This is a guide for people who are not citizens of China about how to apply for a Certificate of No Criminal Record in Guangzhou, China. Certificate of No Criminal Record is also known as a police certificate/check/clearance in other countries.
On March 1, 2019, the Provisions of Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department Regarding the Application for and the Handling of Certificates of No Criminal Record came into effect. In 2022, China’s Ministry of Public Security issued the Provisions on the Handling of Criminal Record Checks by Public Security Organs. Both rules are currently effective.
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 a Certificate of No Criminal Record
WHERE TO APPLY?
A foreign national may apply for a Certificate of No Criminal Record with the Division of Exit and Entry Administration of Guangzhou Public Security Bureau (PSB). The contact information is shown below.
| Address | Jiefang Nanlu 155 Hao, Yuexiu Qu, Guangzhou (In Chinese, 广州市越秀区解放南路155号) |
| Telephone | +86 020-12367 |
| Office Hours | 8:30-12:00 and 14:00-17:30, Monday to Friday, closed during holidays. |
WHO ARE ELIGIBLE?
- Have had residence permits issued from Guangzhou evidenced by your Temporary Residence Registration Form(s).
- Have lived in Guangzhou for 180 days or longer.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS?
- Passport(s).
- Temporary Residence Registration Form(s)
- Power of attorney, if a third-party is appointed to handle the application.
PROCESSING TIME?
The processing time for most cases is 3 business days.
STEP 2: Notarization of the Certificate of No Criminal Record
WHERE TO APPLY?
There are many notary offices in Guangzhou that can notarize a Certificate of No Criminal Record for use abroad. Guangzhou Notary Public Office is one of the most experienced.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS?
- Certificate of No Criminal Record
- Passport(s).
- If another person is appointed to file the notary application, you also need to provide a power of attorney and a picture of you holding the signed power of attorney.
PROCESSING TIME?
1 to 2 weeks.