What Is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A police clearance certificate (PCC), also known as a "good conduct certificate" or "criminal record check," is an official document issued by the South African Police Service (SAPS). It confirms whether you have any criminal convictions in South Africa.
You may need a police clearance for domestic purposes — such as employment screening, security vetting, or professional registration. Or you may need it apostilled for international use — for visa applications, immigration, or work permits abroad. Once you have your certificate from SAPS, Easy Services Group apostilles and legalises it for use abroad.
Quick Facts
- Issuing Authority: SAPS Criminal Record Centre, Pretoria
- PCC Processing Time: 2-4 weeks
- Apostille Processing: Additional ~1 week (DIRCO) or 1-3 days (High Court)
- Validity: Typically 6 months from date of issue
- Fingerprints Required: Yes — ink fingerprints on the SAPS 91(1) form
Police Clearance Apostille — From R1,650
DIRCO Apostille: From R1,650 (~1 week) | High Court Apostille: From R1,650 (1-3 days). Already hold your SAPS police clearance? WhatsApp us for a free quote on legalising it.
Do I Need My Police Clearance Apostilled?
Not sure whether your police clearance needs an apostille? Use this simple guide:
| I Need a Police Clearance For... | Apostille Required? |
|---|---|
| Employment background check (South Africa) | No apostille needed |
| Security vetting or clearance (South Africa) | No apostille needed |
| Professional registration (HPCSA, SAICA, Law Society, etc.) | No apostille needed |
| Firearm licence application | No apostille needed |
| Adoption process (domestic) | No apostille needed |
| Tender or government contract applications | No apostille needed |
| Visa or immigration application | Yes — Apostille |
| Work permit for another country | Yes — Apostille |
| Overseas citizenship application | Yes — Apostille |
| Teaching or professional registration abroad | Yes — Apostille |
| International adoption | Yes — Apostille |
Simple rule: If your document stays within South Africa, no apostille is needed. If it crosses a border, you almost certainly need it apostilled — and that is the service we provide on the certificate you already hold.
When You Don't Need an Apostille (Domestic Use)
If you need a police clearance for use within South Africa — for a job application, security vetting, professional registration, or any other domestic requirement — no apostille is needed, so there is nothing for us to legalise. You can apply for the certificate directly through SAPS.
The SAPS Police Clearance Process
Fingerprints
Ink fingerprints are taken at a SAPS station on the official SAPS 91(1) form.
Submit to SAPS
The fingerprint form and application go to the SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria, with the R190 SAPS fee.
Collection
Once your PCC is ready (2-4 weeks), SAPS issues the certificate to you. If you later need it for use abroad, bring it to us for apostille.
What You Need to Apply for a PCC
- South African ID or passport
- Completed fingerprint form — taken at any SAPS station (ink fingerprints only, digital not accepted)
- SAPS application fee — R190, paid at the station
Common Domestic Uses for a Police Clearance
- Employment screening — Many employers require a clean criminal record before hiring, especially in finance, healthcare, and education
- Security clearance — Required for government positions and sensitive industries such as mining, aviation, and defence
- Professional bodies — HPCSA, SAICA, Law Society, SACAP, and other professional registrations
- Firearm licence — SAPS requires a police clearance as part of the firearm licence application
- Tender applications — Some government and corporate tenders require proof of no criminal record
- Adoption — Required for prospective adoptive parents in South Africa
- Au pair or childcare — Families and agencies require proof of a clean record
Apostille Your Police Clearance (International Use)
If your police clearance is needed for use in another country, it must be apostilled — a form of international authentication recognised by Hague Convention member states. Once you have your SAPS certificate, we handle the apostille end to end: collection, submission, and delivery.
How the Apostille Process Works
You Obtain Your PCC
Apply for your police clearance at your nearest SAPS station (ink fingerprinting on the SAPS 91(1) form). If you are overseas, you can have this done at a South African embassy or consulate.
Send Us Your Certificate
Once SAPS issues your police clearance, send it to us. We check it is correctly issued and ready for apostille.
Apostille Submission
We submit your existing PCC to DIRCO (~1 week) or the High Court (1-3 days) for apostille authentication.
Collection & Delivery
Once apostilled, we courier your document to you — locally or internationally to over 120 countries.
Common International Uses
- Australian visa applications — Required for most visa categories
- UK visa applications — Standard requirement for work and settlement visas
- Canadian immigration — Required for all applicants over 18
- European work permits — Required in most EU countries
- UAE employment visas — Standard requirement for all foreign workers
- New Zealand immigration — Required for residency applications
- USA Refugee Program (USRAP) — Certified copy of criminal records (or SAPS PCC confirming none) commonly required for South African refugee admissions applicants
Important Timing Considerations
Plan Ahead for Validity
Police clearance certificates are valid for a limited period — typically 6 months, sometimes only 3 months depending on the destination country. Plan your timeline carefully:
- PCC Only: SAPS processing takes 2-4 weeks
- PCC + DIRCO Apostille: 2-4 weeks (SAPS) + ~1 week (DIRCO) = 3-5 weeks total
- PCC + High Court Apostille: 2-4 weeks (SAPS) + 1-3 days (High Court) = 3-5 weeks total
Apply for your PCC as close to your submission date as possible to maximise its validity window.
Other Documents You May Need (International Use)
If you are heading abroad, your police clearance is usually just one of several documents you will need. Missing even one can delay your entire application by weeks:
Primary Documents (Typically Need Apostille)
- Police Clearance Certificate — Must be less than 6 months old. Apply early as SAPS processing takes 2-4 weeks.
- Qualification Certificate — Your degree, diploma, or professional certificate. Must be the original or a certified copy from the issuing institution.
- Identity Document — A certified copy of your South African ID or passport, certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
- Birth Certificate — Unabridged version from the Department of Home Affairs (allow around 2 weeks to obtain).
Supporting Documents (May Need Apostille)
- Marriage Certificate — Unabridged version if your spouse is included in the application.
- Academic Transcripts — Some countries require SAQA evaluation before apostille.
- Medical Fitness Certificate — Check your destination country’s specific requirements.
- Proof of Work Experience — Employment letters, notarised before apostille.
Each document requires its own separate apostille. Most South Africans emigrating need 3-5 documents processed. See our full document checklist for more detail.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Whether you need a PCC for local use or international apostille, here are the most common challenges we see:
SAPS Processing Delays
The SAPS Criminal Record Centre processes all applications centrally in Pretoria. During peak periods (January-March and September-November), processing can exceed the standard 2-4 weeks. Apply early and allow buffer time.
Fingerprint Rejections
SAPS only accepts ink fingerprints on the official 91(1) form. Poor-quality prints are the most common reason for application delays. Make sure the officer takes clear prints and that the form is completed correctly.
Expired Certificates
If your police clearance expires before you can use it, you must apply for a new one from scratch. This is especially risky when combining PCC + apostille timelines. We help you time the process to avoid this.
Hague vs Non-Hague Countries
Not all countries are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. For non-Hague countries (like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China), you need full embassy legalisation instead — a longer and more expensive process.
Translation Requirements
Non-English-speaking countries require sworn translations of all apostilled documents. Translations must be done by accredited translators, adding time and cost to the process.
Our experienced team handles these challenges daily. Contact us for a free consultation on your specific requirements.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Understanding the full costs helps you budget effectively. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Police Clearance & Apostille Fees
| Service | Cost (ZAR) | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAPS Police Clearance (government fee) | R190 | 2-4 weeks | Paid by you at SAPS station for the certificate you obtain |
| DIRCO Apostille | R1,650 per document | ~1 week | DIRCO processing |
| High Court Apostille | R1,650 per document | 1-3 working days | Option — same legal validity as DIRCO |
| Commissioner of Oaths Certification | R50-R200 per document | Same day | Required before apostille for copies |
Courier and Delivery Costs
| Destination | Cost (ZAR) | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Local (within South Africa) | R250 | 1-2 business days |
| International Zone 1 (SADC) | R750 | 3-5 business days |
| International Zone 2 (Africa/Europe) | R900 | 5-7 business days |
| International Zone 3 (Americas/Asia) | R1,000 | 5-10 business days |
| International Zone 4 (Remote) | R1,100 | 7-14 business days |
Total Cost Estimates
- DIRCO Apostille on your existing PCC (1 document): R190 (SAPS fee you pay) + R1,650 (apostille) + R250 (local courier) = approximately R2,090
- Full emigration package (5 documents, DIRCO): R8,250 (5 apostilles) + R190 (PCC) + R900 (international courier) = approximately R9,340
- Package (5 documents, High Court): R8,250 + R190 + R900 = approximately R9,340 (same cost, but 1-3 days instead of weeks)
Our recommendation: The DIRCO Apostille (~1 week) is our standard route and works well for most timelines. If you need documents even faster, the High Court route (1-3 days) is the quickest option. Already hold your SAPS police clearance? Contact us for a personalised quote on legalising it.
Why Use Easy Services Group?
Whether you need a simple police clearance or a full apostille package, here is why clients choose us:
Avoid Costly Mistakes
The most common reason for delays is incorrect document preparation — wrong fingerprint form, expired certificates, or missing certifications. We check everything before submission so your application goes through first time.
Save Time and Reduce Stress
We handle the apostille submission to DIRCO or the High Court, all follow-ups, and delivery to your door. This is particularly valuable if you are working full-time or already overseas.
Expert Knowledge of Requirements
Each destination country has specific requirements. We stay current with these and can advise you on exactly which documents need apostille, which need additional authentication, and which may need sworn translation.
Track Record and Accountability
Easy Services Group has processed over 1,000 documents with a 99.8% first-time acceptance rate. Our team has established relationships with DIRCO and the High Court to ensure smooth apostille processing.
Ready to get started? WhatsApp us for a free quote, or call +27 72 658 3987 for immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer or notary to get an apostille in South Africa?
No — not for a government-issued document. An apostille issued by DIRCO authenticates the signature and seal of the South African official who issued your document, so its legal validity comes from DIRCO — the government department — not from whoever submits it. You only need a notary to first certify private documents such as affidavits, powers of attorney, certified copies, or sworn translations. An attorney’s qualifications do not make an apostille any more valid — a specialist submission agent like Easy Services Group lodges and collects the identical government apostille, usually faster and for less than legal fees.
How long does a police clearance apostille take?
DIRCO Apostille processing takes approximately 1 week. If you need to obtain the SAPS police clearance first, add 2-4 weeks for that process. Total timeline: 3-5 weeks.
Do I need an apostille on my police clearance?
Only if your police clearance is required for use in another country — for example, visa applications, immigration, or overseas employment. For domestic use within South Africa (employment checks, security vetting, professional registration), no apostille is needed. When you do need one, we apostille and legalise the SAPS certificate you already hold.
How long is a police clearance valid?
Police clearance certificates are typically valid for 6 months from date of issue. Some countries require certificates less than 3 months old. Always check your destination country's specific requirements.
How long does a police clearance take to expire?
A SAPS police clearance certificate has no printed expiry date — the receiving institution decides how old it may be. In practice most embassies and employers treat a police clearance as expired 6 months after the issue date, and some countries insist on a certificate less than 3 months old. Apply as close as possible to the date you actually need it.
What documents are required for a police clearance certificate?
To apply for a SAPS police clearance you need: a full set of ink fingerprints on the SAPS 91(1) form (taken at any police station), a certified copy of your SA ID or passport, your personal particulars (full names and address history), and the R190 SAPS fee paid directly to SAPS. Once SAPS has issued the certificate, we apostille it for international use (R1,650, about 1 week).
Can I get a police clearance if I no longer live in South Africa?
Yes. If you're abroad, you can apply for your police clearance through the South African embassy or consulate in your country. Once SAPS issues it, we can apostille the certificate for use abroad.
What if I have criminal convictions?
The PCC will reflect any criminal convictions on record. This can still be apostilled. Whether it affects your visa application depends on the destination country's immigration policy and the nature of the conviction.
Do you offer nationwide service?
Yes! While we're based in Johannesburg, we serve clients throughout South Africa. You can courier your documents to us, and we'll handle the entire process and courier the apostilled documents back to you.
How much does a police clearance apostille cost?
The SAPS application fee is R190 (paid to SAPS at your local police station for the certificate you obtain yourself). Once you have your police clearance, our DIRCO Apostille service costs R1,650 per document (~1 week processing). High Court apostille is R1,650 with a 3-day turnaround.
Does SAPS accept digital fingerprints?
No. SAPS only accepts ink fingerprints on the official SAPS 91(1) form. Digital or electronic fingerprints are not accepted. If you are abroad, you must find a service that provides ink fingerprinting, such as your local South African embassy or consulate.
What is the difference between apostille and authentication?
Apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Convention (like the UK, Australia, and Canada). Authentication is used for non-Hague countries (like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China) and requires an additional embassy attestation step, making it more complex and time-consuming.