The government of Shenzhen is probably the first one that implements uniform requirements across the city for issuance of police certificates to foreigners. On March 13, 2014, the Office of No Criminal Record Certificate of Shenzhen Public Security Bureau (PSB) was officially founded.1 Never have we seen in another city an entire police department designated for police certificate matters. Later in 2018, Shenzhen Administration Service Hall replaced the Office of No Criminal Record Certificate as the government agency where applicants file police certificate applications. The Office of No Criminal Record Certificate remains to be the issuing authority.
In this article, we will explain the general procedures and requirements about how a foreign national who has lived in Shenzhen applies for a China police certificate, also known as a police clearance certificate or certificate of no criminal record.
STEP 1: Apply for Police Certificate at Shenzhen Administration Service Hall
Police certificate applications are filed at the West Hall of Shenzhen Administration Service Hall. Below is their contact information:
| English | Chinese | |
| Name | West Hall of Shenzhen Administration Service Hall | 深圳市行政服务大厅西厅 |
| Address | Futian Qu, Fuzhong Sanlu Shenzhen Civic Center B Block First Floor, Shenzhen, Postcode 518028 | 深圳市福田区福中三路市民中心B区首层 邮编518038 |
| Phone | 0755-88127791 | — |
Who are eligible?
You must have lived in Shenzhen continuously for 6 months or more.
Processing Time?
3 working days.
What are the required documents?
- Passports. (The original documents of your passports are always preferred. If original passports are unavailable and only copies are provided, the copies must be authenticated by a China Consulate/ Embassy.)
- Temporary Residence Registration Forms
- Power of attorney, if applicable. (It must be authenticated by a China Consulate/ Embassy.)
Sample Shenzhen Police Certificate Issued by PSB
STEP 2: Apply for Notarial Police Certificate with Local Notary in Shenzhen
The issuance of police certificates by PSB may not be the end of the process. If your police certificate will be used for purposes of immigration to the U.S., Canada, Australia, etc., the certificate must also be submitted to a local notary office for issuance of a notarial police certificate with English translation. Below is the contact information of a major notary office in Shenzhen. (There are a dozen other notary offices that can notarize police certificates. Choose the one you consider convenient.)
| English | Chinese | |
| Name | Shenzhen Notary Public Office | 深圳公证处 |
| Address | Futian Qu, Shennan Dadao 4013 Hao Xingye Yinhang Dasha 17 Lou | 深圳市福田区深南大道4013号兴业银行大厦17楼 |
| Phone | 0755-83053935 | |
| Website | http://www.szgzc.net.cn/ | — |
Processing Time?
1 to 2 weeks.
What are the required documents?
- Passports
- Police Certificate issued by PSB
- Power of attorney, if applicable.
Sample Shenzhen Notarial Police Certificate
Our Services for Obtaining Police Certificates in Shenzhen
We are committed to providing high-quality services for obtaining China police certificates. If you are interested in hiring us, please fill in a quote request form. Click the below button to get started.
- 新浪网 . March 13, 2014: http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2014-03-13/220329701981.shtml
Hi I applied for a police certification for no criminal convictions and I have lived in two different parts of the city. I got a temporary registration form on a z visa on my first apartment but never updated my first residency permit with that police station. A year later I was granted a new residency permit and moved apartment and registered with that. Do you think that as I didn’t re-register with the first police station they’ll consider most of that time as void?
Hi Dan. You raised a great question. In our experience in Shenzhen, local authorities are likely to consider the period between the issuance of your first police certificate and second residence permit as you did not register with the local police station. Therefore, it is likely that you cannot get your police certificate to cover the period in question. However, there is always a possibility of exception, because officers make decisions on a case-by-case basis.