Translation of the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Poland #
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also known as a criminal record extract, is an official document stating whether or not an individual has a criminal record. If you need to use a PCC in Poland that was issued in another country, it will likely require a certified translation.
Requirements for Translation #
In Poland, official documents like a PCC usually need to be translated by a certified (sworn) translator (tłumacz przysięgły) to be accepted by Polish authorities. A sworn translator is authorized by the Polish Ministry of Justice.
- Certified Translation: The translation must be performed by a sworn translator registered in Poland.
- Apostille/Legalization: Depending on the country where the PCC was issued, it might also need an apostille or legalization to be valid in Poland. An apostille is a simplified form of legalization and is used for countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.
Finding a Sworn Translator #
You can find a sworn translator through:
- The Polish Ministry of Justice’s official list: The Ministry of Justice maintains a list of sworn translators.
- Online directories: Several online directories list certified translators in Poland.
- Translation agencies: Many translation agencies in Poland offer certified translation services.
Procedure for Translating a PCC #
- Obtain the PCC: First, obtain the original Police Clearance Certificate from the issuing authority in the relevant country.
- Check Apostille/Legalization Requirements: Determine if the PCC needs an apostille or legalization based on the issuing country.
- Find a Sworn Translator: Locate a sworn translator in Poland.
- Submit the Document: Provide the original PCC (and apostille/legalization, if required) to the translator.
- Receive the Translated Document: The translator will provide a certified translation, which includes their seal and signature, making it an official document in Poland.
Legal Basis and References #
The requirement for sworn translation is based on Polish law, particularly the Act on Sworn Translators. The official list of sworn translators can be found on the Polish Ministry of Justice website.
- Act on Sworn Translators: (Ustawa o zawodzie tłumacza przysięgłego)
- Polish Ministry of Justice: Official List of Sworn Translators
Important Considerations #
- Accuracy: Ensure the translation is accurate to avoid any discrepancies.
- Timeliness: Plan ahead, as the translation process can take several days.
- Cost: The cost of translation varies depending on the translator and the length/complexity of the document.
