The police clearance certificate is one of the key documents required to obtain Moldovan citizenship. This document confirms that the applicant has no criminal record in their home country or in any other countries where they have resided.
An incorrectly prepared or expired certificate can result in the rejection of the application. That’s why it is essential to understand where and how to obtain it, how to format it correctly, and what details require special attention.
Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate
A police clearance certificate is mandatory for most categories of applicants seeking Moldovan citizenship. Its purpose is to confirm that the individual has had no legal issues in recent years, particularly in countries of permanent or long-term residence.
Who is required to submit the certificate:
- Foreign nationals residing outside of Moldova;
- Individuals who previously lived abroad (including former USSR citizens);
- Applicants who stayed in other countries for more than 6 consecutive months in the past 5–10 years.
Even if you hold citizenship of another country and believe you are exempt, Moldovan authorities may still request the certificate if they find evidence of your residence abroad.
Where to Get a Police Clearance Certificate
The place where you obtain your certificate depends on the country where you lived. It is crucial that the document is issued by an authorized government body and meets all formal requirements.
If you are in Moldova:
- For Moldovan citizens — the certificate is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI);
- For foreign nationals — also through the MAI, though additional documents (residency, registration) may be required;
- You can request it online via servicii.gov.md.
If you reside abroad:
- In Russia — via the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) or MFC centers, with online access through Gosuslugi;
- In Ukraine — through the Ministry of Internal Affairs or CNAP service centers;
- In Romania — via the Direcția Cazier Judiciar;
- In Israel — through the Israeli police, request available online;
- In other EU countries — through local police or ministries of justice.
Alternative options:
- Through your country’s consulate or embassy;
- Via an authorized representative with notarized power of attorney;
- By using agencies that offer certificate procurement services.
Important: in most cases, the certificate must be apostilled or legalized, especially if it is issued in a country without a bilateral agreement with Moldova.
How to Properly Format the Certificate
Even if the certificate is obtained on time, it may be rejected if it does not meet formal requirements. Both legal and technical details must be considered.
What the certificate must include:
- Full name, exactly as in the passport;
- Date and place of birth;
- Confirmation of absence (or presence) of a criminal record;
- Date of issue and validity period;
- Signature and official seal of the issuing authority.
Additional requirements:
- Apostille or legalization — required for countries without bilateral agreements with Moldova (e.g., Russia, Ukraine);
- Romanian translation — must be done by a certified translator and notarized;
- Validity period — usually valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
If you submit your documents several months after obtaining the certificate, it must be renewed. An expired document will be automatically rejected.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even if you have a police clearance certificate, it may be rejected due to formal or content-related errors. Here are the most common reasons for rejection:
1. Certificate issued by the wrong country
Some applicants submit a certificate only from their current country of residence, ignoring past residences. You must cover the entire period stated in your application.
2. Expired certificate
If the certificate is more than 90 days old at the time of submission, it is considered invalid. Even a one-day delay can lead to rejection.
3. Missing apostille or legalization
Some countries require authentication of the document. Without an apostille or consular legalization, the certificate may be considered invalid.
4. Translation errors
The translation must be done by a certified translator and notarized. Any mistake in names, dates, or other data is a reason for rejection.
5. Data mismatch
If the name in the certificate differs from other documents (e.g., due to marriage or passport change), it must be explained with supporting documents. Unexplained discrepancies raise red flags.
To avoid these issues, we recommend consulting a specialist who can review your documents before submission.
What to Do if It’s Difficult to Obtain the Certificate
Sometimes, getting a police clearance certificate can be complicated — especially in countries with no online service, ongoing conflict, or inefficient government systems. Here are some possible solutions:
1. Go through a consulate
Many consulates can help citizens obtain a certificate from their home country. This is useful if you cannot travel there yourself.
2. Use a notarized power of attorney
You can authorize a relative or representative to request the certificate on your behalf. Ensure the power of attorney is recognized in the issuing country.
3. Use an intermediary service
There are agencies that specialize in obtaining police certificates from different countries. Make sure they are legitimate and trustworthy.
4. Provide alternative documents (with approval)
In exceptional cases, archived records or migration office statements confirming your clean record may be accepted. This must be reviewed with legal counsel.
Conclusion
The police clearance certificate is a vital requirement for obtaining Moldovan citizenship. Mistakes or failure to meet legal criteria can delay or block your application.
It’s important to know in advance which countries require certificates, to request them on time, ensure proper translation, and legalize them if needed. Pay close attention to validity and accuracy.
If you are unsure or unable to get the document yourself — seek professional help. Immigration consultants and legal experts can assist you in avoiding errors and speeding up the process.