How Can I Get Bangladesh Police Clearance From Abroad?

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is essential for Bangladeshi citizens living abroad who require it for various purposes such as immigration, employment, or residency applications.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to apply for a PCC from abroad, highlighting every step involved, necessary documents, and tips to ensure a smooth process.

A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by the Bangladesh Police confirming that the applicant has no criminal record within the country. The certificate is crucial for individuals applying for visas, jobs, or permanent residency in foreign countries.

Bangladeshi citizens residing abroad may need a PCC for:

The PCC application must be submitted to the Superintendent of Police (SP) or the Police Commissioner of the area corresponding to the address mentioned in your Bangladeshi passport. For expatriates, applications are typically processed through a representative in Bangladesh or via the Bangladeshi embassy or consulate in the residing country.

The application for a Police Clearance Certificate can be written in either Bangla or English. However, the issued PCC will always be in English, as it is an internationally recognized language. The certificate will also be attested by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure its validity abroad.

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide for obtaining a PCC from abroad:

Ensure that you are eligible to apply for a PCC. You must be a Bangladeshi citizen with a valid passport and no pending criminal cases.

To apply for a PCC, you need the following documents:

Required Documents	Details
Valid Passport	A scanned copy of the information page and address page of your Bangladeshi passport.
National ID (NID)	If applicable, a copy of your Bangladeshi National ID card.
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph	Provide a high-resolution photograph following passport-size specifications.
Proof of Current Address Abroad	Documents like utility bills, tenancy agreements, or bank statements showing your foreign address.
Application Form	Complete the prescribed PCC application form available from the embassy or police website.

Draft an application addressed to the appropriate SP or Police Commissioner, as per your passport’s permanent address. Ensure the application includes the reason for requesting the PCC and your personal details.

You can submit the application in two ways:

The processing time for a PCC varies but typically takes 15–30 business days. The fee depends on the processing mode:

Mode of Submission	Estimated Fee	Processing Time
Submission through a representative	Around BDT 500	15–20 days
Submission via embassy/consulate	Varies by country	20–30 days

Once the PCC is issued, it will be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh. This ensures the document is recognized by foreign authorities.

To confirm the authenticity of your PCC:

Bangladesh Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) can be obtained from abroad, but following the correct procedures will make the process easier.
Preparation of all required documents and selection of the best submission method are essential.