Official Documents

South African Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad

How to obtain a South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) while living overseas. This document confirms whether you have a criminal record in South Africa and is required for immigration, employment, and visa applications in many countries.

When Do You Need a Police Clearance Certificate?

Immigration

Required for permanent residence, citizenship, and most long-term visa applications in countries like Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand, UAE, and many others.

Employment

Many employers abroad require police clearance from all countries where you have lived, including South Africa. Essential for government jobs, healthcare, education, and security roles.

Education

Some universities and professional registration bodies require police clearance for admissions or accreditation, particularly in teaching, medicine, and law.

Adoption

International adoption agencies and courts require police clearance from all countries of residence for prospective adoptive parents.

How to Apply from Abroad

Step 1Get Your Fingerprints Taken

Have your fingerprints taken at:

  • Your nearest South African embassy or consulate
  • A local police station in your country of residence
  • An authorised fingerprinting service

Use the SAPS 91(a) form if available, or the official fingerprint form of your country. All 10 fingerprints must be captured. The form must be an original, not a copy.

Step 2Prepare Application Documents

  • Completed fingerprint form (original)
  • Certified copy of South African ID or passport
  • Proof of payment (R190 per application)
  • Cover letter stating reason for application
  • Return address (the embassy address or a South African address for collection)

Step 3Submit Your Application

You can submit through:

  • SA Embassy: Submit at the consular section of your nearest mission
  • Direct to SAPS: Post directly to Criminal Record & Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM), SAPS, Private Bag X308, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

Payment: R190 in cash at a SA police station, or electronically into the SAPS bank account. Contact the embassy for banking details.

Step 4Track and Collect

Monitor progress via the SAPS website. Processing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. The certificate will be sent to the address specified in your application. If submitted through an embassy, collect from the embassy.

Important: Applications submitted from abroad are not automatically returned. You must arrange for collection as indicated on the form.

Apostille for Use Abroad

A South African police clearance certificate usually needs to be apostilled before it can be used abroad.

  • Standard apostille (DIRCO): 6-8 weeks processing
  • Expedited apostille (service providers): 1-2 weeks, higher cost
  • Where to apostille: Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Pretoria, or through an accredited service provider
  • Validity: The police clearance certificate is valid for 6 months from date of issue
Because the PCC is only valid for 6 months and apostille takes 6-8 weeks, plan your timeline carefully. Consider using an expedited apostille service to avoid the certificate expiring before legalisation is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, if you are a foreign national who lived in South Africa and are now applying for immigration or employment elsewhere, you may need a South African police clearance certificate. This applies even if you are not a South African citizen. You will need your passport details and the South African visa/permit you held.

The SA police clearance certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If your certificate expires before you can use it, you will need to apply for a new one. Plan your application timeline accordingly, especially if you also need an apostille.

The SAPS does not currently offer online applications for police clearance certificates. Applications must include original fingerprints, which require physical submission. However, some third-party service providers offer to manage the process on your behalf, including fingerprinting, submission, and courier of the final certificate.

Poor quality fingerprints are a common reason for delays. If rejected, you will need to have fingerprints retaken and resubmit. To avoid this, have your fingerprints taken by an experienced professional at the embassy or police station. Ensure your hands are clean and dry, and each fingerprint is clear and complete.

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