The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued in South Africa. It confirms whether you have a criminal record or not. If you do have a record, it provides full details of any convictions.
Authorities use this document to assess your eligibility for visas, jobs, or residency. In many cases, it is required for immigration, legal compliance, or security checks.
In South Africa, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is the only authority that issues Police Clearance Certificates. Specifically, the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) division in Pretoria handles all PCC applications.
Police clearance certificates are essential for many international and legal processes. For example, you may need one if you plan to:
• Work abroad
• Apply for a visa
• Obtain a residence permit
• Study overseas
• Complete legal or immigration requirements
In short, the PCC confirms your criminal record status and helps foreign authorities make informed decisions.
Get your Police Clearance Certificate within 7 to 10 working days
The Police Clearance Certificate is your official proof of no criminal record (or full disclosure if applicable). SAPS issues this certificate through its Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria, it’s essential for visas, overseas jobs, residence permits, and more. We simplify the entire process for you. As a result, you avoid long queues and unnecessary delays. Our Pretoria-based service ensures faster turnaround times: express application in 7 working days + optional apostille for international use. Our Pretoria office gives you the fastest turnaround – no long SAPS queues.
Email us at info@apostillelegalisation.co.za, or fill out the form below and our one of our friendly staff members will contact you to assist with your apositlle requirements.
Step 1:
Send us a formal request via email at Ensure your email includes:
Step 2:
On receipt of your application documents for the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), our team will assess your documents for compliance and send you a quotation for the service. Our payment terms are 50% on quotation approval and 50% on collection.
Step 3:
We will proceed with the service upon receipt of the payment and will notify you of the receipt of the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), ready for collection, after seven (7) working days.
Seven (7) working days
R2750.00
R190.00 SAPS application
In-Person: Once processed, you can collect your Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from our offices in Pretoria.
By Courier: If you’re located outside Pretoria or South Africa, we can arrange a reliable courier service to deliver the document on to your doorstep. Fees apply.
Also known as a PCC, Police Clearance, Certificate of Good Conduct and Criminal Record, a Police Clearance Certificate is an A4 certificate issued by the Criminal Record Centre of the South African Police Service (SAPS). These certificates are official documents issued by the SAPS only as a result of a background check carried out by the SAPS, declaring the absence or presence of a criminal record. These records may include arrests, convictions and possibly criminal proceedings.
In South Africa, a police clearance is only valid for a period of six months from the date it is issued.
Normal processing with SAPS can take up to 6-8 weeks however they are currently experiencing a backlog of 52000 applications resulting in a wait of between 3 and 6 months.
Use express services like Global Apostille 7 working days processing time.
A PCC will reflect any criminal convictions you may have. The receiving authority will then make a decision based on the nature of the offense(s).
If your fingerprints are unsuitable for capturing electronically, traditional ink fingerprints are required.
Yes, the good news is that anyone can apply for a PCC if you lived in South Africa, irrespective of their nationality. However, the application procedure differs slightly depending on your current location.
When a person is declared wanted by the SAPS. A PCC will not be issued by the SAPS until the wanted status is removed from the person’s name.
Yes, you can apply for a duplicate PCC by following the same application process.
