How to obtain a certificate of good conduct in 2026
This certificate may be required when applying for a job, applying for a visa, participating in public tenders, or submitting documents to foreign authorities. In recent years, the procedure for obtaining this document has been significantly simplified. Whereas previously you had to visit the police in person and wait in queues, today you can order the certificate online — via the ‘Diya’ app or portal, as well as through the electronic service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
The official name of the document is considerably longer than the ‘certificate of no criminal record’ familiar to most citizens. In state registers, it is called an Extract on criminal liability, the absence or presence of a criminal record and restrictions provided for by the criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine. The document is generated based on data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ information and analytical system and contains information on whether a person has been held criminally liable, whether they have a criminal record and whether there are any other legal restrictions.
It is at this stage that citizens have the most questions. Many people are unaware that there are two different types of this document — an abridged and a full extract. As a result, applicants sometimes request the wrong type of certificate for the institution’s requirements and are forced to resubmit their documents.
The abridged extract is the simplest form of the document. It contains only information on whether a person has a criminal record or not. In fact, this document confirms only one legal fact — whether the person has been convicted by a court. In most cases, an abridged extract is sufficient for various internal procedures in Ukraine. It is often required by employers, government bodies or other institutions when it is only necessary to confirm the absence of a criminal record.
A full extract contains a much broader range of information. It includes details not only of the presence or absence of a criminal record, but also of criminal proceedings and other procedural restrictions provided for by law. This means that the document may contain details of criminal proceedings or other legal circumstances that are not always included in the abridged extract. This is precisely why a full extract is often required by foreign immigration services, authorities when processing citizenship applications, or employers abroad. Experts advise that, before submitting an application, you should always check with the institution to which the documents are being submitted to clarify exactly which type of extract is required.
The procedure for obtaining a certificate is now much simpler than it was a few years ago. The most popular way to obtain the document is via the ‘Diya’ app or portal. To do this, you need to log in to the service, find the ‘Certificate of No Criminal Convictions’ service, select the required type of document and submit your application. Once the request has been processed, the system generates the certificate based on data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The document can be obtained in digital form, allowing it to be used without the need to visit government offices.
An alternative method is to submit an application via the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ electronic service. To do this, the applicant must log in to the relevant portal using an electronic signature or the BankID system, and then complete the electronic application form. Once the application has been processed, the certificate appears in the applicant’s personal online account.
Anyone aged 14 or over can obtain the certificate. The applicant may submit the request themselves, through a legal representative, or use electronic government services. This significantly reduces the time taken to process the document and avoids the need to visit government offices in person.
A separate issue concerns Ukrainians living abroad. They too can obtain the extract online. In such cases, the same electronic services are usually used — the ‘Diya’ app or the Ministry of Internal Affairs portal. In many cases, the electronic document is sufficient for submission to authorities. However, if the certificate is to be used in another country, additional formalities may be required. Most often, this involves an apostille — a special international certification of the document confirming its legal validity abroad. After this, the document may be translated and notarised in accordance with the requirements of the specific country.
Despite the simplified procedure, applicants still make common mistakes when applying for the certificate. The most common mistake is ordering the wrong type of extract. A person applies for an abridged document, even though the institution requires the full version. As a result, they have to go through the application process again. Another problem is errors in personal details — even a misspelt surname or incorrect date of birth can lead to the extract being refused.
Sometimes citizens use third-party websites or intermediaries that offer assistance with document processing for an additional fee. However, official bodies recommend using only government services, as these guarantee the accuracy of the information and the security of personal data. Another common mistake is ignoring the requirements of the institution to which the documents are being submitted. Different countries and organisations may require different types of certificates, and sometimes additional certification of the document. That is why it is worth clarifying all requirements before applying for a certificate.
Today, obtaining a certificate of good conduct in Ukraine is much easier than before. Most citizens can apply for it online without queues or unnecessary red tape. It is important to determine in advance which type of extract is required — an abridged or a full one. This will help avoid having to reapply for documents and save a significant amount of time.
