Solicitor-Led ACRO Police Certificate Service

Ginkgo Advisory provides an end-to-end ACRO Police Certificate apostille service for Taiwan, including support with the ACRO application, receipt and review of the original certificate, an express UK FCDO paper apostille, authentication by the Taipei Representative Office in the UK and secure international return delivery.

An ACRO Police Certificate may be required when applying for a visa, residence status, employment, immigration clearance or another official process overseas. GOV.UK directs applicants who need a police certificate for certain visa or emigration applications to ACRO Criminal Records Office.

Our service is overseen by a practising solicitor in England and Wales. We coordinate the different stages so that the certificate proceeds through the correct UK and Taiwan authentication route.

What Is an ACRO Police Certificate?

An ACRO Police Certificate is an official police certificate commonly requested for overseas visa and emigration applications. It is different from a subject access request, which is a separate process through which an individual obtains information held about them by the police. GOV.UK identifies ACRO as the organisation to contact for police certificates needed for certain overseas visa and emigration matters.

Depending on the destination and the receiving authority, obtaining the ACRO Police Certificate may be only the first stage. The certificate may then need:

1. a UK FCDO paper apostille;
2. authentication by the relevant embassy, consulate or representative office; and
3. secure delivery to the applicant or overseas authority.

For documents intended for Taiwan, the post-apostille stage is normally handled by the Taipei Representative Office in the UK, commonly referred to as TRO London.

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Does an ACRO Police Certificate Need a Paper Apostille?

Yes, where the overseas authority requires an apostille, an ACRO Police Certificate must use the paper-based FCDO apostille route.

The FCDO offers paper apostilles and e-Apostilles for different categories of documents. However, its official guidance specifically states that ACRO Police Certificates for England and Wales are not eligible for an e-Apostille.

The original eligible certificate must proceed through the physical paper-apostille process.

The FCDO examines the relevant signature, stamp or seal and, where it can verify the official details, attaches an apostille certificate to the document. The apostille authenticates the relevant official signature or seal; it is not an independent assessment of the underlying criminal-record information.

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Express UK FCDO Apostille Service

Once we receive and check the eligible original ACRO Police Certificate, we can arrange an express UK FCDO paper apostille, normally within approximately two working days.

Our apostille service includes:

• checking the original ACRO Police Certificate before submission;
• preparing the FCDO legalisation application;
• arranging submission through the official paper-apostille process;
• monitoring the application;
• receiving and checking the apostilled certificate; and
• progressing directly to TRO London authentication where instructed.

The two-working-day period relates only to our express apostille stage. It begins after we receive the original eligible certificate and does not include ACRO’s processing time, TRO processing, weekends, public holidays, additional FCDO verification or courier delivery.

The FCDO warns that even expedited applications may take longer where an official signature needs additional verification.

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TRO London Authentication for Taiwan

Where an ACRO Police Certificate is to be used in Taiwan and the receiving authority requests authentication, the apostilled certificate must normally be submitted to the Taipei Representative Office in the UK.

The TRO’s official document-authentication guidance expressly covers police certificates. It states that the office accepts a paper-based apostille only.

The TRO also requires the original document bearing the FCDO apostille, together with a photocopy of both sides of the apostilled document.

Ginkgo Advisory can prepare and manage this stage on the applicant’s behalf, including:

• reviewing the TRO requirements;
• preparing the TRO authentication application form;
• preparing the required authorisation letter;
• checking the applicant’s signed documents;
• submitting the original apostilled ACRO Police Certificate;
• monitoring the authentication process;
• receiving the authenticated document; and
• arranging secure return delivery.

TRO authentication is a separate stage from the FCDO apostille. Receiving an apostille does not by itself mean that TRO authentication has been completed.

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How Our ACRO Police Certificate Service Works

1. Initial Review and Quotation

We first establish:

• whether you already have an ACRO Police Certificate;
• whether a new ACRO application is required;
• the country and authority requesting the certificate;
• whether an FCDO apostille is required;
• whether TRO London authentication is required;
• your submission deadline; and
• the required return-delivery destination.

We then provide a written quotation setting out the services and charges included.

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2. Authorisation and Supporting Information

Where we are assisting with the ACRO application, we collect the necessary information, identification documents and signed authorisation before preparing the application.

ACRO’s application process requires passport or travel-document information and a complete address history covering the previous ten years. Its online form does not allow applicants to proceed where the required ten-year address history is incomplete.

Depending on the circumstances, we may request:

• a clear colour scan of the applicant’s passport or travel document;
• the applicant’s full ten-year residential address history;
• details of any previous names;
• current contact information;
• the purpose and destination of the application;
• a signed letter of authority;
• supporting name-change documents, where relevant; and
• any further information required by ACRO.

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3. ACRO Application Preparation and Submission

We prepare the ACRO application using the information supplied, review the application for apparent omissions or inconsistencies and submit it through the appropriate ACRO process.

We then manage communications relating to the application and assist with responding to additional requests where necessary.

Our priority case handling means that we review and prepare the matter promptly. It does not mean that Ginkgo Advisory controls or guarantees ACRO’s processing time.

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4. Receipt and Review of the Original Certificate

Once ACRO issues the Police Certificate, the original certificate must be received for the paper-apostille process.

Where available, the applicant may arrange for the certificate to be delivered to our London office. Alternatively, the applicant can courier the original certificate to us after receiving it.

We check:

• that the original certificate has been received;
• that the applicant’s details correspond with the instructions;
• that the document is in suitable condition;
• that the correct legalisation route is being used; and
• whether any issue should be addressed before FCDO submission.

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5. Express FCDO Paper Apostille

We submit the original ACRO Police Certificate through the official UK FCDO paper-apostille process.

Our express apostille stage is normally completed within approximately two working days, subject to:

• receipt of the eligible original certificate;
• FCDO acceptance;
• verification of the official signature;
• weekends and public holidays;
• any additional enquiries by the FCDO; and
• circumstances outside our control.

Because ACRO Police Certificates are excluded from the e-Apostille service, we do not substitute an electronic apostille for the required paper apostille.

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6. TRO London Authentication

After obtaining the FCDO paper apostille, we prepare the certificate for submission to TRO London.

Where Ginkgo Advisory acts as the authorised representative, we normally require the applicant to sign the relevant TRO application form and authorisation letter. We provide the documents and signing instructions.

We then submit the original apostilled certificate and the required supporting documents to the Taipei Representative Office for authentication.

The TRO stage has its own official requirements, fees and processing time.

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7. Secure DHL Return Delivery

Return delivery can normally be arranged to:

• an address in the United Kingdom;
• the applicant’s overseas residential address;
• a professional representative;
• an employer or educational institution; or
• another receiving authority, where appropriate.

Courier time depends on the destination, customs clearance and the information supplied by the recipient.

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What Our Complete Service Can Include

Our ACRO Police Certificate, apostille and TRO authentication service can include:

• solicitor-led initial document assessment;
• preparation of the ACRO application;
• review of identity and supporting documents;
• preparation of the applicant’s authorisation;
• submission of the ACRO application;
• management of ACRO correspondence;
• receipt of the original ACRO Police Certificate;
• pre-apostille document review;
• express UK FCDO paper apostille;
• TRO London application-form preparation;
• TRO authorisation-letter preparation;
• submission for TRO authentication;
• collection or receipt of the authenticated document; and
• DHL return delivery.

Services can also be provided on a stage-by-stage basis. For example, an applicant who already holds the original ACRO Police Certificate may instruct us only for the FCDO apostille and TRO authentication stages.

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What You Need to Provide

Where We Are Applying for the ACRO Certificate

You will normally need to provide:

1. a clear colour copy of your passport or travel document;
2. your complete residential address history for the previous ten years;
3. details of current and previous names;
4. your current contact information;
5. the reason the certificate is required;
6. the destination country and receiving authority;
7. the required delivery address; and
8. signed authorisation allowing us to assist with the application.

Where You Already Have the ACRO Certificate

You will normally need to provide:

1. a clear scan of the certificate for our initial review;
2. the original ACRO Police Certificate;
3. confirmation of the country and purpose of use;
4. details of the receiving authority;
5. signed TRO forms and authorisation, where applicable; and
6. the final return-delivery address and telephone number.

Additional documents may be required where names, dates of birth or other personal details differ across the supporting records.

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Processing Times

Express FCDO Paper Apostille

Our express paper-apostille servicen takes approximately two working days after receipt of the eligible original ACRO Police Certificate.

TRO London Authentication

TRO authentication has a separate processing period. The applicable period is approximately five working days.

DHL Delivery

Courier delivery requires additional time and varies according to the destination and local customs arrangements.

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Fees

From £498 per ACRO Police Certificate

The final quotation depends on:

• whether an ACRO application is required;
• whether the applicant already holds the original certificate;
• the applicable ACRO processing option;
• whether an FCDO apostille is required;
• whether TRO London authentication is required;
• the number of certificates;
• the current official charges; and
• the DHL return destination.

Your written quotation will state the particular services, official charges and courier arrangements included.

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Why Use a Solicitor-Led Service?

An ACRO Police Certificate matter involving Taiwan may pass through several separate organisations:

1. ACRO Criminal Records Office;
2. the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office;
3. the Taipei Representative Office in the UK; and
4. the international courier.

Each stage has a different function and different document requirements. An error at an early stage can delay the stages that follow.

Our solicitor-led service provides one point of contact for the complete process. We review the instructions, prepare the application documents, coordinate the paper apostille and manage TRO authentication before returning the completed document.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can an ACRO Police Certificate Receive an e-Apostille?

No. The FCDO specifically excludes ACRO Police Certificates for England and Wales from its e-Apostille service. The certificate must use the paper-based apostille route.

Does TRO London Accept a UK e-Apostille?

The TRO’s published guidance for police-certificate authentication states that it accepts paper-based apostilles only.

Can Ginkgo Advisory Apply for the ACRO Certificate for Me?

We can assist with preparing and submitting the application, subject to your signed authorisation and compliance with ACRO’s current requirements.

You remain responsible for providing complete and accurate personal information, including the required ten-year address history.

I Already Have My ACRO Police Certificate. Can You Handle Only the Apostille and TRO Authentication?

Yes. Send us a clear scan for initial review and confirm that you hold the original certificate. We can then provide a quotation for the remaining FCDO apostille, TRO authentication and delivery stages.

Does the Apostille Confirm That the Contents of the Police Certificate Are Correct?

The FCDO apostille verifies the relevant official signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently investigate or approve the underlying information recorded in the certificate.

Is TRO Authentication Always Required for Taiwan?

Requirements depend on the Taiwanese authority receiving the document. Applicants should confirm whether the authority requires:

• the original ACRO Police Certificate only;
• an FCDO paper apostille;
• an FCDO apostille followed by TRO authentication;
• a Chinese translation; or
• another form of supporting evidence.

How Recent Must My ACRO Police Certificate Be?

Applicants should check the authority’s requirements before applying so that sufficient time remains for the apostille and TRO stages.

Can You Return the Completed Certificate Overseas?

Yes. We can arrange DHL delivery to the agreed overseas address.

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Start Your ACRO Police Certificate Application

Send us:

• the destination country;
• the authority requesting the Police Certificate;
• your deadline;
• whether you already hold an original ACRO Police Certificate; and
• the required return-delivery country.

We will review the proposed process and provide a quotation for the appropriate ACRO, FCDO apostille and TRO authentication services.

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