Hong Kong Police certificates are usually used for applications for overseas immigration, overseas study and employment, work visas, and applications for permanent residence. Applicants who have resided in Hong Kong for more than 180 days will be required to provide a Hong Kong Police Certificate when applying for entry or visa to other countries.
Which department can issue a Hong Kong Police Certificate?
Hong Kong Police Certificate is issued by the Hong Kong Police Force. The Hong Kong Police Force will examine the materials provided by the applicant and issue his Hong Kong Police certificate.
Process to apply for the Hong Kong Police Certificate
OPTION 1: APPLICANT IN HONG KONG
If the applicant is in Hong Kong, the applicant should apply for the Hong Kong Police Certificate in person at the Police Certificate Office, 14 / F, Arsenal House, Police Headquarters, 1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Fingerprints are required to apply for a Hong Kong Police certificate. If the applicant is in Hong Kong, he or she can make an appointment at the Hong Kong Police Force for the free fingerprinting service. Booking a fingerprint service can be made up to 60 days in advance.
OPTION 2: APPLICANT NOT IN HONG KONG
If the applicant is outside Hong Kong, the applicant should send the required materials to the following address:
The Commissioner of Police
(Attn.: EO CNCC)
14/F, Arsenal House,
Police Headquarters, 1 Arsenal Street,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
When the applicant is not in Hong Kong and needs to collect fingerprints, the applicant can go to the consulate of the applicant’s residence or some overseas law enforcement agencies to collect fingerprints.
Applicants may also arrange for someone else to hand all materials to the above address or place the application in the drop-in box located at 1 / F, Arsenal Tower, Police Headquarters, 1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. This process does not require a power of attorney.
Required documents to apply for the Hong Kong Police Certificate
- Application form
- Fingerprint consent form
- Standard personal data form (Optional)
- Scanned copy of applicant’s passport photo page
- The request letter from the relevant Consulate / Immigration Authority / Government Authority
- If the name of the applicant is not included in the Article 5 request letter, the applicant is required to provide proof of the relationship between the person mentioned in the request letter, such as marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.
Processing time：
The processing time is 4 weeks, excluding shipping time.
Application Fee：
HK$283
Apply for a Hong Kong Police Certificate with Whiter
If you’re confused about what to do, don’t worry, follow our steps. If you would like to choose us, you can send information listed below to our email service@whitercn.com.
• What is your nationality? Have you ever changed your name?
• What country the police certificate is used for and for what purpose? (e.g., work visa, study visa, immigration, permanent residence abroad, etc.)
• How many copies do you need?
• Your purpose of the stay in Hong Kong( i.e. for a family reunion, work, study), and how long have you lived in Hong Kong?
• After communicating with you about your information, we will provide a document checklist of materials you are required to providefor request of HK police certificate.
• After confirming the documents you send, we will send you the service contract by email.
• Then you send us the scanned copy of clearly signed contract, and pay the deposit.
• After receiving the contract and deposit, we will process the documents for you.
• Pay the remaining balance when the documents have been done, then we mail you the document.
Apostille for the Hong Kong Police Certificate
Governments of other countries or regions cannot directly confirm the authenticity of Hong Kong police certificates. If an applicant who was born or resided in Hong Kong for a long time is involved in emigrating to or studying in a Hague Treaty country, the government departments of the country concerned will require the applicant to provide proof that he/she has no criminal record in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong police certificate must be certified by The Hague before it can be recognized as legally valid.
Process to notarize and apostille on the Hong Kong Police Certificate
For some countries, simply obtaining a notarial certificate from the Hong Kong Police Certificate is not enough and Apostille may also be required.
• Hong Kong Police certificate needs to be notarized by Hong Kong International Notary Public Office.
• Take notarized Hong Kong police certificate to the Supreme Court of Hong Kong for Apostille.
Required documents for apostille of the Hong Kong Police Certificate
- Original or scanned copy of Hong Kong Police Certificate
- Scanned copy of applicant’s passport photo page
Processing time
The processing time is 3-5 business days, excluding shipping time.