If you’re applying for a visa, residency, or citizenship abroad, you may be required to provide a Police Certificate. This official document proves your criminal record status and is often a key part of immigration, work, or citizenship applications.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What a Police Certificate is and what it includes
- How to apply through ACRO
- Current costs and processing times
- When and why you may need an apostille
- How a notary can help with document legalisation
What is a Police Certificate?
A Police Certificate is an official document issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office. It confirms whether or not you have a criminal record in the UK. Many foreign governments request this certificate for:
- Visa applications
- Permanent residency or citizenship
- Overseas employment in sectors like healthcare, education, or security
What Your Certificate Includes
- Personal details and a recent photograph
- Criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands (in line with ACRO’s step-down model)
- Any pending prosecutions
- Relevant foreign criminal history (if shared with the UK)
Will Every Country Accept a Police Certificate?
Not all countries accept a Police Certificate in its original form. Many require an apostille, issued the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Always check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or requesting authority to confirm whether:
- A Police Certificate is acceptable for your application
- An apostille is required
Whether your document just requires an apostille, or you require any further embassy legalisation, our team can take care of this for you.
Do I Need an Apostille?
If you’re using your Police Certificate in a Hague Convention country, you’ll likely need an apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
An apostille confirms your certificate is genuine and valid for international use.
Common reasons for needing an apostille include:
- Applying for a work visa (e.g., in Spain, Italy, UAE)
- Residency or citizenship applications
- Submitting documents to foreign employers or government agencies
What You Need to Apply for a Police Certificate
To apply for your ACRO Police Certificate, have the following ready:
- Passport-style photo (JPG or PNG, max 3MB)
- Colour scan of your passport or travel document
- 10-year address history
- Details of past convictions or legal matters (if any)
- A valid email address
- Debit or credit card for payment
If applying on behalf of someone else, you may need additional documentation. Check the ACRO website for full requirements.
Final Note: Get It Right the First Time
Applying for a Police Certificate and getting it apostilled can be straightforward — if you prepare in advance.
The team at iNotary provide a complete notary service and understand the apostille requirements, get in touch today to find out how we can help you.
📍 Address: 1 Paris Garden, London SE1 8ND
📞 Phone: 020 7019 9007
🌐 Website: https://inotarypublic.co.uk
