How to Make a Police Report (Police Clearance Certificate) in Nepal?

What Is a Police Report (Police Clearance Certificate) in Nepal?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Nepal is an official background check issued by the Nepal Police Headquarters that proves you have no criminal record. Unlike a criminal complaint report (FIR) filed during an incident, this document is officially called the Prahari Charitra Praman Patra and verifies your clean legal standing. Let's take a closer look at the key information printed on this certificate and who oversees its issuance.

1. What Details Appear on Your PCC Certificate?

When your application gets approved, your digital certificate will clearly show:

• Your recent passport-size photograph.
• Your full legal name and permanent address.
• Your Citizenship card number and Passport number.
• An official seal, digital signature, and issuance date.
• A clear statement reading: "No Criminal Record Found".

The issuing authority for this certificate is the Nepal Police Headquarters (Crime Investigation Department - CID) located in Naxal, Kathmandu.

Note: Many people search online for "police report," but for visa processing, foreign employment, or studying abroad, the correct document you need is the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) issued by Nepal Police.

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2. Why Do You Need a Police Clearance Certificate?

You need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to prove that you have no criminal record. It is commonly required when applying for student visas, foreign employment, permanent residency, family reunification, or certain jobs. Many countries, universities, employers, and organizations ask for a PCC before approving your application. Below are the most common situations where you may need one.

Here are the most common situations where a PCC is required:

• Foreign Employment: Required for work permits in many countries.
• Student Visas: Needed by many universities and immigration authorities.
• Permanent Residency (PR): Required for PR and immigration applications.
• Dependent & Family Visas: Needed when joining family members living abroad.
• Job Verification: Used for criminal background checks by employers.
• International Adoption: Required by some courts and adoption agencies.
• Government Verification: Needed for certain government jobs and security clearances.

1. Who Can Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate?

Anyone who has legally resided in Nepal, including Nepali citizens living locally or abroad, foreign nationals, and registered refugees, can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate. As long as you possess valid identity documents and verifiable address records, you are eligible to submit an application regardless of your current location. 

You fall into an eligible category if you are:

1. Nepali Citizens Living in Nepal: Anyone holding a valid Nepali Citizenship card.
2. Nepali Citizens Residing Abroad: Nepalis working or studying overseas who need a fresh certificate (applied via the online portal using passport stamps/visas).
3. Foreign Nationals: Expats, foreign workers, or visitors who have lived in Nepal legally for a specified duration.
4. Refugees: Refugees residing in Nepal (supported through special identity card verification on the portal).

Basic Eligibility Rule

To apply successfully, you must have valid government-issued identification, a clear photo ID, and verifiable address details matching your official records.

Where to Make a Police Clearance Report in Nepal?

You can apply for a police report in Nepal either online through the official Nepal Police portal and Nagarik App or offline at your local District Police Office. The digital option offers a fast, paperless procedure for most applicants, while physical offices handle manual verification and offline requests.

1. Online Application (Recommended)

This is by far the fastest and easiest method for 99% of applicants. You can apply through:

• The official Nepal Police Online Clearance Portal (opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np).
• The Nagarik App, which integrates directly with your government profile.

2. Offline / Physical Walk-in

If you don't have internet access, face technical issues, or need manual verification, you can visit:

• Your local District Police Office (DPO).
• The Metropolitan Police Crime Division (for specific urgent queries or manual verification cases).

Let me guide you through choosing the best application pathway for your specific situation.

How to Get a Police Report Online in Nepal? (Step-by-Step)

You can get your police report online in eight quick steps by registering on the official Nepal Police portal, uploading your clear ID documents, and downloading the approved PDF certificate. The entire online application takes less than 15 minutes to complete if you have your citizenship card and passport scans ready.

Here is the simple, step-by-step walkthrough to help you complete your application effortlessly.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit the official Online Police Clearance Registration portal (opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np) or open the Nagarik App on your phone. Register using your active mobile number and email address to receive your login credentials.

Step 2: Choose Your Applicant Type

Select the category that applies to you:

• Nepali Citizen (In Nepal)
• Nepali Citizen (Abroad)
• Foreigner
• Refugee

Then, an email with a temporary password will be sent for verification. Login using that password.

Step 3: Update Password & Create New Application

As soon as you log in, a dialog box asking you to change the password must open. Create a strong password, of at least 8 characters, including all of the following:

• Capital letter
• Small letters
• Numbers
• Special characters

Login again. And then you will be directly taken to fill a form or else simply create “New Application” in the side bar at your left hand side.  

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form

Enter your personal details carefully. Make sure your full name, date of birth, parents' names, and permanent address match your official documents word-for-word.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Upload high-quality, readable color scans of your documents (JPEG, PNG, or PDF format).

Step 6: Review and Submit Your Application

Double-check every single letter and number! A simple typo in your citizenship number can delay your application by weeks. Once confirmed, click "Submit."

Step 7: Save Your Reference Number

As soon as you submit, the screen will display a unique Application Reference Number. Take a screenshot or write it down immediately. You will need this to check your status online!

Step 8: Complete the Police Verification Process

Nepal Police will automatically check your name across national criminal databases and local police records. You don't need to visit a police station during this phase unless flagged.

Step 9: Download Your Police Clearance Certificate

Once approved, log back into the portal. Click on "Download Certificate" to save your official, digitally signed PDF file.

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How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate Offline?

To apply offline, you must visit your local District Police Office with paper copies of your citizenship card, passport, and photos to submit a physical form. Local officers will manually verify your criminal history and local address records over five to ten business days. Below are the exact steps to complete your walk-in submission smoothly.

Step 1: Visit your nearest District Police Office (DPO) or Metropolitan Police Office.

Step 2: Pick up the physical PCC application form from the designated desk and fill it out.

Step 3: Attach printed photo copies of your Citizenship Card, Passport, and recent passport-size photos.

Step 4: Submit the form and wait while local officers run a manual background check (usually takes 5 to 10 working days).

Step 5: Return to the police office with your original ID to collect your physical stamped certificate.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate Using the Nagarik App?

You can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) online through the Nagarik App without visiting a police office to submit your application. Simply complete the form, upload the required documents, and track your application from your mobile phone. If approved, you'll receive your Police Clearance Certificate digitally.

Step 1: Download and log in to the Nagarik App.

Step 2: Go to Police Clearance Certificate under the available government services.

Step 3: Fill in the application form with your personal and address details.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, including your citizenship card, passport (if applicable), and a recent passport-size photo.

Step 5: Review your details and submit the application.

Step 6: Track your application status in the app and download your digital Police Clearance Certificate once it is approved.

Note: Depending on your application, the police may contact you if additional verification or documents are required.

Documents Required for Police Clearance Certificate

The primary documents required for a Police Clearance Certificate are your Nepali citizenship certificate, a valid passport, and a recent passport-size photograph. Depending on your marital status or living situation, you may also need a marriage certificate or proof of overseas departure. Check out the master checklist table below to ensure all your documents are prepared correctly.

How Much Does It Cost to Make a Police Report in Nepal?

Applying for an official Police Clearance Certificate directly through Nepal Police is completely free of charge. You will only incur minimal out-of-pocket costs if you pay a third-party cyber cafe for typing services or require official consular attestation for foreign embassies. Here is the detailed cost breakdown so you know exactly what expenses to expect.

Note: Government policies can update over time. Always verify details on the official Nepal Police portal before applying.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Clearance Certificate?

Obtaining an online Police Clearance Certificate usually takes two to five working days, whereas offline applications take up to ten working days. Applications are processed quickly through central police databases, but minor document errors or address checks can cause occasional delays.
 

This is how long the PCC processing time and status tracking commonly takes:

Common Delay Factors

Your application might take longer if:

• Your scanned documents are hard to read.
• There is a name or date mismatch between your documents.
• A local district police office needs extra time to verify your local address history.           

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate Attested (Consular Attestation)?

You can get your Police Clearance Certificate attested by submitting your approved digital PDF to the Department of Consular Services online portal. Many foreign embassies in Nepal require this official government stamp and QR code to verify the certificate's authenticity before approving your visa. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to complete your consular attestation without visiting multiple offices.

1. Visit the Department of Consular Services online portal (nepalconsular.gov.np).
2. Register an account and enter your PCC Dispatch Number and Reference Number.
3. Upload your approved Police Clearance Certificate PDF file.
4. Pay the small government attestation fee online via digital wallet.
5. Download your final QR-coded, officially attested certificate!

Common Reasons PCC Applications Get Delayed or Rejected

Applications are most commonly delayed or rejected due to spelling mismatches between documents, blurry uploaded photos, or missing passport departure stamps. Ensuring all details match your official records word-for-word prevents unnecessary re-work and portal holds. Here are the top pitfalls you should avoid to keep your application moving forward smoothly.

• Name Mismatch: Spelling of your name differs between your Passport and Citizenship card.
• Blurry Uploads: Uploading low-resolution, dark, or cropped photos.
• Duplicate Submissions: Submitting multiple applications at once because you got anxious.
• Missing Departure Stamp: For Nepalis living abroad, forgetting to upload the passport page with the Nepal departure stamp.
• Incorrect Address Details: Entering wrong ward numbers or municipality names that don't match government records.

Police Clearance Certificate vs Police Complaint Report

A Police Clearance Certificate proves you have no criminal record for visa purposes, whereas a Police Complaint Report (FIR) formally reports a crime or theft to the police. Understanding this key distinction ensures you request the right document for your specific legal or travel needs.

Compare both documents side-by-side in the table below to see their differences in purpose, authority, and processing.