Answer
A spent conviction does not mean an automatic refusal, but it must be disclosed and documented. The application should include recent police clearance certificates, court documents, proof that the sentence has been served, information confirming that the conviction has been spent or that the person has been rehabilitated, and an official translation.
The nature of the offence, its date, the sentence, and the record’s current legal status are relevant. The general claim that any old conviction does not prevent obtaining a residence permit is too broad: the decision depends on the specific case and on how the record is reflected in certificates and application forms.
Concealing a record is riskier than explaining it with documentation. If the application form requires disclosure, the information must match the certificate and court documents. In a complex case, it is best to assemble the complete chain of documents in advance to avoid having to correct the application package after submission.