Get Your Criminal Record Certificate in Poland (2026)

How to Obtain a Criminal Record Certificate in Poland

If you have been living, working, or studying in the Republic of Poland, it is highly likely that you will need to provide documentary proof of your clean record. Whether you need it for a new job, a visa application, or to set up a company, this guide explains exactly who needs this document, how to get it, and the step-by-step methods to acquire it.

What is a Criminal Record Certificate?

A criminal record certificate (known in Polish as zaświadczenie o niekaralności) is an official document confirming that you have no registered criminal or fiscal convictions in Poland.

The National Criminal Register (Krajowy Rejestr Karny – KRK) issues this document. The Polish Ministry of Justice manages this registry. The register keeps a database of all individuals and corporate entities that have been legally convicted of offenses in Poland.

If obtained in person, the certificate is issued as a physical, double-sided A4 document bearing official wet ink stamps and signatures from the court clerk. If obtained online, it is issued as an electronically signed XML document.

When Do You Need a Criminal Record Certificate?

A Polish PCC is commonly required for both local and international procedures, including:

Working with Vulnerable Groups: Anyone planning to work as a teacher, nanny, kindergarten instructor, or sports coach with minors must present this certificate by law.
Regulated Professions: Certain career paths-such as accounting, securities trading, financial advising, and real estate brokerage-legally require a clean background check.
Licensing and Permits: To obtain a taxi license (including rideshare apps like Uber or Bolt), a security guard permit, or a firearms license.
Corporate Procedures & Company Formation: Establishing certain business types, registering as a board member, or bidding on government tenders requires proof of clean criminal standing.
Banking: Some financial institutions require this certificate when processing large loan or mortgage applications.
International Immigration: Relocating to countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, or Australia requires presenting a legalized version of this certificate to foreign consulates.

Three Methods to Obtain Your Certificate in Poland

There are three primary ways to secure your zaświadczenie o niekaralności directly from the state registry.

Important Format Note: A certificate obtained online is issued as a digital XML file. Simply printing out this digital file does not make it a valid physical document. Many foreign institutions, embassies, and certain local employers strictly require the official physical paper version with physical wet stamps.

Method 1: Visiting a Local Court Info Point (In-Person)

You can walk into any regional court (Sąd Okręgowy) that houses a National Criminal Register (KRK) information point. No prior online registration is required.

Purchase the Court Fee Stamp: Cost: 30 PLN. Upon arrival, go to the court’s cash desk (kasa) and purchase a special physical fee stamp worth 30 PLN.
Fill Out the Official Application Form: In Polish only. Locate the paper application forms next to the KRK window. You must fill out your personal details including: Full name (and maiden name, if applicable) Date and place of birth Parents’ names (and mother’s maiden name) PESEL number (if you have one) Current residential address
Affix the Stamp and Sign: Glue the 30 PLN fee stamp to the top of your filled form and sign the application at the bottom.
Submit and Collect: Present your signed form along with your valid passport or national ID card to the clerk at the KRK window. After a brief wait (usually 10 to 15 minutes), the clerk will hand you your stamped, physical certificate.

Method 2: Obtaining the Certificate Online (e-KRK Portal)

If you have a digital identity profile in Poland, you can apply entirely online.

Step 1: Register on the official portal of the Ministry of Justice (e-KRK).
Step 2: Fill out the online questionnaire with your personal parameters.
Step 3: Sign the application digitally using your Trusted Profile (Profil Zaufany) or an ePUAP electronic signature.
Step 4: Pay the state fee of 20 PLN directly through the integrated online payment gateway.
Step 5: The digital certificate (an XML file with an electronic signature) is delivered to your user panel on the portal, usually within 24 hours.

Method 3: Submitting by Postal Mail

This method is useful if you cannot visit a court in person but require a physical paper document.

Step 1: Download and print the official application form (different forms apply for individuals versus legal entities).
Step 2: Pay the 30 PLN fee via bank transfer to the official bank account of the Ministry of Justice, and print the transfer receipt.
Step 3: Mail the completed and signed paper application, a printed copy of your payment confirmation, and a self-addressed return envelope to the National Criminal Register address in Warsaw.
Step 4: The physical, stamped paper certificate will be sent back to your residential address via registered post.

Who Can Apply for a Criminal Record Certificate?

The National Criminal Register in Poland is fully accessible. Applications can be submitted by:

Polish Citizens
Foreign Nationals of any country who currently reside in, or have previously resided in, Poland.
Appointed Representatives: Under Polish law, you do not have to apply in person. You can authorize a legal representative or attorney to handle the process. Note: Using a representative requires submitting an official Power of Attorney (POA) form, which incurs a standard state stamp duty of 17 PLN unless legally exempt.

The Remote Alternative for Expats: Lex Corporation

If you are currently outside of Poland, setting up an e-KRK account, navigating Polish-only government portals, or securing a wet-stamped physical paper copy with an Apostille for use abroad is incredibly complex.

Lex Corporation specializes in end-to-end remote procurement of Polish Police Clearance Certificates. We act as your on-the-ground legal representative in Warsaw, ensuring your documents are legally processed, apostilled, translated, and shipped securely to your current home country.

Express Retrieval: 1-2 working days.
Power of Attorney Legalization: Fully managed and included in our package.
Apostille & Sworn Translation: Handled directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and registered Polish sworn translators.
Worldwide Courier Shipping: Secure delivery to your door via DHL or FedEx. (extra add-on service)