How to Get an RCMP Criminal Record Check from Switzerland

The RCMP's criminal record database is in Ottawa. It runs on a fully electronic system that can process a fingerprint match. And yet, getting an RCMP criminal record check from Switzerland is a complicated process as it adds some extra steps. 

It can take weeks to get your application from a Swiss desk to a Canadian server. If any single link breaks in the process, your entire submission resets to day one.

Here is how you can move through the multi-step process to get your RCMP criminal record check from Switzerland without unnecessary delays.

An RCMP Criminal Record Check is a fingerprint-based background check issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It confirms whether you have a criminal record in Canada.

Why do Swiss Authorities Request an RCMP Criminal Record Check? 

Swiss authorities prefer fingerprint-based checks because they are more reliable than name-based ones. Name checks can miss spelling variations, aliases, or create false matches. Fingerprints remove that uncertainty.

If you previously lived in Canada, Swiss authorities, employers, and international organizations may request an RCMP criminal record check to verify your background.

Swiss Settlement and Residence Applications

Applicants who previously lived in Canada may be asked to provide an RCMP criminal record check when applying for certain Swiss residence or settlement permits.

Depending on where you live, the request may come from your cantonal migration authority, such as:

• OCPM in Geneva
• Migrationsamt in Zürich
• Other cantonal migration authorities across Switzerland

Employment with International Organizations

Switzerland is home to numerous international organizations like the UN, NGOs, and diplomatic institutions. Employers may require a criminal record check from every country where an applicant has previously lived or worked.

This is particularly common for positions involving security clearances, public trust responsibilities, or access to sensitive information.

FINMA-Regulated Industries

Banks, wealth management firms, insurance companies, and other regulated financial institutions may conduct enhanced background screening as part of their compliance procedures.

In Switzerland, getting a domestic criminal record check is easy. You can just use the Federal Office of Justice's online portal.

Swiss Police Stations

Some cantonal police stations offer fingerprinting for foreign background checks. Others don't, and will refer you to a private provider. Always call ahead to ask if they provide rolled-ink impressions for Canadian RCMP criminal record checks.

Cities vs. Rural Areas

In Geneva, Zurich, and Bern, police stations and private providers handle foreign fingerprint requests regularly. These cities host large international populations, so the demand is steady.

In smaller cantons and rural areas, a local police station may rarely see a Canadian fingerprint request. If your nearest station cannot help, a mobile fingerprinting service is your most reliable option.

Read More: RCMP Criminal Record Check from Zurich

International applications may be delayed or returned if fingerprints are unclear, required information is missing, or submission requirements are not met.

To reduce the chances of rejections and delays, follow the correct sequence:

Ink Fingerprint Capture in Switzerland ➔ Verification ➔ Transit to Canada ➔ Digitization ➔ CCRTIS Processing

1. Local Fingerprinting

Ink and roll impressions on paper are required. Digital or electronic fingerprint capture is only permitted from within Canada. All fingerprinting in Switzerland must be ink-based . You can get this done through a private fingerprinting service or at certain cantonal police stations. Review the RCMP's Out-of-Country Guidelines to make sure your provider meets Canada's requirements.

If you’re interested in getting more clarity on how and why fingerprinting is done, you can read: All your Questions about Fingerprint Checks Answered

2. Validate the Identity

The official taking your prints must sign the card and include their details. Many also add a stamp or seal. You'll sign the card too and attach color copies of two valid government IDs, like your passport and Swiss residence permit. 

3. Submit to Canada

You have two options:

• Send the card yourself to an RCMP-accredited company in Canada. They'll digitize your prints and submit them electronically. The RCMP publishes an official directory of accredited fingerprinting companies in Canada. You can access it at: https://rcmp.ca/en/criminal-records/criminal-record-checks/private-fingerprinting-companies-accredited-rcmp
• Use a provider that handles both sides. Globeia's trained associates collect your ink fingerprints in Switzerland and mail the completed C-216C forms to Globeia Incorporated in Toronto, which digitizes and electronically submits them to RCMP CCRTIS as the RCMP-accredited entity. 

4. Processing in Canada

Once received, your ink prints are converted to a digital file and submitted to CCRTIS. The system checks your fingerprints against Canada's national criminal records database.

Results are mailed to you or to a third party according to the instructions on your application.

The ID Verification Checklist

RCMP processing times range from 3 to 120 days and are determined entirely by the RCMP based on application volume, fingerprint quality, and individual circumstances. Mailing time from Switzerland to Canada is additional. 

Delays can come from poor prints, missing documents, or mailing issues. If you're facing a deadline, start early.

Important: Only the RCMP controls processing time. No provider or courier can speed it up. Any timeline you're given is an estimate, not a guarantee.

Some Swiss authorities, employers, and international organizations may request an apostille for your Canadian criminal record check before it can be used for official purposes.

Requirements vary by institution and canton. Before submitting your RCMP Criminal Record Check, confirm whether apostille certification, legalization, or a certified translation is required for your specific application.

Obtaining the RCMP certificate and obtaining an apostille are separate processes, so you need to account for additional time. Globeia can assist with both the RCMP Criminal Record Check and the Canada apostille process. This helps you manage the entire document preparation through a single point of contact.

Cost may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are caught up in all the legal terminologies related to an RCMP criminal record check. 

Applicants who are aware of the expected fees can easily budget for the whole process and move through the stages without any surprises. 

Here are different types of fees associated with a Canadian criminal record check:

The Federal Fee

A federal processing fee of $25 CAD is payable to the Receiver General of Canada for each criminal record check submission. This fee is collected by the accredited fingerprinting company in Canada on behalf of the Receiver General. 

There are certain cases in which this fee can be waived, for example, for specific volunteer positions. 

The Swiss Fingerprint Capture Fee

If you’re getting your fingerprints from the local cantonal police station or a private forensic institute in Switzerland, it may cost you 40 CHF to 100 CHF.

Note: Fees vary by provider and are subject to change. Confirm current fees directly with your fingerprinting provider.

The Digital Conversion & Courier Fee

This is what your accredited Canadian entity (like Globeia Incorporated) will charge. It covers the cost of: 

• Secure biometric digitization.
• Electronic submission to CCRTIS.
• Return courier delivery of results to your Swiss address once issued by the RCMP.

Please note: Fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the provider, location, and service requirements.

Once your documents are couriered from Switzerland, you are officially into the waiting period. At this point, it is difficult to know what’s actually happening with your application. 

The RCMP does not provide a public tracking portal for international applicants. The RTID system does check database records rapidly, but the timeline depends heavily on the result.

What you can do:

• Track the courier: Use the tracking number from your shipment.
• Use your provider's portal: Third-party tracking portals like Globeia’s SmartPortal are specially designed for this.

For direct inquiries, the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real-Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) can be reached through the contact page at: https://rcmp.ca/en/criminal-records/contact-us 

What Happens to Your B Permit?

If your Swiss B Permit expires in 60 days but your background check takes longer, you may need to request additional time from your cantonal authority.

Here’s how you can protect your residency status:

• Request an Intake Confirmation: Ask your provider for proof of submission once your application has been electronically submitted to CCRTIS.
• Apply for a deadline extension: Request a formal bridging extension of your Swiss B permit to keep your legal stay intact.

Getting an RCMP criminal record check from Switzerland takes careful preparation. If you're unsure about any step, check the official RCMP Accreditation Directory.

To support you throughout your application, Globeia has positioned trained fingerprinting associates directly on Swiss soil. You can schedule an appointment in Geneva, Zurich, and Bern through our SmartForm. We are actively expanding our mobile coverage to support applicants in smaller cantons across Switzerland.

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