A Singapore PCC can be needed if you are an expatriate, who previously resided, worked, or studied in Singapore and who is intending to migrate, apply for residency, or seek employment in other countries. Sealed “No criminal record” statement declares that you have no criminal records when one is in Singapore for a stay, and this document is useful for visas, immigration, or employment background checks.

Here are the straight to the point guidelines on how to apply for the Singapore Police Clearance Certificate while within and outside Singapore.

What is a Singapore Police Clearance Certificate?

A Singapore Police Clearance Certificate, referred to as the Certificate of Clearance (COC), is obtained from the Singapore Police Force (SPF). It safeguards an acknowledgment to the effect that the applicant has never offended the laws in Singapore. It is usually required when applying for:

Temporary or permanent stay of an individual or a family in a country other than his or her birth country.
External jobs and studies; that they should seek jobs or studies in other countries.
All carnivals that may be deemed necessary by foreign authorities.

Who Can Apply for a Singapore Police Clearance Certificate?

Specifically, only those who have been registered residents of Singapore for the last six months and are aged at least 16 years may apply for a COC. Regardless of whether you are applying as a candidate from Singapore, or if you are applying from another country, there are certain criteria that have to be met, and documentation that has to be submitted.

Documents Needed for Singapore Police Clearance Certificate (COC)

Before you begin the application process, gather the following documents:

The scans of your passport on the bio-data page.
Photocopy of your identity card (if applicable but preferred if you are Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident).
Certified/Stamped passport size photograph taken not more than 3 months back.
An official letter from this or similar foreign authority requesting the PCC such as immigration offices or embassy, for the need of the certificate.
If applicants are applying from overseas, legitimate documents to show that the applicant had been resident in Singapore in the past such as a visa, work permit, and other proof of residence in Singapore.

Applying for Police Clearance Certificate (COC) in Singapore

Submit an Online Application

The submissions of applications for the Singapore PCC is also done online through the Singapore Police Force eServices. Follow these steps:
Go to the Singapore Police Force Certificate of Clearance (COC) e-Services home page.
Key in your Singpass if you are Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident, otherwise input your Foreign Identification Number (FIN).
Fill in personal data in the application form and attach copies of your passport, ID card, and the request from a foreign authority.

Get Your Fingerprints Taken

If you are applying from outside Singapore, prints of your fingers will be taken. Here’s how:

You have to go to your local police station or any other standard service provider that offers fingerprinting services.
Make sure that your fingerprint card bears the endorsement of the police authority who took the prints.
If you are submitting your application from India or other countries, post the endorsed fingerprint card by mail/ courier to the Singapore Police Force.
For the applicants who are in Singapore biometric information or fingerprints will be taken through a digital finger scanning exercise when you attend an appointment after applying online.

Pay the Application Fee

The current fee for the COC is SGD 55 (although this fee may be adjusted in the future). The payment can be made through debit/credit cards, internet banking through eServices portal.

Going for an Interview (For Those Who Live in Singapore)

For candidates presently in Singapore, once the online application has been completed, a biometric screening involving the capture of fingerprints electronically at the COC Office, Police Cantonment Complex must be followed. As part of the process of the appointment you will be expected to present original documents which will be authenticated.

Processing Time

It usually takes from 5 to 15 working days to process a Singapore Police Clearance Certificate depending on the submission and the verification days. International applicants should consider applying for fingerprinting at least two weeks earlier than other candidates because of the time required for the card mailing.

Receive the COC

After the screening of the application, the Singapore Police Force will provide the Certificate of Clearance. You get the document via post or pick it up personally from the Police Cantonment Complex if you’re in Singapore.

Why Working with a Private Authorized Agency for Singapore PCC will be Beneficial?

Although the procedures involved in trying to obtain a Singapore Police Clearance Certificate is quite easy the usage of a private authorized agency is rather advantageous particularly for those in diaspora. Here’s why:

Easy Fingerprinting Help: pussy willow It is a bit complex especially when in a situation that one is applying for fingerprinting from outside Singapore. Agencies do help you on how proper certification of your fingerprint card is done and how to take it to the right authorities at the right time.

No Mistakes Made in Applying: Completing the application and collecting necessary papers can be quite bewildering if you are not up to date with the norms of Singapore. Some forms need to be filled out appropriately; an agency helps in doing so, thereby minimizing the chance of rejection due to wrong completion.

Time-Saving Convenience: It may take a while and seem unclear on how to go about it, or it’s just time consuming and you’d rather have an agency to do everything for you including collecting the documents, mailing the fingerprint card and paying for the fees. This saves time because, while you concentrate on other essential chores, the experts will manage your application.

Regular Status Updates: When you give power to an agency you receive information about the progress of your application. Any difficulties that may occur are addressed immediately and you are also informed on the same.

Conclusion

In cases where one is applying as an immigrant, for a job or further education in another country it becomes essential to acquire the Singapore Police Clearance Certificate. Regardless of whether you are applying inside Singapore or from another country there are certain procedures that have to be followed.

For those applying from abroad or who prefer a hassle-free experience, hiring a private authorized agency is a smart choice. They handle everything from document verification to fingerprinting and communication with authorities, ensuring a smooth, error-free, and timely process.