police report for UK citizen resident in Spain

[mariedarragh 3]

Hi all, just realized I should get a move on with this. Does anyone have experience with this situation. Getting a report from uk seems straightforward enough, but do I need a Spanish one too. Have lived in Spain for 10 years in all since 2001 - was back in uk for a few years in between.

I guess I will call the British embassy in Madrid.

Thanks,

Marie

[Frips 166]

Yeap you need it if you were legal resident in Spain.

[NikLR 13,227]

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html

This website tells you how to get ALL the documents you need and says if you don't need them. You input the country and go to the document you're looking for.

Voila: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country/SP.html#policerecord-4

[mariedarragh 3]

Thanks everyone. Just rang the British embassy in Spain and they said I should make a police report application the same way a Spanish person would so I have downloaded a form and fingers crossed that will work. It will be interesting to see which country does it faster!

[sammamishexpat 2]

Based upon my (now) wife's experience getting her police certificate from the UK (temporary residence) and Spain (she's a Spanish citizen) I predict you'll find Spain's process tons simpler, CHEAPER, and faster UK was far and away the most time-consuming and expensive of the four countries she needed certificates from. I think it was around 100 pounds, versus around 5 Euros for Spain....Ireland was free. Crazy how different they all are. Good luck!

[ABDyJLSO 9]

We just got my husband's couple weeks ago. It was 3.70€ and done on the spot. By far the simplest thing we've done in this process so far.

[mariedarragh 3]

Thanks for replying. It's great to hear that you both had easy experiences with Spain. Yes, it does seem to be a lot easier than the UK one. I'm going to get that one away today and then do the Spanish one tomorrow.

So you pay the fee in the bank, bring them their part and they give it to you then and there and only 3.70. Bargain!

Did they have to do something special because it is for abroad. It has to be "legalizado o apostillado" according to the notes. Is that something they do there? Do you remember what you put down for the" autoridad o entidad en el extranjero" = US Immigration / Homeland Security???

I don't know what I'd do without this forum! It's great. Thanks again.

[ABDyJLSO 9]

Yes, you pay the fee in a bank and bring it back. We went in person and the man helping us asked us a few questions about what it would be for. He then crossed out the sections for "Pais de Destino" and "Autoridad o Entidad..." and he put in item 33 further down "Visado residencia- EEUU" Then he gave us the form to fill out the rest. If you're going in person I'd say don't worry about filling it out in advance. Go get the paper there and see what they say. This could just be how that particular office deals with the paperwork though.

It came with a second page with an apostille automatically. Easiest thing ever!

[mallafri76 1,012]

The UK one costs £45. Bit more if you want special delivery. It takes about two weeks and you need A LOT of documents to apply for it. Need two official documents showing your full address, you fill out a form and then a person, who must have known you for at least two years and be in a specific occupation, need to fill out a declaration saying you are who you say you are.

[mariedarragh 3]

Just updating this in case anyone else needs to do this. It is true the Spanish process is a lot easier and cheaper (only 3.70 and a few hours). It actually took about a week in the end though as the law has just changed - Spain now has to send the form to the UK to check me out. They called me a week after I went in to come back and pick up the report (didn't have to queue which was nice). The report said that I have no record in Spain or in the UK.

I don't think this would be enough for the visa process and had already applied directly to the UK as well anyway. Still waiting for that to come back. It cost me 150 euros in total - paid for the premium service and also 30 euros for the fastest safest postal service. Got an email from them on 6th to say they had received it, so with the 2 day premium service, I'm expecting it back soon.

Thanks for all the advice.