Etalon logo

Police certificate: stop wasting your time!

Author: Etalon translation agency

Published:

Updated: 2026-09-05

Contents

Many people today are wondering why a criminal record certificate is needed and in which cases it is indispensable. The document is relevant in various life situations, often involving its use abroad. Therefore, it is worth entrusting the preparation of such an important paper exclusively to professionals. At the Etalon translation agency, we understand the specifics of working with the relevant state authorities, always guaranteeing the result required by the client.

What We Do With the Issued Certificate

The process of obtaining a criminal record certificate may seem simple at first glance, but in practice, many questions often arise - where to get a criminal record certificate , how long it is valid, and how long it takes to issue?

At Etalon we take care of the language side: a sworn or notarised translation of the certificate, the apostille at the relevant ministry, and delivery of the finished package.

We work directly with the Kyiv ministries where the document is submitted for an apostille, so you do not have to travel. We will not only return the finished package but also answer all your questions - for example, how long the certificate stays valid and in which order the translation and apostille are done.

In Which Situations Is a Police Clearance Certificate Needed

When figuring out where to obtain a criminal record certificate and for what purposes it might be needed, it is important to focus on the following aspects:

  • Employment abroad. Most employers require confirmation of the absence of criminal records.
  • Visa application. For some visa categories, a certificate is a mandatory document.
  • Adoption or guardianship. State authorities require confirmation of a clean criminal background.
  • Applying for government service. In some cases, a criminal record certificate is needed as part of a reliability check.
  • Applying for citizenship. Many countries require a certificate when applying for citizenship.
  • Participating in international tenders. To legally participate in such projects, confirmation of the absence of criminal records may be required.
  • Obtaining licenses for work with children or firearms. These types of activities often require additional checks.

Certificate Processing Time and Cost

The answer to the question of how long it takes to obtain a criminal record certificate depends on several factors. Usually, the process takes from a few days to two weeks, depending on the workload of the issuing institutions.

Thanks to our experience we name realistic translation and apostille turnaround times up front, and do not promise what is not ours to decide.

Regarding the validity of a criminal record certificate, it should be noted that this period can vary. When used domestically, it is usually valid for 30-90 days, depending on the requirements of the organization requesting the document. Abroad, the certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, which we always inform the client about at the stage of discussing the order and coordinating all subsequent activities.

Having figured out why a criminal record certificate is needed, it is worth recognising that its translation and legalisation have their own specifics: a single spelling of the name, the correct order of apostille and translation, and the requirements of the particular authority. Entrust that part to the Etalon translation agency - we have an experienced team, qualified service and a responsible approach to any task.

Have questions?

Fill out the form for feedback

We reply in 15 minutes, no spam. Your data stays confidential.

Our offices

Find directions to us on Google Maps

mailcalendar

Mon-Fri: 09:00 - 18:00

Sat, Sun: Closed

FAQ

What services does your company provide?

The translation agency "Etalon" has been operating in the Ukrainian market since 2010, providing professional written and oral translation services.

How to order a service?

To order a service, you can contact us by phone or email listed on our website.

What is the cost of services?

The cost of our services depends on the volume and complexity of the work. For detailed information, please contact us.

Do you provide urgent translation services?

Yes, we provide urgent translation services. For additional information, please contact us.

What documents are needed for translation?

For translation, you need to provide the original or copies of the documents. For more detailed information, please contact us.

How long does the translation take?

The time required for translation depends on the volume and complexity of the text. It usually takes from a few hours to several days.

Do you translate specialized texts?

Yes, we translate specialized texts, including legal, technical, medical, and other documents.

Do you provide notarized translation services?

Yes, we provide notarized translation services. For additional information, please contact us.

When are you open?

All three offices — Kharkiv, Kyiv and Bratislava — are open Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00. Each keeps its own local time, and Bratislava (Central European time) is an hour behind the two Ukrainian offices, so allow for that difference if you're calling from abroad.

Do I need to come to the office?

You don't need to visit us in person. Send scans of your documents by e-mail and we'll quote the price and turnaround; some services need the original, which then travels by courier or post instead of you. We return the finished document the same way — by post, or as a signed electronic file where the receiving authority accepts it.

Can I get the translation the same day?

It depends on which office handles your order. In Kharkiv and Kyiv a standard document can often be ready the same day if you send the scan early and choose the express option, which may cost extra — we confirm this when we quote. In Slovakia the timings are different: a sworn translation of a standard document usually takes up to 2–3 working days, express by arrangement, and what you receive the same day there is the quote rather than the finished translation. Larger or more complex jobs, and services that involve a state authority, take longer in either country.