The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan revised the rules for obtaining certificates of criminal records, effective on January 1, 2025. Applicants must now submit proof of undergoing state fingerprint registration.
The updated instructions for providing information on criminal records or prosecution include the following changes:
- Applications for a criminal record certificate are accepted during in-person visits to local internal affairs offices based on the applicant’s place of residence.
- Applicants must provide:
- A copy of an identity document (national or international passport, military ID, name change certificate, or birth certificate for minors).
- Proof of state fingerprint registration (except for minors and those under guardianship).
- A receipt for service payment (except in cases specified in the pricing schedule).
Applications are registered in compliance with legal requirements and sent to the Main Information and Analytical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and regional information centers for processing.
Certificates will not be issued remotely to individuals who have not completed fingerprint registration. The Ministry urges citizens to comply with the new requirements.
Who in Tajikistan must provide fingerprints
Fingerprinting is mandatory for several groups under Tajik law:
- University Applicants: Required to prevent exam fraud and ensure transparency.
- Mobile Subscribers: Obliged to provide fingerprints during SIM card re-registration.
According to the Law of Tajikistan "On State Fingerprint Registration," mandatory fingerprinting applies to:
· Individuals involved in criminal investigations or administrative offenses.
· Those enlisting in the military, working in law enforcement, or employed in high-risk or confidential jobs.
· Individuals applying for firearms licenses.
· Residents of disaster-prone areas.
· Foreign nationals and stateless persons facing deportation or seeking asylum in Tajikistan.
· Unidentified deceased individuals.
