The procedure for processing applications for residence permits has been modified. From now on it will be enough for applicants to submit a copy of a criminal record that neither needs to be authenticated with an apostille authentication nor a chain authentication. The certificate must cover the last 5 years before submitting the application and must not be older than 12 months when submitted.
Note that in certain cases the Directorate of Immigration may still need to request a certified original criminal record.
Work is underway to update the website in accordance with this change.