Foreigners living or working in Nha Trang may need a Vietnamese Criminal Record Certificate, also known as a Judicial Record Certificate or “Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp,” when applying for a work permit, residence card, professional licence or other administrative procedures.
The process can be confusing because applicants must normally provide information proving that they are legally residing in Vietnam. This guide explains the documents to prepare, where to apply and the important points foreigners in Nha Trang should know.
Submission section: Vietnamese public administration office
Important Update From July 1, 2026
From July 1, 2026, the issuance of criminal record certificates is managed under the Ministry of Public Security.
Foreigners who do not have a Vietnamese electronic identification account may submit their applications:
- In person
- Through the postal service
- At the Department of Professional Records under the Ministry of Public Security
- At the provincial-level police authority
Foreigners living in Nha Trang should contact the Khánh Hòa Provincial Police or the relevant receiving office before visiting to confirm the current submission location and appointment procedure.
Electronic and paper criminal record certificates have the same legal value under the updated regulations. See the Ministry of Public Security’s 2026 update.
Step 1: Obtain Temporary Residence Confirmation
Before applying for a criminal record certificate, a foreign resident may need to obtain a stamped temporary residence confirmation from the local police authority responsible for the area where they are staying.
Visit the local police office for your ward or commune and bring the relevant accommodation documents.
Documents commonly requested include:
- Original passport
- Valid visa, temporary residence card or other valid residence document
- Apartment or house rental agreement
- Printed online temporary residence declaration
- Online immigration or accommodation registration information
- A copy of the accommodation establishment’s business licence, if the house or apartment is operated as a registered accommodation business
- Copies of other supporting documents requested by the local police
Applicants should bring both the original documents and photocopies for verification.
The exact requirements may vary according to the applicant’s immigration status, type of accommodation and local police office. It is therefore advisable to contact the local police before visiting.
Documents required for a criminal record certificate in Vietnam
Important Same-Day Submission Note
According to current local administrative practice, the stamped temporary residence confirmation may sometimes be accepted only on the date it is issued.
To avoid having to repeat the procedure, arrange to collect the temporary residence confirmation and submit the criminal record application on the same day.
Applicants should confirm this requirement directly with the receiving authority because document-validity practices may vary between offices and individual cases.
Step 2: Prepare the Criminal Record Application
The standard application normally includes:
- A completed application form for a criminal record certificate
- Original passport for verification
- A clear copy of the passport
- Valid visa, temporary residence card or other residence document
- Temporary residence confirmation or supporting residence information, if requested
- Written authorisation and certified signature if another person submits the application on your behalf
- Other supporting documents requested by the receiving authority
The application form and procedures are governed by Circular No. 101/2026/TT-BCA, which took effect on July 1, 2026. View the official regulation.
Documents section: Passport, visa and application documents
Step 3: Submit the Application
Foreigners without electronic identification may submit the application directly or through the postal service.
When submitting the application in person, bring all original documents for verification. If the application is submitted by post, the applicant’s signature and supporting documents may need to be properly certified.
Always keep the application receipt or appointment slip, as it contains the expected result date and may be required when collecting the certificate.
Processing Time
Under the regulations effective from July 1, 2026, the standard processing time is approximately five working days after a complete and valid application is received.
If additional verification is required, the processing time may be extended but should not exceed 15 days.
In practice, applicants should allow approximately one to two weeks and apply early, especially when the certificate is required for a work permit, temporary residence card or another time-sensitive procedure.
Important Tips for Foreign Applicants
- Check that your passport and visa or residence card are still valid.
- Make sure the address on your rental agreement matches your registered temporary residence.
- Ask the landlord or accommodation manager to complete the online temporary residence declaration correctly.
- Prepare both originals and photocopies of all documents.
- Ask whether the accommodation business licence is required in your particular case.
- Confirm whether the temporary residence confirmation and criminal record application must be completed on the same day.
- Contact the receiving authority before visiting because locations and document requirements may change.
- Never post unedited photographs of your passport, visa or residence documents on social media.
Need Assistance in Nha Trang?
If you need help preparing the documents, completing the application form or arranging the temporary residence confirmation for a criminal record certificate in Nha Trang, please send me a private message.
I can guide you through the required documents and help you understand each step of the process.
Contact: 0906431262 Zalo, Whatsapp
