A Police Certificate is required before you apply for a visa to travel abroad. A Police Certificate is issued by the Garda. The certificate is a statement about you which includes your name, address, date of birth and details on whether you have a criminal record or not.
It has a validity of one year and this certificate cannot be used for employment or other purposes. A Police Certificate is only issued when required by the consular authorities. It can also be used to start and register a business in another country under the EU.
Procedures
The application should be a written one which addresses the Superintendent of the district you live. If you are already migrated from Ireland, address the Superintendent of the district where you used to live. If you are only able to apply to your local Garda station, take down the name or number of the policemen.
The application should include
- Your full name as on your birth certificate.
- Date and place of birth (attach a copy of your birth certificate).
- Present address.
- All addresses which you have lived in Ireland.
- The purpose and place for which you need the certificate.
- Attach copies of your passport, driving license or other identity proofs which are used for identification purposes.
- A stamped and self addressed envelope
A duration of 3 weeks are needed for the processing of your police certificate and it will be issued directly from the district office. The process of acquiring a police certificate doesn’t require any charges.
For Irish citizens who live abroad, it is not possible to acquire a Police Certificate from Ireland unless, you need it for Visa purposes and to apply for residency in other countries. If you need a police certificate for other needs, you can contact the local police station at the place you live in. They can help you in obtaining your certificate or they may act on behalf of you and contact with the nearest police station in Ireland