Police Clearance Certificates: How to Obtain and Use Them

Introduction

If you are a professional driver in Global considering a move to Romania, you are probably already weighing the big questions: Will I find a good company? How do salaries and per diems compare to costs? How soon can I start? There is one piece of paperwork, however, that often delays otherwise ready-to-go candidates: the police clearance certificate, also called a criminal record check or certificate of good conduct.

For Romania, police clearance certificates matter at several stages: your work permit and long-stay employment visa (D/AM) application, your residence permit after arrival, and sometimes even your employer onboarding and insurance checks. If you have lived in multiple countries, you may need certificates from each of them, properly legalized and translated. Getting this right early can shave weeks off your relocation and keep your job start date on track.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly what a police clearance certificate is, how to obtain it from more than one country, how to legalize and translate it for Romanian authorities, and how to fit it into the broader immigration process. Along the way, you will find practical tips tailored to drivers: what employers typically ask for, how your driving role interacts with background checks, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. We also cover the Romanian job market for drivers, legal requirements, certification and license recognition, salaries and benefits, cost of living, and cultural integration to help you plan a smooth relocation.

Why Romania?

Romania sits at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, with growing logistics corridors, modernizing motorways, and direct access to EU markets.

EU membership and access to European routes: Romania is a member of the European Union, with integrated customs and standards for EU road transport. This means smoother compliance routines for international freight and easier access to contracts that span multiple EU countries.
Competitive salaries with lower cost of living: While driver pay in Romania is generally lower than in Western Europe, daily allowances for international routes and the comparatively low cost of living can yield strong savings potential.
Growing logistics sector: Romania has been developing transport infrastructure and attracting multinational logistics companies in cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. The country is an active hub for road freight between the Balkans, Central Europe, and Turkey.
Quality of life: Expect friendly communities, expanding retail options, reliable internet, and an improving healthcare system. Drivers can base their families in vibrant cities or enjoy quieter, lower-cost towns near logistics hubs.
Demand for qualified drivers: Employers consistently seek Category C, CE, and D drivers with clean records, CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence), ADR for hazardous goods, and solid tachograph compliance. Demonstrating a clean police clearance and strong safety habits makes your application stand out.

Job Market Overview

Romania offers a range of driving roles across freight and passenger transport. Knowing where and how to target your job search is key.

Key Driver Roles

International long-haul trucking (CE): Typically Romania-to-Western Europe or intra-EU routes. You may shuttle containers, general cargo, reefer loads, or automotive components. Stints of 3 to 6 weeks on the road are common.
Domestic distribution (C, CE): Regional and national deliveries between warehouses, retail chains, manufacturing plants, and ports.
Last-mile delivery (B or C): Vans and small trucks for e-commerce and parcel services across Romania's cities.
Bus and coach driving (D): City transit, regional coach lines, and international coach routes.

Typical Employers in Romania

International logistics and trucking: DB Schenker Romania, DSV, KLG Europe, FM Logistic, Carrion Expedition, Vos Logistics, International Alexander, Aquila, RSL Logistic, Gebruder Weiss, H.Essers Romania, Kuehne+Nagel Romania.
Parcel and courier services: FAN Courier, Sameday, Cargus, DHL Romania, UPS Romania.
Bus and coach operators: STB (Bucharest), CTP (Cluj-Napoca), RATT-STPT (Timisoara), Autogenn, Atlassib, FlixBus partner operators.

Where the Jobs Are

Bucharest: The largest market, with sprawling distribution networks, international freight forwarders, and major depots.
Cluj-Napoca: Strong tech and manufacturing base, rising logistics demand, and a well-run city transit operator.
Timisoara: Western gateway near the EU borders with Hungary and Serbia; vibrant manufacturing and cross-border trucking.
Iasi: Northeast hub with growing retail and industrial activity, expanding logistics facilities.

Employer Preferences

Clean police clearance certificates from relevant countries of residence.
Valid CE or D licenses, with recognized CPC and ADR where applicable.
Digital tachograph experience and strong EU driving time compliance.
English or Romanian basics for dispatch communication.
Willingness to work rotation schedules for international routes.

Legal Requirements

For Global citizens (non-EU/EEA/Swiss), the standard pathway is employer-sponsored. While details can vary by consulate, the process below is typical and highlights where police clearance certificates fit in.

Step 1: Employer Secures a Work Permit (Aviz de angajare)

Your Romanian employer applies for your work permit through the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI). They must show they could not fill the role locally and meet salary thresholds.
Documents from you often include proof of qualifications, medical certificate, and crucially, a criminal record certificate from your country of residence.

Step 2: Long-Stay Employment Visa (D/AM)

With the work permit issued, you apply for the D/AM visa at a Romanian consulate in your country of residence.
You will submit a police clearance certificate. Some consulates ask for a certificate from the country where you currently live. Others request certificates from every country where you have lived more than 6 or 12 months in the last 5 years. It is safest to prepare for multi-country certificates.
Documents usually required:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival
- Work permit from IGI
- Employment contract or offer
- Police clearance certificate(s), legalized and translated into Romanian
- Proof of accommodation or address in Romania (sometimes provided by employer)
- Travel health insurance (for the visa period before residence permit is issued)
- Visa fee

Step 3: Residence Permit After Arrival

Within 30 days of entering Romania with your D/AM visa, you must apply for a residence permit at IGI.
IGI may again verify your criminal record. Usually your already-submitted police clearance, if still valid, is sufficient. If it has expired, an updated certificate might be requested.

Validity and Translation Rules

Validity: Romanian authorities commonly accept police clearances issued within the last 3 to 6 months, but always confirm with your consulate and IGI. When in doubt, treat 90 days as a safe validity window.
Legalization: If the issuing country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention, you must obtain an apostille on the certificate. If not, you must go through consular legalization at a Romanian consulate.
Translation: Provide a certified translation into Romanian by a sworn translator. In many cases, a notarized translation is required.

Certification and License Recognition

Beyond your police clearance, you must ensure your driving credentials are valid in Romania.

Driving License Recognition

EU/EEA/Swiss licenses: Generally recognized in Romania. You may exchange your EU license for a Romanian one if you take up residence, but you can usually drive on your EU license without exchange for a time.
Non-EU licenses: Some non-EU licenses can be exchanged directly if Romania has a bilateral agreement. If not, you may need to attend a Romanian driving school and pass the theory and practical exams to obtain a Romanian license. Check with the Directorate for Driving Licenses and Vehicle Registration.

CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)

EU CPC: If you already hold an EU CPC for goods (C/CE) or passengers (D), it is typically recognized. You can continue periodic training (35 hours every 5 years) in Romania.
Non-EU CPC: You may need to complete the Romanian CPC process. Training providers in major cities offer modules in English or with translation support.

ADR Certification

Romania follows the ADR Agreement for dangerous goods. If your ADR card is issued by an EU country, it should be recognized. For non-EU ADR, you will likely need to take ADR training and exams in Romania.

Tachograph Training

You must know how to operate digital tachographs in line with EU rules: Regulation (EC) 561/2006 on driving times and rest periods, and Regulation (EU) 165/2014 on tachographs. Mobility Package updates require familiarity with smart tachographs and stricter posting and return rules.

Police Clearance Certificates: The Driver's Complete Guide

The police clearance certificate sits at the center of your immigration file and employer onboarding. Here is how to master it.

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A police clearance certificate (PCC), also known as a criminal record check, certificate of good conduct, or background check, is an official document stating whether you have a criminal record. Romanian immigration and many employers require one to ensure legal eligibility and safety, especially for professional drivers who handle valuable cargo or transport passengers.

When You Need It

Work permit and D/AM visa application
Residence permit after arrival (if requested or previous PCC expired)
Employer onboarding and fleet insurance vetting
Access to secure facilities (ports, airports, bonded warehouses)
ADR and high-security cargo routes where client audits require a clean background

Common Requirements for PCCs Used in Romania

Issued by the national authority responsible for criminal records
Issued no more than 3 to 6 months before submission
Covers your full legal name(s), date of birth, and sometimes your fingerprints
Legalized (apostille or consular legalization) and translated into Romanian
Obtained from every country where you lived more than 6 or 12 months in the last 5 years (consulate-specific)

How to Decide Which Countries to Cover

Start with your current country of residence and your nationality. Then add any countries where you lived, worked, or studied for 6 months or more in the last 5 years.
Some consulates ask for 10-year coverage. If you have multiple residencies, it is safer to collect more certificates rather than fewer.
Keep a list of addresses and exact dates. Accurate timelines help authorities match your history to certificates.

Apostille vs Consular Legalization

Apostille: If the issuing country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, request an apostille on your PCC from the designated authority in that country. Romania accepts apostilled documents without further consular legalization.
Consular legalization: If the country is not party to the Hague Convention, you must legalize the PCC through the foreign affairs ministry of the issuing country, then through the Romanian consulate.

Certified Translation into Romanian

Use a sworn translator approved in Romania. Some consulates accept translations done abroad if they are notarized and legalized, but doing it in Romania with a sworn translator is usually simpler.
Confirm whether the translation also needs notarization.

Validity Window and Timing Strategy

Aim to obtain all PCCs within 60 to 90 days of your visa submission date.
In multi-country cases, get the slowest certificates first (for example, FBI in the USA or RCMP in Canada), then obtain faster ones later so everything is fresh at submission.

Examples: How to Get PCCs From Common Countries

Below are practical summaries for frequently requested jurisdictions. Always check current procedures on the official websites.

United States: Request an FBI Identity History Summary (fingerprint-based). You can apply electronically via the FBI-approved channelers or directly with the FBI. Processing generally takes 3 to 8 weeks depending on method. Some Romanian consulates may also ask for a state-level clearance from the state where you lived. Get an apostille from the U.S. Department of State for the FBI report; state clearances need apostilles from state authorities.
Canada: Obtain an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check with fingerprints. Use accredited fingerprinting agencies. Processing can take 2 to 12 weeks. Apostille is available through Global Affairs Canada (Canada joined the Apostille Convention; confirm current process and timelines). Some consulates may accept notarized copies with apostille if issued electronically.
United Kingdom: ACRO Police Certificate is typically required for immigration. Apply online. Standard service is about 10 working days, faster services available. Apostille is obtained from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). A Basic DBS is not sufficient for immigration in many cases; ACRO is preferred.
India: Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate via the Passport Seva Kendra portal. Processing usually involves local police verification; allow 1 to 3 weeks. For apostille, use the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. If you are abroad, the Indian mission can issue PCC for your current residence address.
Philippines: Obtain an NBI Clearance. If abroad, apply through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate with fingerprinting on an NBI form. Processing can take several weeks. Apostille is issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Turkey: Request an Adli Sicil Kaydi (criminal record certificate). Can often be obtained online if you have e-Devlet access. For use abroad, secure an apostille from the Governorship or Ministry of Justice.
Ukraine: Obtain a Criminal Record Certificate from the Ministry of Internal Affairs service centers. Processing can be fast in-country; for use abroad, obtain apostille from the Ministry of Justice. Allow additional time due to current conditions.
Pakistan: Police Character Certificate is issued by the district police office for your address. For international use, have it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then apostilled if applicable or legalized at a Romanian consulate.
South Africa: SAPS Police Clearance Certificate. Fingerprints required and processing time can be several weeks. Apostille from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Brazil: Federal Police or state-issued background certificate depending on requirements. For immigration, a federal-level certificate plus apostille from the designated authority is recommended.

These are examples, not a full list. If you lived in other countries, search the official police or justice ministry site for criminal record checks, then follow the apostille or consular legalization steps.

Fingerprints: Where and How

Many PCCs require fingerprints taken on official cards. If you are abroad, you can usually use:
- Local police stations willing to take fingerprints for foreign checks
- Private accredited fingerprinting agencies
- Embassies or consulates that offer fingerprinting by appointment
Ensure prints are high quality and capture all required data (name, date of birth, passport number). Retain a copy or a scan of your fingerprint card for your records.

Handling Names, Aliases, and Transliterations

Use your full legal name exactly as in your passport. If you have changed your name, include proof (marriage certificate, deed poll), apostilled and translated.
For transliteration differences (Cyrillic to Latin, etc.), include both versions where possible to avoid mismatches.

Digital vs Paper Certificates

Some countries issue certificates electronically. Print the e-certificate on good quality paper and include any QR codes or verification instructions.
Ask your Romanian consulate if they accept electronic verification or require a notarized hard copy. When in doubt, notarize and apostille.

Multi-Country Checklist

Make an address timeline for the last 10 years.
Identify which countries require fingerprints.
Start with the slowest jurisdictions first.
Track apostille or legalization requirements per country.
Arrange certified Romanian translations after all apostilles are done.
Keep digital scans of every document and the courier tracking numbers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting a PCC older than 3 months when the consulate expects 90-day freshness.
Getting a local city-level certificate when a national-level certificate is required.
Forgetting apostille or consular legalization.
Translating before apostille (you usually need to apostille first, then translate the final document).
Not covering an old address in a different country where you lived for 6 months or more.

Salary and Benefits

Romania's driver compensation comes from a mix of base salary and allowances, especially for international routes.

Typical Ranges (indicative, 2025 estimates)

International CE drivers: Total net monthly take-home often between EUR 1,800 and EUR 3,000, sometimes higher depending on rotation, route, and per diem structure. Base net might be EUR 700 to EUR 1,100 plus daily allowances ranging from EUR 50 to EUR 80 per day on the road.
Domestic C/CE drivers: Net pay commonly ranges EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,800 depending on region, overtime, and sector.
Bus and coach drivers (D): City routes often EUR 800 to EUR 1,200 net base with overtime supplements; intercity and international coaches can reach EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,000 net.

Note: 1 EUR is roughly 5 RON for easy mental math. Many employers quote salaries in RON plus diurna (per diem) in EUR for international trips.

Benefits You May See

Paid CPC periodic training and ADR courses
Medical insurance or private healthcare package
Meal vouchers (tichete de masa)
Accommodation support at depots or first-month housing assistance
Modern fleets with comfortable cabs and fuel cards
Bonus schemes for safety, fuel economy, winter readiness, and on-time performance

Cost of Living in Romania

Your savings potential depends on your base city and family situation. Below are ballpark monthly costs for a single person or small family in urban centers.

Housing (monthly rent)

Bucharest: EUR 400 to 700 for a one-bedroom in a decent area; EUR 650 to 1,200 for a two-bedroom.
Cluj-Napoca: EUR 350 to 600 for a one-bedroom; EUR 600 to 1,000 for two-bedroom.
Timisoara: EUR 300 to 550 for a one-bedroom; EUR 500 to 900 for two-bedroom.
Iasi: EUR 300 to 500 for a one-bedroom; EUR 450 to 800 for two-bedroom.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage): EUR 100 to 180 depending on season and apartment size.
Internet and mobile: EUR 10 to 20 with fast fiber available in most cities.

Food and Groceries

Monthly groceries for one: EUR 150 to 250 depending on diet.
Eating out: Meal at a mid-range restaurant EUR 8 to 15 per person.

Transport

Public transport pass: EUR 15 to 25 per month in many cities.
Fuel: Prices fluctuate; budget similar to EU averages.
Rovinieta: Electronic vignette for cars and small vans for national roads. Heavy goods vehicles have separate road usage fees administered by CNAIR, and certain bridges require separate peaj payments.

Other Costs

Health insurance contributions and tax are typically handled by your employer.
Childcare costs vary; public options are affordable but space may be limited. Private kindergarten EUR 150 to 400 per month depending on city.

Cultural Integration

A smooth start in Romania is about more than documents.

Language Basics

Romanian is a Romance language. In logistics hubs and with younger people, you will find English speakers, but basic Romanian helps at weigh stations, fuel stops, and client sites. Learn essentials:

Buna ziua - Good day
Multumesc - Thank you
Va rog - Please
Unde este...? - Where is...?
Factura - Invoice
Depozit - Warehouse
Program - Schedule

Workplace Culture

Practical and direct: Dispatch teams appreciate clear communication on ETAs, rest periods, and incidents.
Documentation-minded: Keep your papers tidy and ready for checks. This includes your tachograph cards, permits, and police clearance if requested.
Punctuality: On-time collections and deliveries are critical. Allow buffer time for traffic or winter weather in the Carpathians.

Driving on the Right and Winter Skills

Romania drives on the right. If you are from a left-hand traffic country, schedule practice with a local instructor.
Winter: Plan for snow and ice in mountain passes. Use winter tires and carry chains where required. Know your vehicle's traction control and retarder.

Tolls and Compliance

Rovinieta: Ensure your vignette or heavy vehicle fee is valid before using national roads. There are ANPR cameras.
Bridge tolls: Paid electronically for certain Danube crossings, like the Fetesti toll on A2.
EU working time: Respect Regulation (EC) 561/2006 for driving and rest times and use your tachograph accurately. Romania enforces these rules, and violations impact your employer's compliance scores.

Practical Steps to Relocate

Here is a step-by-step plan that integrates your police clearance certificates with the rest of the process.

Target roles and employers
- Decide on CE long-haul, domestic C/CE, delivery B/C, or D bus roles.
- Shortlist companies in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi that match your experience and language skills.
Prepare your professional file
- Updated CV highlighting CE or D experience, ADR, CPC, and equipment handled.
- Copies of your driver's license, CPC, ADR, tachograph card.
- Reference letters from previous employers and training providers.
Map your address history and police clearance needs
- List all countries where you lived 6 months or more in the last 5 to 10 years.
- For each, confirm whether the PCC is national-level and whether fingerprints are required.
- Identify apostille or consular legalization requirements.
Start with the slowest PCCs
- Begin FBI (USA), RCMP (Canada), or any known slow jurisdiction first.
- Book fingerprint appointments early and keep high-quality scans.
Line up apostilles and translations
- As each PCC arrives, secure the apostille or legalization.
- Translate into Romanian by a sworn translator, notarize if requested.
Secure a job offer and employer sponsorship
- Once an employer confirms interest, send your ongoing PCC updates and expected timelines.
- The employer applies for your work permit with IGI.
Apply for the D/AM visa
- With the work permit issued, file your visa application at the Romanian consulate.
- Submit your PCCs, apostilles, translations, job documents, and health insurance.
Plan arrival and onboarding
- Arrange temporary accommodation near your depot.
- Prepare original documents for HR checks: passport, licenses, CPC, ADR, PCCs.
Residence permit and local registrations
- Apply at IGI for your residence permit within the stipulated window after arrival.
- Register your address and obtain a tax number if required by your employer.
Training and compliance refreshers

Schedule CPC periodic training if due within your next cycle.
If needed, complete ADR or specialized cargo modules.
Take a Romanian highway code and tachograph refresher course to align with local enforcement practices.

Success Tips From Other Expat Drivers

Keep everything in one digital folder: A cloud folder with scans of your PCCs, apostilles, translations, and tracking receipts saves time and avoids reorders.
Over-prepare for multi-country checks: If you did seasonal work in another country for more than 6 months, include that PCC.
Communicate proactively with HR: Share PCC timelines so dispatch can plan your start date around them.
Take winter readiness seriously: Chains, de-icer, warm clothing, and mountain route planning reduce delays and improve safety scores.
Learn key Romanian logistics terms: Even 100 words help with guards, forklift operators, and weigh stations.
Respect EU working time rules: Clean tachograph data builds trust with fleet managers and clients.
Ask about insurance requirements: Some clients or insurers have stricter background check rules; know them early.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Relocating to Romania as a professional driver is a smart move for anyone seeking EU market access, stable earnings with per diems, and a lower cost base for family life. The single most important document that can accelerate or delay your start is your police clearance certificate. When you plan your certificates early, collect them from all relevant countries, and ensure proper apostille and translation, your visa file moves faster and your employer can put you on the road without avoidable delays.

If Romania is on your horizon, start your police clearance checklist today. Map your address history, book fingerprint appointments, and contact your shortlisted employers to confirm document preferences. With the right timing strategy, you can step into the Romanian logistics market quickly and confidently.

FAQ

1) Do I need police clearance certificates from every country I ever visited?

No. Romanian consulates typically require a certificate from your country of residence and from any country where you lived for more than 6 or 12 months in the last 5 years. Some consulates may look back 10 years. Short trips and tourist stays do not usually require a certificate.

2) How recent must my police clearance be?

Aim for a certificate issued within the last 90 days when you submit your visa application. Some consulates accept up to 6 months, but 90 days is a safe target. If your certificate expires before your residence permit appointment, you may be asked for an updated one.

3) What if I have a minor offense on my record?

Disclose it. Provide court documents showing the outcome and whether the matter is spent or rehabilitated under local law. Romanian authorities consider the nature of offenses, the time passed, and evidence of rehabilitation. Serious offenses involving violence, drugs, or driving under the influence may affect eligibility, especially for professional drivers. Your employer's insurer may also set internal rules.

4) Do I need both national and state certificates in the USA or Canada?

For the USA, the FBI check is standard for immigration. Some consulates may also request a state certificate for the state where you lived. For Canada, the RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is preferred; local police checks may not be sufficient. Always verify at your Romanian consulate.

5) Should I translate the certificates before or after getting the apostille?

After. First obtain the final version of the certificate and the apostille or consular legalization. Then translate that complete package into Romanian so the translation covers every seal and annotation.

6) Can I use an electronic police certificate printout?

Often yes, but it depends on the country and your consulate. If the certificate has a QR code or online verification, many consulates accept a printed copy. If in doubt, notarize the printout and obtain the apostille where possible.

7) How long do apostilles and legalizations take?

Apostilles can take from same-day to 2 weeks depending on the country. Consular legalizations may take 1 to 4 weeks or more. Build at least 3 to 6 weeks into your overall plan for the apostille and translation chain.

8) My name changed recently. What do I submit?

Submit the police certificate in your current legal name as shown in your passport. Include apostilled and translated proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order) and consider listing your previous name as an alias if the certificate allows it.

9) Is a Romanian criminal record certificate required before arrival?

Usually, the Romanian authorities ask for a certificate from your country of residence. After arrival, you may need to obtain a Romanian criminal record certificate (cazier judiciar) for local procedures or certain employer checks. This can be obtained in Romania at designated police units or via approved online systems if you have a Romanian digital identity.

10) What happens if my certificate expires while IGI is processing my residence permit?

IGI may request a refreshed certificate if the decision is delayed and the document becomes stale. To avoid this, time your submissions so that all certificates are as recent as possible at both the visa and residence stages.

11) Do bus drivers and ADR drivers face stricter checks?

Sometimes, yes. Passenger transport and hazardous goods often involve enhanced internal vetting by employers, clients, or insurers. Expect requirements for clean records, stable employment history, and up-to-date ADR and CPC credentials.

12) Can my employer apply for the work permit without my police clearance?

Employers usually need at least your primary police clearance to obtain the work permit from IGI. Some may start the process with a receipt or a provisional document, but the final work permit and visa will require the official certificate.

By preparing your police clearance certificates early and aligning them with Romania's visa and work rules, you not only avoid costly delays but also signal professionalism to your future employer. Combine that with strong CPC, ADR, and tachograph discipline, and you will be well positioned to build a stable, well-paid driving career in Romania.