Overseas Checks
While the DBS cannot access overseas criminal records, Checks Direct offers a professional overseas checking service to help you vet and verify candidates with international backgrounds. We liaise directly with foreign authorities on your behalf, giving you clear insights into criminal records held in other countries. Make informed, reliable hiring decisions today with Checks Direct.
Make every check count
- Register for a free account
- Apply for checks
- Expert application review
- Receive your results
First class service and support
Reduce admin and increase efficiency
What are Overseas Police checks?
Overseas Police checks are criminal background screenings conducted on individuals who have lived or worked abroad. These checks can include a variety of information, such as convictions, pending charges, and other relevant details about an individual’s criminal history. The specific requirements and procedures for Overseas Police checks vary from country to country.
How to order Overseas Checks
Our Overseas check process is accessible and straightforward thanks to our bespoke, personalised approach. ISO 14001, 9001 and 27001 Certified, we provide a secure, reliable and efficient service that can be flexible to your needs.
We go above and beyond to provide first-class customer care, and one-to-one expert advice is available every step of the way from our dedicated and accredited team.
Contact our team with your requirements
Reach out to us with details about the checks you need. Our team will review your request and guide you through the process.
We coordinate with relevant authorities
Our experts liaise directly with authorities in the required countries to gather accurate and relevant information, tailored to your needs.
Receive your results
Once we’ve processed the results, we’ll provide you with a timely report, helping you make confident and informed hiring decisions.
What our clients say
Visit our TrustPilot reviews for real stories of success and satisfaction. Used our services before? Let us know how we did!
Overseas checks pricing
Our flexible, bespoke pricing ensures you get a tailored solution that supports regulatory compliance and operational integrity without unnecessary costs. We offer transparent rates with no hidden fees, allowing you to conduct essential checks efficiently across your workforce. Contact Checks Direct today for a custom quote based on your specific needs.
Prices are available on request. Rates are set by the country we are applying to and are liable to change without notice.
Are Overseas checks the same as UK DBS checks?
No, Overseas checks are not the same as UK DBS checks. DBS checks can only be used to assess an applicant’s criminal history from their time in the UK. UK DBS checks are unable to reveal any potential crimes a person has committed in other countries.
Who requires Overseas Criminal Record checks?
If the role would otherwise need a Standard or Enhanced DBS check, Overseas Checks may be a legal requirement. These checks may be necessary for:
- International job applicants wanting to work in the UK
- Employees from the UK who have previously worked abroad for a period of time
Depending on the role, Overseas Criminal Record Certificates may be required from each country where the applicant has lived for 6 months or more.
Choosing Checks Direct for Overseas checks
Carrying out Overseas Criminal Record screening is important for adherence and safeguarding. Not only do we help you save time, money and resources, but you’ll also enjoy a range of other benefits:
Legal Compliance
Verify candidate backgrounds with accurate, reliable, and up-to-date results tailored to your needs.
Online Checks
Manage UK checks easily through our secure online platform, designed for efficiency and ease of use.
ISO-Certified Security
Protect sensitive information with the highest standards of data security, backed by ISO certification.
Safety
Make confident, well-informed hiring decisions with comprehensive checks on international backgrounds.
Regulatory Compliance
Meet legal requirements for hiring with a service that helps ensure full compliance across borders.
Reassurance
Receive detailed, accurate reports for a worry-free recruitment process.
Apply for Overseas checks online today
Keep your organisation and people safe with our independent and verified checks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overseas Police checks and Overseas Criminal Record checks are often used interchangeably, but they can differ depending on the country and the type of information being sought.
Overseas Criminal Record Checks: These checks typically focus on a person’s criminal history, such as convictions, pending charges, and any other legal records related to criminal activity. The goal is to verify whether an individual has any criminal history in the country they’ve lived or worked in.
Overseas Police Checks: In some countries, police checks may encompass broader background information, including criminal records, but they might also include other relevant details that could affect an individual’s suitability for a particular role, such as any history with law enforcement.
Good Behaviour Checks: These checks typically refer to background checks that verify an individual’s conduct, character, and history of lawful behaviour, rather than focusing solely on criminal activity. In some countries, these checks are sometimes available to employers, particularly for roles that require a high level of trust, integrity, or working with vulnerable populations.
Yes, the type of Overseas check will depend on the country, as will the specific requirements and procedures for an Overseas check.
Our advisors are here to assist you in obtaining the necessary Overseas checks for your employees – please contact us for more details. Alternatively, you can find a list of country-specific requirements for Overseas checks here.
Yes, if an employee has worked in multiple countries, you may need to order multiple Overseas Criminal Record checks.
The specific requirements can vary depending on the individual countries and the nature of the employment. However, it’s generally recommended to obtain a criminal record check for each country where the employee has lived or worked for a significant period of time.
No, a DBS check will not be able to access a criminal record from another country, only the UK, so an Overseas check will be required.
This will vary on a country-by-country basis. For some countries, only the individual may apply, for others it will be the business or an agency, and for still others, all three are permitted. Please contact us to discuss the requirements of a country and we will advise.
The processing time for Overseas Criminal Record checks can vary significantly depending on the country and the specific agency handling the request.
Supporting services
Our additional services can be used alongside Overseas checks to provide comprehensive compliance and peace of mind.
