A police clearance certificate in Nepal (PCC) — also called a police report or character certificate — is an official document issued by Nepal Police confirming whether an individual has any criminal record. The PCC is required for foreign employment, visa and immigration applications, overseas education, residential visa applications, adoption processes, and other legal documentation. Applications are processed through the Online Police Clearance Registration (OPCR) system at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np or through the Nagarik App. The PCC is issued by Nepal Police Headquarters, Naxal, Kathmandu.
| Police Clearance Nepal — Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) / Police Report / Character Certificate |
| Issuing authority | Nepal Police Headquarters, Naxal, Kathmandu |
| Online portal | opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np |
| Alternative | Nagarik App (Google Play / Apple App Store) |
| Cost | Online application is free. Attestation fee ~NPR 500 (Department of Consular Services). |
| Processing time | 3–7 working days (standard); 7–15 days during peak periods |
| Validity | 3–6 months from date of issue (depends on requesting authority) |
| Format | Digitally signed PDF with QR code (downloadable online) |
| Attestation portal | att.nepalconsular.gov.np |
A police clearance certificate in Nepal (PCC) is issued by Nepal Police confirming no criminal record. Apply online at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np or via the Nagarik App. Documents required: citizenship certificate, passport, photograph, proof of address. Processing takes 3–7 working days. The PCC is valid for 3–6 months and may need attestation for overseas use.
A Police Clearance Certificate is a formal declaration from Nepal Police confirming an individual's criminal history status. If no criminal record exists, the certificate states that the applicant has no criminal history in Nepal. If a record exists, its nature is disclosed. The PCC is a globally recognized document accepted by embassies, immigration authorities, universities, and employers worldwide.
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Foreign employment | Required by employers in Gulf countries (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), Malaysia, Japan, Korea, and others for background verification |
| Visa and immigration | Mandatory for work permits, student visas, permanent residency (PR) applications to countries like Australia, Canada, UK, USA, New Zealand |
| Overseas education | Universities may require PCC for admission or scholarship applications |
| Residential visa | Required for long-term visa applications in Nepal |
| Adoption | Required to verify adoptive parent has no criminal history |
| Government employment | Background verification for sensitive government positions |
| Legal proceedings | May be required in court cases, divorce proceedings, and property disputes |
| Power of Attorney attestation | Some embassies require PCC when attesting POA for legal proceedings in Nepal |
| Category | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nepali citizens | Valid citizenship certificate holders | Primary applicant category |
| Nepali citizens abroad | Can apply online via OPCR portal from anywhere | May need someone in Nepal for collection if physical copy required |
| NRNs | NRN card holders who previously resided in Nepal | Apply via OPCR portal; select "I am Nepali" option |
| Foreign nationals | Foreigners who legally resided in Nepal | Valid Nepal visa and passport required; select "I am a foreigner" on portal |
| Refugees | Refugees registered in Nepal | Select "I am Refugee" option on portal |
| Minors (under 16) | Parent or guardian applies on behalf | Birth certificate and guardian's citizenship required |
| # | Document | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Citizenship certificate (front and back) | Clear scan or photo; original for in-person verification |
| 2 | Passport (bio page) | Mandatory for international use; must be valid |
| 3 | Passport-size photograph | Recent, as per portal specifications |
| 4 | Proof of current address | Utility bill, rental agreement, or official document showing name and address |
| 5 | Purpose statement | Brief letter explaining why PCC is required (employment, visa, education, etc.) |
| 6 | Supporting documents | Visa copy, university acceptance letter, or job offer — depending on purpose |
| 7 | Nepal visa (for foreign nationals) | Valid visa with immigration entry/exit stamps |
| 8 | NRN identity card (for NRNs) | Along with foreign passport |
Important: All documents must be clear, properly scanned, and consistent. Name, date of birth, and address must match across all documents. Discrepancies cause delays or rejection.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the OPCR portal | Open opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np |
| 2 | Select applicant type | Choose: "I am Nepali", "I am a foreigner", or "I am Refugee" |
| 3 | Register an account | Register with valid email and phone number. Verify via email. |
| 4 | Log in and start application | Fill in personal details: full name, citizenship number, date of birth, permanent and current address, passport number |
| 5 | Select purpose | Employment, visa, education, immigration, or other |
| 6 | Upload documents | Scan and upload citizenship (front/back), passport bio page, photograph, proof of address |
| 7 | Review and submit | Double-check all details before final submission. Note your application/reference number. |
| 8 | Track status | Log in to portal to check status: Processing → Approved → Ready for download (or Rejected) |
| 9 | Download PCC | Once approved, download the digitally signed PDF with QR code for verification |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download and install Nagarik App (Google Play / Apple App Store) |
| 2 | Log in with your Nepali SIM card and verify |
| 3 | Select "Police Clearance Report" under services |
| 4 | Fill in personal details and select purpose |
| 5 | Upload required documents |
| 6 | Submit and track status within the app |
| 7 | Download digital PCC directly from the app once approved |
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Online application fee | Free (no government fee for online application) |
| Standard processing time | 3–7 working days |
| Peak period processing | 7–15 working days (academic/work visa seasons) |
| Offline processing (police station) | 2–4 weeks |
| PCC validity | 3–6 months from date of issue (varies by requesting authority) |
| Attestation fee (consular services) | ~NPR 500 at Department of Consular Services, Kathmandu |
| Attestation portal | att.nepalconsular.gov.np |
For visa, immigration, or employment abroad, the PCC typically needs to be attested (legalized) by the Department of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu. Some countries may also require attestation by the destination country's embassy in Nepal. The attestation process verifies the authenticity of the PCC for international acceptance.
| Attestation Step | Where |
|---|---|
| 1. Obtain PCC from Nepal Police | OPCR portal / Nagarik App / local police |
| 2. Submit for attestation | Department of Consular Services, Kathmandu — or online at att.nepalconsular.gov.np |
| 3. Embassy verification (if required) | Destination country's embassy in Kathmandu |
For those who prefer in-person application or lack internet access:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit your nearest Metropolitan Police Range or District Police Office (DPO) |
| 2 | Collect and fill out the PCC application form |
| 3 | Attach photocopies of citizenship, passport, photographs, proof of address |
| 4 | Submit form with documents; present originals for verification |
| 5 | Police conducts background verification |
| 6 | Collect PCC once approved (2–4 weeks) |
Non-Resident Nepalis and Nepali citizens living abroad can apply for PCC online through the OPCR portal from anywhere in the world. This is particularly important for NRNs who need PCC for:
| NRN Use Case | Connection to Nepal Legal Services |
|---|---|
| Foreign employment visa renewal | Employer or immigration authority requires updated PCC |
| PR / citizenship application abroad | Destination country requires clearance from home country |
| Divorce filing from abroad | Some embassies require PCC when attesting Power of Attorney for divorce proceedings |
| Property transactions | May be required for property transfer documentation |
| Adoption from Nepal | International adoption agencies require PCC from both parents' home countries |
NRNs can authorize someone in Nepal via Power of Attorney to collect the physical PCC certificate if in-person collection is required.
| Issue | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Name mismatch across documents | Ensure name is identical on citizenship, passport, and application form |
| Date of birth inconsistency | Cross-check DOB across all documents before submitting |
| Unclear scans | Use high-quality scans; ensure all text is legible |
| Missing purpose statement | Always include a clear purpose letter |
| Incomplete application | Upload all required documents; check before final submission |
| Unresolved legal cases | PCC will reflect pending cases; resolve before applying if possible |
| Peak season delays | Apply well in advance of visa/employment deadlines |
| # | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | PCC is issued by Nepal Police confirming criminal record status — required for employment, visa, education, and legal purposes |
| 2 | Apply online at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np or via Nagarik App — free of charge |
| 3 | Documents: citizenship, passport, photograph, proof of address, purpose statement |
| 4 | Processing: 3–7 working days (standard); digital PDF with QR code issued |
| 5 | Valid for 3–6 months — check with requesting authority |
| 6 | Attestation via Department of Consular Services (~NPR 500) required for overseas use |
| 7 | NRNs and Nepalis abroad can apply online from anywhere; POA for physical collection if needed |
| 8 | Ensure document consistency (name, DOB, address) to avoid rejection |
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by Nepal Police confirming whether an individual has any criminal record in Nepal. If no record exists, the certificate states that the applicant has a clean criminal history. The PCC is also known as a police report or character certificate and is issued by Nepal Police Headquarters, Naxal, Kathmandu.
Apply through the Online Police Clearance Registration (OPCR) system:
The online application through the OPCR portal is free of charge. However, if you need the PCC attested (legalized) for overseas use, the Department of Consular Services charges approximately NPR 500 for attestation. Additional costs may apply for courier services or if you use a third-party service provider.
Documents required for a police clearance certificate:
Foreign nationals also need a valid Nepal visa. NRNs need their NRN identity card.
Standard processing through the online portal takes 3–7 working days. During peak periods (academic/work visa seasons), processing can take 7–15 working days. Offline applications at local police stations typically take 2–4 weeks. Once approved, the PCC can be downloaded as a digitally signed PDF with QR code from the OPCR portal.
A PCC issued by Nepal Police is generally valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue. The exact validity depends on the requirements of the requesting authority — some embassies accept 6-month-old PCCs while others require one issued within the last 3 months. Always check with the destination country's requirements before applying.
Yes. The Nagarik App (available on Google Play and Apple App Store) offers police clearance certificate services. Download the app, log in with your Nepali SIM card, select "Police Clearance Report" under services, fill in details, upload documents, and submit. You can track status and download the digital PCC directly within the app once approved.
Yes. For visa, immigration, employment, or education abroad, the PCC typically needs to be attested (legalized) by the Department of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu. The attestation fee is approximately NPR 500. Some countries may also require additional verification by their embassy in Nepal. The online attestation portal is at att.nepalconsular.gov.np.
Yes. Non-Resident Nepalis who previously resided in Nepal can apply online through the OPCR portal from anywhere in the world. Select the "I am Nepali" option on the portal. If physical collection is required, an NRN can authorize someone in Nepal via Power of Attorney to collect the certificate.
Yes. Foreign nationals who legally resided in Nepal can apply for a PCC. On the OPCR portal, select the "I am a foreigner" option. You will need to provide your valid passport, Nepal visa with immigration entry/exit stamps, and residence permit if applicable. The PCC will cover the period of your legal stay in Nepal.
A PCC is not a standard requirement for divorce filing in Nepal. However, some embassies require a PCC when attesting a Power of Attorney for divorce proceedings filed from abroad. It may also be relevant in contested divorce cases where criminal conduct (domestic violence, harassment) is alleged as grounds for divorce.
Yes. Having a criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining a PCC. The certificate will disclose the nature of the record rather than stating a clean history. Unresolved or pending legal cases will also be reflected. The requesting authority (employer, embassy, university) will make their own determination based on the information provided.
Common issues that cause rejection or delays:
Ensure all documents are consistent and clearly scanned before submitting.
You can track your PCC application through: (1) the OPCR portal at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np — log in and check status using your reference number; (2) the Nagarik App if you applied through it; or (3) by contacting Nepal Police Headquarters directly. Application statuses are: Processing, Approved, or Rejected. You will also receive SMS and email notifications on status changes.
Yes. You can apply offline by visiting your nearest Metropolitan Police Range or District Police Office (DPO). Collect the PCC application form, fill it out, attach photocopies of required documents, present originals for verification, and submit. The police will conduct a background verification. Offline processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, longer than the online process (3–7 days).
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