What PCCs are required if I worked in third countries?

Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) for Work in Lithuania After Working in Third Countries #

When you’ve worked in third countries (non-EU/EEA countries) and now want to work as a transport driver in Lithuania, you’ll generally need to provide a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) or its equivalent. This is to ensure you don’t have a criminal record that would disqualify you from employment, especially in roles involving public safety.

General Requirements for PCCs #

• Requirement: Lithuanian employers and authorities typically require a PCC from every country where you have resided for a significant period (usually more than six months) within the past few years.
• Purpose: The PCC verifies your criminal history in those countries.
• Validity: PCCs usually have a limited validity period (e.g., 3-6 months), so ensure it’s current when you submit it.

Specifics for Lithuania #

Lithuania’s specific requirements for PCCs may vary based on your citizenship, the specific job, and the employer. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Legal Basis: The requirements are often based on the Law on the Legal Status of Aliens and other related immigration laws.
• Translation: Any PCCs issued in a language other than Lithuanian must be officially translated into Lithuanian.
• Apostille/Legalization: Depending on the country that issued the PCC, it might need to be apostilled or legalized to be recognized in Lithuania. Apostille is required for countries that are part of the Hague Convention. For other countries, full legalization through the Lithuanian embassy in that country is necessary.

How to Obtain a PCC from Third Countries #

1. Identify Relevant Countries: List all countries outside the EU/EEA where you’ve lived for more than six months.
2. Contact Authorities: Contact the police or relevant government authority in each country to request a PCC. Check their specific procedures, which may involve online applications, in-person visits, or mail-in requests.
3. Required Documents: Typically, you’ll need to provide:
• Proof of Identity (Passport, etc.)
• Proof of Residence (utility bills, rental agreements)
• Application Form (if applicable)
4. Processing Time: Processing times vary, so apply well in advance.
5. Delivery: Decide whether you need the PCC to be sent to you or directly to your prospective employer/Lithuanian authorities.

Where to Submit #

You will likely need to submit the PCC to one of the following:

• Employer: Your prospective employer in Lithuania.
• Migration Department: The Migration Department under the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Lithuania handles immigration matters.
• Lithuanian Embassy/Consulate: If applying for a visa or residence permit from abroad.

Additional Considerations #

• Criminal Record Check in Lithuania: Even with PCCs from other countries, Lithuanian authorities might conduct their own criminal record check.
• EU Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS): Lithuania participates in ECRIS, which allows them to access criminal records of EU citizens from other member states.
• Specific Employer Requirements: Some employers may have stricter requirements based on their internal policies or the nature of the job.

Official Resources and Links #

• Migration Department of Lithuania: https://migracija.lrv.lt/en/
• Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for legalization/apostille info): https://urm.lt/default/en/consular-information/legalisation-of-documents

Always consult the official sources and the Lithuanian Migration Department for the most accurate and up-to-date information, as regulations can change.