No. They wanted Euro 175 to start the process so I didn't bother in the end.
However just recently I tried again and applied for the coc online and they email me the usual application form, which I duly completed. They then confirmed that they have all the documentations needed and the copy coc will be with me within 10 days. In fact it arrived yesterday so I'm really chuffed. Not sure why the process has changed since then last time but they didn't request the Eur175 payment this time. They did indicate that if a copy has already been issued then there will be the Eur175 charge, but they didn't require the payment to start the process.
I am now in the midst of applying for the coc for my VFR as well
However just recently I tried again and applied for the coc online and they email me the usual application form, which I duly completed. They then confirmed that they have all the documentations needed and the copy coc will be with me within 10 days. In fact it arrived yesterday so I'm really chuffed. Not sure why the process has changed since then last time but they didn't request the Eur175 payment this time. They did indicate that if a copy has already been issued then there will be the Eur175 charge, but they didn't require the payment to start the process.
I am now in the midst of applying for the coc for my VFR as well