Planning to move abroad for work, marriage, or to settle down? Then you’ll definitely need to get your ducks in a row when it comes to paperwork, and police clearance for travel abroad is a key document.
It’s one of the essential documents you’ll need to tick off your list. But how do you actually get this police clearance? Where to submit your request? Don’t worry, Thao & Co. will break it down for you.
In this guide, we’ll not only explain why you need a police clearance but also show you how this handy certificate smooths your path to a successful trip abroad.
A police clearance certificate is issued by either your provincial Judicial Department or the National Centre for Criminal Records. The certificate outlines:
A police clearance certificate comes in handy for various administrative procedures abroad, including:
In most countries, there are two types of police clearance certificates: No. 1 and No. 2.
The Police Clearance Certificate No. 1 is specifically issued for individuals, organizations, and agencies for various administrative procedures. These include applying for jobs, work permits, studying abroad, and even business activities like registration and human resource management.
This certificate focuses on your current criminal record. If you have no criminal record, it will state “No criminal record,” even if there are past convictions that have been erased.
Police Clearance Certificate No. 2 is issued specifically for law enforcement purposes. It’s used by courts and prosecution agencies to assist with investigations, prosecutions, and trials.
While not typically required for travel, in some cases, it may be needed for applications like settlement visas, marriage visas, or child adoption. Unlike Certificate No. 1, this certificate reveals all criminal records, including those that have been erased.
For most travelers, the Police Clearance Certificate No. 1 will be the one you need for business or study purposes.
For permanent residency, marriage abroad, or inter-country adoption, however, authorities may request the issuance of Certificate No. 2 in accordance with current national law.
Now that you know which certificate you need, let’s explore where to apply for it:
+ The National Centre of Criminal Records handles applications for two groups:
+ Judicial Departments issue Police Clearance Certificates to:
Important note: Citizens with a permanent or temporary residence, as well as foreigners currently residing in issuing country with residence certificates, can conveniently apply at their local Judicial Department. Citizens living overseas can obtain their Police Clearance Certificate at the Department of Justice where they currently reside before their departure.
What you’ll need to apply:
Ready to apply? Here’s how (In-person registration):
The processing time for your Police Clearance Certificate can vary depending on your situation:
If your application is not approved, the competent agency will return it to you with a written explanation for the rejection.
Yes, you can. Citizens living abroad can obtain a Police Clearance Certificate No. 1 by appointing someone to handle the application process in Vietnam.
This authorized person can be a family member (parent, spouse, or child) or another trusted individual. In-person application is mandatory for Police Clearance Certificate No. 2. You cannot authorize someone else to submit the request on your behalf.
While your police clearance certificate might be required for certain procedures abroad, keep in mind that it may need to be translated, certified, notarized, or legalized for official use in your destination country. Check the specific requirements of the country you’re traveling to for any translation or legalization procedures.
Yes, it does. Translation of your Police Clearance Certificate is compulsory for official use in your destination country. Certified and notarized translations are the standard requirement, ensuring accuracy in conveying the information on the certificate. Consular authentication is an additional step that may be required by some countries.
Certified/notarized translations are essential for most documents in your travel profile to be valid internationally. This goes beyond your Police Clearance Certificate and can include personal documents like birth certificates, financial statements, or even academic transcripts needed for college applications or work permits. Translation precision is crucial for all your documents to be accepted by the authorities in your destination country.
For certified translations and any required legalization processes, we highly recommend using the services of reputable translation companies. Struggling with Police Clearance translations? Don’t waste time sifting through agencies! Thao & Co. can help!
Our team of highly trained linguists specializes in legal and government documents, ensuring your translations are accurate, efficient, and meet all your destination country’s requirements. Skip the Google search and the frustration.
Let Thao & Co. handle your translations at a competitive price, so you can focus on your trip.
For years, Thao & Co. has been your bridge across languages. We’ve empowered individual and enterprise clients worldwide to navigate legal and administrative hurdles.
We’re not your average translation service – we take pride in creating a smooth and successful experience for every client. Here is how we do it:
Get a free quote on our website and connect with our team of experts for a quick consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the world with confidence!
