Police clearance certificates are a standard requirement for almost every immigration and visa application worldwide. This guide covers how to obtain, notarise, and submit Irish police clearance certificates, and what to do about clearance from other countries where you have lived.
Why Police Clearance Is Required
Immigration authorities use police clearance certificates to assess the character and suitability of applicants. They confirm whether the applicant has any criminal convictions or pending charges.
Irish Police Clearance
For Irish police clearance, apply to the Garda Central Vetting Bureau:
- Request a police certificate (not standard Garda vetting)
- Provide your full name, date of birth, addresses in Ireland
- Include a copy of your passport
- State the purpose (immigration) and destination country
- Pay the required fee
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days. Applications from abroad may take longer.
Police Clearance from Other Countries
If you have lived in other countries, you will typically need police clearance from each. Contact the relevant police authority in each country. For some countries, the request can be made through their embassy in Ireland.
Notarisation Process
- Obtain the police clearance certificate
- Check it for accuracy (name spelling, dates)
- Bring it to your notary appointment with your passport
- The notary will certify it and prepare a notarial certificate
Apostille
After notarisation, submit to the Department of Foreign Affairs for an apostille. Be mindful of validity periods — if the certificate must be less than 3 months old, factor in the time for notarisation and apostille.
Country-Specific Requirements
- Australia: Police certificates needed for all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 16
- Canada: Required from each country of residence for 6+ months since age 18
- United States: Required for certain visa categories from countries of residence
- New Zealand: Required from all countries lived in for 5+ years since age 17
- UAE: Police clearance from country of last residence, less than 3 months old
Timing
Start early but be strategic:
- Apply for the certificate early enough to allow processing time
- But not so early that it expires before your application is processed
- A common approach: apply 6–8 weeks before you plan to submit your immigration application
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police clearance for immigration?
Almost always, yes. It is a standard requirement for visa and residency applications worldwide.
How do I get an Irish police clearance for immigration?
Apply to the Garda Central Vetting Bureau for a police certificate. Then have it notarised and apostilled.
How recent must the police clearance be?
Most authorities require less than 6 months old; some require less than 3 months.
Do I need clearance from every country I’ve lived in?
Generally yes, for countries where you lived beyond a threshold period (usually 6–12 months).
Get Your Police Clearance Ready
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor and Notary Public, practises from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He regularly notarises police clearance certificates for immigration applications.
Contact: 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com.
Need Police Clearance Notarised for Immigration?
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork