Document requirements

Plain English

An original conduct certificate is required for the main applicant and every dependant over 14, from the country of origin and from every country where the person lived for more than six months in the last ten years. Where a certificate genuinely cannot be obtained, the Agency may accept a sworn affidavit declaring a clean criminal record.

Who it applies to

Main applicant and dependants over 14

Documented exceptions

In exceptional cases where the certificate is proven unobtainable, an affidavit may be accepted; the Agency may allow late submission before approval in principle.

Official wording

“a conduct certificate, in original format, in relation to the main applicant and any dependant who is older than fourteen (14) years of age at the time of application, issued by the competent authorities in the country of origin and in the country or countries of residence where such a person would have resided for a period of more than six (6) months during the last ten (10) years.”

S.L. 217.26, regulation 12(1)(a)

Required evidence

Original certificates (apostilled/legalised where applicable) with authenticated English translations.

Common mistakes

A Maltese police certificate is not required if the applicant never resided in Malta (FAQ Q46).

Plain English

Forms and supporting documents must be completed in English. Documents in another language need an authenticated translation. Unless an original is expressly required, a certified copy of the original is acceptable; the certifier must state their name, capacity, address, telephone and email.

Who it applies to

All documents

Official wording

“Application forms and other accompanying documents shall be completed in English. If the original language of the accompanying documents is not English, the documents shall be accompanied by an authenticated translation into English.”

S.L. 217.26, regulation 12(3); regulation 13(2)

Required evidence

Certified copies by a warranted lawyer or notary, commissioner for oaths, Maltese consular officer or Agency officer (regulation 3, 'certified copy').