When dealing with international matters such as immigration, visa applications, or overseas employment, having the correct documentation is crucial. One such essential document is the ACRO Police Certificate, often used to confirm an individual's criminal record status. However, to be accepted abroad, this certificate typically requires legalisation in the form of an ACRO certificate Apostille. This article explains the process of obtaining an Apostille for your ACRO certificate and provides an overview of typical price plans associated with this service in the UK.
What Is an ACRO Certificate Apostille?
The ACRO Criminal Records Office provides police certificates for individuals who have lived in the UK. These certificates detail any criminal history (or confirm a clean record) and are frequently required for:
- Visa applications
- Residency permits
- Overseas employment
- International adoption
Once issued, many countries will not accept a UK-issued ACRO certificate unless it has been legalised. This is where the Apostille comes in.
Understanding the ACRO Certificate Apostille
An Apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 1961, which authenticates the origin of a public document. In the UK, this is handled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
An ACRO certificate Apostille involves attaching a special certificate to your police record to confirm its legitimacy. This enables foreign authorities to trust that the document is genuine and issued by a recognised UK agency.
Once Apostilled, your ACRO certificate becomes valid in over 120 countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. Without this step, your document may not be legally recognised abroad.
How to Get Your ACRO Certificate Apostilled
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Obtain Your ACRO Certificate
You must first apply for your police certificate through the official ACRO website. This process usually takes around 10 working days, or less if you opt for express service. - Prepare for Apostille
Once you have your original ACRO certificate, you can submit it to the FCDO or a registered Apostille service provider. Only the original document will be accepted—photocopies or scanned copies are not eligible. - Apply for the Apostille
Complete the necessary form online or through an agent, indicating that the document type is an ACRO certificate. Specify the destination country where it will be used. - Payment and Delivery
Pay the required fee and choose your preferred delivery option. You’ll then receive your ACRO certificate back with the Apostille attached, typically within a few days.
Price Plans for Apostille Services
Apostille services in the UK come with various price plans to suit different needs and timeframes. Below is a general breakdown:
- Standard Service
- Processing Time: 5–10 working days
- Cost: £30–£45 per document (excluding delivery)
- Ideal for non-urgent applications
- Express Service
- Processing Time: 1–2 working days
- Cost: £75–£100 per document
- Useful for tight deadlines
- Same-Day or Next-Day Service via Agents
- Cost: £120–£150 or more
- Offered by private Apostille agents for immediate processing
- Bundle or Multi-Document Discounts
- Some providers offer reduced rates for multiple documents processed together.
Additional costs may include postage, courier services, or translation services if required.
Why Use a Professional Apostille Service?
While you can apply directly through the FCDO, many people prefer using professional Apostille agents. These providers manage the entire process, from document collection to delivery, saving you time and ensuring accuracy. This is especially beneficial for individuals unfamiliar with the Apostille procedure or those on tight deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are planning to move abroad, apply for a visa, or begin an international job, securing an ACRO certificate Apostille is often a critical step. Understanding the available price plans helps you choose the best service based on your urgency and budget. Always ensure your documentation is handled by trusted professionals or submitted directly to the FCDO for peace of mind.
Taking the time to legalise your documents properly ensures that they will be accepted internationally—bringing you one step closer to your global opportunities.
ACRO Certificate Apostille Services and Price Plans Explained