How to obtain a certificate of no criminal record in Cyprus: simple instructions

At first glance, a certificate of no criminal record in Cyprus may seem like a minor document. However, in practice, especially in matters involving foreign applicants, it is of critical importance—both in immigration procedures and in the implementation of corporate tasks. This article examines in detail the legal nuances of obtaining it: the application procedure, the amount of the state fee, processing times, and requirements for translation and legalization.

Who may need a certificate (for a residence permit, work, study, etc.)

A certificate of no criminal record is included in the list of mandatory documents for most immigration, employment, and licensing procedures in Cyprus. It confirms the absence of a criminal record and is used by public and private entities when verifying the reliability of an applicant.

The document is requested when applying for a temporary or permanent residence permit, applying for a work permit, participating in competitions for public office, and when obtaining professional licenses, for example, in the financial, medical, or educational sectors.

In addition, the certificate may be required when enrolling in educational institutions or when including a person in the corporate structure of a company, if required by the compliance verification procedure. In the latter case, the document serves as a basis for confirming the business reputation and legal capacity of the potential beneficiary.

Where to submit an application and how to do it remotely

Certificates are issued by the Cyprus Police Criminal Records Office, located in Nicosia. This is the only authorized body that accepts and processes such requests.

There are two ways to submit an application: in person at the nearest police station in Cyprus, or remotely through a representative acting on the basis of a power of attorney. In the first case, you just need to present your passport and fill out a form. In the second case, you will need a notarized power of attorney, a copy of your ID, proof of payment, and the application form.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

The cost of obtaining a certificate is regulated by a state tariff. The fee is set at €20. If expedited processing is required, the cost may increase to €30–50, depending on the urgency and administrative workload.

Payment is made at the time of application, and remote applicants can transfer the fee to the account of the authority that issued the certificate. A payment order must be attached as confirmation.

The processing time for a standard request is 7 to 15 business days. For urgent requests, the certificate can be ready within 2–5 days, but this option requires prior agreement.

Translation and apostille: are they necessary?

If the certificate is to be used outside Cyprus, the requirements of the receiving country must be taken into account. As a rule, especially when applying to EU authorities, an apostille and an official translation confirming the content of the document in the recipient’s language are required.

The translation must be done by an accredited specialist or certified by the consulate. Both Cypriot and foreign options are possible, depending on the rules of the specific jurisdiction.

The apostille is issued on the original document by the Cyprus Ministry of Justice or through an authorized body.

If the certificate is submitted to Cypriot authorities, an apostille and translation are not usually required, provided that the document is written in Greek or English.