New procedure for applying for a judicial record certificate in Vietnam from 2025

The Judicial Record Certificate is an important document, often required when applying for jobs, studying abroad, completing immigration procedures, or establishing a business. From 2025, the process of applying for a Judicial Record Certificate in Vietnam has several updates, particularly with the transfer of management to the Ministry of Public Security and stronger integration into digital platforms such as the National Public Service Portal and the VNeID application.
The article below will help you clearly understand the procedure, required documents, fees, and incentives when applying in 2025.

1. Key changes from 2025

• The Ministry of Public Security directly manages the issuance of Judicial Record Certificates instead of the Ministry of Justice.
• Pilot expansion via the VNeID application from October 1, 2024, nationwide application from 2025.
• 20% fee reduction when applying online until December 31, 2025.
• Faster processing time: normally 10 days, up to 15 days if verification is required.
• Applicable to both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners residing in Vietnam.

2. Required documents for a Judicial Record Certificate

For Vietnamese citizens, the required documents include:

• Application form according to the new templates (MS 01/2025, MS 02/2025, MS 04/2025, or MS 05/2025).
   
• A copy of your Citizen ID Card or passport, along with the original for verification.
• For cases with criminal records: judgment, enforcement decision, receipt of penalty payments...
• Supporting documents proving eligibility for fee reduction or exemption (if applicable).

For foreigners, the required documents include:

• Application form for issuance of Judicial Record Certificate (Form No. 03/2013/TT-LLTP).
• Passport – copy and notarized Vietnamese translation.
• Temporary residence confirmation or temporary/permanent residence card in Vietnam (issued by the Police).
• Power of attorney (if applying through another person) – must be duly notarized.

Note: Foreigners who have already left Vietnam may authorize a representative in Vietnam to apply for the Judicial Record Certificate on their behalf

3. Steps to complete the procedure

3.1 Online submission via VNeID or the National Public Service Portal

• Log in with a level-2 verified account on VNeID or dichvucong.gov.vn.
• Select the service “Issuance of Judicial Record Certificate.”
• Fill out the online application form, choose the type of certificate (No. 1 or No. 2).
• Pay the fee online (VND 170,000 per application, with discount valid until 31/12/2025).
• Track the processing progress and receive results online or by post.

3.2 Direct submission or by post

• Prepare paper documents as required.
• Submit at the provincial-level Public Security office or via public postal service.
• Pay the fee directly (VND 200,000 per application).
• Receive the result directly or by post.

4. Fees for Judicial Record Certificate in 2025

• Direct submission: VND 200,000 per application/person.
• Online submission (via VNeID): VND 170,000 per application/person (20% discount until 31/12/2025).
• 50% reduction for students, people with meritorious services to the revolution, and relatives of martyrs.
• Free of charge for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, poor households, and ethnic minorities in disadvantaged areas.

5. Processing time

• Normally: 10 working days.
• In cases requiring verification in multiple places: up to 15 days.
• Results can be received online, by post, or directly at the Public Security office.

6. Important notes

• Prioritize online application to save costs and time.
• Carefully check which type of certificate you need (No. 1 or No. 2) to avoid reapplication.
• Prepare all documents thoroughly, especially enforcement decisions if you have a criminal record.
• Foreigners must provide valid residence documents in Vietnam.

The process of applying for a Judicial Record Certificate in Vietnam has been greatly simplified and digitized. Citizens can easily submit applications online, track progress through the VNeID application, enjoy reduced fees, and save time. This is a major step forward in administrative reform, moving toward e-government and better serving the needs of both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners residing in Vietnam.