How to Obtain and Translate Your Canadian Criminal Record Check for Spain
If Spain asks you for a Canadian criminal record check, the document you usually need is a fingerprint-based certified criminal record check. If you are outside Canada, the process normally starts with having your fingerprints taken on paper by an authorized agency and then working with an RCMP-accredited fingerprint company in Canada to convert and submit them electronically.
Step 1: Confirm Which Canadian Record You Need
For Spain-related applications, people are commonly asked for a police certificate or criminal record certificate. In practice, the safer route is usually the certified fingerprint-based criminal record check, especially when an immigration or visa authority wants an official police certificate.
Step 2: Get Your Fingerprints Taken
If you are in Canada, you can usually go to a local police service or an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting company. If you are outside Canada, you will first need to get a paper copy of your fingerprints from an authorized local agency.
Step 3: Submit Through an Accredited Canadian Company
If you are outside Canada, do not simply mail your fingerprints directly to RCMP CCRTIS. The current RCMP guidance says that applicants outside Canada should work through an accredited fingerprint company in Canada, which converts the paper fingerprints into digital format and submits the application electronically.
What to Do After You Receive It
The Canadian criminal record check must be apostilled before it is used in Spain. Once you have the final certificate, arrange the apostille first. Then send the complete set — certificate plus apostille — for sworn translation into Spanish. Both the certificate and the apostille page need to be translated.
What to Send for a Quote
- The full certificate
- The apostille, if already issued
- Any cover page or attachment that forms part of the official document
- Your deadline