Guidance

Countries A to F: applying for a criminal records check for someone from overseas

Updated 11 December 2024

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Application processes for obtaining overseas criminality information to provide to employers in the United Kingdom or to meet the requirements of the United Kingdom Immigration Rules to provide an overseas criminal record certificate in support of a visa application.

For further information on criminal records processes overseas, contact the relevant embassy or high commission.

Abu Dhabi

See United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan

Who can apply?

The Embassy of Afghanistan in London carries out criminal record checks for people who have worked or resided in Afghanistan and provides a letter confirming the results.

What must the applicant supply?

To apply for a criminal record check (CRC), the following are required:

  • completed and signed application form
  • one standard passport size photo - the photo must be recent
  • original documents- a Tazkira that has been attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul or an Afghan passport must be submitted in person
  • for foreign nationals, a valid passport and Afghan visa covering the period time spent in Afghanistan
  • a valid telephone number and address - the applicant will be contacted on this number upon the completion of the check

What are the costs and turnaround times?

  • a fee of £40.00 must be paid by credit or debit card at the counter desk or at the bank by payment slip

After the receipt of an application, the applicant’s details are sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry then forwards the details on to the relevant authorities to carry out the checks. When the ministry receives the results of the checks, they forward the results to the representation in London and the applicant is issued with a letter confirming the results of the checks.

Contact details

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
1 Princes Gate
London
SW7 1QQ

Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 

Consular Department 

Hours: Monday-Friday 09:00 to 17:00

The information on this country was last updated on: 15 March 2017.

Albania

Certificate of Judicial Status / Deshmi Penaliteti.

Who can apply?

  • individuals or employers with written consent can apply
  • an individual cannot authorise a third party individual or agency to apply for disclosure

Where?

  • applications are only accepted inside Albania; overseas applications will not be accepted
  • applications should be made to a branch of the Albanian Post Office. (Direct applications will not be accepted by the Office of Judicial Status or Albanian Embassies)
  • applicants seeking their CRC should either contact the Ministry of Public Order if they have relatives in Tirana or the Albanian Embassy in London

What must the applicant supply?

The application form must include:

  • applicant’s full name
  • name of applicant’s father and mother
  • date of birth and place of birth
  • statement that the applicant does/does not have criminal convictions (*The application must be presented with valid identification, for example a passport, national ID card or birth certificate)

When the prospective employer makes the application, the form must also include:

  • name of the employer
  • signed disclosure from the individual that authorises the employer to make the application

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • fee of ALL 100 (approximately 70 pence) payable in cash only
  • certificate is issued by post with a 1 week turnaround

Application form

Application forms can be downloaded from the Centre for Office Publications (Qendra e Publikimeye Zyrtare) (Website in Albanian only).

Contact details

Completed forms must be submitted to any branch of the Albanian Post Office, either in person or by post.

Embassy of the Republic of Albania

33 St George’s Drive
London
SW1V 4DG

Consular Section

Andorra

Who can apply

You or a ‘gestoría’ (agency) acting on your behalf can apply for a certificate of criminal records.

How to apply

You can:

You need to provide:

  • a photocopy of your passport
  • the full name of your parents
  • authorisation for someone else to collect the certificate, if you will not collect it yourself

You or the person you authorised will need to collect the certificate from:

Tribunal de Corts

Seu de la Justícia
Baixada del Molí, núm. 2-4

AD500 Andorra la Vella

Cost

It costs 10 euros to apply.

How long it takes

You’ll get the certificate within 2 working days. It will be in Catalan.

Angola

Who can apply?

The Individual must apply for the certificate.

Where?

The certificate must be applied in the country of origin.

What must the applicant supply?

The documents required are an Angolan ID card.

What are the costs / turnaround times?

  • the cost is 500 AON - the turnaround time is 72 hours
  • the document is written in Portuguese. The translation cost varies between 30 to 40 USD. It is an official document provided by the Ministry of Justice

Contact details

SIAC- (Serviço Integrado de Atendimento ao Cidadão Unidade de Servicos Públicos)

Talatona- Luanda Sul,

Via a-2

  • Telephone: +244 2222 69 93 01
  • Operating hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 3:30pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm

Embassy of the Republic of Angola

22 Dorset Street
London
W1U 6QY

  • Telephone: 020 7299 9850
  • Fax: 020 7486 9397
  • Email: embassy@angola.org.uk
  • Operating hours: Monday to Friday - 9am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 4pm

Consulate General

46 Bedford Square
London
WC1B 3DP

Anguilla

Police certificate.

Who can apply?

  • only the individual may apply
  • third party representatives will not be accepted by police headquarters
  • the applicant must have resided for at least 6 months in order to obtain certificate

Where can the applicant apply?

  • applicants in Anguilla: can apply in person at the police headquarters
  • applicants in the UK: will need to write to the headquarters

What must the applicant supply?

The applicant must present the following information in person the police headquarters:

  • full name (and aliases)
  • date of birth
  • one passport sized photo
  • valid passport
  • Anguilla address
  • document form (supplied by the police station) stating why applicant is seeking their criminal records disclosure

What are the costs / turnaround times?

A fee of EC$50 (approximately £12) payable at the Inland Revenue Department with a turnaround confirmed by an agent on receipt of the application; normally within 24 hours - Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.

Contact details

Applicants in Anguilla must visit:

Commissioner of Police
Police Headquarters
The Valley
Anguilla, AI 2640

  • Telephone: +(126)-4497-2533
  • Fax: +(126)-4497-3746

Applicants outside Anguilla must write to the above address.

Further information can be obtained from:

Government of Anguilla London Office
c/o Aequitas Consulting

M4 West Wing

Somerset House

Strand, London

WC2R 1LA

Antigua and Barbuda

What must the applicant supply?

Applicants outside Antigua and Barbuda must supply:

  • set of fingerprints
  • 2 recent passport photographs
  • biometric page of passport
  • a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police stating the purpose of the record and address or addresses while living in Antigua and Barbuda

It is recommended that the evidence above is sent by courier and a return package be prepared to have the criminal record returned.

Applicants inside Antigua and Barbuda:

  • passport
  • thumbprint
  • addresses and dates of residence in Antigua and Barbuda
  • set of fingerprints (taken on application)

What are the costs / turnaround times?

EC$25 cash or cheque made payable to the Accountant General – foreign cheques or bank drafts should include an EC$15.20 bank charge giving a total cost of EC$40.20.

Contact details

Commissioner of Police
Criminal Record Office
St. John’s Police Station
Antigua

High Commission for Antigua & Barbuda

2nd Floor
45 Crawford Place
W1H 4LP

The information on this country was last updated on: 12 February 2021.

Australia

National Police Check

Who can apply?

Individuals and CrimTrac accredited agencies only.

Where?

This can be applied for online or an application form downloaded and posted.

What must the applicant supply?

  • completed application
  • authorised copy of photographic ID (for example, passport or drivers licence)

Rare cases may require fingerprints, where applicant will be notified.

What are the costs / turnaround times?

AFP applications fee schedule:

  • $47.00 - $104.00 AUD for a National Police Check depending on who the employer and is whether fingerprints are supplied with or taken upon the application
  • turnaround for direct applications to AFP is around 15 days (inside Australia) on receipt of posted forms. International postage timings will vary

Application form

You can make an application online.

Contact details

Applications to be posted to:

Australian Federal Police
Criminal Records

Locked Bag 8550

Canberra city ACT 2601

  • Telephone: + (02) 6202 3333

For any further information, please email: AFP-NationalPoliceChecks@converga.com.au

The information on this country was last updated on: 12 July 2016.

Austria

Who can apply?

  • any individual may apply, as well as an authorised third party on their behalf
  • internally, applicants may apply in person or online
  • externally, applicants may apply through the Austrian Embassy/Consulate

Where?

  • internally, applicants may apply in person or online
  • externally, applicants may apply through the Austrian Embassy/Consulate

What must the applicant supply?

Embassy applications:

  • completed application form (Antrag auf Austellung einer Strafregisterbescheinigung)
  • passport
  • birth certificate
  • if relevant, previous names (for example, marriage certificates)
  • a stamped and self-addressed envelope if the applicant wants the certificate posted to them. Otherwise collection in person

In Austria (Police Department in major cities, Mayor’s Office in smaller towns):

  • if applying to a town hall or to a nearby Federal Police Bureau, applicant must appear in person at least once, for example, if the application is posted in, they must collect certificate in person
  • there are 14 Bureaux for applicants to apply to

Online:

  • Bürgerkarte. (Citizen Card) that contains personal data and an e-signature

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • a fee of €42 payable in pounds and cash or “postal order”

It should take approximately 5 days to receive the certificate.

Contact details

Local applicants can apply online or visit the Federal Police Bureau, Vienna:


Bundespolizeidirektion Wasagasse
22 1090 Wien

External applicants can visit the Austrian consulate general in London:

The Austrian Embassy

18 Belgrave Mews West

London

SW1X 8HU

The information on this country was last updated on: 22 July 2016.

Azerbaijan

Police clearance certificate

Who can apply?

Restricted to individuals who must apply through an embassy or in Azerbaijan.

Where?

Applicants can apply by person or post both in Azerbaijan and in the UK through the embassy listed below.

What must the applicant supply?

The applicant must supply the following:

  • copy of passport (main pages and stamps)
  • copy of National ID card (for Azerbaijani citizens)
  • copy of migration card issued by Azerbaijani authorities (for foreign citizens)
  • explanatory letter (information on recent addresses, activities in Azerbaijan, why they need the certificate)

What are the costs / turnaround times?

  • the cost of applications is £17
  • turnaround time is less than 40 days

Contact details

Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
66 Holland Park
London
W11 3SJ

Bahamas

Police Character Certificate

Who can apply?

  • Bahamian/non-Bahamian applicants can apply

Where?

  • local applicants should download an application form and submit to Police HQ
  • overseas applicants can apply online. Additionally online overseas applicants must provide a set of fingerprints and copies of the first four pages of a valid passport. Representatives collecting character certificates on behalf of an applicant must present a valid identification (passport, drivers licence, voters cards) for that person and their own valid identification before the certificate can be issued

What must the applicant supply?

  • Bahamian applicants: passport, driver’s licence or voter’s card
  • non-Bahamian applicants must be in possession of a valid passport

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • a fee of $2.50 US / Bahamian currency plus mailing costs before the certificate can be issued. Cheques and international money orders must be made payable to the Bahamas Public Treasury
  • a Bahamian character certificate will be ready to collect the day after application, except in the summer months when it will take 2 working days
  • non-Bahamian applicant character certificates take 14 working days to process: unless otherwise specified as in the case of an applicant who has permanent residence and is in possession of a recently expired certificate

Contact details

In the Bahamas:

Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters
East Street
P O Box N 458
Nassau, Bahama

(Business hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm).

In the UK:

High Commission of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
10 Chesterfield Street
London W1J 5JL

The High Commission is open Monday through Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Visa hours are between 10am to 3:30pm.

Bahrain

Good Conduct Certificate.

Who can apply?

  • individuals themselves can only apply
  • employers or third parties cannot apply for the certificate

Where?

Application forms can only be obtained from the embassy. Applicants may request for application forms to be sent to them by post.

What must applicants supply?

  • applicants must supply a signed and completed police clearance application form – this is available on the website for the Bahrain embassy
  • two passport sized photographs with blue backgrounds
  • photocopy of passport (old and new) and photocopy of Bahraini residence permit
  • a signed letter stating applicant’s reason for requesting police clearance, the amount of time spent in Bahrain and applicants address and telephone number in the United Kingdom
  • a fee of £42
  • stamped and addressed envelope

What are the costs/turnaround times?

The application process takes up to one month and the total cost is £42.

Contact details

Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain
30 Belgrave Square
SW1X 8QB

The information on this country was last updated on: 15 March 2017

Bangladesh

Who can apply?

  • individual may apply either in person, or through a nominated third party
  • prospective employers may also apply for the disclosure

Where?

  • applicants (both Bangladeshi nationals and foreign nationals) domiciled in countries outside Bangladesh may apply in person at either:

    • The High Commission
    • The Embassy of Bangladesh

Or contact:

  • Dhaka Metropolitan Police headquarters
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police accepts applications from resident and non-resident nationals of Bangladesh, including foreigners who have lived in Bangladesh for more than one year.

A prospective UK employer can submit an application for pre-employment screening purposes only via a third party. This includes the following government bodies:

Department of Immigration and Passports (Ministry of Home Affairs)-Dhaka Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Dhaka High Commission of Bangladesh-London, UK.

What must the applicant supply?

  • a written order from the Honourable Court or from the directive of the government stating the purpose for the application. The Ministry of Home Affairs represents the Bangladeshi government in this instance
  • a completed application form (available either at a local police station in Bangladesh, or from the appropriate High Commission or Embassy in the domiciled country)
  • a receipt for the fee deposit into the Central Bank of Bangladesh (specifically for applicants within Bangladesh)

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • the processing fee for a Police Clearance Certificate is BDT250 (approximately £2.50). There is no online payment facility. Payment can only be made by cash to the Central Bank of Bangladesh
  • in cases where a government authority is a prospective employer, there is no charge for a police clearance certificate. This is a separate and unrelated request to a PCC for a prospective UK employer
  • under the guidelines of the one stop service, a Police Clearance Certificate will be issued within seven days. This is relevant to all applications for travel and pre-employment screening purposes. There is no added fee for this service
  • there is no specific time-frame for applications that fall outside of the one stop service
  • there is no fast-track system in place for the disclosure of priority cases

Contact details

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police headquarters in Dhaka handles applications for criminal record checks for residents and overseas individuals within their area of jurisdiction:

36 Shahid Cap. Monsur Ali Sarani Ramna Dhaka-1207

Tel: +(880) (2) 831 4128

Fax: +(880) (2) 831 8210

Contact details for local police stations can be found online.

Applications can also be submitted via the High Commission of Bangladesh in the UK:

28 Queens Gate
London
SW7 5JA

Barbados

Police Certificate of Character.

Who can apply?

  • individuals
  • third party representative with written consent

Where?

Police HQ based in Bridgetown (address below)

What must the applicant supply?

  • name (include aliases; female applicants must include maiden name)
  • purpose of request
  • passport Details
  • date and place of birth
  • addresses and dates of residence in Barbados (Most recent)
  • set of fingerprints (taken on application)
  • photographic ID
  • application fees
  • stamped and self-addressed envelope (if wish to be mailed)

What are the costs / turnaround times?

  • fees are: BD$20
  • your certificate will usually be sent to the email address provided on the application 24 to 48 hours later, after the payment has been received

Contact details

Download application form

The Commissioner of Police
Police Headquarters
Corner of Roebuck Street
Bridgetown, St. Michael,
BARBADOS

  • Telephone: +(246) 4307-100

Barbados High Commission
1 Great Russell Street
WC1B 3ND

  • Telephone: 020 7299 7150
  • Fax: 020 7323 6872
  • Email: london@foreign.gov.bb
  • Operating hours: Monday to Friday 09.30-17.30

Belarus

Who can apply?

Any individual can apply.

Where?

  • applicants can apply at the police station responsible for the area in which they live in Belarus
  • applicants in the UK can contact the Embassy of Belarus to facilitate the application

What must the applicant supply?

The applicant must supply a passport and a valid permit to live in Belarus.

What are the costs/turnaround times?

Applications cost approximately 35 EUR for citizens of Belarus and 70 EUR for noncitizens. The turnaround time is around 2 months.

Contact details

Contact details for the Embassy of Belarus, London:

Embassy of the Republic of Belarus
6 Kensington Court
W8 5DL

The information on this country was last updated on: 25 July 2016.

Belgium

Extrait de Casier Judiciare/ Uittrekseluit het Strafregister.

Who can apply?

Individual and any third party, including employers, can apply with written permission from the individual.

Where?

  • applications can be made by post, fax, and email or in person
  • in Belgium, applicants must apply to the local police
  • outside Belgium, applicants must apply directly to the Ministry of Justice through a Belgian embassy

What must the applicant supply?

Post/Email/Fax: the applicant must write a letter containing:

  • full name
  • place and date of birth
  • address
  • reason for request
  • signature of applicant
  • photocopy of Belgian ID card

In person:

  • ID card

For third parties:

  • authorised copies of applicant’s and their own ID card, and written permission, including all the information above

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • there is no fee for this service
  • turnaround is a few days, plus postage time
  • certificates are issued immediately when in person

Contact details

Contact details for the Ministry of Justice:

French speaking:

Service du Casier Judiciaire Central
Boulevard de waterloo 80
1000 Brussels - Belgium

Flemish speaking:

FOD Justitie
DG Rechterlijke Organisatie
Dienst Centraal Strafregister
Waterloolaan 115
1000 Brussel

  • Telephone: 0032 2 552 27 47
  • Fax: 0032 2 552 27 82

The information on this country was last updated on: 22 July 2016

Belize

Police Record Application Form.

Who can apply?

  • individuals may apply in person or from abroad
  • foreign nationals must have been resident in Belize for 6 months or longer

Where?

  • local applicants can obtain certificates from the Belize Police Department Headquarters – Belmopan
  • applicants in the UK can contact the Belize High Commission who can facilitate the process
  • applicants can have Belize-based family or friends submit an application on their behalf along with a Letter of Authority, signed by the applicant, authorising third party submission and collection of the application

What must the applicant supply?

  • photo ID
  • completed application form
  • three recent passport photographs
  • foreign nationals applying must include photocopy of passport, and immigration stamps showing Belize and their current address
  • fees and postage
  • date of entry and departure (if applicable), indicate their time in Belize

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • standard applications cost Bzd $12 (approx. £3.74) for a two-week turnaround
  • $25 BZD for an urgent service (1-2 days)
  • international applications must include the money for return postage (i.e. standard return post to the UK is Bzd $0.75/ GBP £0.23) as well as fee stated above.

Contact details

Download application form

Ms. Ramirez, Head of Criminal Records Office:

The information on this country was last updated on: 22 July 2016

Bolivia

Certificado de Antecendentes.

Who can apply?

Only the individual may apply, or appoint a Notary Public or a friend or relative living in Bolivia with a power of attorney to request a penal clearance certificate on their behalf.

Where?

  • local applicants can apply at any city based Bolivian Police Station
  • external applicants must request through the notary public via Policia Nacional Dirección Nacional de Fiscalización y Recaudaciones

What must the applicant supply?

  • a photocopy of their ID
  • all the requested personal data

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • Bs. 25 (3.5 USD)
  • if the applicant requests a local disclosure of records (local search, disclosure of records only in the city/department where he or she applied) the certificate is ready in 24 hours, if a national search is requested it takes from 3 to 7 days

Contact details

Address:

Edificio de la Policía Técnica Judicial (Identificación)
Calle Sucre - Plaza Murillo
La Paz, Bolivia

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Certificate of non-conviction/ Uvjerenje o nekaznjavanju.

Who can apply?

  • individuals or authority may be given to a relative, friend or lawyer in Bosnia to act on applicant’s behalf
  • external applicants may contact their local Bosnian Embassy/Consulate or appoint a third party representative

Where?

  • individuals can apply directly in person at the regional Ministry of Internal Affairs office or Municipal Court where they were born
  • in order to obtain a Certificate of No Conviction, the relevant region is determined by the applicant’s place of birth

What must the applicant supply?

  • individual applicants complete an application form available at their regional Ministry of Internal Affairs office. The applicant must fill out the form in the presence of a Ministry of Internal Affairs official
  • ID Card (Licna Karta)
  • birth certificate or citizenship certificate

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • the fees for obtaining a criminal records in Bosnia are set up by each regional authority up to 35BAM (approximately £17)
  • payments only by bank transfer
  • turnaround is up to 5 working days
  • the cost of translation services is 25BAM per page (approx. £13)

Contact details

The contact details of the Bosnian embassy in the UK are:

5-7 Lexham Gardens
London
W8 5JJ

Botswana

Police Clearance Certificate.

Who can apply?

Applications of the individual are both accepted locally and from abroad.

Where?

Locally:

  • submit in person to the Criminal Records Bureau, Botswana Police Services

Externally:

  • mail to Criminal Records Bureau or consult the Nearest Botswana Mission

What must the applicant supply?

Local applicants:

  • a set of fingerprints obtained at the nearest Police Station
  • a copy of Omang (national ID) or passport for persons under 16 years of age
  • a letter stating the reason for requesting a Police Clearance Certificate

Foreign nationals (living in Botswana):

  • a copy of their residency permit is required.

Foreign nationals (living outside Botswana):

For applicants from overseas, they need to arrange to have their fingerprints taken by a local police force and sent with a covering letter explaining the reason for applying for the Police Clearance Certificate to the Botswana Police Service in Gaborone, address listed below.

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • for local applications, there is currently no charge
  • externally, fees may be applicable
  • turnaround is 7 working days for a local application

Contact details

Deputy Director – Criminal Records Bureau Forensic Science Services Private Bag 0400
Gaborone

  • Telephone: +(267) 3918601

Plot 22117 Gaborone West Industrial,
Kgomokasitwa Road

For more information for applicants in the UK, contact:

Botswana High Commission
6 Stratford Place
London
W1C 1AY

  • Telephone: 020 7499 0031, 020 7647 1000
  • Fax: 020 7495 8595
  • Email: bohico@govbw.com

The information on this country was last updated on: 24 August 2016.

Brazil

Atestados de Bons Antecedentes.

Who can apply?

  • individuals and third party representatives (friend, relative) with the power of attorney (Procuração) to obtain the document on their behalf
  • the power of attorney must specify the reason for the request and provide a certified copy of the applicant’s National ID card

Where?

  • locally: in person to the office of the Justice Federal and Policia Federal in the state/city of residence for the previous ten years
  • Online (varies regionally)

What must the applicant supply?

  • full name
  • Brazilian ID card number
  • Brazilian CPF number (Brazilian tax card)
  • passport bio-data copy

Contact details

Contact the British Embassy in London:

Embassy of Brazil
14/16 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5BL

Brunei Darussalam

Police Certificate of Good Conduct.

Who can apply?

  • individuals
  • third party representatives may apply on applicant’s behalf, but we advise external applicants to consult their nearest Brunei High Commission

Where?

  • locally, individuals must send applications to the Police Commissioner
  • externally, individuals must send applications to the nearest Brunei High Commission (see below)

What must the applicant supply?

  • photocopy of his/her current passport
  • photocopy of his/her Brunei identity card, if available
  • evidence of individual’s work permit (where applicable)
  • evidence of the duration of the applicant’s residency in Brunei

What are the costs/turnaround?

Fee of Brunei $50 (approx. GBP £25.42).

Contact details

Local applicants may consult:

The Commissioner
Royal Brunei Police Force
Gadong Headquarters
Bandar Seri Begawan
Attn: Awg Mohammad Abdullah - Translator

External Applicants may consult:

High Commission of Brunei Darussalam
19/20 Belgrave Square
London SW1X 8PG
United Kingdom

Bulgaria

Svidetelstvo za Sudimost / Conviction Status Certificate.

Who can apply?

  • Bulgarian nationals can apply, prospective employers cannot apply
  • a non-national must possess a Unique Personal Identification Number which is obtained when one holds a Bulgarian residence permit
  • third party applications are accepted, on production of completed third party application form, certificate of inheritor or with a power of attorney

Consult your nearest Bulgarian embassy for more information.

Where?

  • local applicants must send their application form (linked below) to the Central Office of Criminal Records, Ministry of Justice (see below)
  • external applicants must consult their local consulate/embassy (see below)

What must the applicant supply?

  • completed application form
  • given name, father’s name, family name and address of the citizen requesting the certificate
  • unique Personal Identification Number
  • day, month and year of birth
  • place of birth
  • citizenship status
  • the purpose for requesting to obtain the certificate, and the exact job position needs to be mentioned
  • an Identification of Names Statement if the three names of the citizen requesting the certificate have been changed after the age of 14 due to marriage, adoption or other, the names given by birth need to be included
  • ID card or passport
  • original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • for local Bulgarian applicants: BGL 5 (approx. GBP £2)
  • for foreign nationals in Bulgaria: BGL 2 (approx. GBP £0.85)
  • for direct applications in Bulgaria, turnaround is up to 3 days
  • for applications through an Embassy: around £20; turnaround time will be available on application to an embassy

Contact details

Local applicants must consult:

Central Office of Criminal Records
Ministry of Justice
5 Aksakov Street
1040 Sofia
Bulgaria

External applicants must consult:

Bulgarian Embassy in London
186-188 Queen.s Gate
London
SW7 5HL

The information on this country was last updated on: 05 August 2016.

Canada

Police Certificate/ Criminal Record Check.

Who can apply?

  • individuals in and outside Canada
  • individuals may authorise the results of criminal record verification to be forwarded to a third party upon receipt of written consent

*The consent must contain a statement that the subject is aware that refusal to give consent to release information to a third party will not affect their request. The consent must be an original document – faxed or photocopied documents will not be accepted.

What must the applicant supply?

Applicants resident in Canada:

The Canadian visa office will tell you if you need a Canadian criminal record check while your application is being processed. If the visa office asks you to complete a criminal record check, visit the RCMP website for instructions.

You must provide:

  • a full electronic set of fingerprints on form C-216C
  • a complete application form
  • reason for your request (eg. for immigration)
  • your full name
  • date of birth
  • gender
  • mailing address
  • phone number (and/or fax number and/or e-mail address)
  • applicable fees

Applicants outside Canada:

You must provide:

  • a full set of fingerprints that have:
    • rolled and flat impressions of all ten fingers taken with black ink
    • full name, date of birth and sex of the applicant
    • the name and address of the police agency
    • the signature of the official taking the fingerprints
  • a complete application form
  • reason for your request (eg. for immigration)
  • your full name
  • date of birth
  • gender
  • mailing address
  • phone number (and/or fax number and/or e-mail address)
  • applicable fees

Further information is available online.

Contact details

For further enquiries, the High Commission of Canada in London may be able to assist.

Please provide your full name, address, telephone number and date of birth, along with a heading in the subject line specifying your query:

The information on this country was last updated on: 18 October 2016.

Cape Verde

Who can apply?

Normally the applicant themselves. However, if he (she) is not in Cape Verde, someone else can apply, presenting a copy of the applicant’s passport (it takes 48 hours to be issued).

Where?

The application can be made in Cape Verde or at an Embassy/Consulate outside Cape Verde.

What must the applicant supply?

A copy of their passport.

What are the costs / turnaround times?

350 escudos, which corresponds to about 3 Euros.

Contact details

Details can be found online (Portuguese)

The person that makes the request can leave a Cape-Verdean mobile phone number or an e-mail address. A code will be then sent to allow downloading of the form.

The nearest Embassy for Cape Verde:

Embassy of the Republic of Cape Verde
Avenue Jeane 29 1050 Brussels

Certificate

The certificate is written in Portuguese. Translation is not possible and has to be organised by the person interested if required. The document is valid for 3 months. The document gives the details of the applicant, the objective of the document and says if there are no crime records registered in the files. If there are crime records, there will be an annex with the records.

Cayman Islands

Police Clearance Certificates.

Who can apply?

  • residents (third parties may submit/collect applications but application forms and a letter of authorisation for collection must be notarised)
  • overseas applicants (application forms must be notarised)

What must the applicant supply?

Residents:

  • copy of your passport
  • Caymanians may also use birth certificates and expired passports that are within 3 months of the expiration date
  • if the applicant is not Caymanian, their most current immigration status must be stamped in their passport in order to apply
  • foreign nationals must be living within the Cayman Islands for a period of six months in order to be eligible for a clearance as a resident
  • a completed application form signed by the applicant who must be aged 17 and older. A parent must sign for any applicant who is under 17 years of age
  • any relevant documentation relating to a change of name by deed poll or marriage

Overseas Applicants:

  • copy of passport (page with picture, passport number, name etc). Please note that each page must be notarised and original documents submitted
  • copy of the most current work permit stamped in the passport whilst working in the Cayman Islands (if the passport that the work permit was stamped in has been cancelled, the applicant will need to send a copy of the cancelled passport along with a copy of the new passport)
  • a completed application form (must be notarised)
  • copy of the applicants entry and exit stamp for the Cayman Islands (date they arrived in the Cayman Islands and the date they departed will be affixed to the police clearance)

These documents can be sent via mail or preferred courier service. If the documents are to be returned via the same courier service, please send the package prepaid; if not, it will be sent by regular post.

What are the costs/turnaround times?

Residents:

  • the prescribed fee for each clearance is $25.00 CI dollars per person
  • if paying in US dollars it is $31.25 cash
  • if paying by cheque the amount is $30.50 (all cheques should be made payable to Cayman Islands Government)

Overseas Applicants:

  • a bank draft made out to the Cayman Islands Government in the amount of US$36.35 (per person)

A response to an application will be returned within 5-7 working days following receipt. The office is open Monday to Friday and closed on all locally recognised public holidays.

Contact details

Write to:

Criminal Records Office
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service
PO Box 909
Grand Cayman KY1-1103

Location:

Criminal Records Office
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service
Windjammer Plaza
Walkers Road
George Town
Grand Cayman
CAYMAN ISLANDS

Chile

Certificado de Antecedentes.

Who can apply?

  • only the individual can apply
  • all Chilean citizens and foreigners who have lived in Chile and are holders of a Chilean Identity Card
  • third parties cannot apply

Where?

Consulate General of Chile:

37-41, Old Queen Street
London
SW1H 9JA

  • Telephone 020 7222 2361

Or in Chile at the nearest “Servicio de Registro Civil” office.

What must the applicant supply?

The only documentation required to obtain the certificate is the Chilean Identity Card Number.

More information can be found online.

What are the costs/turnaround times?

The cost is of £4 and the certificate can be issued on the same day.

Contact details

Consulate General of Chile in London:

37-41 Old Queen Street
London
SW1H 9JA

The information on this country was last updated on: 23 March 2017.

China (People’s Republic of)

Certificate of No Criminal Convictions / Wu Fan Zui Ji Lu Zheng Ming

Who can apply?

  • the individual must make the application in person
  • a third party representative must consult the Public Security Bureau covering their county of residence during their residency in China

Where?

  • applications must be made in person at the Notary Public Office at province/city/district of residency after obtaining the form from local police station
  • different cities/districts/provinces vary in their procedures, therefore we encourage applicants to confirm by directly contact their local Public Notary Office or Public Security Bureau
  • a third party representative must consult the Public Security Bureau covering their county of residence during their Chinese residency
  • mailed applications will not be accepted
  • embassies/consulates will not accept applications

What must the applicant supply?

Local citizens shall provide:

  • their original ID card
  • permanent Residence Registration (Hukou) and copies

Non-citizens shall provide: - their original ID card - temporary residence card (juzhuzheng) - passport and copies

All applicants shall fill in the application form and provide other relevant documents requested by the local public authorities.

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • free in most circumstances, however local public authorities should be contacted regarding the fee
  • approximately seven working days for an application

Contact details

Further details can be requested via the Chinese Embassy in London:

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
49-51 Portland Place
W1B 1JL

The information on this country was last updated on: 11 August 2016.

Colombia

Colombian nationals can apply online for the certificate.

Foreign nationals who have lived in Colombia must apply by email to the Colombian National Police.

What must the applicant supply?

  • copy of their passport
  • copy of their visa
  • copy of Colombian Foreigner’s ID (Cédula de Extranjería)
  • list of dates spent within the country
  • a signed letter requesting the certificate

Contact details

Colombian National Police Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol

Av. El Dorado No. 75-25
Bogotá D.C.-Colombia

Colombian Consulate General
Ground and 3rd Floor
35 Portland Place
W1B 1AE

Embassy of Colombia
3 Hans Crescent
London
SW1X 0LN

The information on this country was last updated on: 22 March 2017.

Costa Rica

What must the applicant supply?

Applicants outside Costa Rica must supply a letter, by email to concr-uk@rree.go.cr including:

  • applicant’s full name
  • copy of identity document (ID Card or passport)
  • applicant’s date of birth
  • full name of both of the applicant’s parents
  • full name, copy of identity document (ID Card or passport) and phone number of the person in Costa Rica who is authorised to collect the document.

The document must be collected by a nominated person in the Judicial Register in San Jose. If you do not have a friend/agent who can do this, the Consulate can discuss options with you.

What are the costs?

There is no cost.

Contact details

Embassy of Costa Rica
23 Woodstock Street
Mayfair
London
W1C 2AS

  • Telephone: (+44/0)20 7629 3111
  • Email: concr-uk@rree.go.cr
  • Operating hours: Monday-Friday 10.00-17.00

The information on this country was last updated on: 17 July 2020.

Croatia

Potvrda o Nekaznjavanju/ Certificate of no convictions.

Who can apply?

  • individuals
  • third party representatives

Where?

  • applications accepted in person, by mail or by a third party representative to the Ministry of Justice
  • a UK prospective employer can submit a request with the written consent of an individual

What must the applicant supply?

  • completed application form (in Croatian)
  • photocopy of original passport or identity card

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • fee of 40 kn (around £5) payable by tax stamp
  • turnaround of two days on receipt of application

Contact details

Applications submitted to:

Ministarstvo pravosudja
Odjel za kaznenu evidenciju
Ulica grada Vukovara 49
10000 Zagreb
Croatia

Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the UK:

21 Conway Street
London
W1T 6BN
UK

Cuba

Certificado de Antecedentes/ Police Clearance Certificate.

Who can apply?

All Cuban nationals may apply either locally or internationally, but in person

Where?

  • in Cuba, applicants can apply either in their local area, or at the Central Office in Havana. Applications must be made in person in Cuba or at Consulates/Embassies
  • international applications are accepted through the Cuban Embassies or Consulates

What must the applicant supply?

Proof of identity.

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • in Cuba the fee is 10 pesos to be paid in stamps (not cash or other method of payment)
  • turnaround is 21 days for local applications, collection must be made in person
  • internationally, the fee and turnaround will be disclosed on applications

Contact details

Local applicants:

Central Office:

Central Office in Havana
Oficina de Registro de Antecedentes Penales
Linea y D
Vedado, Plaza de la Revolucion
Ciudad de la Habana

Telephone: +(537) 832 7716 / 832 6833

External applicants:

Cuban Embassy
167 High Holborn,
London
WC1V 6PA

Cyprus, Republic of

Police Clearance Certificate.

Who can apply?

  • individuals and authorised personnel only
  • third party representation is given only to close family members or friends

Where?

  • police headquarters in Nicosia
  • republic of Cyprus overseas mission

What must the applicant supply?

Local applicants:

  • full names of parents
  • full name
  • date of birth and place of birth
  • passport number and place of issue
  • current and permanent address
  • reason for request
  • two current passport sized photos, certified by an authorised person

External applicants/citizens of foreign nationality:

  • full name
  • full name of parents
  • passport number and place of issue
  • ARC Number (Alien Book) or Temporary Residence slip or MP number stamped in Passport
  • current and permanent address
  • two current passport sized photos, certified by an authorised person
  • letter from the department requiring the Police Clearance Certificate

What are the costs/turnaround?

Local applicants:

  • fee applicable, please enquire

External applicants:

  • an official Receipt for the payment of the amount of €20

Contact details

Application available online (English)

For applications in person, the address of the Chief of Police in Cyprus is:

Cyprus Police – Crime Registry Office
Evangelou Floraki
1478 Nicosia
Cyprus

Postal applications need to be sent to the following address:

Chief of Police
Police Headquarters
P.O. Box No. 2022
Nicosia
Cyprus

Applicants living in the UK may obtain an application form from the High Commission of Cyprus. The contact details are:

High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus
13 St James’s Square
London SW1Y 4LB

Czech Republic

Excerpt from the Penal Register.

Who can apply?

  • individuals may directly reply
  • a legally authorised representative may apply for criminal records disclosure on behalf of an individual with the written consent of an applicant
  • employers cannot apply

Where?

  • regional branches of the Criminal Records Office (CRO) accept applications for excerpts; overseas applications accepted at embassy of Czech Republic
  • online application (detailed below)
  • applications for an Excerpt can be filed in person at the CRO or regional offices. An individual can obtain an application form (SEVT 17 157 0) at the relevant office

What must the applicant supply?

Online Applications:

  • an electronic signature certificate

Criminal Records Office/Regional Office applications:

  • completed application form (SEVT 17 157 0) available from the office of application
  • valid ID card, passport or foreigner’s residency permit
  • receipt for tax stamp payment of fee
  • third party Notarised document (where applicable)

Czech Point applications:

  • valid identification document
  • an original copy of their ID card/passport or foreigner’s residency permit
  • third party Notarised document (where applicable)

What are the costs / turnaround times?

  • fee of CZK 50 (around £1.50) for applications inside the Czech Republic, payable by tax stamp obtainable at the CRO or branch office
  • for online applications fee is payable by online transfer
  • turnaround for applications filed at the CRO is immediate
  • applications filed at regional offices take 3 weeks, and are returned by post to the applicant
  • there is no fast-track system for disclosure

Contact details

Online applications forms (PDF, 96KB)

Czech Point website (locations of offices) (in Czech)

The national body from which to obtain disclosure is the Criminal Records Office:

Rejstrik Trestu Praha
Soudní 1
140 66 Praha 4

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in the UK:

26-30 Kensington Palace Gardens
W8 4QY

Democratic Republic of Congo

Police Criminal Record/ Extrait du Casier Judiciare.

Who can apply?

  • Local: applicant in person only.
  • External: apply at nearest DRC embassy.

Where?

Local applicants only : Through the Inspector General of the Criminal Police (Police Judiciaire) in Kinshasa (see below).

What must the applicant supply?

  • copy of ID
  • fingerprints

What are the costs/turnaround?

Fee of between $20 to $50 (GBP£12-30) for information and a duplicate request would cost around $15 (approx. GBP£10.00)

Contact details

Local applicants must consult:

Direction generale de la Police
Judiciare Direction de I’Identite Judiciare
14 Avenue Kalemie, Commune de Gombe
Kinshasa, DRC

The information on this country was last updated on: 18 April 2017

Denmark

Who can apply?

  • individuals may apply directly for disclosure or may provide consent to a third party, including a prospective employer
  • written consent must be provided if going through third party representatives
  • it must contain:
    • the type of information required
    • to whom the information may be provided
    • for what purpose the information may be used by the designated recipient

Where?

Danish nationals and foreign nationals may contact the Danish National Police at the following address:

National Police (“Rigspolitiet”)
Centre for General Law
Polititorvet 14
DK - 1780 Copenhagen V
Denmark

What must the applicant supply?

The Danish National Police will need:

  • a copy of the applicant’s passport
  • information about his/her last residence in Denmark
  • information on whether the certificate is to be issued in English
  • information on which address the certificate is to be forwarded to

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • free of charge when applying in person and turnaround is instant
  • free of charge when applying by post, aside from postage.
  • turnaround by post to the UK is around a week
  • authentication fee: DKK 175.00 (approx. GBP£20)
  • there is no fast track service

Contact details

The application form can be found online (Danish language only)

Overseas applications must be sent via e-mail: dataafd@politi.dk

Applications must be submitted in writing to the National Commissioner of Police at the address below:

Rigspolitiet,
Alfdeling D,
Kriminalregisteet,
Posboks 93,
2650 Hvidovre

Royal Danish Embassy:

Royal Danish Embassy
55 Sloane Street
London
SW1X 9SR

The information on this country was last updated on: 14 March 2017.

Dominica

Certificate of no Criminal Record.

Who can apply?

Individuals can apply in person, or through a third party representative, or through mail.

Where?

At the Criminal Investigations Department (see below - the Dominica High Commission should be contacted to provide further details).

What must the applicant supply?

  • passport (copy)
  • full name and aliases
  • current and previous places of residence
  • two passport sized photographs
  • non-residents must provide copy of fingerprints taken by a recognised police
  • authority
  • stamped, self-addressed envelope

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • for local applicants: EC$20 of stamps (approx. GBP£5.00)
  • for external applicants: EC$50 of stamps (approx. GBP£12.00)

Contact details

Criminal Investigations Department,
Police Headquarters,
Roseau,
Dominica

Office of the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Dominica
1 Collingham Gardens
London
SW5 0HW

The information on this country was last updated on: 10 April 2017.

Dominican Republic

Who can apply?

Individuals only.

Where?

  • local applicants must contact the Office of the Prosecutor General (Procuraduria General de la Republica Dominica) throughout the country
  • external applicants contact any Office of the Prosecutor General directly for instructions

What must the applicant supply?

  • Dominican national identification card (cedula)
  • two passport-sized photographs
  • photocopy of both sides of the Dominican national identification card

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • fee in cash of around 330 Dominican pesos
  • certificate is usually ready the same day

Contact details

Palacio De La Policia Nacional
Av. Leopoldo Navarro #402,
Santo Domingo, R.D.

Embassy of the Dominican Republic
81 Cromwell Road
SW7 5BW

Dubai

See United Arab Emirates.

Ecuador

Certificado de Antecendantes Persones.

Who can apply?

  • local applicants must apply in person
  • Ecuadorians residing outside the country may authorise a relative to obtain on their behalf

Where?

Local applicants must apply in person through Jefaturas (Police Headquarters) or Subjefaturas Provinciales de la Policia Judicial (regional police stations).

What must the applicant supply?

  • full names (paternal and maternal)
  • cedula (passport) number
  • one passport photo

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • a fee of $17.00 (around £11), payable in cash at either location below
  • certificate usually available within 2 working days

Contact details

Puente Portete Y Avenida Barcelona S/N
Guayaquil

or

The Office of Archivo Central (Police Central Archive)
Ave. Cuenca y Mideros,
Quito

Embassy of Ecuador
Flat 3b
3 Hans Crescent
SW1X 0LS

  • Telephone: 020 7584 1367, 020 7590 2501, 020 7590 2507
  • Email: eecugbr@cancilleria.gob.ec
  • Website: [https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/londres/)(https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/londres/)

Egypt

Criminal Status Record. (Saheefat al Hala al Gina’iyya).

Who can apply?

Residents:

  • apply to the Ministry of Interior, at the local Police Station which will forward the request to the Department of Criminal Investigations, Cairo

Non-residents:

  • apply in person through your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate. The consular officer will obtain copies of your fingerprints and forward the application to the Ministry of Interior in Cairo.

What must the applicant supply?

  • must attend in person at the Consulate to take fingerprints
  • valid passport
  • full address in Egypt
  • one passport size photo
  • forms can be bought and stamp duty paid at post offices in Egypt

What are the costs/turnaround times?

  • fees of GBP 14
  • this process takes 6 to 8 weeks

Contact details

Consulate General
2 Lowndes Street
SW1X 9ET

Eritrea

Who can apply?

Individuals only.

Where?

  • local applicants must go in person to the police station governing the administrative district in which they are registered
  • for applications within Eritrea, Police certificates are only available to individuals of non-national Service ages: for women aged 47 years or more (unless they have an exemption through marriage, formal engagement to be married or have children) and men aged 54 years or more
  • external applications are accepted via the Eritrean Embassy in London and no age restriction applies

What must the applicant supply?

  • completed application form
  • fingerprints
  • two passport photographs
  • copy of photographic ID

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • Eritrean nationals are required to pay a tax of 2% of earnings overseas in return for provision of the Police certificate
  • service charge to the police of Nfas 50 for completing the application
  • charge of Nfas 59 where fingerprints are taken in the UK and checked by the Consular office

Contact details

Eritrean Embassy in London
96 White Lion Street
London
N1 9PF

Estonia

Notice from the Punishment Register (Karisturegisteri teatis)

Who can apply?

  • individuals
  • third party applicants

Where?

  • applications are accepted by post or email directly to the Punishment Register (Criminal Records Database)
  • UK employers seeking disclosure should contact the Punishment Register (Criminal Records Database)

What must the applicant supply?

Completed application form requiring:

  • full name
  • Estonian personal code or date of birth
  • contact details (full postal address, telephone number and email address)

Making a query about someone else requires the forename, surname and personal code of that person or the name and Business Registry code of that person.

Postal applications should be accompanied by a signed and dated copy of the applicant’s passport or ID card.

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • queries about own data is free-of-charge once a year
  • queries about another person or repeat queries about own data are subject to prior payment of the state fee. Payment should be made by bank transfer and the proof of payment should be enclosed to the application
  • turnaround of around 2 business days for Limited checks and 10 days for Full checks. This does not include postal time
  • there is no fast track service available
  • the certificate is in Estonian language
  • a consular statement in English can be obtained from the Embassy by post. In order to obtain it please send your original certificate of good conduct (in Estonian), copy of your passport or ID-card and the state fee paid by Postal Order (cheque from a post office; payable to: Estonian Embassy). More information

Contact details

Application form available online.

Applications should be sent to:

Karistusregister
Nimekast nr 1563
Toompuiestee 33A
10402, Tallinn
ESTONIA

Application for a consular statement in English should be sent to:

Embassy of the Republic of Estonia
44 Queen’s Gate Terrace
SW7 5PJ

The information on this country was last updated on: 12 August 2016.

Ethiopia

Who can apply?

  • individuals may apply
  • in addition a third party in Ethiopia can apply on their behalf

Where can applicants apply?

Applicants or their legal representatives can apply at the office of the Federal Police Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

What documents must the applicants supply?

The applicants must supply the following:

  • a set of fingerprints
  • their passport
  • two passport sized photographs

What are the costs and the turnaround times?

A cost will only be incurred when an individual uses a third party (friend or family) in Ethiopia.

Contact details:

For more information contact:

Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
17 Princes Gate
London SW7 1PZ

Consular Section:

  • Telephone: 020 7838 3897
  • Operating hours: Monday-Friday 9.00-16.00

Fiji

Police Clearance Certificate.

Who can apply?

Individuals only.

Where?

Applicants must provide a letter from their employer’s office requesting the penal clearance. After this process they must consult their local Fijian embassy.

What must the applicant supply?

  • copy of birth certificate
  • address for certificate to be forwarded to
  • completed application form (as found below)
  • photocopy of photo page of passport
  • phone number

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • local applicants (Migration and Employment Purposes): FJ$61.30 (approx. GBP£21.50) with a 1 day fast track service of FJ$122.65 (approx. GBP£43.01)
  • overseas applicants (Migration and Employment Purposes): FJ$102.20 cash/ FJ$112.20 bank draft (approx. GBP£35.85/ GBP£39.35) with a 1 day fast track service of FJ$153.30 cash/ FJ$163.30 bank draft (approx. GBP£53.76 /GBP£57.27)

Contact details

Application form

Applications to be sent to:

The Officer in Charge
Criminal Records Office
P.O. Box 239
Suva,
Fiji Island

High Commission of the Republic of Fiji
34 Hyde Park Gate
London SW7 5DN

Consular Section

  • Telephone: 020 75843661 ext 5340/5347

Finland

Rikosrekisteriote / Extract from Criminal Records

Who can apply?

  • all individuals are entitled to inspect their criminal record under freedom of information legislation. However, written information issued in this context is not intended to be shared with third parties
  • extract is a full disclosure and an individual may authorise an employer or other third party to request an extract from criminal records on his or her behalf. Employer may apply to the Finnish security intelligence service for a security clearance check, but only if certain conditions are met (see below). A security clearance check requires the consent of the subject
  • UK companies that have a branch office in Finland may also be entitled to apply to the Finnish security intelligence service for a security clearance check

Where?

  • applications can be by writing by post, fax or e-mail or via e-service (details
  • below)
  • The Legal Register Centre accepts free-form written applications for criminal
  • record extracts (see below)
  • the Finnish embassy in London does not accept applications for criminal record disclosure

What must the applicant supply?

A free-form letter containing the following information:

  • full Name (and any previous names)
  • Finnish ID Code
  • date and place of birth
  • full address details and contact telephone number
  • language certificate is to be issued in

An application for an Extract from Criminal Records must include the name of the country where the extract is presented and the purpose for which the extract is requested.)

What are the costs/turnaround?

A fee of €12 (approx GBP £10.00) for an extract from Criminal Record

  • application is payable by the applicant. An invoice for the fee is released with the extract
  • processing time for both types of criminal record extract is approximately one week

Processing time for an extract from criminal records is 4 working days. The Legal Register Centre does not provide a fast-track disclosure service.

Contact details

The Legal Register Centre handles all applications for criminal record extracts. Its contact details are:

Oikeusrekisterikeskus (Legal Register Centre)
PO Box 157
13101 Hameenlinna
Finland

Download application forms

Embassy of Finland
38 Chesham Place
London
SW1X 8HW

The information on this country was last updated on: 17 August 2016.

France

Extract from Police Records Bulletin no. 3/ Extrait du Casier Judiciaire Bulletin nº 3.

It is now possible for UK citizens (or anyone else not born in France) to apply for the criminal records check in France online using this online form.

Who can apply?

Applications are accepted from individuals and only in rare occasions (such as incapacity or applications for a minor) by third parties.

Where?

There are 3 possible application routes:

  • online
  • by fax
  • in person
  • by email
  • by post

Online applications are only available for French nationals, but all the other routes are open to foreign nationals.

The online application is a short process, at the webpage below.

Postal applications are accepted either with a covering letter, or a completed application form, found at the link below.

What must the applicant supply?

Online applications require (for French nationals only):

  • gender
  • full name, and maiden name if appropriate
  • place of birth
  • date of birth
  • address to which the bulletin (certificate) should be sent

Postal applications require:

  • either a completed application form with the information as for online applications
  • or a covering letter containing the information requesting the disclosure
  • it is advisable to include authorised copies of passport and/or identity card, so as to prevent delays
  • filiation details (details of the applicant’s parents)
  • applicant’s signature

Fax applications require:

  • a completed application form with the information as for online applications
  • it is advisable to include authorised copies of passport and/or identity card, so as to prevent delays
  • filiation details (details of the applicant’s parents)
  • applicant’s signature

Personal applications require:

  • the applicant’s passport or national identity card
  • if a third party has been nominated, a power of attorney with authorised copies of the applicant’s passport/identity card and the third party’s own passport or identity card

What are the costs/turnaround?

  • there is no fee for the issue of the certificate
  • the applicant must only pay for the postage of their letter/form to the CJN, who pay for the return postage
  • turnaround of in-person applications is instant
  • online applications are dealt with the same day, and the certificate will be received by post (registered/standard) within a few days
  • post applications are dealt with as quickly as possible, normally within 2 weeks
  • there is no fast track service available

Contact details

Online application (French language only).

Postal/fax application form (French language only)

To be sent to:

Casier Judiciaire National
107 rue du Landreau
44317
Nantes

French Embassy
58 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7JT

The information on this country was last updated on: 31 January 2020.

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