PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) for Going Abroad: Complete India Guide

What is a PCC?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by Indian police authorities confirming that you do not have a criminal record. It is required by most countries for long-stay visas, immigration, and employment abroad.

Two Types of PCC in India

1. Passport Office PCC (Most Common)

Issued by the Regional Passport Office. This is the preferred PCC for most international purposes as it is already government-issued and easier to get attested.

How to apply:

• Apply online at the Passport Seva portal


• Choose "Police Clearance Certificate" (not passport application)


• Pay the fee and book an appointment


• Collect from the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

Timeline: 5–15 working days depending on the city.

2. State Police PCC

Issued by the Superintendent of Police (SP) or Commissioner of Police. Required by some specific countries or for documents related to a specific state.

Getting PCC Attested for Foreign Use

PCCs must be attested before use abroad:

For Hague countries (Europe, USA, Canada, Australia):
Notary → MEA Apostille

For GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain):
Notary → MEA → Embassy of the destination country

Which Countries Require PCC?

Almost all countries require PCC for:

• Long-stay work visas


• Permanent residence applications


• Healthcare professional licensing (QCHP, SCFHS, DHA)


• Student visas (Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, France)


• Australian skilled migration

PCC Validity

A PCC is typically considered valid for 3–6 months from the date of issue. Most embassies and authorities require the PCC to be recent — not more than 3 months old at the time of submission.

PCC for Emigrants (ECR Passports)

For ECR passport holders going to GCC countries, PCC is one of the mandatory documents for Emigration Clearance.

What If You Have a Criminal Record?

If you have a past conviction, you can still apply for a PCC. The PCC will state the nature of the conviction. Many countries have provisions for convictions that are spent or minor — consult an immigration lawyer for your specific situation.