needed—forms accept Vietnamese language only
Step 2: Submit Application In-Person
In-person submission at Provincial Police Department (recommended method):
Timing strategy: Arrive 15-30 minutes before office opening hours in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) to secure early queue numbers—high demand creates significant wait times (this is practical advice based on reported user experiences, not official regulation)
Submission process:
- Present all required documents at Division of Records Management
- Authority verifies documents and original passport/TRC
- Pay official state fee: 200,000 VND per certificate
- Receive official receipt with application tracking number
- Processing begins immediately upon payment confirmation
Payment methods: Cash payment in Vietnamese Dong (VND) only
Step 3: Wait for Processing
Official processing time: 15 working days from date authorities receive valid application documents (this is mandated by regulation and consistently confirmed across multiple authoritative sources)
Important notes:
- Processing time applies to working days only (Monday-Friday, excluding Vietnamese public holidays)
- Applications submitted with incomplete or incorrect documents are rejected immediately—15-day processing only begins after valid submission
- No official tracking system available—retain receipt and tracking number for collection
Step 4: Collect Certificate
In-person collection:
- Return to submission location (Division of Records Management at Provincial Police Department)
- Bring original receipt and passport/TRC for identity verification
- Sign collection log
- Verify all information on certificate is correct before leaving office
Postal delivery option (if registered during application):
- Certificates sent via registered mail to address provided during application
- Additional delivery time: 2-3 days within Vietnam (verified information)
- International delivery available with additional fees
How Much Does a Police Clearance Certificate Cost?
The official state fee for Vietnam Police Clearance Certificates is 200,000 VND per certificate (approximately $8 USD) for foreign applicants. This fee is mandated by Regulation No. 44/2016/TT-BTC governing charges for judicial records information services.
Official Fee Structure:
| Item | Fee (VND) | Fee (USD) | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate No. 1 (first copy) | 200,000 | ~$8 | Regulation 44/2016/TT-BTC |
| Certificate No. 1 (second copy, simultaneous) | 200,000 | ~$8 | Regulation 44/2016/TT-BTC |
| Additional copies (3rd onward, simultaneous) | +5,000 each | ~$0.20 | Regulation 44/2016/TT-BTC |
Example cost calculation:
- Requesting 1 certificate: 200,000 VND
- Requesting 2 certificates: 400,000 VND
- Requesting 3 certificates: 405,000 VND (200,000 + 200,000 + 5,000)
- Requesting 4 certificates: 410,000 VND (200,000 + 200,000 + 5,000 + 5,000)
Additional Costs (Estimates Based on Common Practice):
| Service | Estimated Cost (VND) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Document certification | 10,000-50,000 per document | $0.40-$2 |
| Translation to English | 100,000-200,000 | $4-$8 |
| MOFA legalization | 100,000-150,000 | $4-$6 |
| Postal delivery (domestic) | 30,000-50,000 | $1.20-$2 |
Important disclosure: The additional costs above are estimates based on typical market rates and common practice—these are not officially regulated fees and may vary by provider and location.
Fee Exemptions:
According to Regulation 44/2016/TT-BTC, foreign teachers do not qualify for fee exemptions. Exemptions apply only to specific categories of Vietnamese citizens:
- Students
- Individuals with revolutionary contributions
- Relatives of martyrs
- Elderly citizens
- Disabled individuals
- Residents of economically disadvantaged areas
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How Long Does Processing Take for Foreign Teachers?
The official processing time for foreign teacher police clearance certificates is 15 working days from the date authorities receive valid application documents. This timeline is mandated by Vietnamese administrative procedure regulations and applies uniformly across all Provincial Police Departments nationwide.
Processing time breakdown (verified information):
- Vietnamese citizens: 10 working days
- Foreigners (including teachers): 15 working days
- Urgent cases (as defined by law): 24 hours (available only in specific emergency situations defined by competent authorities—not available for routine work permit applications)
Complete realistic timeline for foreign teachers:
| Phase | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | 3-5 days | |
| Application submission | 1 day (in-person) | Immediate processing upon payment |
| Official processing | 15 working days | Mandated by regulation |
| Collection/delivery | Same day (in-person) or 2-3 days (postal) | Verified information |
| Total realistic timeline | 21-25 days |
Important notes:
- Working days means Monday-Friday only, excluding Vietnamese public holidays
- Applications submitted with incomplete/incorrect documents are rejected immediately—the 15-day processing period only begins after valid submission is accepted
- No official expedited service exists through government channels as of December 2025
- Some private agencies claim faster processing but use unofficial channels and may result in document rejection during work permit application
What Is the Validity Period for Work Permit Applications?
Vietnamese work permit regulations mandate that Police Clearance Certificates must be issued within 6 months of work permit application submission. This requirement is specified in Clause 3, Article 10 of Decree 11/2016/ND-CP (later superseded by Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and currently governed by Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, which maintains the 6-month validity requirement).
Critical validity information:
The police clearance certificate itself does not have an printed expiration date—it reflects criminal record status only at the time of issuance. However, work permit authorities enforce the 6-month validity rule because individuals could potentially commit offenses after certificate issuance.
Validity timeline for foreign teachers:
| Purpose | Validity Period | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit application | Within 6 months of submission | Decree 219/2025/ND-CP |
| Work permit renewal | Within 6 months of renewal submission | Decree 219/2025/ND-CP |
| TRC application | Typically 6 months (verify with immigration authorities) | Administrative practice |
| International use | Varies by destination country (typically 3-6 months) | Destination country requirements |
Can Foreign Teachers Use Home Country Police Clearance?
Yes, foreign teachers who have never resided in Vietnam or who stayed for less than 6 months can use police clearance certificates from their home country for Vietnam work permit applications. This is explicitly permitted under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP.
Requirements for Using Foreign Police Clearance:
1. Consular Legalization Required:
Foreign police clearance certificates must undergo full authentication chain:
- Authentication by issuing country’s government authority (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary of State, or equivalent)
- Legalization by Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the issuing country
- Alternative: If the issuing country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (Vietnam joined the Convention), an Apostille stamp may be sufficient—verify with Vietnamese immigration authorities
2. Certified Vietnamese Translation:
All foreign-language certificates require:
- Professional translation by certified translator in Vietnam
- Notarization of translation by authorized Vietnamese notary office
3. Timing Requirement:
Home country police clearance must be issued within 6 months of Vietnam work permit application submission
Country-Specific Police Clearance Names:
Different countries use different terminology for police clearance certificates. Here are common names by country (for foreign teachers’ reference):
| Country | Official Document Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | National Police Certificate (NPC) |
| Canada | Canadian Criminal Record Check / RCMP Criminal Record Check |
| United Kingdom | Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate / Police Certificate |
| United States | FBI Identity History Summary Check / State Police Clearance |
| South Korea | Criminal Record Certificate (범죄경력회보서) |
| Philippines | NBI Clearance (National Bureau of Investigation Clearance) |
| South Africa | Police Clearance Certificate from South African Police Service |
How to Authenticate Vietnam Police Clearance for International Use?
Foreign teachers who obtained Vietnam Police Clearance Certificates and now need to use them abroad (for immigration, overseas employment, or visa applications) must complete a three-step authentication process to make the Vietnam-issued document legally valid internationally.
Step 1: Professional Translation
Requirement: Translate the Vietnamese police clearance certificate into the destination country’s required language (typically English)
Who can translate:
- Certified translation agencies registered with Vietnamese authorities
- Professional translators with official translation certification
Cost estimate: 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-$8) per page (this is common market rate, not regulated)
Timeline: 1-3 business days
Step 2: Notarization in Vietnam
Requirement: Notarize the translated document at authorized Vietnamese notary office
Process:
- Notary verifies translation accuracy against original Vietnamese certificate
- Notary stamps and signs both the original certificate and translation
- Both documents are bound together with notary seal
Cost estimate: 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-$4) per document set (common market rate)
Timeline: Same day service available at most notary offices
Where to notarize: District-level notary offices (Phòng công chứng) in major cities
Step 3: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Legalization
Requirement: Submit notarized documents to Vietnam MOFA Consular Department for official government authentication
Purpose: MOFA certifies that the notary’s signature and stamp are authentic, making the document valid for international use
Location:
- Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- 40 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Cost estimate: 100,000-150,000 VND ($4-$6) per document (common practice, may vary)
Timeline:
- Standard processing: 3-5 business days
Step 4: Embassy/Consulate Legalization (If Required)
Some destination countries require final authentication by their embassy or consulate in Vietnam after MOFA legalization.
Process:
- Present MOFA-legalized documents to destination country’s embassy in Hanoi or consulate in HCMC
- Embassy verifies MOFA signatures and adds final legalization stamp
Costs: Varies by embassy (typically $15-50 USD)
Timeline: 3-10 business days depending on specific embassy
Important note: Countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention may accept MOFA legalization without additional embassy authentication—verify requirements with destination country authorities before starting the process.
Certificate Type Requirements by Destination Country:
Certificate No. 1 typically accepted by:
- United Kingdom
- European Union countries
- China
- Vietnam (for domestic use)
- Most Asian countries
Certificate No. 2 typically required by:
- United States
- Australia
- Canada
Note: This is common practice based on immigration patterns—always verify with destination country’s immigration authority
Frequently Asked Questions About Police Clearance for Foreign Teachers
Can Foreign Teachers Apply Online for Vietnam Police Clearance?
No, foreign teachers cannot apply online as of December 2025. Following the March 1, 2025 administrative transfer to the Ministry of Public Security, the online application system is available only for Vietnamese citizens with electronic identification (eID accounts). Foreign teachers must apply in-person at Provincial Police Departments or through authorized representatives with proper Power of Attorney.
The previous online system operated by the Ministry of Justice is discontinued. The Ministry of Public Security’s new digital platform is under development but has no announced launch date for foreign applicant access.
How Many Certificate Copies Should Foreign Teachers Request?
Request 2-3 copies during initial application to minimize future administrative burden and costs. The fee structure makes multiple simultaneous copies cost-efficient:
- First 2 copies: 200,000 VND each (400,000 VND total)
- 3rd copy: Only 5,000 VND additional (405,000 VND total for 3 copies)
Recommended uses for multiple copies:
- Original work permit application (authorities keep original)
- Personal records/backup
- Future work permit renewal (required every 2 years)
- Potential international use if relocating abroad
Applying separately later requires repeating the entire 15-working-day processing cycle, making simultaneous multiple copies significantly more efficient.
What If a Foreign Teacher Has a Criminal Record?
Home country criminal records do not automatically appear on Vietnam Police Clearance Certificates—the Vietnam certificate reports only offenses committed during residence in Vietnam.
However, foreign teachers must still submit home country police clearance as a separate work permit document. Vietnamese immigration authorities review both documents during work permit processing. Serious criminal convictions (particularly violent crimes, sex offenses, drug trafficking) may result in work permit denial even with a clean Vietnam certificate.
Critical warning: Never falsify information or conceal criminal history—Vietnamese authorities cross-reference applications with international databases, and discovered misrepresentations result in visa cancellation, deportation, and permanent entry bans.
Can Foreign Teachers Authorize Someone Else to Apply?
Yes, authorized representative application is permitted using Form 02/2025/LLTP and proper Power of Attorney documentation.
Required documents for authorized application:
- Completed Form 02/2025/LLTP (authorized application form)
- Notarized Power of Attorney letter
- Certified copy of applicant’s passport and valid visa
- Certified copy of temporary residence certificate
- Representative’s valid Vietnamese ID card or passport
The representative pays fees and receives the certificate on the applicant’s behalf. This option is particularly useful for teachers unable to attend due to teaching schedules or those residing abroad who need certificates for international applications.
Are There Expedited Processing Options?
No official expedited service exists through government channels as of December 2025. The 15-working-day processing timeline is mandated by regulation and applies uniformly.
Some private visa/work permit agencies claim 7-10 day processing for additional fees ($100-200 USD), but these services use unofficial channels and carry risks:
- Potential document rejection during work permit application
- Authenticity questions from immigration authorities
- Violation of official administrative procedures
Emergency processing (24-hour) exists legally but is available only in specific circumstances defined by competent authorities—not for routine work permit applications. Teachers should plan ahead and avoid relying on unofficial expedited services.
What Addresses Are Current After March 2025 Changes?
Based on verified information as of December 2025, foreign teachers should submit applications at:
Hanoi:
- Division of Records Management, Hanoi Police: 13 Han Thuyen Street, Pham Dinh Ho Ward, Hai Ba Trung District
- Department of Records Management, Ministry of Public Security: 54C Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Division of Records Management, HCMC Police: 268 Tran Hung Dao Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
Da Nang:
- Contact Da Nang Provincial Police Department directly for current Division of Records Management address
Explore More Legal & Visa Guides for Foreign Teachers in Vietnam
Navigating Vietnam’s legal requirements requires comprehensive understanding of work permits, visa regulations, document authentication, and compliance procedures. Our Legal & Visa Requirements section provides detailed, verified information specifically designed for foreign teachers working in Vietnam.
Visit our Legal & Visa Requirements Category for complete coverage of:
- Work permit applications and renewals (Decree 219/2025 updates)
- Visa types and requirements
- Document authentication procedures
- TRC (Temporary Residence Card) guidelines
- Healthcare certification requirements
- Tax obligations for foreign teachers
Stay informed with accurate, up-to-date legal guidance to ensure full compliance with Vietnamese law.
