The Police Character certificate is one of the most sought after recent document by Nigerians living in Nigeria and those in Diaspora. In this article, I will be walking you through the requirements, cost and process to get the Police Character Clearance Certificate in Nigeria.
What is Police Character Clearance Certificate?
A police character clearance certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the Nigerian police.
This document is given to every Nigerian citizen and foreigners who have lived in Nigeria for a minimum period of 30 days.
Recently, there has been JAPA wave. A lot of Nigerians have left the country for different reasons, which one of the most common of them is survival and education.
With the recent high percentage of JAPA, the immigration and boarder bodies have updated their Visa policies by demanding for more other documents, which the Police character certificate is among.
A police character clearance is done to check whether the applicant who has intentions of leaving Nigeria has an existing criminal record.
In summary, the PCC serves as evidence that you have no criminal history (or states otherwise based on official records).
Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate in Nigeria?
Aside just travel, the Police Character certificate is needed for so many other reasons by different people. Below are those who need the Police character certificate
1. Employment Purposes
Employers of labour sometimes request for a police clearance certificate, especially when the role of employment is in a finance company or other sensitive organization.
While some companies are okay requesting for guarantors form and other means of Identification from the employee, other big organizations go beyond that.
Character is such a big thing in the world. Irrespective of how skilled you are, If you lack good character and integrity, nobody will like to work with you.
Most security companies often request for the police Character certificate when employing for security related positions. The same applies to government contracts and international employments.
2. Immigration and Travel Applicants
The Police Character clearance certificate is also required by the Immigration body for those making travel applications for different reasons.
Under the immigration, the PCC will be needed by those are processing the following
- Visa applications and renewal
- Students applying to study abroad
- Those seeking work permits
- Nigerians abroad seeking to obtain permanent residency
With the few mentions above, it further emphasizes so much relevance and need for the certificate in Nigeria.
3. Legal and Official Documentation
The certificate can also be requested in formal documentation processes such as
- Parent and child adoption processes
- Licensing abroad
- Background verification requests
Requirements for Police Character Clearance Certificate
The Police Character certificate application process requires just little information and documents.
The requirements however varies depending on if you are resident in Nigeria and you need the certificate, or you live abroad.
For Nigerian Resident
The applicant in Nigeria seeking to obtain a police character clearance certificate must provide
- National Identification Number (NIN slip)
- International Passport data page
- BVN of the applicant
- Reason for travel
- Recent passport photographs snapped on a white background
- Email address
- Address in Nigeria
- State of Origin
- Payment
For Abroad Resident
- International Passport data page
- BVN of the applicant
- NIN
- Reason for travel
- Recent passport photographs snapped on a white background
- Email address
- Address in Nigeria
- State of Origin
- Resident permit or Visa page
- Payment
Get Police Character Clearance Certificate Online in Nigeria
Below is Police character clearance certificate online application process in Nigeria,
- Visit the Police Specialized Services Automation Project POSSAP website
- Click ‘Request a Service’ or ‘Get Started’.
- Pick ‘Individual’ and choose ‘Police Character Certificate’ from the options provided.
- Fill in the form provided
- Submit your details after confirmation
- Proceed and make payment
- Schedule and attend a biometric capture at the nearest police criminal registry in your state with the evidence of payment
- After successful application and approval, the certificate will be issued
Duration To Get The Police Clearance Certificate in Nigeria
The duration to process a police character clearance in Nigeria takes about 3 to 7 days. However, some factors may influence the delivery of this certificate which may cause a delay
These factors could be traffic, distance and the agent helping you process the certificate
Cost Of Police Character Clearance Certificate in Nigeria
The cost to apply and get the PCC certificate varies slightly depending on your state and the consultant helping you process the certificate (if you are not doing it yourself).
For Nigerian residents, the certificate costs about ₦60,000 to ₦100,000 while for foreign residents, the certificate costs about ₦150,000 to ₦200,000, and it all depends on the consultant helping you with the application process.
Validity Period
The police character clearance certificate is valid for only 3 months in Nigeria
FAQS On Possap Police Character Certificate
Q: Can You Apply for Police Clearance Certificate Online in Nigeria?
A: Yes. The process can be done online. However, for biometric and capturing, you will need to visit the Possap office in your location
Q: Is Police Character Certificate the Same as Police Clearance Certificate?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I Get Police Clearance if I Have a Previous Court Case?
A: This is a dicey one. In this situation, it will depend on the gravity of the issue in court and its outcome.
Q: Is Police Clearance Required for International Passport?
A: No. But for those in Diaspora, some situations may require it.
Conclusion:
In closing, applying for the police character clearance certificate in Nigeria shouldn’t be a hassle. Whether you are resident abroad or Nigeria, or you need is to fill the form, provide the necessary information and make payment.
If you need further assistance, inquiries or suggestions, do well to reach out to us or leave a comment below.
