International Criminal Record Checks

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Our International Criminal Record Check service includes:

  • Coverage across most countries worldwide
  • Verified criminal history checks in the relevant overseas country
  • Identity & document verification before submitting the check
  • Official police or government-issued results (or alternative searches where required)
  • Clear guidance on country requirements and processing times
  • Secure handling of all data in line with GDPR & ISO 27001
  • Fast, fully managed process with updates throughout
  • Audit-ready results delivered securely

What is an International Criminal Record Check?

In today’s global job market, it’s increasingly common for candidates to bring valuable experience from abroad. When hiring individuals who have lived, worked, or studied overseas, conducting criminal record checks for overseas applicants provides an additional layer of reassurance, helping you make informed, confident hiring decisions and safeguarding your organisation.

As best practice, we recommend carrying out an international criminal record check for any country in which an applicant has resided for six months or longer. This ensures a thorough, consistent approach to global background screening. Timescales for International Criminal Record Checks will vary due to a range of factors. Some checks may take just days while others may take weeks. It’s important to note that not all countries offer formal criminal record checks or certificates, however local police clearances or other verifications may be suitable. 

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Common roles for International Criminal Record Checks 

  • Global hiring and cross-border recruitment
  • Visa, immigration or sponsorship processes
  • Roles with higher trust, compliance or safeguarding requirements
  • Candidates returning to the UK after extended time overseas
  • Contractual or client-led due diligence for internal projects
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Ensure your workforce meets International screening standards

International criminal record checks provide reassurance for overseas activity. Our team are happy to answer any questions you may have ensuring you meet the correct level of screening for your organisations roles.

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Criminal record checks for overseas applicants requirements

Important compliance notes:

  • Explicit candidate consent is required by law before any international background check can be requested
  • All data is processed online with GDPR, local privacy laws and our ISO 27001 controls.
  • We advise on eligibility and proportionality, ensuring checks are appropriate for the role and region.

Depending on the country, results may include:

  • Record of convictions (where released under local rules)
  • Pending cases or open investigations (in some jurisdictions)
  • Other relevant police records (where legally disclosable)
  • Notes on scope limitations due to local legislation
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Benefits of using SVS

Our international screening processes follow local legislation and global data protection standards, ensuring every check is lawful, secure and reliable. 

  • Clear guidance on county-by-country requirements and documentation
  • Identity and document verification before submission to reduce delays
  • Secure, fully managed process with regular updates
  • Audit-ready outcomes, delivered via encrypted channels
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What our experts say about this service

“With more applicants bringing international experience, it’s vital to take a consistent, global approach to vetting. At SVS, our criminal checks for overseas applicants help employers verify a candidate’s background abroad with confidence, and we deliver these checks quickly and securely, supported by trusted accreditations and years of screening expertise.”

Sian, Client Service Specialist

 

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Our other International Check services

Explore the full range of international background checks we offer to support safe, reliable, and compliant hiring across borders. Security and Vetting Solutions offers a full suite of global screening services to help employers verify a candidate’s background compliantly.

  • Overseas employment history checks
  • Education & qualification verification
  • Identity validation
  • Financial background checks (including international credit checks where legally permitted)
  • Civil litigation searches
  • Global sanctions/watchlist screening
  • Social media screening
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Start your Criminal Record Checks for Overseas Applicants today

Ready to secure your hiring process? Whether you need comprehensive criminal history searches, employment verification or tailored screening solutions, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence. Fill out the form below s and one of our dedicated compliance specialists will reach out with a personalised solution.

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Our International Criminal Record Check Process

Step 1

Confirm country requirements & gather documents

We identify which countries need checking based on the applicant’s overseas residency. Your vetting officer provides clear guidance on required documents, local ID rules, consent forms and any country-specific instructions to ensure each application is prepared correctly.

Step 2

Submit the International criminal record application

SVS submits each request via official police authorities, government bodies or accredited overseas partners. We manage all follow-up queries, monitor progress across multiple countries and provide regular updates so you always know the status of each check.

Step 3

Receive official results securely & next-step guidance

Once complete, we deliver results securely via encrypted email or protected link. We confirm the findings, outline limitations due to local laws and provide on record- keeping or whether further international or UK screening is recommended.

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Other International checks

Visit our Pre Employment International Checks page with a range of other international services including, financial and social media checks.

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What our clients say

Why choose SVS Security & Vetting Solutions?

Dedicated Vetting Officer

Your candidates’ dedicated Vetting Officer tracks each application closely, providing regular updates and flagging any issues early. You’re kept informed at every stage, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and predictable screening process.

Industry Expertise

With deep knowledge of regulated industry screening, we tailor our processes to meet the unique compliance standards of each sector, ensuring every check is completed efficiently, accurately, and in line with relevant regulations.

Secure Data-Handling

All data is managed in strict accordance with our retention and deletion protocols, keeping every stage fully compliant and secure.

International Criminal Record Check FAQs

Are all countries able to provide criminal record checks?

Not all countries offer formal criminal record certificates. In such cases, alternative checks, such as local police clearances or other official verifications, may be used.

What information is required from the candidate?

Typically, candidates must provide personal details such as full name, date of birth, address history, and sometimes supporting documents like proof of residence or identification.

What types of offences might be disclosed?

Depending on the country, results may include convictions, pending cases, or other police records. Disclosure rules differ internationally, so the level of detail can vary.

How long does an international check take?

Turnaround times vary by country. Some checks can be completed within days, while others, especially those requiring government-issued certificates, may take several weeks.

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