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How are foreigners penalized for buying sex in Vietnam? This is a question many people search for silently when facing anxiety after being invited to work with the police, having their passport temporarily held, or being subject to criminal investigation. Will you be deported? Could you go to jail?
This article explains the applicable Vietnamese laws and provides practical legal orientation to help you respond in a calm and strategic manner.
When summoned or temporarily detained, the first fear most foreigners have is: “Will I be criminally prosecuted?” or “Will my visa be cancelled?” To answer properly, it is necessary to distinguish between administrative sanctions and criminal liability under Vietnamese law.
According to Decree No. 144/2021/ND-CP (currently in force), ordinary acts of buying sex are subject to administrative sanctions and are not automatically criminal offenses if there are no aggravating circumstances.
Specifically:
A fine from VND 1,000,000 to VND 2,000,000 for buying sex.
If buying sex with two or more persons at the same time, a fine from VND 2,000,000 to VND 5,000,000.
Therefore, in most common cases, a foreigner buying sex in Vietnam will face an administrative fine.
However, an important point must be emphasized: if the act involves a person under 18 years old, the case may be prosecuted under the 2015 Criminal Code (as amended in 2017), particularly Article 329 regarding the offense of buying sex with a person under 18 years old. In such cases, imprisonment may apply depending on the severity and specific circumstances.
Thus, determining the exact age, factual background, and legal elements of the case is crucial.
In addition to monetary fines, foreigners who violate Vietnamese law may be subject to supplementary measures such as:
Deportation under the Law on Handling Administrative Violations;
Visa cancellation or refusal of visa extension;
Recording of the violation in immigration records.
It is important to note that deportation is not an automatic consequence in every case of buying sex. Competent authorities will consider various factors, including the seriousness of the violation, personal background, previous records, level of cooperation, and impact on public order.
In practical legal consulting, we have seen cases where foreigners were only administratively fined and not deported. However, there are also situations where stricter measures were applied due to complicated circumstances.
Each case must be assessed individually.
The moment of receiving a summons or being temporarily held for questioning is often the most stressful. Language barriers and unfamiliar procedures may cause individuals to unintentionally sign documents without fully understanding their content.
Proper handling from the very beginning can significantly influence the legal outcome.
Under Vietnamese law, foreigners subject to administrative or criminal procedures have fundamental rights, including:
The right to be informed of the reason for the working session;
The right to request an interpreter;
The right to retain a lawyer to protect lawful rights and interests;
The right not to be compelled to provide self-incriminating statements.
In practice, lack of awareness of these rights has placed many individuals in unfavorable positions. Particularly in cases with potential criminal elements, inaccurate statements or signing unclear documents may create serious legal consequences.
For this reason, having a lawyer involved from an early stage should be carefully considered.
Not every buying sex case requires immediate legal representation. However, you should seek legal advice if:
Your passport is temporarily confiscated;
You are detained for an unclear or extended period;
There are indications of criminal investigation;
The case involves a person under 18;
You do not understand Vietnamese-language documents.
DEDICA frequently assists foreign clients in such situations, from initial consultation and accompanying clients during police interviews, to criminal defense where necessary.
We understand that for foreigners, a legal incident in Vietnam is not merely about a fine. It may affect reputation, employment, visa status, and future ability to re-enter Vietnam.
It must be clearly stated that each case contains unique facts and the final outcome depends on competent authorities. A lawyer cannot guarantee a specific result. However, professional legal strategy can help minimize risks and protect lawful interests within the framework of Vietnamese law.
Facing legal issues in a foreign country is overwhelming. The key is not panic, but timely and appropriate legal action.
An effective legal strategy should be based on:
Identifying the exact alleged conduct;
Analyzing applicable legal grounds;
Considering mitigating circumstances;
Assessing risks of supplementary measures such as deportation.
In many situations, proactive cooperation, remedial actions, and official lawyer participation may help prevent escalation.
DEDICA is a law firm based in Ho Chi Minh City with experienced lawyers who regularly represent foreign clients involved in criminal matters in Vietnam.
We have participated in:
Criminal defense for foreigners under investigation;
Representation in working sessions with investigation authorities;
Legal consultation to mitigate deportation risks;
Protecting foreign victims in criminal cases.
Our goal is not to make unrealistic promises such as “guaranteed no imprisonment,” but to help clients understand their legal position, anticipate risks, and choose appropriate legal strategies in accordance with Vietnamese law.
If you or your family member is:
Invited to work with police regarding buying sex;
Temporarily detained or under investigation;
Concerned about deportation risks;
In need of a criminal defense lawyer in Vietnam;
Do not wait until the matter escalates.
You are facing a similar situation?
Contact DEDICA Law Firm for in-depth legal consultation!
📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Available via WhatsApp, WeChat & Zalo)
🕒 Working Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
Contact us today to receive a complimentary initial consultation from our experienced legal team.
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