Foreigners who have recently moved to Poland often encounter new terminology and documents that need to be obtained. This is especially true for those foreigners who are looking for work or already planning to start employment at one of the Polish companies. Today we will discuss in more detail such a document, which is encountered by almost every person living in Poland. We are talking about a criminal record certificate, or as it sounds in Polish - "zaświadczenie o niekaralności". Below you will learn when such a certificate is needed and how to obtain it.
Where might you need a criminal record certificate?
So, let's start with the fact that in Poland there is a National Criminal Register (Krajowy Rejestr Karny), which contains a database of offenses and offenders. Moreover, it contains not only information about violations of individuals but also legal entities. A certificate from the criminal register may be needed in various cases, including:
- Employment as a taxi driver through Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow apps.
- Employment at enterprises that work with children. This includes schools, kindergartens, children's camps, and other similar places.
- Participation in auctions and tenders.
- Employment as an accountant at a firm.
- Registration of your own company.
This is just a small list of places and situations where you might need a criminal record certificate. For example, it may also be requested when approving a loan or applying for a visa to another country.
Criminal record certificate from your home country
What should you do if you need a criminal record certificate from your home country while you are in Poland? Such situations usually arise when an employer asks you to provide a certificate from both Poland and your home country. This depends on which country you are a citizen of. For example, Ukrainians can get a criminal record certificate for free through the DIIA app or contact the nearest consulate.
Criminal record certificate from Poland
In fact, the process of obtaining a criminal record certificate from Poland is quite simple. All you need to do is gather the necessary documents, go to Krajowy Rejestr Karny, pay the stamp duty (30 zloty), fill out the form, and get the required document. You can find a complete list of courts using this link. The form that needs to be filled out can be downloaded in advance on the official portal. What documents are required?
- Passport.
- Receipt of stamp duty payment.
- If you have any benefits, you need to provide confirmation for them.
Please note that you can request such a certificate online from home. This will be much faster, but the only difference is that the certificate will not have a wet stamp, as it will be in electronic format.
Where can you get help?
If you have encountered any problems trying to obtain a criminal record certificate in Poland, you can always contact Optima Partner for help. Our legalization department is always happy to help you obtain a criminal record certificate. We will advise you on which documents are needed and where to find the court you need. We remind you that a criminal record certificate is required to work as a taxi driver with Optima Partner.