+27 (0)82 373 8415 info@sami.co.za Client Area login Assessment Form Visa Renewal Services


News Articles

Police Clearance in South Africa - Detailed Explanation

Source: SA Migration, 06/02/2025




A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS) that verifies whether a person has a criminal record or not. This certificate is often required for immigration, employment, visa applications, and residency purposes both within and outside South Africa. Below is a comprehensive explanation of what a police clearance certificate is, why it is needed, and how to obtain one. 1. Definition of a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)A Police Clearance Certificate is a document that confirms an individual`s criminal status by listing any convictions recorded against their name in South Africa. The certificate is issued after SAPS conducts a background check using the applicant`s fingerprints against the Criminal Records Database.If no criminal record is found, the certificate will indicate `No Criminal Record`. If a record is found, it will list the details of the criminal offense(s).2. Purpose of a Police Clearance Certificate A PCC is typically required for: 1. Immigration and Visa Applications - Many countries require a police clearance as part of a visa or permanent residence application to ensure the applicant does not have a criminal history.2. Employment (Local and International) - Employers may request a PCC to verify an employee`s criminal record before offering a job, particularly for positions of trust.3. Work Permits - Certain industries, such as finance, security, education, and government, may require a PCC for work permit approval.4. Permanent Residency or Citizenship Applications - When applying for South African permanent residency or citizenship, a police clearance is required as proof of good conduct.5. Adoption or Foster Care Applications - Individuals looking to adopt a child may need to provide a police clearance to prove they have no criminal convictions.6. Travel or Study Abroad - Some foreign universities or travel authorities may require a police clearance.3. Who Issues a Police Clearance in South Africa?The Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) Office of SAPS in Pretoria is the only official entity responsible for issuing a South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).4. How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate There are two main ways to apply for a PCC:A. Applying at a Local SAPS Station1. Visit the nearest SAPS station - Go to any police station and request a PCC application form.2. Provide fingerprints - Your fingerprints will be taken on an official fingerprint form (SAPS 91(a)). 3. Submit Identification Documents - You must provide a copy of your South African ID or passport. Foreign nationals must provide their passport. 4. Pay the required fee - SAPS charges a processing fee (varies yearly). Keep the receipt as proof of payment. 5. Submit the application - The completed form, fingerprints, and proof of payment must be sent to the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management Office in Pretoria. B. Applying Through a Third-Party Agency- Some private agencies facilitate PCC applications for faster processing, but they charge additional service fees.5. Processing Time and Cost- The standard processing time is approximately 6 to 8 weeks but may be longer due to backlogs.- If an applicant needs a PCC urgently, expedited processing may be available through third-party agencies.- The official SAPS fee for a police clearance varies, but applicants should check SAPS` official website for the latest amount.6. What Information Does a PCC Contain?A South African Police Clearance Certificate typically includes:- Full name and surname of the applicant- ID number or passport number- Fingerprint classification details- The outcome of the criminal record check (either `No Criminal Record` or details of any convictions)- Official SAPS stamp and signature7. Can a Criminal Record Be Removed from a Police Clearance?Yes, under certain conditions, a person with a criminal record can apply for expungement. Expungement is a legal process where eligible criminal records (usually minor offenses over 10 years old) are removed from the criminal database. After successful expungement, a new PCC will state `No Criminal Record` 8. Validity of a Police Clearance CertificateA PCC is typically valid for six (6) months from the date of issue. Some organizations or countries may require a new certificate if the previous one is older than six months.Types of Police Clearance Certificates There are two types of Police Clearance Certificates issued by the SAPS:1. Name Clearance Certificate: Verifies an individual`s identity and checks for any criminal records using their name and surname.2. Fingerprint Clearance Certificate: Verifies an individual`s identity using their fingerprints and checks for any criminal records. Conclusion A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by SAPS that confirms whether an individual has a criminal record. It is often required for employment, visas, immigration, and legal purposes. The application process involves fingerprint submission, identification verification, and background checks against the SAPS criminal database. Although processing times can take several weeks, urgent processing options may be available through third-party services.Would you like help with how to apply for a PCC in a specific situation?How can we help you , please email us to info@samigration.com whatsapp message me on: +27 82 373 8415, where are you now? check our website : www.samigration.com


Search

Search

Latest News

  •    This was revealed in the 2025 Easter border operations report, which saw border management authority officials, saps officers and home affairs workers intensify efforts to prevent illegal travel into the country over the holiday period.JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabwean nationals have been identified as the leading individuals attempting to illegally gain entry into South Africa.... Read more...
  •    THE High Court has nullified the re-registration of a birth certificate for a child born out of wedlock, ordering the Registrar-General to strike it from the records.This ruling declared the birth certificate invalid, questioning the legality of attributing paternity to a deceased man decades after his death.The dispute arose from a contested inheritance involving the late Lazarus Mkudu’s estate.Teresiah Mkudu, the applicant, sought a declaratory order to invalidate Ruvimbo Manyonda’s birth certificate, issued nearly 20 years after Mkudu’s death.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
  •    Residents from 34 countries can now apply for a visa to South Africa online. There are now 34 countries that can apply for a visa to South Africa online, which National Treasury says will help attract more tourists and skills into the country.This was trumpeted in Wednesday`s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) as being one of the key successes of Operation Vulindlela. Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to assist in the acceleration of critical reforms needed to accelerate the economy.... Read more...
South Africa Immigration Company