How to Get Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad
Getting your hands on official documents from back home while you are living abroad can be a nightmare for many. However, the Philippine Government has gone to lengths to make the process of acquiring a police clearance certificate for Filipinos working and living abroad easier. Understanding the process is key to getting the certificate easily.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A Philippine police clearance certificate is an official document issued by the police department or any government agency. It proves that the person holding the certificate does not have a criminal record or is not involved in any illegal/criminal activities in the country.
It can also be used as a certificate of good morals or a character certificate.
Where to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad
Getting your Philippine Police Clearance from abroad is confusing for many people because there are no proper details available online.
Firstly, you need to identify where you can get it. The following are two ways in which you can obtain it while living abroad.
- You can apply for the clearance certificate through the Philippines Embassy in the country you are present in.
- In special cases, you can get police clearance when someone is applying on your behalf. The procedure for both is different.
Method 1: Apply through Embassy for Police Clearance Certificate
The easiest way is to apply through the Philippine Embassy in your country of residence.
- Contact the Embassy and book an appointment. Doing so will make things easier for you as you will not have to wait in long lines.
- It is better to get the applications from the consulate or embassy. Moreover, you can also download the application and fill it out from the official website.
- Complete the form.
- Check the validity of the documents and submit them.
- Pay the processing fee (it might be higher when applying through the embassy)
- Wait for the police clearance certificate to come.
Method 2: Have a Representative Apply for Police Clearance
If you want someone to apply on your behalf, you will have to present them with a special power of attorney so that they can carry out the procedure easily. You will have to provide all the necessary documents, fingerprints and documents to them.
Required Documents to Apply for Police Clearance
The following are important documents that you will need. Remember to check the validity of the documents.
- A valid document of identification e.g., driver’s license, passport or any ID
- Proof of residency (the time duration you have lived in the Philippines)
- Proof of citizenship of Philippines
- Complete application form
- 2 passport sized photos
- Payment slip for fee payment
- Biometric data
Certificate Translation
When applying from abroad, you might have to go through an additional step of getting it translated. Not all countries have Filipino or English as their official language. Thus, you will have to get the certificate translated and authenticated.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad
If you’re a dual citizen and need a police clearance from the Philippines, here’s how you can go about it:
1. Know Where to Apply
If you’re currently in the Philippines, you can go to your local municipal or city police station. If you’re living abroad, you can apply through the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
2. Get Your Documents Ready
You’ll need to have certain documents to apply for police clearance. Make sure you have them before initiating the process. If someone else is applying for you back home, you’ll also need to write and sign an authorization letter and provide copies of your IDs for them to bring.
3. Apply Yourself or Through a Representative
If you’re in the country, you can apply in person. If you’re overseas and can’t apply at a consulate, you can ask a trusted representative—like a family member—to apply for you in the Philippines. Just make sure to give them proper authorization and your supporting documents.
4. Pay the Fees
There’s a small fee for processing the clearance. The cost may vary depending on where you apply and whether you choose regular or express service.
5. Wait for Your Clearance
Once processed, you or your representative will be informed when the document is ready. If you applied through a consulate or embassy, they might mail it to you or let you know when you can pick it up.
Note: It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the website of the police station or embassy where you plan to apply. Requirements and processing times can vary slightly depending on the location.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad?
While applying for police clearance from abroad, the process can take a bit longer than applying locally. Here’s a breakdown of how long it usually takes, depending on how you apply.
1. Applying Through a Philippine Embassy or Consulate
Estimated time: 2 to 4 weeks
Most embassies and consulates can help you submit your request to the PNP or NBI in the Philippines. Here’s what usually happens:
- Your documents are verified.
- They’re sent to the Philippines for processing.
- The PCC is mailed or handed back to the consulate for you to claim.
| Pros | Cons |
| Official and secure | Takes longer due to international coordination |
| Good for those without a local representative in the Philippines | Not all consulates offer this service, so call ahead |
2. Applying Through a Representative in the Philippines
Estimated time: 3 to 7 working days (plus shipping)
If you have a trusted representative—someone in your family or friends—they can apply at a local police station or the PNP headquarters on your behalf.
What they need from you:
- Signed authorization letter
- Scanned or photocopied IDs
- Any specific embassy or visa requirements (if needed)
| Pros | Cons |
| Much faster processing | You must fully trust the person applying |
| More control over the process | Needs proper documentation to avoid delays |
3. Delivery Time (If Mailed Abroad)
Add 1 to 2 weeks
Once your PNP clearance is ready, factor in delivery time to your country:
- Regular post: Slower but cheaper
- Courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.): Faster but more expensive
Tip: Make sure your name and address are written clearly to avoid any shipping issues.
What Can Delay the Process?
Even if you submit everything correctly, a few things might cause delays:
- Incomplete or unclear documents
- Wrong type of ID or missing authorization
- Local holidays in the Philippines
- Backlogs at the embassy, consulate, or police station
Why Do You Require a Police Clearance Certificate While Living Abroad?
Many people wonder why you would require a police clearance certificate from the Philippines if you are living abroad. You can require one for the following reasons:
- Visa and Immigration: If you are applying for long-term visas, citizenship or residency in another country, you will be asked for a PCC from the country you have lived in. This is to prove that you don’t have a criminal record back home.
- Child Custody and Adoption: For people who are applying for international adoption or trying to gain child custody, a PPC is imperative to prove your good character.
- Employment: Even abroad, you can be asked to provide a PCC to see whether you are trustworthy or not. This is mostly required in fields like security, healthcare, child care and other government and legal jobs.
Conclusion
Even though obtaining a police clearance certificate while you are residing/staying outside of the Philippines is a challenging process, it is totally manageable.
The key lies in understanding both the processes – directly applying through the embassy, or having someone apply on your behalf. With proper preparation, getting your police clearance certificate should not be a problem.