growing people are relocating overseas for long-term travel, employment, or study as the world grows increasingly interconnected. A Police Certificate from the ACRO Criminal Records Office is one of the most crucial documents required for this international movement. You might also need to get this certificate formally legalised by an apostille before presenting it overseas. For your foreign goals to be successful, it is essential that you comprehend the ACRO certificate apostille procedure and the related pricing plans.
What Is an ACRO Certificate Apostille?
An ACRO certificate, often referred to as a police certificate, is an official document issued by the ACRO Criminal Records Office in the UK. It outlines an individual’s criminal history — or confirms the absence of one — and is widely used for:
- Visa and immigration applications
- Employment overseas
- Residency permits
- Adoption procedures
- Academic placements abroad
Authorities in many countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, and EU member states, require this certificate as part of background checks during visa processing.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of international certification issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK. It confirms that a UK-issued document, such as an ACRO certificate, is authentic and can be legally recognised in any country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The apostille certifies:
- The origin of the document
- The authenticity of the signature
- The capacity in which the person signing the document has acted
- The identity of the seal or stamp on the document
This simple certificate is enough to prove authenticity without further consular or embassy legalisation for Hague countries.
Why You May Need an ACRO Certificate Apostille
While the ACRO certificate itself is a valid legal document, many foreign governments require that it be apostilled to be officially accepted. This is especially common in countries like Spain, France, Italy, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Without the apostille, your ACRO certificate may not be recognised abroad, potentially delaying visa approvals or employment offers.
The Apostille Process for ACRO Certificates
The apostille process is relatively straightforward but must be completed with accuracy:
- Apply for the ACRO Certificate: You can apply online through the official ACRO website. Processing times vary depending on the service level selected.
- Receive the Certificate: The document is posted to you. Ensure that you check for errors before proceeding.
- Submit for Apostille: Send the ACRO certificate to the FCDO or use a professional apostille/legalisation service to submit it on your behalf.
- Get the Apostille Attached: Once issued, the FCDO affixes a paper apostille certificate to the document and returns it to you.
ACRO Certificate Apostille Price Plans
Costs vary based on how quickly you need the document and whether you choose to handle it yourself or hire a professional service. Here’s a breakdown of common price plans:
ACRO Certificate Fees (2025)
- Standard Service: £55 – Processed in approximately 10 working days
- Premium Service: £95 – Processed in 2 working days
FCDO Apostille Fees
- Standard Apostille: £30 per document – Usually processed within 2 to 3 business days
- Priority Apostille (where available): £75 per document – Processed in 1 business day
- Postage Fees: Additional charges apply depending on UK or international delivery
Third-Party Apostille Services
Many people opt for professional services for convenience and speed. Common price plans include:
- Basic Package: £70–£90 – Includes FCDO fee, admin, and postage
- Express Package: £100–£150 – Same-day or next-day processing
- Bundle Discounts: Some providers offer reduced rates for multiple documents
These services often include tracking, customer support, and guaranteed turnaround times.
Choosing the Right Service and Price Plan
When deciding how to proceed with your ACRO certificate apostille, ask yourself:
- How urgent is your need?
- Are you comfortable submitting documents yourself?
- What is your budget?
- Do you need additional services like embassy legalisation (for non-Hague countries)?
A third-party provider might be more expensive, but the convenience and peace of mind can be worth the extra cost.
Final Thoughts
Anyone who intends to utilise their police certificate outside of the UK must first have their ACRO certificate apostilled. You can choose how to handle the process because there are different price options accessible, ranging from direct government services to expert document legalisation firms.
By understanding your options and choosing the right path for your needs, you can ensure your paperwork is ready, recognised, and reliable for whatever opportunity lies ahead.
