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Police certificatesLast checked October 21, 2026

Police certificates by country

Many work, residence and citizenship routes ask for a police certificate from every country you’ve lived in. Here is how to get each one, from official sources.
  • Usually needed from each country where you’ve lived for 6 months or more since age 18.
  • Some take weeks to arrive, so request them early, and check whether the destination wants them translated or apostilled.
  • Most immigration offices accept certificates up to 6–12 months old.

Every country we cover

183 countries covered

Europe 47

Asia 32

Africa 40

Middle East 12

North America 5

Latin America 17

Caribbean 19

Oceania 11

Need help with it?

A licensed immigration advisor can tell you which certificates your application needs, and how to get them in time.

Talk to an advisor

General information from official government sources, not legal advice. Rules and fees change: check the official page before you apply.