Police Clearance Certificate for a UK Visa
Certain UK work visas require a criminal record certificate — also called a police certificate or certificate of good character — for countries outside the UK where you have lived. This guide sets out who must provide one, the residence and age tests, the partner rule, where to apply, and when the requirement does not apply. Based on GOV.UK guidance retrieved 2026-09-29.
What the certificate is
A criminal record certificate — also called a police certificate or a certificate of good character — is a document issued by a country's own authorities confirming whether you have a criminal record there. It is obtained from that country, not from the UK.
Who must provide one
GOV.UK's guidance for overseas applicants applies to certain work visas (the route formerly known as Tier 2 General) in specific health, education and social care occupations. You must provide a certificate for any country outside the UK where you lived for 12 months or more — continuously or in total — in the past 10 years since you turned 18.
Adult partners
The same requirement applies to an adult partner, whether they are accompanying you or applying separately.
When it is not required
A certificate is not required for an in-country extension (a renewal) of the visa. The requirement is set for the application route described, not for extensions made inside the UK.
Where you apply
Each country runs its own process, so there is no single route. The guidance is to apply in that country, or to its embassy in the UK. Because the evidence comes from another jurisdiction, translating and copying it correctly matters; see visa document translation and copies and scanning and uploading.
If you cannot provide one
Not providing a certificate, without a reasonable explanation, may lead to refusal. The certificate is separate from the criminal, civil and immigration offences the application form itself asks you to disclose: the form is a declaration, while the certificate is third-party evidence.
Validity period
A single validity period for these certificates is not published, so it is not asserted here. Check the current requirement for your route before relying on an older certificate.
Related guides
Check the age and content rules of the photo that goes with the application in passport photo validity, produce a clean scan with the document scanner, and work from the UK visa documents checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Do all visa applicants need one?
No — it is limited to certain work visas and specific health, education and social care occupations.
Which countries does it cover?
Any country outside the UK where you lived for 12 months or more, continuously or in total, in the past 10 years since you turned 18.
Does my partner need one too?
Yes, if they are an adult partner, whether accompanying you or applying separately.
Do I need one for an extension?
No — in-country extensions are exempt.
Where do I apply?
In the country concerned, or at its embassy in the UK.
What if I cannot get one?
Not providing a certificate without a reasonable explanation may lead to refusal.
Source: GOV.UK, “Criminal records checks for overseas applicants” (gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants) retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules change, so confirm the current guidance before you apply.