Police Clearance Certificate in Nepal 2026 — Online Process, Documents & Fee

Each year, tens of thousands of Nepalis applying for foreign employment, visas, or immigration are delayed — not by their embassy — but because their Police Clearance Certificate arrived too late or was rejected on a technicality.

Nepal Police now operates the OPCR (Online Police Clearance Report) system at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np — the fastest and most convenient way to get your PCC. Online applications carry no government fee and are processed in 2–3 working days.

This guide covers every step: who needs a Nepal PCC, what documents you need, how to apply online, via the Nagarik App, and offline — plus fees, validity, the attestation chain for use abroad, and the most common rejection reasons.

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What Is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate is a formal document issued by Nepal Police — the national law enforcement authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal — certifying an individual's criminal background status. It either confirms no criminal record or states the nature of any record on file. The same document is also known in Nepal and abroad as a Police Report, Police Character Certificate, Police Verification Certificate, Criminal Record Check, Good Conduct Certificate, or Background Check Certificate — all refer to the same PCC.

In Nepal, the PCC is issued through the OPCR (Online Police Clearance Report) system at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np — the official Nepal Police portal. It is recognised by embassies, immigration departments, foreign employers, and universities worldwide.

Key takeaway: A Nepal PCC is a government-issued certificate — not a private document. Only Nepal Police can issue it. No notary, lawyer, or agent can issue or "fast-track" a PCC on your behalf.

Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate in Nepal?

• Foreign employment: Gulf, European, Australian, and Malaysian employers typically require PCC before issuing a work permit.
• Visa applications: Schengen, UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand visa applicants must submit a PCC issued within 3–6 months.
• Permanent residency / immigration: PCC is mandatory for PR applications in most countries.
• Higher education abroad: Universities in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada often require a clean police record.
• Adoption proceedings: Required for both domestic and international adoption cases in Nepal.
• NRN / Dual citizenship: Needed for Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) citizenship applications.
• Business licensing: Certain regulated sectors require a background check certificate.

Documents Required for PCC in Nepal

Prepare all documents before starting the online application. Incomplete or blurry uploads are the leading cause of rejection.

For NRNs applying from abroad: Submit through the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate. Additional documents include a copy of the foreign residence permit and a notarized authorization letter if applying through a representative in Nepal.

Method 1 — Online Process via OPCR Portal (Recommended)

The OPCR portal at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np is the fastest and most convenient route. Online applications carry no government fee and are processed in 2–3 working days. The certificate can be downloaded digitally — no in-person collection required. Here is the full process:

Step 1 — Register on the OPCR Portal

• Visit opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np
• Click "New Registration" and create an account using your email and mobile number.
• Verify your email address to activate the account.

Step 2 — Log In and Start Your Application

• Log in with your registered credentials.
• Click "Apply for PCC" from the dashboard.

Step 3 — Fill the Application Form

• Enter your full name exactly as it appears on your citizenship certificate.
• Enter citizenship number, date of birth, permanent address, and the purpose of the PCC.
• Select the district from which the PCC should be issued.

Step 4 — Upload Documents

• Upload scanned copies of citizenship certificate, passport (first and last page), recent photograph, and purpose letter.
• Files must be JPG or PDF format; maximum 1 MB per file. Use a clear scan — blurry uploads trigger rejection.

Step 5 — Submit Your Application

• Online PCC applications through OPCR are free of charge — no payment is required.
• Submit the application and note your Application Reference Number.
• Track your application status online using this reference number.
• You will receive an SMS or email notification when the PCC is ready.

Step 6 — Download Your PCC

• Once approved, log in to the OPCR portal and download your PCC digitally.
• The certificate includes a QR code for authenticity verification — embassies and employers can scan it to confirm genuineness.
• Print the downloaded certificate for physical submission if required.

Method 2 — Nagarik App (Mobile Application)

The Nagarik App — the official digital services platform of the Government of Nepal, developed by the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (nagarikapp.gov.np) — integrates multiple government services, including PCC applications. It is available for both Android and iOS.

Step 1 — Download and Install

• Download the Nagarik App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store — search "Nagarik App Nepal" or "नागरिक एप".
• The app is published by the Government of Nepal (Department of Information Technology).

Step 2 — Register and Verify Identity

• Open the app and register using your mobile number and citizenship certificate number.
• Complete the identity verification process — you may need to take a live selfie and upload your citizenship certificate.

Step 3 — Navigate to Police Clearance

• After logging in, go to Services → Nepal Police → Police Clearance Certificate.
• The app connects to the OPCR backend — the same system as the web portal.

Step 4 — Fill the Form and Upload Documents

• Complete the application form within the app.
• Use your phone camera to capture clear photos of the required documents directly in the app.
• Enter the purpose of your PCC application.

Step 5 — Submit and Track

• Submit the application — it is free of charge (same as the web portal).
• Track your application status from within the app using your reference number.
• Download the approved PCC directly from the app once notified.

Method 3 — Offline Process at the District Police Office

If you are unable to access the online portal or Nagarik App, visit your nearest District Police Office (Jilla Prahari Karyalaya) in person:

1. Visit the District Police Office and request a PCC application form at the counter.
2. Fill out the form accurately — name and address must match your citizenship certificate.
3. Attach photocopies of all required documents (citizenship, passport, photos, purpose letter).
4. Pay the fee of Rs. 500 at the cash counter or via bank deposit slip.
5. Submit the completed form and receive an acknowledgment slip.
6. Return to collect the PCC once notified — typically within 2–4 weeks.

PCC Fee in Nepal (2083 BS / 2026 AD)

Government fees and processing times are set by Nepal Police and may be updated. During peak visa seasons (September–December and March–May), online processing may extend to 3–5 working days. Always confirm at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np before applying.

OPCR helpdesk: 01-5719865 / 9851285920 · email opcr@nepalpolice.gov.np

How Long Is a Nepal PCC Valid?

Nepal Police does not print an expiry date on the PCC itself. Validity is set by the requesting authority — the destination country's embassy, immigration office, employer, or university. In practice, most authorities accept a PCC issued within 3 to 6 months of the submission date:

• Schengen visa: PCC must be issued within 3 months of the visa application date.
• UK, USA, Australia, Canada: Most embassies require a PCC issued within 6 months.
• Foreign employment: Employers typically require a PCC not older than 3 months at the time of contract signing.
• Permanent residency: Check the specific requirement of the destination country's immigration authority.

Key takeaway: Apply for your PCC as close to your visa or job application date as possible — do not apply months in advance and risk needing to reapply.

PCC for NRNs and Foreign Nationals in Nepal

For Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs)

NRNs living abroad can apply for a Nepal PCC through the nearest Nepali Embassy or Consulate. The embassy forwards the request to Nepal Police on your behalf. Processing time is longer — typically 3–6 weeks. Alternatively, a trusted representative in Nepal can apply on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney.

For Foreign Nationals Residing in Nepal

Foreign nationals who have lived in Nepal can now apply through the OPCR portal by selecting "Foreigner" during registration. Offline applications are accepted at the Metropolitan Police Office in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Pokhara, or Bharatpur. Processing for foreign nationals typically takes 7–15 working days. Required documents include:

• Valid passport
• Nepal visa with entry/exit stamps
• Proof of residence in Nepal (rent agreement or utility bill)
• Letter from their employer, university, or embassy
• Purpose letter and passport-size photographs

Police Clearance Certificate in Kathmandu — Where to Go

For applicants in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, the online OPCR route works from anywhere — no office visit is required for Nepali citizens. For offline applications or foreign nationals, you can visit the Metropolitan Police Office in each of the three valley cities, or the equivalent Metropolitan Police Office in Pokhara or Bharatpur. For MoFA attestation (next section), the MoFA Consular Section is centrally located in Kathmandu.

Getting Your PCC Notarized and Attested for Use Abroad (MoFA Stamp)

Many countries require a Nepal PCC to go through an authentication chain before it is accepted — commonly referred to as the MoFA stamp for police clearance. The standard chain for Nepal — which is not a signatory of the Hague Apostille Convention — is:

1. Notarization by a registered notary public in Nepal — confirms the document is genuine and properly signed
2. MoFA Attestation — Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Section (Kathmandu) verifies the notary's signature · fee NPR 500 per document, typically same or next-day turnaround
3. Embassy Attestation — the destination country's embassy in Kathmandu (required by some countries)

Notary Nepal provides notarization of your PCC and related affidavits as the first step in this chain. We also provide certified translation of the PCC if the destination country requires an English or other language version.

For the MoFA attestation step (Step 2), the applicant or an authorized representative must submit the notarized documents directly at the MoFA office at Singha Durbar, Kathmandu or through a licensed attestation agent. Notary Nepal does not act as a MoFA attestation agent but can prepare and notarize all documents required for the MoFA submission.

Need help preparing your documents for the attestation chain? Contact our office →

Common Reasons PCC Applications Are Rejected

In our experience assisting clients with document preparation, these are the most frequent rejection triggers — fix them before you apply:

• Name mismatch — name on citizenship certificate does not match the passport; get an affidavit of name correction notarized first
• Blurry or low-resolution scans — scanned files must be clear; 300 DPI minimum
• Incomplete application form — missing permanent address or purpose of PCC
• Expired passport submitted — renew your passport before applying
• Active or unresolved criminal case — PCC will be withheld until the case is resolved or dismissed

PCC vs Police Report — What Is the Difference?

Conclusion

A Police Clearance Certificate in Nepal is straightforward to obtain if your documents are in order. Apply online through opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np or the Nagarik App — no government fee, processed in 2–3 working days, with digital download. Check name consistency across all documents before you apply. If your PCC needs to be used abroad, plan for the notarization and MoFA attestation steps, which add time to the process.

Notary Nepal provides notarization, certified translation, and document preparation services to support your PCC attestation process. Contact us today →