You have finally received your Police Clearance Certificate (KRK) from Poland, but your immigration lawyer in Toronto or your employer in London has just told you it is “invalid.” Why? Because it lacks an Apostille.
Under the Hague Convention of 1961, a Polish public document (like a KRK certificate) must be authenticated by an Apostille to be legally recognized in another member country. Without it, foreign authorities consider the document unofficial.
At Lex Corporation, we provide a complete legalization package. We don’t just get you the PCC; we get it fully legalized, translated, and delivered.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a separate certificate attached to your Polish PCC by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Poland. It verifies the signature and seal of the official who issued your criminal record check. It does not verify the content of the record (whether you are guilty or innocent), but verifies that the document is authentic.
Which Countries Require a Poland PCC with Apostille?
You need an Apostille if you are submitting your Polish document to authorities in Hague Convention member countries.
- North America: USA (all states), Canada (joined in 2024 – note: for documents intended for use in Canada, an Apostille is now generally required after the Hague Convention accession).
- Europe: UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, Ireland.
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.
- Asia: India, Japan, Philippines.
Exception: If you are using the document inside Poland, you do not need an Apostille.
The Lex Corporation “PCC + Apostille” Process
We handle the MFA legalization process that most people find impossible from abroad.
- Polish KRK Certificate: We obtain your official criminal record check.
- Submission to MFA: We take your original PCC to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Al. Szucha 23, Warsaw) .
- Apostille Attachment: The MFA verifies the KRK stamp and attaches the Apostille.
- Certified Translation (Optional): We arrange a “tłumacz przysięgły” (sworn translator) to translate the document into English, Spanish, German, Ukrainian, or Russian.
- Courier Delivery: We send the final package (PCC + Apostille + Translation) directly to you.
Why You Cannot Get an Apostille Yourself (From Abroad)
- Physical Presence: The Polish MFA often requires the original document to be submitted in person or by a representative.
- Payment: Foreign bank cards are frequently rejected on the MFA payment portal.
- Time: The MFA office requires a scheduled visit.
Service Options & Costs
- Standard PCC: 1-2 working days.
- Apostille: + a few additional working days.
- Translation: + a few days.
- Courier: 2-4 days (USA/UK/Canada).
Official Government Links
- Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH): hcch.net
- Polish MFA Legalization Dept: gov.pl/web/dyplomacja/apostille
Do not let your immigration file be rejected. Get the Apostille.
Contact Lex Corporation
- Website: https://lexcorporation.pl/
- WhatsApp: +48 573 467 138
- Email: info@lexcorporation.pl