How to Obtain a Chinese Police Clearance Certificate (无犯罪记录证明)
A Chinese Police Clearance Certificate, commonly called a No Criminal Record Certificate (无犯罪记录证明), is an official document confirming whether an individual has a criminal record in the People’s Republic of China. It is frequently required for immigration, permanent residency, overseas employment, long-term visas, professional licensing, and adoption.
This guide explains who issues the certificate, who needs it, and how to obtain it step by step—whether you are in China or overseas—including notarisation and apostille requirements.
What Is a Chinese Police Clearance Certificate?
A Chinese Police Clearance Certificate certifies that the applicant has or does not have a criminal record in China during a specified period of residence. It is:
- Issued by local police authorities (not a national police body)
- Jurisdiction-specific (based on where you lived in China)
- Often required to be notarised and then apostilled or legalised for overseas use
China does not issue a single nationwide police certificate. You must apply through the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) that had jurisdiction over your residence.
When Is a Chinese Police Clearance Certificate Required?
You may be asked for a Chinese police certificate if you lived in China and are applying for:
- 🛂 Permanent residence or citizenship abroad
- 💼 Employment or secondments overseas
- 🎓 Student, research, or long-term visas
- 🧑⚖️ Professional registration or court matters
- 👶 Adoption or family law proceedings
Most immigration authorities require one if you lived in China for 6–12 months or more after the age of 16.
Who Issues Chinese Police Clearance Certificates?
Certificates are issued by the local police station or Public Security Bureau under the Ministry of Public Security.
Applications are based on:
- Your last registered residence in China, or
- The district where you worked or lived (often proven by residence registration or employment records)
Step-by-Step: How to Obtain a Chinese Police Clearance Certificate
Step 1: Identify the Correct Police Authority
You must apply to the police station or PSB covering:
- Your former residential address, or
- The district of your employer or school
If you lived in multiple cities, separate certificates may be required.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Passport (current and used during China stay)
- Chinese visa or residence permit (old and current)
- Proof of residence in China (temporary residence registration, lease, employer letter)
- Application form (varies by locality)
- Authorisation letter (if applying via an agent)
Requirements vary by city and province.
Step 3: Apply (In Person or via an Authorised Agent)
If You Are in China
- Apply in person at the local police station or PSB
- Some cities allow authorised representatives to apply on your behalf
If You Are Outside China
- Most PSBs do not accept overseas applications directly
- Common solutions include:
- Authorising a friend, family member, or agent in China
- Using a professional document service provider
- Chinese embassies generally do not issue police clearance certificates themselves
Step 4: Processing Time
Indicative timeframes:
- Local PSB processing: 3–15 business days
- Delays are common if:
- Records are old
- Multiple jurisdictions are involved
- Residence evidence is incomplete
Notarisation of Chinese Police Certificates
For overseas use, the police certificate almost always needs to be notarised by a Chinese notary office (公证处).
The notarised version:
- Confirms the authenticity of the police certificate
- Is typically issued in Chinese, often with an English translation
- Is the version used for apostille or legalisation
Apostille or Legalisation for Overseas Use
Apostille (Hague Convention Countries)
China is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, which means:
- Notarised Chinese police certificates can be apostilled in China
- Apostilles are issued by authorised Chinese authorities
- Apostilles replace the old multi-step embassy legalisation process for Hague countries
Legalisation (Non-Hague Countries)
If the destination country is not a Hague Convention member:
- The notarised certificate must be:
- Authenticated by Chinese authorities, then
- Legalised by the destination country’s Chinese embassy or consulate
Certified Translation
If the destination country does not accept Chinese:
- A certified translation is usually required
- Some authorities require:
- Translation notarisation
- Apostille of the translation as well
Validity of a Chinese Police Clearance Certificate
There is no fixed validity period. Common practice:
- Immigration: issued within the last 6–12 months
- Employment: issued within the last 3–6 months
Validity is set by the receiving authority, not by China.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Applying to the wrong police jurisdiction
❌ Assuming one certificate covers multiple cities
❌ Skipping notarisation before apostille
❌ Using old certificates beyond accepted validity
❌ Underestimating overseas processing times
Should You Use a Professional Service?
Professional assistance is often helpful if:
- You are no longer in China
- You lived in multiple Chinese cities
- You lack local contacts
- You need notarisation and apostille handled end-to-end
- Tight immigration deadlines apply
This is very common for migration, notary, and apostille clients.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a Chinese Police Clearance Certificate can be procedurally complex, especially for former residents applying from overseas. Understanding local jurisdiction rules, notarisation, and apostille requirements is critical to avoiding delays.