A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), officially known in Timor-Leste as the Certificado De Registo Criminal, confirms whether a person has a criminal record. It’s often required for immigration, employment, or visa applications. Whether you’re applying from inside the country or abroad, this guide explains how to get a police clearance certificate in Timor-Leste, step by step.
Step 1: Apply in Person (for Citizens or Residents in Timor-Leste)
To begin your application:
- Visit the Office of Civil Registrations in your area
- Request and complete the official application form
- Bring original and photocopies of required documents
- Submit the completed form to the officer in charge
- If required, pay any applicable fees (fee may vary case by case)
The Civil Identification Department will review your request. You will be notified when the certificate is ready for pickup at the same office.
Step 2: Apply Through a Representative (for Applicants Abroad)
If you’re living outside Timor-Leste, you can authorize someone to apply on your behalf:
- Issue a “Procuracao” (Power of Attorney) to a representative
- Your representative must visit the Office of Civil Registrations in person
- They must bring:
- The signed Procuracao
- Valid ID or passport
- Your application form and required documents
The representative submits the application and collects the certificate upon completion.
🔗 Embassy Support: Timor-Leste Embassy Contacts
Required Documents
For Timorese Citizens:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport or National ID
- Birth certificate
- Declaro do Domicilio (residency declaration signed by Village Chief or Subdistrict Administrator)
- One passport-size photo
- Letter from employer or embassy (if applicable)
- Valid contact number and email address
For Foreign Nationals:
- Copy of passport used while in Timor-Leste
- Copy of residency/stay permit (if available)
- Proof of legal stay in Timor-Leste (stamps or visas)
- Procuracao if applying via representative
- Contact details and self-addressed envelope (optional)
Office Contact Information
Direção-Geral dos Serviços de Registos e Notariado
📍 Ministério da Justiça, Avenida Jacinto Cândido, Dili, Timor-Leste
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (+670) 7723 0148
🔗 Ministry of Justice Contact Page
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply if:
- You are aged 16 or older
- You need the certificate for residency, visa, or job applications
- Your current address matches the one in your documents
Minors (under 16) must have their application submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
Fees
- No standard fee
- Charges may vary depending on the application method or supporting services
- The office will inform you of the final cost at the time of submission
Validity
The certificate’s validity depends on the country requesting it. Many immigration departments require a certificate issued within the last 3 to 6 months.
Processing Time
- Varies by country and request method
- In-person applications in Timor-Leste: typically processed in a few working days
- Overseas applications: allow additional time for embassy liaison and mailing
Why You Need a Police Clearance Certificate
A PCC is often required for:
- Immigration and visa applications
- Residency permits abroad
- Overseas employment contracts
- University admissions
- Legal documentation or adoptions
The certificate confirms whether the applicant has a criminal record, including:
- Arrests
- Convictions
- Ongoing criminal proceedings
If there is no record, the certificate will confirm a clean history.
Helpful Tips
✔ Use the official form provided at the Office or online (fingerprint form):
🔗 Download Application Form
✔ Clearly list the purpose of the certificate in your request
✔ Bring originals and copies of all required documents
✔ Be patient if applying from abroad—processing and delivery may take longer
