2026｜How to Get Police Clearance Certificate | Non-Criminal Record | in Shanghai | 外国人在中国无犯罪记录

Foreword

Foreign nationals who plan for overseas immigration, job hunting abroad, further studies or applying for foreign residence permits are usually required to submit a Police Clearance Certificate for their period of residence in China.

Many expats are unfamiliar with the full procedure, document preparation, notarization and legalization. 

This article compiles practical procedures for Shanghai to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Foreign nationals who have resided in China for 180 days or more are eligible to apply for and obtain the Police Clearance Certificate.

✅ Documents

1. Passport

2. Registration Form of Temporary Residence (RFTR)

3. Application Form 

📍 Submission Location: Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of Public Security, or local exit-entry service window in your residential district

⏱ Processing Time: 3 working days

After obtaining the original Police Clearance Certificate, you need to complete foreign-related notarization prior to subsequent legalization procedures.

✅ Documents

1. Passport as mentioned in Step 1

2. RFTR as mentioned in Step 1

3. Original Police Clearance Certificate

⏱ Processing Time: 5 working days

Scenario 1｜Apostille

✅ Documents: 

1. Sealed notarized document

2. Supporting recommendation letter

⏱ Processing Time: 3 working days 

Scenario 2｜Dual Legalization 

1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Legalization

✅ Documents:

1. Sealed notarized document

2. Supporting recommendation letter

⏱ Processing Time: 3 working days 

2. Consular Legalization by Destination Country Consulate-General in Shanghai

✅ Documents: 

Subject to official requirements released by respective consulates

⏱ Processing Time: 5 to 20 working days, subject to official notice of each consulate.

💡 Note: Most countries require dual legalization, while some accept single legalization only. Please confirm official document requirements of your destination country in advance.

Q1: Can I authorize a representative to apply if I have already left China?

A: Yes. The authorized representative need provide a signed power-of-attorney. If the applicant is overseas, the power-of-attorney shall be notarized and legalized.

Q2: Does the certificate cover my entire period of stay in China?

A: It only covers periods when you have continuously resided in China for 180 days or more. The exact time frame is subject to the certificate issued by exit-entry authority.

Q3: Is the Police Clearance Certificate valid for a limited period?

A: The Police Clearance Certificate issued in Shanghai is valid for 3 months.

Obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate involves document preparation, notarization and legalization. Missing documents or wrong procedure order may delay your immigration, overseas job or study plans. Please doble check all documents and confirm requirements of your destination country ahead of time.

If you need assistance with agency service or document pre-check, feel free to send us a private message. We will provide professional consultation to support your successful document application.

Disclaimer: This article is for reference only. Final acceptance standards shall follow the latest official rules from government service counters.

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