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We translate UK ACRO Criminal Records Certificates -- issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) -- from English into Spanish, Italian, French or German. This certificate is often required by authorities in Spain and other European countries for residency, employment and licensing applications.
Requirements vary between countries and receiving authorities. We recommend confirming exactly what is required with the specific authority before ordering.
The ACRO Criminal Records Certificate is issued by ACRO Criminal Records Office, which operates under the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). It is an official UK certificate confirming whether an individual has any criminal record held on the Police National Computer.
Unlike a DBS certificate, the ACRO certificate is specifically designed for use overseas and is widely recognised by foreign authorities.
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificate is primarily intended for UK employers carrying out pre-employment checks. The ACRO Criminal Records Certificate serves a different purpose: it is the standard document requested by overseas authorities when proof of a UK criminal record history is required.
Spain in particular typically requires the ACRO certificate rather than a DBS certificate for residency, employment and licensing applications. If you are unsure which document is needed, check with the receiving authority before applying.
Requirements vary between countries and between individual authorities within the same country. This page reflects what is often -- but not always -- required. Always confirm the exact requirements with the specific authority before ordering.
You need to obtain your ACRO certificate before sending it to us for translation. Applications are made directly to ACRO Criminal Records Office. Processing times vary, so allow sufficient time before your submission deadline.
Some authorities require the certificate to have been issued recently, typically within the past three to six months. Check the currency requirements with the receiving authority before applying for the certificate.
An apostille may also be required on the original ACRO certificate in addition to a sworn translation. Requirements vary. Our parent service, 1Apostille.org.uk, can arrange an apostille if needed -- check with the receiving authority first.
Select the country your document will be used in for specific information about what is often required in that country.
Also offered by 1Apostille
Do you also need an Apostille?
Some authorities require an apostille on the original ACRO certificate alongside a sworn translation. Requirements vary -- always check with the receiving authority. Our parent service can arrange apostilles alongside your translation.
An ACRO Criminal Records Certificate is an official document issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) that shows whether an individual has a criminal record in the UK. It is commonly requested by foreign authorities, particularly in Spain, as evidence of good character for residency, employment and licensing applications.
No. A DBS certificate is primarily used by UK employers, whereas an ACRO Criminal Records Certificate is designed for use abroad. Spain in particular often requires the ACRO certificate rather than a DBS certificate. If you are unsure which type is needed, check with the receiving authority before applying.
You can apply directly through the ACRO Criminal Records Office. Applications can be made online or by post. Processing times vary, so we recommend allowing sufficient time before your submission deadline.
Some authorities require an apostille on the original ACRO certificate in addition to a sworn translation. Requirements vary by country and by the specific receiving body. We recommend confirming this with the authority before ordering. Our parent service, 1Apostille.org.uk, can arrange an apostille if required.
£90 per page · English to Spanish, Italian, French or German · 1-2 day turnaround
Order via 1Apostille.org.uk