Updated Sep 25, 2025
Obtaining a police clearance certificate from China—also known as a Non-Criminal Record Certificate or 无犯罪记录证明—is essential for work, study, immigration, or marriage procedures abroad.
This guide walks you through every step, from checking your eligibility to receiving your original, internationally valid document.
Follow along to streamline your application and avoid common pitfalls.
What Is a Police Clearance Certificate from China?
A police clearance certificate from China is an official document issued by the Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration branch.
It confirms whether you held a criminal record during the period your Chinese passport or residence permit was valid.
The certificate does not cover time spent outside China or before your documents were issued.
Who Needs This Certificate and Why?
You typically need a police clearance certificate from China for:
- Visa applications—work, study, or immigration abroad
- University admission and scholarship applications
- Employment background checks for international positions
- Marriage registration with foreign authorities
- Permanent residency or naturalization processes overseas
Ensuring you have this certificate ready can prevent delays in securing visas or enrollment offers.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, confirm you meet all requirements:
- Minimum stay in China of 180 days since first arrival
- Valid Chinese residence permit or permanent residence ID
- Legal documented status throughout your stay
Companies can also request checks for current or prospective foreign employees under relevant labor laws.
Required Documents
Gather these materials based on your application method:
- Individual application
- Original passport (all relevant pages) and copies
- Valid residence permit or visa copy
- Proof of residence (rental agreement, utility bill)
- Passport-style photos meeting bureau specifications
- Completed application form (downloadable from local bureau website)
- Company-sponsored application
- Employee’s passport and residence permit copies
- Company business license copy
- Official letter explaining purpose
- Employee authorization letter
- Via authorized representative
- Notarized and legalized power of attorney
- Representative’s valid ID
- Your passport copy
- Photo of you holding signed authorization letter and passport
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Verify requirements with your destination country’s immigration or visa authority.
- Locate your Exit-Entry Bureau by district here—no need to visit Shanghai’s main Pudong office; any local branch serves applicants.
- Submit documents in person (or via representative if abroad).
- Pay the fee (varies by city; see next section).
- Wait for processing—standard cases take three working days.
- Collect original certificate and confirm accuracy of name, passport number, and dates.
Processing Time & Fees
| Application Type | Processing Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | 3 working days | Free or 100–300 RMB | Originals only; varies by city |
| Company-Sponsored | 3 working days | Company covers; 200–500 RMB | Requires business license and authorization letter |
| Representative | 3 working days | 200–500 RMB (POA legalization) | Notarized POA; applicant photo with documents |
For international use, legalization at the local Foreign Affairs Office costs around 200–500 RMB. Notarization fees range from 200–500 RMB, yielding a total of 500–1,300 RMB if required.
Receiving & Validating Your Certificate
Once issued, verify:
- Your full legal name and passport number
- Exact residence dates in China
- Official stamp and signature
Note that certificates expire—typically three months from issuance—and copies are not legally valid; you must present the original document.
Common Pitfalls & Pro Tips
- Start the process 2–3 months before your deadline.
- Keep digital backups of every document.
- Check translation requirements for your destination—some authorities demand certified formats.
- After three applications in one year, submit proof of legitimate need before applying again.
- Consider an immigration consultant if your case is complex or you’ve changed multiple cities.
FAQ
Can I apply if I’ve left China?
Yes—authorize a representative with a notarized POA to submit on your behalf. Ensure they include a photo of you holding the POA and your passport copy.
How long is the certificate valid?
Most authorities accept it within three months of issue; check your destination country’s rules beforehand.
Do Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan residents follow the same steps?
No. They apply online or in person at local police stations under separate procedures; fees and processing vary by region.
With careful preparation and attention to detail, obtaining a police clearance certificate from China becomes a smooth, predictable task. Coordinate your application timeline with visa or immigration deadlines, double-check all details, and keep originals secure for international use.
Beyond police clearance certificates, you might also need health certificates, educational credential verification, or local employment background checks when moving abroad. Explore our other guides on living, working, and studying in China to prepare for every aspect of your international journey.
For more information on living and working in China, check out our other guides on Ikky in China.
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