Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Nepal 2026 — Apply Free Online, Process, Fee & Attestation
Nepal’s Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is now fully free online — apply at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np, ready in 2–3 working days, downloadable as a digitally-signed PDF. This guide covers every method, the Rs 500 attestation step, “On Hold” fixes, and what to do if your name is on a police database.
🚔 What is a Nepal Police Clearance Certificate?
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — also called Police Report, Character Certificate, or Good Conduct Certificate — is an official document issued by Nepal Police confirming whether an individual has any criminal record registered in Nepal’s Central Crime Database. It carries a digitally signed QR code that embassies and employers can scan to verify authenticity directly from Nepal Police servers.
| Who Needs It | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Nepalis going abroad for work | Required by Gulf countries, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea employers |
| Student visa applicants | Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Germany universities |
| Immigration / PR applicants | Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Schengen |
| DV Lottery (US Green Card) | Required at interview stage — must be colour printout |
| Government job applicants | Many Nepal government positions require PCC |
| Adoption proceedings | Required for international and domestic adoption |
💰 Nepal PCC Cost 2026
| Fee Type | Amount | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Online PCC Application (OPCR / Nagarik / Ncell) | FREE | Always — base application |
| Offline District Police Office | Rs. 500–1,000 | If no internet access or preference |
| Expedited (Nepal Police HQ, Naxal) | Rs. 1,500–2,000 | Same-day or next-day processing |
| Consular Attestation (MOFA) | Rs. 500 | Required for all international use |
| Embassy Verification (destination country) | $50–75 USD | Some countries require additional embassy stamp |
| Cyber café / agent assistance | Rs. 200–1,000 | Optional — if you need help filling the form |
📋 How to Apply for PCC Online in Nepal — Step by Step
- Visit opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np
The official Online Police Clearance Registration system. Available 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Alternatively use the Nagarik App (Android/iOS) or Ncell App.
- Create Account — Critical Name Warning
Register using your email and mobile number. Enter your name EXACTLY as on your citizenship certificate. The system does NOT allow name corrections after registration. If you make a mistake, you must create a new account with a different email ID. Double-check before clicking Register.
- Log In and Fill Application Form
Enter: Full name, date of birth, citizenship number, passport number, permanent and temporary address, purpose of PCC (visa application / foreign employment / immigration / education / other). Select destination country.
- Upload Required Documents (clearly scanned)
Nepal Citizenship Certificate — both sides (front and back). Passport pages 2, 3, and the back page. Any departure stamps if you have traveled abroad. Poor-quality scans are the #1 reason for rejection — scan in bright light, all text visible.
- Upload Your Photo
Plain white background, both ears visible, head covering 50%+ of the frame. Must be a clear, recent photo. The system is strict about photo quality.
- Review All Details and Submit
Save your Application/Reference Number immediately. This is needed to track status. Application is free — no payment at this stage.
- Track Status at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np
Log in and check: Processing → Approved → Download. Processing: 2–3 working days normally, up to 15 days if complex verification is needed. Peak seasons (Sep–Dec, Mar–May) are slower.
- Download Your PCC
Once “Approved”, click Download Certificate. The PDF opens in a new tab — save immediately. Note the Dispatch Number printed in the top-left corner — you need this for the consular attestation step. Save a colour PDF and a printed copy.
🔏 Consular Attestation — Required for International Use (Rs. 500)
Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so a simple apostille stamp is not available. For your PCC to be recognized internationally (visa applications, immigration, employment abroad), it must be attested by the Department of Consular Services under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Get Your PCC Dispatch Number
This is printed on the top-left of your downloaded PCC PDF. You cannot proceed without it.
- Apply for Attestation Online
Visit att.nepalconsular.gov.np (Department of Consular Services portal). Fill the attestation form with your Dispatch Number and personal details.
- Pay Rs. 500 — via eSewa / Khalti / Bank
Pay the Rs. 500 consular attestation fee through the online payment system. Payment confirms your attestation request.
- Visit Consular Services Department, Kathmandu
Bring printed PCC, payment receipt, citizenship copy, and passport copy. The consular stamp is applied to your physical PCC printout. For those outside Kathmandu — Nepali Missions abroad can also do attestation for embassy-submitted documents.
🔴 PCC Status “On Hold”? — How to Fix It
“On Hold” status means Nepal Police found a name in their criminal database that matches your personal details. This does NOT automatically mean you have a criminal record — it’s a common matching issue (same name, same district). Here’s what to do:
- Don’t Panic — It’s Usually a Name Match
Nepal Police system matches on name + district. Very common Nepali names (Sharma, Thapa, Tamang, etc.) have frequent false positives. Contact Nepal Police HQ with your application ID.
- Visit Nepal Police HQ, Naxal, Kathmandu
Go to the Chal Chalan Shakha (Conduct Section). Bring your original citizenship certificate and application ID. They will identify which case your details are linked to and which station/court holds the record.
- Go to the Relevant District Administration Office (DAO)
Submit your citizenship and three-generation genealogy details (Teen Pusta Bibaran) to prove your identity and clear your name from the database match.
- DAO Sends Clearance to Nepal Police HQ
The DAO sends an official email to Nepal Police HQ confirming your identity clearance. Your PCC is then automatically approved online. This process typically takes 1–2 weeks — start immediately if you have an upcoming visa appointment.
🌍 PCC Validity & Requirements by Country
| Country / Purpose | PCC Required? | Accepted Validity | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia — Student/Skilled Visa | ✅ Yes | Within 12 months | MOFA attestation required |
| Canada — Study/PR | ✅ Yes | Within 6 months | MOFA attestation required |
| UK — Tier 4 / Skilled Worker | ✅ Yes | Within 3–6 months | MOFA attestation required |
| USA — DV Lottery / Immigrant Visa | ✅ Yes | Within 6 months of interview | Colour printout required; MOFA stamp needed |
| Schengen (Germany, Italy, etc.) | ✅ Yes (long-stay) | Within 3 months | MOFA attestation required |
| UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (work) | ✅ Yes | Within 3 months | Required for labor permit process |
| South Korea (EPS) | ✅ Yes | Within 6 months | Required for DoFE labor permit |
| Japan (Work/Study) | Sometimes | Within 3 months | Depends on visa category |
| Malaysia (Work) | ✅ Yes | Within 3 months | Required for work permit |
| Nepal Government Jobs | ✅ Yes | Within 6 months | Physical certificate from Police |
* Always verify specific requirements with the embassy or institution requesting your PCC. Requirements can change. Apply 3–4 weeks before your visa appointment to allow processing + attestation time.
💡 Pro Tips — Nepal PCC 2026
🔥 Real Tips That Save Time and Rejections
- Apply OPCR portal, not Nagarik App if speed is critical. OPCR: 2–3 days. Nagarik App: 3–7 days. Same result, different speeds.
- Name must be identical to citizenship — no shortcuts, no abbreviations. “Ram Prasad Sharma” ≠ “R.P. Sharma” — will cause mismatch and “On Hold”.
- Peak slowdown seasons: Sep–Dec (Dashain–Tihar) and Mar–May. Add 5–10 extra days to processing estimates during these periods.
- Apply at least 3 weeks before visa appointment to allow: 2–3 days processing + 2–5 days for attestation + buffer for “On Hold” issues.
- Save your Dispatch Number the moment you download PCC — you cannot get the attestation without it. Some people download, forget to note it, then can’t find it later.
- The QR code is verifiable live — most embassies scan it directly. No physical police station visit needed for verification.
- For DV Lottery specifically: US Embassy requires a colour printout (not black and white) with MOFA attestation. Verify current US Embassy requirements before printing.
- If using Ncell App — only available for Ncell subscribers. Identical process to OPCR but integrated into the Ncell service app.