A South African Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for emigration is an official government document issued by the Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management (CR & CSM) division of the South African Police Service (SAPS) that verifies an individual’s criminal history or lack thereof. International immigration authorities require this certificate to confirm good character and determine admissibility before granting permanent residency, long-term work visas, or citizenship. The application requires submitting verified fingerprints, identity documentation, and official payment to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria, followed by international legalisation such as an Apostille certificate.
Why a Police Clearance Certificate Is Essential for Emigration
When relocating abroad, host countries—including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, and European Union member states—mandate rigorous character and background checks. A South African Police Clearance Certificate provides immigration officers with definitive, verified proof regarding whether you have any recorded criminal convictions under South African law.
Immigration departments generally require a PCC from every country where an applicant has resided for 6 or 12 consecutive months or longer after reaching the age of 16 or 18. Without a clear and officially authenticated clearance certificate, visa and residency applications are routinely placed on hold or rejected outright.
Required Documentation Checklist
To prevent processing rejections and administrative delays at the Criminal Record Centre (CRC), compile all required documentation before submitting your application:
- Original Fingerprint Form (SAPS 91a): A full set of inked fingerprints taken by an authorised police official or consular representative.
- Certified Copy of Identity Document or Passport: A clear, valid copy of your South African green barcoded ID book, smart ID card, or current international passport.
- Proof of Maiden Name or Previous Surnames: If applicable, certified copies of marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or official deed poll name change documents to ensure all former legal names are searched.
- Completed Application Form: Fully completed SAPS PCC application form indicating the purpose of application as “Emigration”.
- Proof of Payment: Official receipt or electronic bank transfer confirmation matching the prescribed SAPS fee (R190.00 per application) using the reference format
PCC [Initials] [Surname]. - Cover Letter / Return Courier Details: Clear written instructions indicating whether the certificate will be collected in person, by a nominated representative, or via a pre-arranged courier service.
Step-by-Step Application Process
[Take Fingerprints (SAPS 91a)] ➔ [Compile Documents & Pay Fee] ➔ [Submit to CRC Pretoria] ➔ [Track via SMS / Online] ➔ [Collect & Apostille via DIRCO]
Applying from Within South Africa
- Visit a Local Police Station: Go to your nearest SAPS station to have your full set of fingerprints taken on the standard SAPS 91(a) form. Ensure the officer records all personal details accurately and stamps the form.
- Pay the Prescribed Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable tariff directly at the station’s finance desk (requesting an official receipt) or make an electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly into the SAPS ABSA bank account.
- Dispatch to Pretoria: While local stations can forward applications internally, this process often takes weeks. For faster processing, courier the completed application package directly to the CRC Client Service Centre in Pretoria.
- Monitor Application Status: Once the CRC logs the application, an automated SMS containing an official reference number will be sent to the South African mobile number provided on the application.
Applying from Abroad (Expats and Non-Citizens)
If you have already relocated overseas or previously lived in South Africa:
- Obtain Fingerprints Locally: Visit a local police station in your country of residence or schedule an appointment at the nearest South African Embassy, Consulate-General, or High Commission. Fingerprints may be taken on the foreign police service’s standard form or a downloaded SAPS 91(a) sheet.
- Include Consular Certification: Ensure the official administering the prints signs, dates, and stamps the fingerprint card.
- Submit via Courier or Document Facilitator: Send the complete documentation dossier directly to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria via international courier (DHL, FedEx, or specialized document concierge services).
Processing Timelines and Application Tracking
| Stage | Estimated Duration | Key Action / Expectation |
| Transit to CRC Pretoria | 2 to 5 business days | Faster when using private courier versus station internal dispatch. |
| Registration & Indexing | 3 to 7 working days | SAPS inputs data; SMS sent with reference enquiry number. |
| Background Screening & Printing | 15 to 30 working days | Automated biometric and archive searches conducted across databases. |
| Collection & International Courier | 2 to 5 business days | Pick-up arranged via authorised courier or registered third-party agent. |
| DIRCO Legalisation (Apostille) | 4 to 6+ weeks (standard) | Required for verification by foreign immigration authorities. |
You can monitor the status of your clearance by entering your SAPS-assigned reference number or South African ID number on the official SAPS website tracking portal.
International Document Legalisation: Apostille and Attestation
A South African Police Clearance Certificate is generally not accepted by foreign immigration departments in its raw form; it must undergo official authentication to verify the signature and seal of the issuing SAPS official.
[SAPS Clearance Certificate Issued] ➔ [DIRCO Legalisation Section] ➔ [Apostille Certificate Attached] ➔ [Submission to Foreign Immigration]
Hague Convention Countries (Apostille)
If you are emigrating to a country signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention (such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the US, or EU nations), your PCC must be sent to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria for an official Apostille Certificate.
Non-Hague Countries (Authentication & Embassy Attestation)
For destinations not party to the Hague Convention (such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or China), the certificate requires a multi-tier authentication process:
- Verification by DIRCO Legalisation Section.
- Submission to the specific country’s embassy or consulate in Pretoria for final consular attestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a South African Police Clearance Certificate valid for emigration?
While the South African Police Service does not print an expiration date on the certificate, foreign immigration authorities enforce strict validity windows—typically 6 months from the date of issue (and in some jurisdictions, 3 or 12 months). It is critical to align your application timing so that the certificate remains valid when your immigration dossier is reviewed.
Can I expedite a South African Police Clearance application?
SAPS does not offer an official expedited government tier for individual citizens. However, you can significantly reduce overall turnaround times by avoiding standard postal channels, couriering your documents directly to the Pretoria CRC, and employing a document facilitation service to hand-deliver, track, and collect the certificate the day it is finalised.
Do married applicants need to list their maiden name on the police clearance?
Yes. If you have changed your surname through marriage or legal deed poll, you must state your maiden name and all previous surnames on the application form and attach a certified copy of your marriage certificate. The CRC will conduct background checks across all recorded names and print them on the final clearance document to satisfy foreign immigration identity rules.
What causes a police clearance application to be delayed or rejected?
The most common causes of delays and rejections include smudged or low-quality fingerprint impressions, missing certified copies of identity documents, failure to provide proof of payment with the exact reference code, unreadable handwritten forms, and omissions of previous legal surnames.
What happens if I have an old or minor criminal record in South Africa?
If a background check reveals a prior conviction, details of the offence, date, sentence, and outcome will be printed on the certificate. If the conviction was for a minor offence and at least 10 years have elapsed without subsequent custodial sentences, you may apply for record expungement through the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development before applying for your emigration PCC.
Can a foreign citizen who previously lived in South Africa apply for a SAPS clearance certificate?
Yes. Any foreign national who resided, studied, or worked in South Africa for a period requiring verification can apply for a SAPS PCC. The individual must submit a certified copy of their foreign passport, former South African visa or permit details (if available), and an official set of fingerprints taken by their local police authority.