Criminal Background Check - UK National

Member since 31 October 2022

BSM82Member20 February 2023 13:27:55

What's the correct document for criminal background checks for UK (Scottish) citizens re-locating to Spain through marriage to a Spanish citizen? Previously for employment in Scotland I've needed to obtain a disclosure form (Disclosure Scotland), but there is also the criminal records office (ACRO) which is much more expensive. Obviously I'd prefer to go with the cheaper option, which will confirm that I've had no criminal convictions.

Also, am I correct in assuming that this document would then need to be translated and apostilled?

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert20 February 2023 15:05:25

13147

What's the correct document for criminal background checks for UK (Scottish) citizens re-locating to Spain through marriage to a Spanish citizen? Previously for employment in Scotland I've needed to obtain a disclosure form (Disclosure Scotland), but there is also the criminal records office (ACRO) which is much more expensive. Obviously I'd prefer to go with the cheaper option, which will confirm that I've had no criminal convictions.
Also, am I correct in assuming that this document would then need to be translated and apostilled?
-@BSM82

This site will give you the information you need. https://www.acro.police.uk

gwynj Bulgaria Expert

Member since 30 June 2020

gwynjBulgaria Expert22 February 2023 06:30:25

2551

As @SimCityAT states you need your ACRO certificate (if you NEED a criminal background check).

It does need to be "legalised" (rather than "apostilled") at the Legalisation Office in London.

https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

I believe it needs a translation too, which typically means you need an official state-registered (in Spain) translator.

HOWEVER... do you NEED a CBC? It depends on what visa/residence type you are applying for. For example, here's the official information for "family reunification" which doesn't mention it and the "no lucrativa visa" which does.

https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/es/InformacionInteres/InformacionProcedimientos/Ciudadanosnocomunitarios/hoja012/index.html

https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es/es/InformacionInteres/InformacionProcedimientos/Ciudadanosnocomunitarios/hoja010/index.html