Criminal Record Certificate

Before submitting the application, determine for what purpose you need the criminal record certificate. The scope of information in the document depends on this.

Most common reasons:

• Employment — the employer requires a certificate (e.g. work in education, security, finance)
• Public tender — required in public procurement
• Adoption or foster care — required by the family court
• Visa or residence abroad — required by an embassy or immigration authority

In the application you must provide the legal basis for requesting the certificate (e.g. the article of the act that requires no criminal record for a given position).

To submit an application for a KRK certificate you need:

• Identity document — national ID card or passport
• Personal data — first name, surname, PESEL number, parents' first names, mother's maiden name
• Legal basis — indication of the provision that requires the certificate

If you are submitting on behalf of another person (e.g. as an employer), you additionally need:

• a power of attorney or authorisation
• details of the person the query concerns

The online application is submitted via the e-KRK system (ekrk.ms.gov.pl).

How to submit an online application:

1. Go to ekrk.ms.gov.pl
2. Log in via Trusted Profile, e-ID or qualified electronic signature
3. Choose the query type (about yourself or a collective entity)
4. Complete the form — provide personal data and legal basis
5. Pay for the application online (30 PLN)
6. Submit the application

You will receive the certificate in electronic form (PDF with a qualified signature) — usually within 1 working day.

A paper application can be submitted at:

• KRK Information Office in Warsaw (ul. Czerniakowska 100)
• KRK information points at district courts and some regional courts throughout the country

How to submit an application in person:

1. Download and complete the "Query for information about a person" form (available at the point or on gov.pl)
2. Pay the application fee — 30 PLN (revenue stamp, bank transfer or cash at the court cashier)
3. Submit the form together with the proof of payment at the KRK information point

You will receive the certificate within 7 working days — in person or by post.

The fee for issuing a criminal record certificate is 30 PLN — regardless of the method of application.

Payment methods:

• Online (e-KRK) — electronic payment during the application process
• In person — revenue stamp, cash at the court cashier or bank transfer to the Ministry of Justice account

Bank transfer details:

Ministry of Justice Al. Ujazdowskie 11, 00-950 Warsaw Account number: check the current number on gov.pl Reference: fee for criminal record certificate + first name and surname

The method of receipt depends on how the application was submitted:

Online application (e-KRK):

• The certificate is received in electronic form (PDF with a qualified electronic signature)
• Download the document from your account in the e-KRK system
• Processing time: usually 1 working day

Paper application:

• Collect the certificate in person at the KRK point or by post (if you selected that option in the application)
• Processing time: up to 7 working days

The certificate is valid indefinitely, but in practice institutions require a document issued no more than 3–6 months before presentation.

If the criminal record certificate is required abroad (e.g. for a visa, work, studies), an apostille may be needed — a confirmation of the document's authenticity.

How to obtain an apostille:

1. Submit an application to the Ministry of Justice (Department of International Cooperation and Human Rights)
2. Attach the original KRK certificate
3. Pay the stamp duty — 60 PLN
4. Processing time: a few working days

In some countries a sworn translation of the certificate into the language of the destination country is also required.