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Being robbed in Vietnam can be a deeply distressing experience for anyone—especially for foreigners. Language barriers, unfamiliar legal procedures, and fear of dealing with local authorities often lead many to believe that once their property is stolen, it is gone forever.
But is that really the case? Do foreigners have the legal right to recover stolen property in Vietnam? Will the police provide assistance? What does the actual procedure look like, and what should be done from the very beginning to improve the chances of recovery?
From the perspective of DEDICA Law’s lawyers, this article aims to help you understand your rights correctly, reduce unnecessary anxiety, and take appropriate legal action.
Legal Notice: This article is for general informational and guidance purposes only and does not guarantee property recovery in all cases. The outcome depends on the nature of the incident, available evidence, and the handling of the case by competent authorities.
One of the most common fears among tourists and foreigners facing incidents in Vietnam is the belief that “because I’m not a citizen, I won’t be protected.” In reality, Vietnamese law does not discriminate based on nationality when protecting victims of crime.
Pursuant to Article 5 of the 2015 Criminal Code, all individuals within the territory of Vietnam are equal before the law. This means that foreigners whose property is infringed upon in Vietnam are fully protected under Vietnamese law, in the same manner as Vietnamese citizens.
The real issue is not whether you are protected, but whether you know how to properly exercise your rights at the right time.
Before determining whether stolen property can be recovered, it is essential to identify the legal nature of the act involved. In everyday language, “robbery” may refer to several different criminal offenses.
This is the most serious scenario, where the offender uses violence, threatens immediate violence, or employs methods that render the victim incapable of resistance in order to seize property. Such conduct constitutes the crime of robbery under Article 168 of the 2015 Criminal Code.
Due to the high level of danger involved, police authorities typically act urgently in these cases. The likelihood of recovering the property depends heavily on how quickly the incident is reported and the quality of initial evidence.
A common situation involving tourists is having a phone or handbag snatched while walking or sitting on a motorbike. This conduct is usually classified as snatch theft under Article 171 of the 2015 Criminal Code.
Although direct physical force may not be used, this is still a criminal offense, and the stolen property is considered physical evidence that may be recovered.
If property is taken from a hotel room, residence, or other location without the victim’s awareness and without direct confrontation, the act may constitute theft under Article 173 of the Criminal Code.
Correctly identifying the offense is crucial, as it directly affects investigative procedures and the possibility of recovering the property.
Vietnamese law does not distinguish nationality when protecting victims of crime. Under Article 5 of the 2015 Criminal Code, the principle of equality before the law applies to all individuals committing offenses within Vietnam, and implicitly ensures protection for all victims, including foreigners.
For crime victims, Article 62 of the 2015 Criminal Procedure Code clearly stipulates fundamental rights, including:
The right to be informed about the progress of investigation, prosecution, and trial.
The right to claim compensation for damage to property, health, and mental well-being.
The right to have seized property returned if it is identified as physical evidence and does not affect case resolution.
The right to personal protection and legal assistance, including hiring a lawyer or requesting interpretation services when necessary.
Regarding property recovery, Article 106 of the 2015 Criminal Procedure Code governs the handling of physical evidence (with stolen or snatched property classified as physical evidence under Article 89).
Property may be returned to its lawful owner or manager if:
The return does not affect case resolution or enforcement of judgment; and
The return is decided by the Investigating Authority (during investigation), the Procuracy (during prosecution), the Chief Justice of the Court (during trial preparation), or the Trial Panel (after trial).
In addition, Article 584 of the 2015 Civil Code affirms the right to compensation for damage caused by unlawful acts, including restitution of the property in kind or compensation for its equivalent value.
Foreigners, whether tourists or temporary residents, enjoy these rights under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended in 2020), which emphasizes the protection of human rights in accordance with international conventions to which Vietnam is a party, such as United Nations human rights conventions.
The recovery process typically begins with promptly reporting the incident:
Immediate reporting: Call 113 (Rapid Response Police) or go to the nearest ward/commune police office to file an official report. Provide detailed information and any available evidence (photos, videos, witnesses).
Evidence collection: Request checks of security cameras and record descriptions of the suspect.
Investigation and recovery: Police will pursue the suspect. If apprehended, the property is temporarily seized as evidence and may be returned early if not required for trial (pursuant to Article 106 of the Criminal Procedure Code).
Formal recovery request: The victim submits a written request to the Investigating Authority or the Court, proving ownership (receipts, documents). The timeframe varies—from a few days to several months—depending on the case.
Support for foreigners: Contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate for assistance with interpretation and legal support.
In practice, many cases are resolved successfully. For example, in 2017, Ho Chi Minh City police apprehended snatch theft offenders and returned property to two foreign tourists within one day. Similarly, in 2013, stolen property belonging to Japanese tourists was quickly recovered and returned.
Not all cases result in successful recovery. If the property has been sold to a bona fide third party, recovery becomes more complex and may require resolution through civil proceedings under Articles 166 and 167 of the 2015 Civil Code regarding ownership rights.
However, even in such cases, victims still retain the right to claim compensation for damages in accordance with the law.
Foreigners whose property is robbed in Vietnam are not left without legal recourse. They fully have the right to seek recovery under Vietnamese law. That said, success largely depends on how quickly the incident is reported, the availability of evidence, and how effectively the case is handled with competent authorities.
If you—or your foreign employees or business partners—need assistance recovering property after a robbery in Vietnam, DEDICA Law can support you from the initial police report, liaising with authorities, arranging qualified interpreters, to drafting formal requests for property return and compensation claims.
Getting it right from the very first official working session often determines up to 80% of the chances of successful recovery later on.
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Contact us today for a free initial consultation with our experienced lawyers!
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