Criminal Record Certificate for a Vietnam Work Permit: Processing Time
A criminal record certificate — or a document confirming no criminal record — is one of the required documents for a Vietnam work permit application. Under the current automated system, standard issuance takes 5 working days, down from the previous 10.
Why This Document Matters for a Work Permit
RedTab's own work permit documentation checklist lists a "criminal record certificate or document confirming no criminal record and not currently under criminal investigation" as a required item — this is the certificate that satisfies it.
Processing Time
A regulatory change moved issuance authority and automated the cross-check process, cutting the standard turnaround.
- The police agency cross-checks submitted dossiers automatically within 8 working hours.
- Standard issuance time: reduced from 10 days to 5 working days.
- Complex cases requiring further verification: up to 15 days maximum.
If You Haven't Lived in Vietnam Yet
A foreign national who hasn't yet entered Vietnam, or has been in the country under 6 months, generally needs a criminal record from their home country instead of (or alongside) a Vietnamese one.
- Criminal record certificates issued by a foreign agency need consular legalization and a notarized Vietnamese translation before they're accepted.
Legal basis: Decree 216/2026/ND-CP, Law No. 107/2025/QH15. Work permit documentation requirement per the Work Permit page. Content last verified 2026-08-02.
Preparing a Work Permit Application?
Tell us where you're applying from — RedTab will confirm which criminal record route applies and coordinate the full document set.
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