RCMP Criminal Record Check from Zurich: Fingerprinting, Processing Time, and Application Steps

Living in Zurich and suddenly being asked for a Canadian criminal record check can feel weirdly overwhelming. Maybe it’s for a new job, a residency application, immigration documents, or plans to move back to Canada, and now you’re stuck opening ten different tabs trying to figure out whether you need fingerprints, a police certificate, or some form you’ve never heard of before.

Most people assume they need to fly back to Canada or visit a Canadian office in person, which honestly makes the whole process sound even more stressful. Well, the good news is, you can complete the process while staying in Switzerland, including from Zurich, as long as you follow the correct steps and coordinate through an accredited provider.

This blog breaks the process down clearly, so you know exactly what to do to get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Zurich. 

The RCMP, or Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is Canada’s national police force. An RCMP Criminal Record Check is an official document that confirms whether a person has a criminal record in Canada or confirms that no record exists.

A lot of people first hear about this document only after someone asks them to provide it. You may suddenly receive an email from an employer, immigration office, licensing authority, or government department asking for a Canadian criminal record check without explaining how to actually get one from outside Canada.

This document is linked directly to the RCMP database in Canada. Because of that, fingerprints are a mandatory requirement to confirm your identity correctly. This helps prevent mistakes, especially for people with similar names or past Canadian addresses.

If you have ever lived, worked, or studied in Canada, even temporarily (for 6 months), there is a high chance this document may be requested at some point in your future.

Yes, you can complete the entire RCMP Criminal Record Check process while living in Zurich. You do not need to fly back to Canada, visit a Canadian police station, or handle the application in person there. Individuals living outside Canada can apply for an RCMP criminal record check, but the process must follow specific submission requirements.

The RCMP doesn't accept fingerprints submitted directly by applicants. You need to make sure they are collected by trained associates and submitted through an RCMP-accredited agency/ company in Canada.

This is a normal process used by Canadians and former Canadian residents living in Switzerland, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and many other countries. Once people understand that, a lot of their stress disappears as they realise the process is compatible with their situation. 

People usually start looking for an RCMP criminal record check online when an employer, immigration office, or legal authority suddenly asks for proof of their Canadian criminal record.

Common situations include:

• RCMP criminal record check for immigration: Required for Canadian permanent residency, study permits, work permits, or visa applications through IRCC.
• Former Canadian residents: People who previously lived, worked, or studied in Canada and now need a Canadian Criminal Record Check for Swiss or international authorities.
• Regulated professions: Banking, finance, healthcare, education, and childcare roles often require background verification.
• Family or legal matters: Including international adoption or custody-related applications.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents Before the Appointment

The ID copies are important because normal scans or regular photocopies may not be accepted. A notary, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths in Zurich can certify the copies for you. Preparing these documents early helps you avoid delays and reduces the chance of needing to repeat the fingerprinting process later.

• A local police station offering fingerprint services.
• A trained fingerprinting provider.
• A mobile fingerprinting appointment, depending on availability.

This step is important because the RCMP does not accept fingerprint submissions directly from individuals outside Canada. The fingerprints must first go through an RCMP-accredited agency. The agency checks the documents, converts the ink fingerprints into digital format, and then submits the application electronically to the RCMP CCRTIS for processing.

It is also important to send the original fingerprint card, not a scanned copy or photocopy. The RCMP requires the original ink fingerprint form for international applications.

If you want the results sent to an immigration lawyer, employer, or another third party, you will usually need to complete and sign a third-party consent form before the application is submitted. This step is important because the RCMP cannot release your results to someone else without your written permission.

Some applicants also choose to have the results sent to the RCMP-accredited agency handling their application. The agency can then forward the documents to you securely once they are received.

At first, the process can feel difficult to manage alone because you are coordinating fingerprints, notarised documents, international courier shipping, and Canadian submission requirements all at the same time.

That is why many applicants prefer to work with an accredited or authorized provider who helps coordinate each step, checks the paperwork before submission, and reduces delays caused by missed documents or incorrect fingerprint forms.

The processing times are determined entirely by the RCMP based on application volume and individual circumstances. They process the application within 3-120 days after the fingerprints are digitally submitted. However, that timeline starts only after the fingerprint card reaches Canada and is converted into a digital format by the accredited agency. If you have an immigration or job deadline, it is best to start early.

An apostille is an official certificate that confirms a document issued in one country can be legally recognised in another country.

Since Canada joined the Hague Apostille Convention in January 2024, RCMP Criminal Record Checks can now be apostilled for use in Switzerland and other member countries. Whether you actually need an apostille depends on why you are submitting the document.

For Canadian immigration applications through IRCC, an apostille is usually not required. But for Swiss employers, residency applications or other Swiss authorities, it may be requested.

You can do the RCMP Criminal Record Check process yourself. But many people in Zurich still choose to work with a specialist provider because the process is easy to get wrong if you have never done it before.

The RCMP follows strict rules for fingerprint submissions. If fingerprints are unclear, the wrong form is used, or information is missing from the application, the file can be rejected. That usually means booking another fingerprint appointment, paying for courier shipping again, and waiting longer for the results. If you are dealing with a visa deadline or a job application, any delay can cost you a lot.

Providers like Globeia help coordinate the process step by step:

Document Preparation: Globeia helps coordinate the RCMP application process by providing the correct RCMP forms, application instructions, and guidance required for applicants applying from outside Canada.

Tracking and Delivery: Applicants can track the process through Globeia’s SmartPortal. They can also help with apostille coordination, courier shipping, and authorized third-party delivery if the results need to go to an immigration lawyer or employer.

When a document like this affects a visa application, residency process, or job offer, having someone experienced manage the process can save a lot of time. 

A lot of people assume getting an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Zurich is going to be complicated or impossible. In reality, the process is manageable once you know how to get it done.

If you are starting the process, the best first step is contacting an accredited agency, so you receive the correct application form and instructions from the beginning. If you want help coordinating the process from Zurich, Globeia can assist with fingerprint collection, document checks, RCMP submission, tracking, and delivery step by step.