Police Clearance Certificate in Nepal 2026: Online Process & Timeline

Every Nepali applying for a foreign work visa, immigration, or student visa needs a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). The certificate — issued by Nepal Police's Criminal Investigation Department — confirms whether you have any criminal record in Nepal's Central Crime Database. As of 2026, you can apply entirely online through the OPCR portal from anywhere in the world, and download a digitally signed PDF without visiting Nepal.

Yet thousands of applicants still face delays because of name mismatches, unclear document scans, or not knowing the attestation process. This guide covers everything: the online OPCR process step by step, offline application at District Police Offices, required documents for citizens and foreigners, fees, processing time, validity period, and how to get your PCC attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for international use.

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A Police Clearance Certificate — also called a Police Report or informally a "Character Certificate" — is an official document confirming that a person has no criminal record registered with Nepal Police. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Nepal Police Headquarters, Naxal, Kathmandu is the central authority that issues PCCs.

Who Needs a PCC in Nepal?

A PCC is required in a wide range of situations — mostly involving international processes. Here are the most common reasons:

• Immigration and permanent residency — Australia, Canada, UK, US, and most countries require PCC from your home country
• Work visa and foreign employment — the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) requires PCC as part of labour permit processing
• Student visa applications — some universities and embassies require it
• International adoption — mandatory background check for prospective parents
• Marriage registration abroad — some countries require PCC when registering a marriage involving a Nepali citizen
• Government job applications — certain positions in Nepal require police clearance
• Firearms licence applications
• Business or investment visas

If you are a foreign national who has lived in Nepal, you may also need a Nepali PCC covering your period of legal residence when applying for visas or immigration in a third country.

Online PCC Application at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np

The Online Police Clearance Registration (OPCR) system is now the primary method for PCC applications. It is accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world — Nepalis living abroad can apply without visiting Nepal.

Step 1: Create an Account

1. Visit opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np
2. Click "Register"
3. Select your status: Nepali Citizen, Foreigner, or Refugee
4. Enter your full name, email, phone number, and create a password
5. Complete the CAPTCHA and click "Register"
6. Check your email for a temporary password, log in, and change your password

Step 2: Submit a New Application

1. Log in and click "New Application"
2. Fill in personal details: full name, date of birth, parents' names, current and permanent address
3. Select the purpose of PCC (immigration, foreign employment, visa, etc.)
4. Upload scanned documents — citizenship certificate, passport bio page, passport-sized photo (JPG format, minimum 50 KB)
5. Complete the self-declaration section (criminal record: Yes/No)
6. Solve the CAPTCHA and click "Submit"
7. Save your application reference number for tracking

Step 3: Track and Download

Click "Application Status" in the portal to track progress. Status shows "In Progress" then "Completed." Once completed, download your PCC as a digitally signed PDF and print it in colour. No need to physically collect it from a police office for online applications.

Offline PCC Application Process

If you prefer in-person application or face issues with the online portal, visit any of these offices:

• Nepal Police Headquarters, CID Section — Naxal, Kathmandu (central authority, fastest processing)
• District Police Office (DPO) — available in every district
• Metropolitan Police Office — Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, Bharatpur
• Chief District Officer (CDO) Office — in your home district

Offline Process Steps

1. Visit the office and request a PCC application form
2. Fill in personal information accurately
3. Submit required documents (originals + photocopies)
4. Pay the processing fee (NRS 500–1,000 depending on district)
5. Collect payment receipt
6. Return to collect the certificate after processing (1–4 weeks depending on office)

Documents Required for PCC

For Nepali Citizens

For Foreign Nationals

• Valid passport (all relevant pages)
• Valid Nepal visa with immigration entry/exit stamps
• Residence or work permit (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs (2–4 copies)
• Proof of current residence in Nepal
• Document verifying duration of stay

PCC Fees and Processing Time

If you haven't received your PCC after 5 working days, contact the OPCR helpdesk at 01-5719865 or 9851285920, or email opcr@nepalpolice.gov.np.

PCC Validity and Attestation for International Use

How Long Is a PCC Valid?

A Nepali PCC is generally valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue, depending on the requirements of the requesting authority. Most embassies accept a PCC issued within the last 6 months, but some require one issued within 3 months. Always confirm with the requesting embassy or institution before applying.

MOFA Attestation (Instead of Apostille)

Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Instead of apostille, Nepali documents use MOFA attestation — legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The process:

1. Obtain your PCC from Nepal Police (online or offline)
2. Visit the Department of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kathmandu
3. Submit PCC for attestation — fee: NRS 500. Online attestation is also available at att.nepalconsular.gov.np
4. MOFA verifies authenticity, stamps, and signs the document
5. Some countries additionally require attestation from their embassy in Nepal

For detailed guidance on document legalization, see our guide on document apostille alternatives in Nepal.

PCC for Nepalis Living Abroad

If you are a Nepali citizen living outside Nepal, you have two options:

• OPCR portal (recommended): Apply online from anywhere in the world at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np. Download the digitally signed PDF once completed. This is the fastest method.
• Nepal Embassy/Consulate: Visit the nearest Nepal Embassy, submit documents, and the embassy forwards the request to Nepal Police. The verified certificate is sent back after attestation. This takes longer but may be required if digital PDFs are not accepted.

PCC for Marriage and Visa Applications

Several countries require a PCC from your home country when processing marriage-related documents. This is common for:

• Spouse visa or dependent visa applications
• Marriage registration at foreign embassies
• Immigration applications based on marriage
• Court marriage with a foreigner in Nepal — some embassies require PCC for the No Objection Certificate

If you are planning court marriage in Nepal and your partner's country requires a PCC, apply at least 2–3 weeks before your planned marriage date to account for processing and attestation time.

Conclusion: Apply for Your PCC Early

Don't wait until the last week before your visa deadline. PCC processing takes 3–15 working days depending on the method and season, and MOFA attestation adds extra time. Apply online at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np for the fastest, free option. Double-check your name matches your citizenship before registering — the system doesn't allow corrections.

For any legal assistance with document preparation, document preparation, or marriage-related legal matters, our team of Nepal Bar Council-registered advocates is here to help.