I thought that applying for a China Police Certificate would be relatively simple. However, I was surprised to find that the process became significantly more challenging because I didn’t have a residence permit. In the end, it took me more than 6 months to successfully obtain the certificate.
The key requirement for obtaining it is that you must have lived in the local area for at least 6 months. Additionally, upon settling in China, you need to go to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) and obtain a “Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors”. The 6-month eligibility period starts from the registration date on that form. Without this prerequisite, it’s almost impossible to apply for the certificate. Overall, the process was far from easy.
Ps: If you also need to apply for a Chinese Police Certificate, the following method might be helpful, but it is specific to Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. For other regions in China, please check with the local PSB.
Application via App
If you obtained a residence permit when you first came to China for work, you can directly download the app “Yue Sheng Shi (粤省事)”. After entering the app, search for “无犯罪记录证明（服务申请）”. Log in and follow the steps to complete the application.
In-Person Application
If you need to apply in person, you must prepare the following three documents:
- Application Form for Police Certificate
- Travel Document / ID
- Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors
Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors
If you need to apply for the Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors, bring your rental agreement and Travel Document / ID to the Household Registration Office of the nearest PSB.
When you arrive at the PSB, do not go directly inside. Instead, look for a smaller office nearby, likely labeled as the Household Registration Office (户政室). Once inside, simply state that you want to apply for the “Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors (境外人员临时住宿登记表)”.
Submit your rental agreement and Travel Document / ID. If your rental property is indeed within their jurisdiction, they will verify the information, print the form, and stamp it on the spot.
Application for a China Police Certificate
Once you have prepared the necessary documents, go to the Municipal Center Administrative Service Hall to apply. Currently, the Public Security Bureau and Immigration Administration no longer process applications for police certificates. Instead, you need to apply at the nearest administrative service hall.
To find the location of the service hall, you can visit the 广东政务服务网 for more details.
This impressive building is the Municipal Center Administrative Service Hall. Getting there is quite convenient, as it is accessible by metro.
I went directly to the Shenzhen Municipal Center Administrative Service Hall to apply. Upon arrival, I presented all the required documents to the staff, but an unexpected problem arose. They told me that since the registration date on my Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors was March 12, and I had not yet lived there for 6 months, they couldn’t process my application. They instructed me to return after September 12.
I explained that I had already been staying there since May of last year, but they informed me that any trip out of mainland China exceeding two weeks would reset the time count. Unfortunately, I had returned to Taiwan for 3 weeks during the Lunar New Year, so the time was recalculated from the March 12 date. Despite my attempts to reason with them, they refused to process my application, leaving me no choice but to leave.
After 6 months had passed, I returned to apply for the police certificate again. This time, the process went smoothly. The staff asked me to fill out the application form and submit my Taiwan Compatriot Permit and Registration Form of Temporary Residence For Visitors. It didn’t take long, and the application was processed successfully. There was no fee required. I was informed that it would take about 3 working days to process, and I could either collect it in person or have it mailed to a third-party address.
I submitted my application on September 27 and received the documents via postal delivery on September 30. A postage fee of 15 RMB was required. The package included 2 copies of the China police certificate.
Visiting the Notary Office for Certified Translation
Regardless of whether the application was submitted via the app or in person, you will need to visit a notary’s office to have the document translated into English and certified.
Since I wasn’t sure if notary offices in other districts would handle certifications for Taiwanese residents, I chose to visit the Shenzhen Notary Office. After taking the elevator to the 17th floor, I proceeded to get a number ticket and waited for my turn.
When called, I provided the China police certificate, Taiwan Compatriot Permit, and photocopies of both sides of the permit to the staff. I informed them that I needed the certificate translated into English and certified. I also clearly explained the purpose of the document. Afterward, I went to the payment counter and paid the fee of 200 RMB.
The staff then informed me that the certified and translated document would be ready for collection in 3 business days. If unable to pick it up in person, I could fill out a courier request form at the collection desk to have the document mailed to a designated location. Shipping fees would be paid upon delivery.
After a few days, the documents were delivered directly to my address. The package included 2 copies, each containing both Chinese and English translations. With that, the process of applying for, certifying, and translating the China police certificate was complete.
The above method applies specifically to the Shenzhen area. For other regions in mainland China, please check with the local Public Security Bureau for details. The process described here is for reference only; actual procedures may vary based on local requirements and on-site circumstances.
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