Certificate of Good Conduct
An official police or justice-authority document confirming the presence or absence of an applicant's criminal record — a baseline requirement of almost every migration program.
A certificate of good conduct (police clearance) is an official document issued by the police or justice authorities confirming the absence (or presence) of an applicant's criminal record and past. It is one of the basic documents of almost all residence-permit, permanent-residence and citizenship programs.
As a rule the certificate is required from the applicant's country of citizenship and from countries where they have resided for a defined period. A clean record is usually a mandatory condition of participation, and the document forms part of the integrity-vetting package.
The certificate has a limited validity, so it is usually obtained shortly before filing. For use abroad it is apostilled or consularly legalized and accompanied by a sworn translation; the exact requirements depend on the issuing country and the program.
“You need one from every country you actually lived in, not just the one on your passport — that is the part people forget. And do not order it first: these certificates expire, and yours can go stale before filing.”
Susana Ablyamitova — LawyerFAQ
Does an old conviction mean automatic refusal?
Not necessarily: the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred and whether the record is spent are weighed by the deciding authority. Approaches differ between countries and programs.
Which family members must provide a certificate?
Typically every adult included in the application, while requirements for minors are lighter or absent. The precise scope is set by the rules of the specific program.
What if a country where I lived does not issue such certificates?
A sworn statement supported by other evidence, or a document from another competent authority, is often accepted instead. The acceptable alternative should be agreed with the authorized agent in advance.
Must I disclose matters that do not appear on the certificate?
Yes — application forms generally require you to declare convictions, arrests and pending proceedings even where the certificate is silent. Withholding material facts is itself a ground for refusal or for later revocation of status.
Are an apostille and a translation required?
Usually yes: for use abroad the certificate is apostilled or consularly legalized and accompanied by a certified translation. The exact formalities depend on the issuing and the receiving country.