This article will guide you on who can apply, how to apply and solutions when criminal record checks are unobtainable.
You may need to get a Police Clearance Certificate for your time spent in China for overseas visa applications, work or volunteer with children, for a foreign employer, or immigration to a country.
What is Police Clearance?
A criminal record check confirms whether you have a criminal record in China. It may be called police clearance certificate, good conduct certificate. The police check will show:
1. Applicant’s details including name, date of birth, nationality, time spent in China
2. Two-dimensional code which allows you to confirm the identity of the certificate.
3. Applicable convictions if any.
What documents to submit?
To apply for a Police Check, you will need to complete an application form providing the applicant’s personal information, including time resided in China, Current passport and passport used in China. For most cities, a Temporary Residence Registration Form (TRRF) is not mandatory, but it will help ease the request for the police certificate.
If you are applying for a criminal record check or ‘Certificates of Good Character’ for someone overseas, you will be required to provide some additional information. A Power of Attorney (POA) to authorize you to request on behalf of the application would be required. The requirement on POA varies from city to city, some cities require a photocopy of the POA which makes the process easier, while some other cities may require you to get the POA notarized and Apostilled in your current residence country.
Where to get a Police Certificate?
STEP1: Public Security Bureau (PSB)【3-4 working days】
Public Security Bureau (PSB) is the police unit that provides police-related services for the public. Although each PSB maintains information covering the entire country, applicants can only request Criminal record check in your city of residence, which has jurisdiction over such requests.
The processing time for PSB Police Certificate is normally 3-4 business days, you may receive the Police Certificate either by email or pick up in person for some cities, most cities only deliver Police Certificate to applicants or authorized party present in person.
STEP2: Notary Public Office【6-10 working days】
After you have obtained the Police Clearance Check from the PSB, you must submit it to Notary Public Office in China for notarization of it is used abroad for visa, immigration applications.
This step normally takes 6-10 business days depending on the city and agency. Expedited service available for some cities, normally 2-3 business days.
Can I get my certificate translated through PSB?
PSB does not offer translation service, for use abroad you will need to submit to notary public office in China for notarization and translation.
Apply and Pricing
Our service fee starts at 450 USD, depending on the city you apply.
What are the delivery options?
The completed certificate can be delivered by FedEx or DHL for international mailing. Normally it takes 3-4 business days to arrive.
When certificate unobtainable
Sometimes, the Police Clearance Certificate is unobtainable, for example,
1. you held short-term visas in China such as tourist visa, business visa;
2. even though you held long-term visas (Work visa, study visa, family reunion visa), but you resided in China for less than 180 days.
3. you lost your passport used in China.
Some countries accept a declaration stating that the certificate is unobtainable for some reason, if a police certificate cannot be issued.
ApostilleGo can offer you a statement explaining the reason and will include the Public Government Policy related to support the fact. The Government Policy in written in Chinese, we will get it translated in English. The Statement along with the translated Government Policy would suffice for your visa or immigration applications.
How do I apply?
Send following information and documents to info@apostillego.com
1. Scan copy of passport photocopy with China residence permit, and China exit & entry visas. If you have renewed passport, old passports are also needed.
2. Scan Copy of Temporary Residence Registration Form (TRRF)
3. If work, Certificate of Employment（work permit or employment contract）
4. If study, Graduation Certificate or Proof of School Enrollment
5. Information including:
- Time resides in China, range from mm/dd/yy- mm/dd/yy.
- Country to be used, and purpose.
- Copies of notarial certificate needed.
- Language of notarial certificate translated.
- Services needed (Select one) Option1: a notarial certificate; Option 2: a notarial certificate with apostille; Option 3: a notarial certificate with consulate legalization.