How to Obtain an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate for a Spanish Visa

If you’re a Canadian applying for a Spanish visa, you’ll likely need an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also known as a certified criminal record check. This document ensures your eligibility for immigration, work, or other purposes in Spain. Whether you’re in Canada or abroad, this guide will walk you through the process, including how to access fingerprinting services via ClearNeed Locations or other RCMP-accredited services.

Step 1: Fingerprinting (In Canada, Spain or Outside Canada)

Since the RCMP requires fingerprint-based identification for a certified criminal record check, obtaining your fingerprints accurately is crucial. Follow these steps, depending on whether you’re in Canada or outside the country:

In Canada:

Visit a ClearNeed Affiliate or RCMP-Accredited Service

  1. Locate a Service:
    • Visit one of ClearNeed’s affiliates across Canada to access cutting-edge digital fingerprinting services.
    • Alternatively, find the nearest RCMP-accredited fingerprinting service if a ClearNeed location isn’t convenient.
  2. What to Bring:
    • Provide government-issued photo identification (e.g., passport or driver’s license).
    • Some locations may require additional documentation, such as proof of residence.
  3. Capture Fingerprints:
    • ClearNeed and RCMP-accredited services use advanced technology to ensure fingerprints meet RCMP standards.
    • Ensure all necessary forms are completed at the time of capture.

In Spain:

Before visiting, it's advisable to contact these services to confirm availability, operating hours, and any specific requirements they may have.

1. Fingerprints Today Spain

  • Location: Madrid
  • Services: Offers certified fingerprinting services for police clearance certificates, regulatory compliance, and immigration purposes. They provide both in-office and mobile services.
  • Contact: Email info@fingerprintstodayspain.com or call +44 (0) 203 940 5830.
  • Website:
    Fingerprints to Today Spain

2. Policia de la Generalitat – Mossos d’Esquadra

  • Location: Barcelona
  • Services: Offers fingerprinting services.
  • Address: Taquígraf Garriga, 106, 08029 Barcelona
  • Hours:
    • Mondays and Wednesdays: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
    • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

3. Brigada Local de Policía Científica

  • Locations and Hours:
    • Móstoles: Calle Granada nº9, 28935 Móstoles
      • Tuesdays at 11:00 am
    • Pozuelo de Alarcón: Camino de las Huertas nº36, 28223 Pozuelo
      • Wednesdays at 11:00 am
    • Alcalá de Henares: Glorieta de la Armada Española nº1, 28805 Alcalá de Henares
      • Thursdays at 11:00 am

4. Fingerprints Barcelona

  • Location: Barcelona
  • Services: Offers digital fingerprinting services for FBI background checks, with results typically available within a few hours.
  • Website:
    Fingerprints Barcelona

5. Continentalis

  • Services: Specializes in streamlining immigration procedures, including fingerprinting services for residency and citizenship applications.
  • Website:
    Continentalis

Scheduling Appointments:

  • Online Appointments: Many services offer online appointment scheduling through their websites.
  • Contact Information: For specific details, it's advisable to contact the service providers directly via email or phone.

Additional Considerations:

  • Documentation: Ensure you bring all necessary documents, such as valid identification and any required forms, to your appointment.
  • Processing Times: Inquire about processing times and any additional services, such as notarization or certification, that may be needed for your specific requirements.

Outside Canada:

If you are outside Canada, follow these steps:

  1. Locate a Certified Fingerprinting Agency:
    • Use police stations or private certified agencies in your country to access fingerprinting services.
    • Ensure they use a fingerprint card that meets RCMP standards, such as the C-216C form.
    • Fingerprint forms recognized in most countries are generally accepted by the RCMP.
  2. What to Bring:
    • Provide government-issued photo identification.
    • Some agencies may ask for additional documents like proof of residence. Consult the agency or police station if unsure.
  3. Capture Fingerprints:
    • Ensure fingerprints are captured on the appropriate fingerprint card using black ink.
    • The process should be validated with the official's signature and the agency’s stamp.
    • If a signature or stamp is unavailable, obtain a notarized letter from a Notary Public or law firm certifying the authenticity of the fingerprints.

Whether in Canada or abroad, securing high-quality fingerprints is the foundation of your application for an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate. Proceed to the next step to submit your fingerprints to the RCMP.

Step 2: Submitting Fingerprints to the RCMP

Once your fingerprints are captured, the next step involves submitting them to the RCMP for processing:

Using Third-Party Submission Services

Since digital submissions must go through accredited agencies:

  • Global Document Solutions: A trusted third-party agency, Global Document Solutions partners with ClearNeed to facilitate secure, electronic fingerprint submissions.
  • Complete Forms and Fees: Provide the required information and pay applicable fees for RCMP processing and any additional service charges.

Step 3: Certifying the RCMP Police Clearance Certificate

To submit your RCMP PCC as part of your Spanish visa application, ensure it meets Spain’s certification requirements. Here’s how:

1. Apostille Certification (for Spain, a Hague Convention Country):

As of 2024, Canada is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This means your RCMP PCC can now be Apostilled directly with Global Affairs Canada, simplifying the process for use in Spain.

2. Authentication and Legalization (for non-Hague countries):

If the certificate is needed for a country outside the Hague Convention, it will require:

  • Authentication by Global Affairs Canada.
  • Legalization by the Spanish embassy or consulate.

Step 4: Final Submission for Spanish Visa Application

Once certified, submit your RCMP Police Clearance Certificate along with other required documents for your Spanish visa application.

Why Choose Global Document Solutions?

Both ClearNeed and Global Document Solutions provide reliable services to simplify this process:

  • Convenience: Access ClearNeed affiliates across Canada or RCMP-accredited agencies for efficient fingerprinting.
  • Expertise: Global Document Solutions specializes in managing submissions, Apostille certifications, and international requirements.
  • Compliance: Your data is handled securely in accordance with Canadian and international privacy laws.

Conclusion: A Stress-Free Process

Obtaining an RCMP Police Clearance Certificate for your Spanish visa is a straightforward process when you follow these steps. Whether you’re in Canada or abroad, ClearNeed and Global Document Solutions ensure quick, secure, and compliant processing of your criminal record check, allowing you to focus on the next steps of your Spanish visa application.