Overseas Police Certificates for Australian Migration: 25 Country Guide
If you are applying for an Australian visa or citizenship, there is a strong chance you will need to provide police certificates from every country you have lived in. The Department of Home Affairs assesses every applicant against Australia's character requirement, which includes a thorough review of your criminal history in every country where you have spent significant time.
The challenge? Every country has its own process, its own document name, its own fees, and its own timeline. Some countries issue certificates online in minutes. Others can take months. And if your certificate is not in English, you will need a NAATI certified translation before submitting it to Australian authorities.
This guide covers police certificate requirements for 25 countries, based on official government sources where available. It includes document names in their native language, issuing authorities, how to apply, indicative costs and processing times, and what you need to know about translation requirements.
⚠️ Important Note
Processing times and fees change frequently. The figures in this guide are indicative and based on the most recent official sources available. Always check the issuing authority's website or your nearest consulate for current requirements before applying.
Why Australia Requires Overseas Police Certificates
Australia's migration framework includes a character requirement that applies to virtually all visa applicants. The Department of Home Affairs can refuse or cancel a visa if an applicant does not meet this requirement — and criminal history from overseas is a core part of that assessment.
As a practical rule, most Australian visa streams require police certificates for each country you have lived in for 12 or more months after the age of 16. However, thresholds can vary by visa subclass and individual circumstances. Your visa request letter from the Department of Home Affairs will specify exactly which certificates you need.
For Australian citizenship applications, you may also need penal clearance certificates for countries visited outside Australia as part of the character assessment.
Australian Police Check (AFP National Police Check)
In addition to overseas certificates, most applicants also need an Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Police Check. The AFP offers both online and postal application options, and many digital certificates arrive within a few business days. Fingerprint-based checks take longer.
When applying, ensure you select the correct purpose type or code as specified in your visa request letter. The AFP certificate is in English and does not require translation.
Translation Requirements for Police Certificates
If your police certificate is not in English, you should provide an English translation prepared by a suitably credentialled translator. For Australian government purposes, the safest and most widely accepted approach is to use a NAATI certified translator in the relevant language.
Your NAATI certified translation should cover:
- The police certificate itself, including stamps, seals, headers, and registration numbers
- Any attached pages or legends
- Any notes indicating scope or limitations (e.g., "no record found," "record expunged," "search limited to specific region")
Why Accuracy Matters
Police certificates contain legal terminology — offence classes, disposition types, court outcomes, sanctions. Incorrect or incomplete translation can cause requests for further information, processing delays, or credibility issues during character assessment. A NAATI certified translator with experience in legal and migration documents is the best way to avoid these risks.
Quick Reference: Processing Times by Country
The table below provides an at-a-glance comparison of indicative processing times. Use it to plan your visa application timeline. Detailed country-by-country guidance follows below.
| Country | Document Name | Indicative Processing | Translation Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Police Clearance Certificate | 4–6 weeks | Yes (Hindi/regional) |
| China | 无犯罪记录证明 | 1–3 working days (certificate only) | Yes (Chinese) |
| Philippines | NBI Clearance | Varies | Rarely (usually English) |
| Vietnam | Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp | ~15 working days | Yes (Vietnamese) |
| Malaysia | Certificate of Good Conduct | 30–90 working days | Rarely (often English) |
| Italy | Certificato del casellario giudiziale | Same day–weeks | Yes (Italian) |
| Sri Lanka | Police Clearance Certificate | 14 working days | Yes (Sinhala/Tamil) |
| Nepal | प्रहरी चारित्रिक प्रमाणपत्र | 2–3 days (free) | Yes (Nepali) |
| South Korea | 범죄·수사경력 회보서 | Same day–1 week | Yes (Korean) |
| Germany | Führungszeugnis | 4–8 weeks | Yes (German) |
| Iraq | Non-Conviction Certificate | Varies | Yes (Arabic) |
| Greece | Αντίγραφο Ποινικού Μητρώου | Same day (online) | Yes (Greek) |
| Pakistan | Police Character Certificate | 3–6 months | Yes (Urdu) |
| Lebanon | سجل عدلي | Varies | Yes (Arabic) |
| Indonesia | SKCK | Same day (in person) | Yes (Indonesian) |
| Thailand | ใบรับรองประวัติอาชญากรรม | 7–10 days | Yes (Thai) |
| Iran | گواهی عدم سوء پیشینه | Varies | Yes (Persian) |
| Netherlands | Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag | 4–8 weeks | Yes (Dutch) |
| Afghanistan | Police Clearance Certificate | Varies | Yes (Dari/Pashto) |
| Bangladesh | Police Clearance Certificate | Varies | Yes (Bengali) |
| Taiwan | 警察刑事紀錄證明 | Few working days | Yes (Chinese) |
| Brazil | Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais | Same day (online) | Yes (Portuguese) |
| Serbia | Uverenje o nekažnjavanju | Varies | Yes (Serbian) |
| Poland | Zaświadczenie o niekaralności | Varies | Yes (Polish) |
| Japan | 犯罪経歴証明書 | 2–3 months | Yes (Japanese) |
Processing times are indicative only. Check issuing authority websites for current timeframes.
Country-by-Country Police Certificate Guide
🇮🇳 India — Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Hindi: पुलिस क्लियरेंस प्रमाण पत्र (usage varies by state)
Issuing authority: Passport Seva (Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India)
How to obtain: Applications must be initiated through the Passport Seva portal. An online application is required prior to appointment. Processing time depends on whether fresh police verification is required. Overseas applicants apply via Indian missions or outsourced visa service providers — check your local Indian mission's Consular Services section for specific PCC instructions.
Cost: Varies by channel and location (India vs overseas mission). Check Passport Seva or your local Indian mission.
Turnaround: Indicative 4–6 weeks, depending on police verification status and address history.
Translation: Hindi and regional language certificates require NAATI certified translation into English.
🇨🇳 China — Certificate of No Criminal Record
Chinese: 无犯罪记录证明
Issuing authority: Local Public Security Bureau (PSB) — varies by city. Official example: Shanghai government service portal
How to obtain: Apply at the PSB in the city where you lived. Many cities now support online handling. Foreigners and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan residents apply through the PSB where they were registered, with specific identity and residence document requirements.
Cost: Varies by city and whether notarisation/authentication is required for overseas use.
Turnaround: Official statutory time limit is 3 working days in the Shanghai example (with a promised 1 working day in some cases). However, timeframes vary by city and additional notarisation steps.
Translation: Chinese certificates require NAATI certified Chinese translation.
Note: China often requires a multi-step process — PSB certificate → notarial certificate → authentication. Shanghai offers an integrated "one-stop" notarial workflow with an indicative 15-day combined processing time. This chain is highly case-specific and varies by city. Confirm the equivalent process with the relevant city/province public security bureau where you lived.
🇵🇭 Philippines — NBI Clearance
Issuing authority: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
How to obtain: Online appointment scheduling via the NBI Clearance portal. Fingerprinting required. Overseas applicants follow embassy or consulate instructions.
Cost: Fees determined by NBI system; verify with the portal or your nearest Philippine mission.
Turnaround: Varies by pathway (in-country appointment vs overseas fingerprint card processing).
Translation: NBI Clearances are typically issued in English. Translation is usually not required unless supplementary documents are in Filipino.
Note: Many applicants confuse "police clearance" with "NBI clearance." For Australian migration purposes, the NBI Clearance is typically the document requested.
🇻🇳 Vietnam — Judicial Record Certificate
Vietnamese: Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp
Issuing authority: Ministry of Justice — online public service portal
How to obtain: Apply through the Ministry of Justice's online public service portal with a defined dossier of documents. No.1 and No.2 certificates exist — applicants must determine which type is required.
Turnaround: Statutory processing timeframe is generally 10–15 working days, subject to case complexity. Postage time may apply if mailed.
Translation: Vietnamese certificates require NAATI certified Vietnamese translation.
Note: Vietnam issues No.1 and No.2 certificates depending on purpose. Check your visa request letter to confirm which type is required.
🇲🇾 Malaysia — Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC)
Malay: Sijil Kelakuan Baik
Issuing authority: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Division) via eKonsular; vetting by Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)
How to obtain: Apply through Malaysia's eKonsular system. Applications are subject to Royal Malaysia Police vetting. Approved certificates may be downloadable via the system.
Turnaround: Indicative 30–90 working days. Vetting can take 10–60 days depending on checks required.
Translation: Often issued in English or Malay/English bilingual format. Translation may be required for Malay-only certificates.
⏰ Plan ahead: Malaysia's processing times are among the longest. Do not leave this to the last minute — apply as early as possible.
🇮🇹 Italy — Criminal Record Certificate
Italian: Certificato del casellario giudiziale / Certificato dei carichi pendenti
Issuing authority: Ministero della Giustizia (Ministry of Justice) — Casellario Giudiziale
How to obtain: Applications may be submitted in person at the Judicial Records Office (Casellario) or via an authorised delegate. Online options exist in some workflows.
Cost: Varies based on use-case; fees/stamp exemptions may apply depending on purpose.
Turnaround: Same-day availability possible for in-person requests; longer for online/remote processing.
Translation: Italian certificates require NAATI certified Italian translation.
Note: Italy issues different certificate types — the Certificato del casellario giudiziale (general judicial record) and the Certificato dei carichi pendenti (pending charges). Check your visa request letter carefully to confirm which certificate is required.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka — Police Clearance Certificate
Issuing authority: Sri Lanka Police (Police Headquarters)
How to obtain: Online application via Sri Lanka Police. Overseas applicants may have specific workflows through High Commissions.
Turnaround: 14 working days from date of submission for new applications.
Translation: Sinhala or Tamil certificates require NAATI certified translation.
Tip: Sri Lanka Police warns that unclear ID copies can be rejected. Ensure all documents are clear and legible before submitting.
🇳🇵 Nepal — Police Character Certificate
Nepali: प्रहरी चारित्रिक प्रमाणपत्र
Issuing authority: Nepal Police via the OPCR online portal
How to obtain: Online application via the OPCR (Online Police Clearance Registration) portal. Overseas applicants may apply online where eligible.
Cost: Completely free (confirmed by Nepal Police as पूर्णतः निःशुल्क).
Turnaround: Typically 2–3 days in straightforward cases (excluding public holidays).
Translation: Nepali certificates require NAATI certified translation.
✅ Free and fast: Nepal's police character certificate is completely free and typically issued within 2–3 days via the official OPCR portal.
🇰🇷 South Korea — Criminal Records Check Report
Korean: 범죄·수사경력 회보서
Issuing authority: Korean National Police Agency / police stations
How to obtain: Issued via police stations or online systems for eligible applicants. Overseas issuance via embassy/consulate may be possible.
Cost: Typically no fee.
Turnaround: Often immediate to approximately 1 week depending on applicant status and channel.
Translation: Korean certificates require NAATI certified Korean translation.
✅ Fast processing: South Korea is one of the quickest countries for police certificates — often same-day with no fee.
🇩🇪 Germany — Certificate of Conduct
German: Führungszeugnis
Issuing authority: Bundesamt für Justiz (Federal Office of Justice)
How to obtain: Apply via the online portal, through local registration offices (municipality), or by written application.
Cost: €13.
Turnaround: Commonly 4–8 weeks.
Translation: German certificates require NAATI certified German translation.
Note: Multiple types of Führungszeugnis exist (private vs authority use). Make sure you apply for the correct variant as specified in your visa request letter.
🇮🇶 Iraq — Non-Conviction Certificate
Issuing authority: Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) — consular services for overseas applicants
How to obtain: Overseas applicants apply via the nearest Iraqi MOFA mission. Requirements typically include a valid passport and Iraqi national ID documents. The Iraqi Consulate provides a detailed requirements checklist — note that requirements may differ slightly between missions.
Cost / Turnaround: Variable by mission. Always check the nearest MOFA mission page for the definitive checklist and current processing times.
Translation: Arabic certificates require NAATI certified Arabic translation.
🇬🇷 Greece — Copy of Criminal Record
Greek: Αντίγραφο Ποινικού Μητρώου
Issuing authority: Hellenic Ministry of Justice via gov.gr
How to obtain: Fully digital application available via gov.gr — delivered electronically to the citizen's inbox.
Validity: Typically up to 3 months.
Turnaround: Typically fast via digital service.
Translation: Greek certificates require NAATI certified Greek translation.
🇵🇰 Pakistan — Police Character Certificate
Urdu: پولیس کلیئرنس / کریکٹر سرٹیفکیٹ
Issuing authority: Provincial police authorities (not centralised federally); overseas applicants via High Commission of Pakistan (Australia)
How to obtain: Applicants outside Pakistan should apply through the relevant Pakistani High Commission or Consulate, which forwards the application for verification by the local police district. Provincial e-service portals such as Punjab Police may also be available for in-country applications.
Turnaround: Processing times vary significantly depending on province and verification status. Consular guidance indicates 3–6 months in some cases.
Cost: Varies by province and channel.
Translation: Urdu certificates require NAATI certified translation.
⏰ Start early: Pakistan has some of the longest processing times. Province-based variation means timeframes can differ significantly. Apply as soon as you know you need this document.
🇱🇧 Lebanon — Criminal Record Extract
Arabic: سجل عدلي (judicial record extract)
Issuing authority: Internal Security Forces (ISF) — criminal record offices
How to obtain: In-country applicants apply at ISF criminal record offices. Applicants outside Lebanon can apply via a legal representative/mandate holder or through the nearest Lebanese embassy, which routes the request through official ISF channels.
Cost / Turnaround: Variable — verify with your nearest Lebanese mission or representative. Document and identity requirements vary by applicant type.
Translation: Arabic certificates require NAATI certified Arabic translation. Lebanese criminal records often contain dense legal phrasing that requires specialist translation expertise.
Note: If you are outside Lebanon, you will likely need a family member or legal representative to attend ISF offices on your behalf, or apply via the Lebanese embassy route. Allow extra time for this process.
🇮🇩 Indonesia — SKCK (Police Clearance Certificate)
Indonesian: Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian (SKCK)
Issuing authority: Indonesian National Police (POLRI); overseas applicants via Indonesian Embassy guidance
How to obtain: Overseas applicants may initiate through Indonesian missions. Final issuance generally occurs in Indonesia at a designated police station.
Turnaround: Very fast in-person processing once documents and payment are in order (sometimes minutes). Overall timeline depends on logistics.
Translation: Indonesian certificates require NAATI certified translation.
🇹🇭 Thailand — Police Clearance Certificate
Thai: ใบรับรองประวัติอาชญากรรม
Issuing authority: Royal Thai Police — Police Clearance Service Center (Bangkok)
How to obtain: Applications are processed via the Royal Thai Police Police Clearance Service Center. Thai embassy pages outline payment methods and required documentation.
Cost: Official certificate fee is 100 baht. Additional service or courier fees may apply.
Turnaround: Indicative 7–10 days; varies by demand and service option.
Translation: Thai certificates require NAATI certified translation.
Tip: Be cautious of unofficial fee bundles from third-party providers. The official certificate fee is 100 baht — always confirm this versus any additional service charges.
🇮🇷 Iran — Certificate of No Criminal Record
Persian: گواهی عدم سوء پیشینه (درخواست گواهی عدم سوء پیشینه)
Issuing authority: Iranian police/judicial systems; Australia-based applicants apply via the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Australia
How to obtain: Australia-based applicants apply through the سامانه میخک (Mikhak) system. Fingerprints must be provided in a sealed and stamped envelope. If fingerprints are not sealed by the fingerprinting authority, DFAT certification may be required. A detailed identity document checklist is available on the embassy page.
Cost / Turnaround: Variable by mission and current practice. Always check the relevant Iranian mission's current instructions.
Translation: Persian certificates require NAATI certified translation.
⏰ Plan ahead: The fingerprint and Mikhak system requirements add steps to the process. Ensure you follow the embassy's specific document checklist carefully to avoid delays.
🇳🇱 Netherlands — Certificate of Conduct (VOG)
Dutch: Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG)
Issuing authority: Justis (Ministry of Justice and Security)
How to obtain: Apply through municipality; online possible in some cases.
Cost: €41.35.
Turnaround: Typically 4–8 weeks.
Translation: Dutch certificates require NAATI certified translation.
🇦🇫 Afghanistan — Police Clearance Certificate
Issuing authority: Afghan consular channels for overseas applicants. See UK Government overseas criminal record guidance for general process overview.
How to obtain: Criminal record checks require Afghan ID (Tazkira) and passport. Applications generally require in-person submission or processing through an authorised representative. Afghanistan does not operate a widely accessible centralised online police clearance portal.
Cost / Turnaround: Highly variable. Applicants typically require in-country processing or consular assistance. Verify with the relevant Afghan mission.
Translation: Dari and Pashto certificates require NAATI certified translation.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh — Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
Issuing authority: Bangladesh Police (online PCC system)
How to obtain: Online application with document upload and fee payment via the PCC portal.
Cost: 1,500 taka (indicative). Payment via bank treasury challan or online card.
Turnaround: Apply early and track status via the portal's SMS tracking feature.
Translation: Bengali certificates require NAATI certified translation.
🇹🇼 Taiwan — Police Criminal Record Certificate (PCRC)
Traditional Chinese: 警察刑事紀錄證明 (commonly called 良民證)
Issuing authority: City police departments — e.g., Taipei City Police
How to obtain: Multiple channels — digital, in-person, or by mail depending on jurisdiction.
Cost: NT$100 for one copy, NT$20 for each additional copy.
Turnaround: A few working days in most cases; longer if court inquiries are required.
Translation: Traditional Chinese certificates require NAATI certified Chinese translation.
🇧🇷 Brazil — Criminal Record Certificate
Portuguese: Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais
Issuing authority: Brazilian Federal Police (electronic issuance)
How to obtain: Issued electronically by the Brazilian Federal Police via their website. Certificates can be verified online. Consulates can certify the electronically issued certificate in some contexts.
Cost: Typically free for issuance. Fees may apply for notarisation/certification services if required.
Validity: Commonly 90 days.
Translation: Portuguese certificates require NAATI certified translation.
✅ Fast and free: Brazil's electronic issuance is one of the quickest and most cost-effective options. Certificates are verifiable online.
🇷🇸 Serbia — Certificate of No Criminal Record
Serbian (Latin): Uverenje o nekažnjavanju / Potvrda o neosuđivanosti
Serbian (Cyrillic): Уверење о некажњавању / Потврда о неосуђиваности
Issuing authority: Ministry of Interior (MUP); overseas applicants via Serbian Consulate
How to obtain: Serbian citizens in Australia may apply through the Serbian Consulate, which requests the certificate from the Ministry of Interior (MUP). Processing time depends on MUP verification procedures and postal delivery.
Turnaround: Variable — depends on MUP checks and postal services.
Translation: Serbian certificates (Latin or Cyrillic) require NAATI certified translation.
Tip: If you are in Australia, applying through the Serbian Consulate in Sydney is typically more convenient than obtaining it directly in Serbia.
🇵🇱 Poland — Certificate of No Criminal Record
Polish: Zaświadczenie o niekaralności
Register: Krajowy Rejestr Karny (KRK)
Issuing authority: Ministry of Justice / National Criminal Register
How to obtain: Government portal describes the process. An electronic system (e-KRK) exists but requires eligible electronic signature/login methods.
Cost: PLN 30 for hard copy, PLN 20 for electronic form (indicative).
Translation: Polish certificates require NAATI certified translation.
Note: The e-KRK electronic system requires a qualified electronic signature or login via trusted profile. Check eligibility before attempting the online route.
🇯🇵 Japan — Police Certificate
Japanese: 犯罪経歴証明書
Issuing authority: National Police Agency (via prefectural police); in Australia, via Embassy of Japan
How to obtain: Applicants must attend the embassy in person for fingerprinting. Postal applications are not accepted.
Cost: No charge (fee-free).
Turnaround: 2–3 months processing time.
Translation: Japanese certificates require NAATI certified Japanese translation.
⏰ Plan well ahead: Japan has one of the longest processing times of any country. Apply as early as possible — 2–3 months is typical.
Planning Your Police Certificate Timeline
Given the wide variation in processing times, planning ahead is essential. Use the following approach:
- Check your visa request letter — identify exactly which countries and certificates are required.
- Identify the slowest country — start with countries that have the longest processing times (Japan, Pakistan, Malaysia).
- Apply for all certificates simultaneously — do not wait for one to arrive before starting the next.
- Arrange translations in parallel — once you know which certificates will not be in English, arrange your NAATI certified translations early so they are ready as soon as the certificates arrive.
- Check validity periods — some certificates expire (e.g., Greece: 3 months, Brazil: 90 days). Time your applications so certificates are still valid when you submit your visa application.
NAATI Certified Translation Requirements for Overseas Police Certificates
Why Translation Compliance Matters for Australian Migration
When submitting a police certificate from overseas to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, any document that is not in English must be accompanied by an accurate English translation.
Police certificates are used to assess an applicant's character under Australian migration law. They are legal documents that often contain:
- Criminal offence classifications
- Court outcomes and dispositions
- Administrative notations
- Police references and registration numbers
- Seals, stamps and issuing authority identifiers
A poorly translated police certificate can lead to:
- Requests for further information (RFI)
- Visa processing delays
- Misinterpretation of criminal history
- Concerns about document authenticity
For this reason, translation compliance is not optional — it is essential.
What Does "NAATI Certified" Mean?
In Australia, NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) is the national standards body responsible for certifying translators.
A NAATI certified translator:
- Has passed professional certification examinations
- Meets continuing professional development requirements
- Is authorised to provide certified translations for official use in Australia
For migration purposes, translations should be completed by a NAATI certified translator in the relevant language pair.
What Must Be Translated?
For police certificates, the translation must include:
- The full document text
- Headings and subheadings
- All stamps and seals
- Registration numbers
- File references
- Signature blocks
- Any annotations, handwritten notes, or disclaimers
Nothing should be omitted. Even statements such as "No Criminal Record Found" must be translated precisely, as wording differences can carry legal meaning.
Language-Specific Expertise Matters
Police certificates differ significantly by jurisdiction. For example:
- German Führungszeugnis certificates distinguish between private and authority versions.
- Vietnamese Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp certificates are issued in Type No.1 and No.2 formats.
- Chinese 无犯罪记录证明 certificates may require additional notarial components.
- Japanese 犯罪経歴証明書 certificates are sealed and often not opened by the applicant.
- Serbian Уверење о некажњавању may reference specific criminal code provisions.
A translator must understand the legal framework behind the document — not just the language. Literal translation without contextual legal understanding can produce inaccurate results.
Digital Certificates and QR Codes
Many countries now issue electronic police certificates (e.g., Brazil, Bangladesh, Netherlands). Certified translations must:
- Accurately reproduce visible QR codes or verification references
- Translate any embedded verification instructions
- Clearly state that the original certificate was issued electronically
The translator does not "verify" the QR code — but must translate any visible instructions relating to it.
Formatting and Presentation Standards
For migration use, certified translations should:
- Clearly state "Certified Translation"
- Identify the source language
- Include the translator's NAATI credential number
- Include a certification statement
- Include signature and date
The translation should be formatted clearly and professionally, preserving the structure of the original document where possible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants sometimes make the following errors:
- Using overseas "sworn translators" without NAATI credentials
- Providing partial translations
- Submitting unofficial or machine translations
- Translating only the "main text" and omitting stamps
- Submitting expired police certificates
Each of these can delay visa processing.
When Should You Arrange the Translation?
Ideally:
- Obtain the official police certificate first.
- Confirm it is the correct version required by your visa case officer.
- Arrange NAATI certified translation immediately.
Police certificates often have limited validity periods (e.g., 3–6 months in many jurisdictions). Translation should not be delayed unnecessarily.
Do You Need a Hard Copy or Is Digital Acceptable?
For most Australian visa applications:
- Digital certified translations are acceptable if properly formatted and certified.
- Hard copy translations may be required if specifically requested by a case officer or tribunal.
Always follow the instructions provided in your visa request letter.
Final Compliance Checklist
- ✔ You have obtained the correct police certificate for each country lived in.
- ✔ The certificate is within its validity period.
- ✔ The translation is completed by a NAATI certified translator.
- ✔ All pages are translated in full.
- ✔ The translator's certification statement is included.
Failure to meet these requirements can cause avoidable delays.
Professional Translation Support
If your police certificate is not in English, it must be translated accurately and professionally. Certified translations for migration purposes should be completed by a NAATI certified translator who understands:
- Migration compliance requirements
- Legal terminology
- Character assessment sensitivity
- Government submission standards
Professional translation ensures your documents meet Australian standards the first time.
How We Can Help
At Australian Translations, we provide NAATI certified translations for police certificates from all 25 countries covered in this guide. Our translators are experienced in legal and migration terminology and understand the specific formatting requirements preferred by the Department of Home Affairs.
Our Police Certificate Translation Services
- Self-Service Extract Translation: From $44.95 — upload your document and receive a NAATI certified translation from 1 hour
- Extract Translation: $59.95 — we handle the process for you, typically delivered within 1 business day
- Full Translation: $64.95 — comprehensive translation with full formatting replication, typically 1–2 business days
All translations include digital NAATI certification with QR code verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police certificate for every country I have visited?
Generally, no. Most visa streams require certificates for countries where you have lived for 12 or more months after a certain age (commonly 16+), not countries you have simply visited. However, the specific requirements depend on your visa subclass. Always refer to your visa request letter from the Department of Home Affairs for precise requirements.
What if I cannot obtain a police certificate from a particular country?
If you genuinely cannot obtain a police certificate (e.g., due to conflict, government collapse, or other circumstances), you should explain this to the Department of Home Affairs and provide evidence of your attempts. They may accept a statutory declaration or alternative evidence in some circumstances.
Can I use a translation from my home country instead of a NAATI certified translation?
The Department of Home Affairs specifies that documents not in English must be accompanied by a translation from a NAATI certified translator. Translations from overseas providers that do not hold NAATI credentials may not be accepted, potentially delaying your application.
How long are police certificates valid for?
Validity varies by issuing country and by the requirements of the receiving authority. Some countries specify a validity period (e.g., Greece: 3 months, Brazil: 90 days). The Department of Home Affairs generally expects recent certificates — check your visa request letter for specific guidance on how recent your certificates need to be.
About the Author
Australian Translations
NAATI Certified Translation Services
Australian Translations is a leading provider of NAATI certified translation services across 60+ languages, helping individuals and businesses with immigration, legal, academic, and professional document translations Australia-wide.