In this post, we will explain the general procedures and requirements about how a foreign national who has lived in Shenzhen applies for a Certificate of No Criminal Record, also known as a police certificate/check/clearance.
The government of Shenzhen is probably the first one that implements uniform requirements across the city for the issuance of Certificates of No Criminal Record to foreigners. On March 13, 2014, the Office of No Criminal Record Certificate of Shenzhen Public Security Bureau (PSB) was officially founded. Never have we seen in another city an entire police department designated for the matter. Later in 2018, Shenzhen Administration Service Hall replaced the Office of No Criminal Record Certificate as the government agency where applicants file Certificate of No Criminal Record applications. On July 10, 2023, the application filing place was changed again to the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau. The Office of No Criminal Record Certificate remains to be the issuing authority.
Foreign nationals may need to obtain a Certificate of No Criminal Record in China for a variety of reasons including immigration, employment, etc. Typically, a Certificate of No Criminal Record is not acceptable for these purposes until it is notarized by a local notary office in China. For use in some countries, it also needs to be apostilled by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or authenticated by the embassy representing the country where the certificate is to be used. This Guide covers the two primary steps, namely “STEP 1: Application for Certificate of No Criminal Record” and “STEP 2: Notarization of Certificate of No Criminal Record”.
STEP 1: Application for Certificate of No Criminal Record
Your application for a Certificate of No Criminal Record needs to be filed the Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau. Below is the contact information of the police bureau:
| English | Chinese | |
| Name | Exit and Entry Administration of Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau | 深圳市市公安局出入境管理局 |
| Address | Luohu Qu, Jiefang Lu 4016 Hao, Shenzhen Government Affairs Service Center, Shenzhen | 深圳市罗湖区解放路4016号深圳市政务服务中心 |
| Phone | 0755-12367 | — |
Who are eligible?
- Have had residence permits issued from Shenzhen.
- Have lived in Shenzhen for 180 days or longer.
Processing Time?
3 working days.
What are the required documents?
- Passports.
- Temporary Residence Registration Forms
- Power of attorney, if applicable. If the applicant lives in another country, the power of attorney needs to be EITHER apostilled by the country’s foreign affairs department OR authenticated by a Chinese consulate/embassy in the country.
STEP 2: Notarization of Certificate of No Criminal Record
The issuance of your Certificate of No Criminal Record is not the end of the process. If the certificate will be used for purposes of immigration to the U.S., Canada, Australia, etc., the certificate must also be submitted to a local notary office for issuance of a Notarial Certificate of No Criminal Record with English translation. Below is the contact information of a major notary office in Shenzhen. (There are a dozen other notary offices in Shenzhen. Choose the one you consider convenient.)
| English | Chinese | |
| Name | Shenzhen Notary Public Office | 深圳公证处 |
| Address | Futian Qu, Shennan Dadao 4013 Hao Xingye Yinhang Dasha 17 Lou | 深圳市福田区深南大道4013号兴业银行大厦17楼 |
| Phone | 0755-83053935 | |
| Website | http://www.szgzc.net.cn/ | — |
Processing Time?
1 to 2 weeks.
What are the required documents?
- Passports
- Certificate of No Criminal Record issued by Shenzhen police
- Power of attorney, if applicable.