How to Get a China Police Clearance Certificate

If you have lived, worked, or studied in China, you may need a China police clearance certificate for immigration, employment, further study, or a residence application abroad.

Also known as a Certificate of No Criminal Record or China Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), this document is issued following a criminal record check by the relevant Chinese public security authority.

Foreign nationals who have resided in China for at least 180 days can generally apply, subject to local requirements. If you have already left China, you may be able to apply through an authorized representative without returning.

This guide explains the eligibility requirements, documents to prepare, application process, and options for applying from overseas. It covers mainland China; Hong Kong and Macao have separate procedures.

What Is a China Police Clearance Certificate?

A China police clearance certificate records the result of an official criminal record check. Where no criminal record is found, subject to the applicable legal provisions, the relevant public security authority issues a Certificate of No Criminal Record.

You may encounter several English names for this document:

China Police Certificate.
China Police Clearance Certificate.
Certificate of No Criminal Record.
Chinese Criminal Record Check.
China PCC.

For overseas use, the police-issued certificate may need additional processing. Depending on the receiving authority’s instructions, you may also need a notarial certificate, a translation, an apostille, or consular legalization.

Before applying, confirm the required document format, coverage dates, language, and authentication requirements with the organization requesting your certificate.

Who Can Apply for a China Police Clearance Certificate?

Under China’s national rules, foreign nationals who have resided in China for 180 days or more can apply for a criminal record check.

Applications are generally handled by the exit-entry administration department of the public security authority at or above county level in the applicant’s place of residence.

However, local implementation and document requirements vary. The handling office may need to review your residence permits, accommodation registration, and the period you want the certificate to cover.

Before applying, prepare a summary of:

The cities where you lived in China.
Your arrival and departure dates.
The visas and residence permits you held.
The passports you used during your stay.
The period requested by the receiving authority.

If you stayed for fewer than 180 days or visited China under tourist or business visas, check your eligibility with the relevant office before preparing an application.

The receiving country’s requirement to provide a police certificate is separate from China’s eligibility rules for issuing one. Being asked for a certificate does not automatically mean that the local office can issue it for your circumstances.

Documents Required for a China Police Clearance Certificate

The exact checklist depends on the city, your residence history, and whether you apply personally or through a representative.

1. Current and Previous Passports

Prepare your current passport and any previous passports covering the period you want checked.

Relevant pages may include:

Passport identity pages.
Chinese visa pages.
Chinese residence permits.
Entry and exit stamps.

If you renewed your passport during or after your stay, keep records connecting your previous passport to your current identity.

If an old passport is missing, ask the handling office which alternative documents it can accept. Available scans or copies may help establish your history, but acceptance must be confirmed.

2. Chinese Residence Permits

Prepare the residence permits covering the relevant period.

These help the handling office verify your residence history and assess your application. Check whether originals, copies, or additional supporting records are required.

3. Accommodation Registration Records

Depending on the city, you may need your temporary residence or accommodation registration records.

These documents help establish where you lived in China. If you no longer have them, ask the relevant authority about acceptable alternatives or whether the records can be verified.

4. Application Form

Complete the criminal record inquiry application form required by the handling office.

Check that your name, passport numbers, and requested start and end dates are accurate and consistent with your supporting documents.

5. Additional Supporting Documents

The handling office may request further evidence if your identity, residence history, or application purpose needs clarification.

Provide the local checklist to anyone helping you prepare the application. Confirm which documents require originals, translations, notarization, or authentication.

6. Authorization Documents for a Representative

If another person applies on your behalf, additional documents generally include:

A signed power of attorney or authorization letter.
The representative’s valid identification.
Your identification and supporting application documents.

Further formalities may apply. For example, Shenzhen’s published guidance requires a notarized power of attorney and sets out authentication and translation requirements for documents executed overseas.

How to Get a China Police Clearance Certificate: Step by Step

Step 1: Confirm What the Receiving Authority Requires

Before starting, ask the organization requesting your certificate:

What period must the certificate cover?
Is a police-issued certificate sufficient, or is a notarial certificate required?
Does the document need an English or other language translation?
Is an apostille or consular legalization required?
How recently must the certificate have been issued?
Are electronic copies accepted, or must you provide originals?

Checking these details first helps avoid obtaining a document in an unsuitable format.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Application Office

Contact the relevant exit-entry administration department for the city where you lived.

If you lived in several cities, provide a complete residence timeline. Ask which office can accept your application and what period the resulting certificate can cover.

Do not assume that one application will automatically satisfy every requirement relating to a multi-city residence history.

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Documents

Confirm the local checklist and submit your application through an accepted channel.

Online availability varies. Beijing offers an online application route for eligible foreign nationals, although its published guidance states that representatives cannot use that online service. Shanghai’s published guidance directs foreign applicants to apply offline.

Check the local procedure before making travel arrangements or sending original documents.

Step 4: Allow Time for the Criminal Record Check

The handling office reviews your materials and conducts the check. You may be asked to provide additional documents or clarify parts of your residence history.

Under the national rules, applications that cannot be completed immediately should ordinarily be completed within three working days after acceptance. However, time spent on additional investigation and verification is excluded from that period.

This timeframe applies to the police inquiry stage. Document preparation, overseas authorization, notarization, authentication, and delivery require additional time.

Step 5: Review Your Certificate

Once the certificate is issued, check:

Your name and passport details.
The period covered.
The issuing authority’s details.
Consistency with your application and supporting documents.

If you find an error, contact the issuing office before arranging translation, notarization, or authentication.

Step 6: Complete Any Required Processing for Overseas Use

Follow the receiving authority’s instructions for notarization, translation, and authentication.

Where authentication is required, the document generally needs notarization or verification by a competent authority before an apostille or consular legalization can be obtained.

If the Apostille Convention applies between mainland China and the destination country, an apostille generally replaces consular legalization.

For other destinations, the process may involve legalization by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an authorized foreign affairs office, followed by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in China.

An apostille is not automatically required for every application. Confirm the requirements for your intended use before arranging additional processing.

How to Apply for a China Police Clearance Certificate After Leaving China

If you are already overseas, you may be able to obtain your China police clearance certificate through an authorized representative.

The correct procedure depends on the city handling your application and the documents available to establish your previous residence.

Confirm the Local Requirements First

Before signing or notarizing an authorization document, confirm:

Whether the office accepts applications through a representative.
The required wording and scope of the authorization.
Whether passport copies need certification.
Whether the authorization requires an apostille or consular legalization.
Whether a Chinese translation is required.
Which documents must be submitted as originals.

This helps prevent delays caused by an authorization document that does not meet local requirements.

Prepare Your Power of Attorney

Your representative may need a power of attorney signed and notarized in the country where you are located.

Depending on the applicable rules, the document may then require an apostille or consular legalization before it can be used in China.

For example, Shanghai’s published overseas application guidance requires copies of the relevant passports and residence permits, together with an original signed authorization document bearing an apostille or authentication by a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Provide Your China Residence Documents

Prepare the records requested by the handling office. These may include passport copies, previous Chinese residence permits, accommodation registration records, and the completed application form.

If you used several passports or lived in different cities, include a clear timeline connecting the documents to the relevant periods.

Confirm whether originals are necessary before arranging international delivery.

Have Your Representative Submit the Application

Your representative submits the documents to the relevant office in China and assists with requests for additional information.

After issuance, arrange any required notarization, translation, apostille, or legalization, followed by delivery in the format accepted by the receiving authority.

China Attest can help you review local requirements and prepare the documents needed for an application through an authorized representative. Sharing your residence history and available documents allows us to assess the appropriate next steps.

Common Issues to Check Before Applying

Missing Old Passports

If the passport used during your stay is unavailable, gather any copies of its identity page, visas, residence permits, and entry or exit stamps.

Ask the handling office what alternative evidence it accepts. Missing records may require additional verification.

Different Names or Passport Numbers

If you changed your name or renewed your passport, explain the changes and prepare documents connecting your previous and current details.

This helps the handling office understand how your records relate to the same person.

Residence in Several Cities

List each city and the dates you lived there. Confirm how the handling authority will address your residence history and whether the certificate’s coverage meets the receiving authority’s requirements.

Incomplete Coverage Dates

Check the requested period before submitting your application and review it again when the certificate is issued.

A certificate covering only part of the required period may lead to further questions from the receiving organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners get a China police clearance certificate?

Yes. Foreign nationals who have resided in China for at least 180 days can generally apply, subject to local requirements and verification of their identity and residence history.

Can I apply without returning to China?

In many cases, yes. An authorized representative may be able to apply on your behalf. Confirm the local authorization and document requirements before preparing your application.

Can I apply online from overseas?

Some cities offer online applications for eligible foreign nationals. Availability depends on the local system and whether you can complete its identity verification requirements.

How long does the process take?

The police inquiry stage is ordinarily subject to a three-working-day processing period after acceptance when it cannot be completed immediately, excluding additional investigation and verification time.

The overall process takes longer when overseas authorization, notarization, translation, authentication, or delivery is needed.

Does my certificate need an apostille?

It depends on the destination country and the receiving authority’s instructions. Check whether an apostille is required for your specific application.

How long is a China police clearance certificate valid?

Acceptance requirements vary by immigration program, employer, and institution. Confirm both the acceptable issue date and the required coverage period rather than assuming a universal validity period.

Need Help With Your China Police Clearance Certificate?

At China Attest, we help international clients navigate China police clearance certificate applications and related document procedures, including notarization, translation, apostille, and legalization where required.

Whether you are still in China or have already moved overseas, the first step is to review your residence history and the receiving authority’s requirements.

Contact China Attest with:

The cities where you lived in China.
Your approximate residence dates.
Whether you are currently in China or overseas.
The country or organization requesting your certificate.
Any deadline you need to meet.

We can help you understand the relevant requirements and prepare for the next steps.

Official Sources

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How to Get a China Police Clearance Certificate: A Guide for Foreigners