Moving abroad—whether for work, education, immigration, or long-term travel—is an exciting adventure. But before you get swept up in booking flights and packing bags, there’s paperwork to be done. One critical piece is your Police Character Certificate (PCC), and more importantly, getting it attested for international use. Without proper attestation, your PCC may not be valid outside your home country.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what a Police Character Certificate is, why attestation matters, and how to smoothly navigate the process so you can take off stress-free.

What is a Police Character Certificate?

A Police Character Certificate is an official document issued by the police or a law enforcement agency in your country. It confirms that you have no criminal record—or lists any that you do have.

It is usually required by foreign governments for:

Employment abroad (especially in sensitive or high-trust industries)

Immigration and visa applications

Studying in foreign universities

Adopting children internationally

Long-term residence or citizenship applications

While obtaining the certificate is the first step, it’s often not enough on its own. Countries want assurance that the document is genuine—and that’s where attestation comes in.

What Does "Attestation" Mean?

Attestation is the process of certifying the authenticity of a document so that it is legally recognized in another country. Think of it as a seal of approval at multiple levels.

For international use, especially in non-Hague Convention countries, attestation often involves three levels:

Local/National Government Attestation – This typically includes certification by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Embassy/Consulate Attestation – The foreign country’s embassy in your home country verifies the document.

Sometimes an Additional Step – For example, a notary public or state authority may need to certify the document before federal-level attestation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your PCC Attested for International Use

Let’s break down the process in manageable steps.

1. Obtain the Police Character Certificate

Start by applying for the PCC from the relevant police department in your area or from a centralized online portal if available.

Required documents usually include:

Valid passport copy

National identity card

Proof of residence

Recent passport-size photos

Application form (often found online)

Processing time can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on your country.

2. Notarization (If Required)

In some countries, before the document can be forwarded for attestation, it must be notarized by a registered notary public.

Notarization confirms that:

The document is original or a certified copy

The signatures are genuine

The content has not been altered

This step is not always mandatory but is often required for embassy or consulate-level attestation.

3. Attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)

Once notarized (if required), the next step is to take the PCC to your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is the federal body responsible for verifying that the document is genuine and issued by a recognized authority.

Some ministries accept documents by mail, while others require in-person visits or appointments.

Pro Tip:

Make sure the document is clean, original, and unaltered. Even a staple or handwritten note can lead to rejection.

4. Embassy or Consulate Attestation

After MoFA attestation, you must submit your PCC to the embassy or consulate of the country where you plan to go. This step verifies that the certificate is authentic and acceptable by their government standards.

Each embassy has its own rules, such as:

Attestation fees

Appointment scheduling

Document translation (into their national language)

Supporting documents

Check their official website or call ahead for precise requirements.

5. Translation and Legalization (If Needed)

If you're moving to a country with a different official language, your PCC may need to be translated. Often, a certified translation must be submitted along with the original.

In some cases, both the original and the translation must be attested separately.

Countries like Germany, France, or the UAE may also require legalization—an additional certification that validates the translated document as accurate and faithful to the original.

Bonus Tip: Apostille vs. Attestation – Know the Difference

If you're moving to a Hague Convention country (like Australia, the UK, or Italy), you might not need embassy-level attestation. Instead, an apostille stamp issued by your government suffices.

So what’s the difference?

Apostille: A simplified authentication process recognized by over 120 Hague Convention countries.

Attestation: A more complex process, used for countries not part of the Hague Convention (like the UAE, China, or Qatar).

Always check which system your destination country uses before starting the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The attestation process can be smooth—but small missteps can cause frustrating delays. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

Using photocopies instead of originals

Incorrect or outdated formats

Skipping notarization, if required

Ignoring embassy-specific rules

Assuming timelines – Always plan ahead; some steps take weeks

How Long Does It All Take?

Depending on your country and destination, the full attestation process can take anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks. Here’s a rough breakdown:

PCC Issuance: 3–10 days

Notarization (if needed): 1 day

MoFA Attestation: 3–7 days

Embassy Attestation: 5–15 days

Translation/Legalization (if needed): 3–10 days

Start early, especially if you’re on a visa deadline.

Can You Use a Service Provider?

Yes! If this all sounds like too much red tape, many authorized service providers or legal consultants can handle the attestation process for you—for a fee.

They often offer:

Doorstep pickup/drop-off

Status tracking

Expedited processing

Help with translation and embassy requirements

Just make sure to use a trusted, government-recognized agent.

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Attesting your Police Character Certificate might not be the most glamorous part of moving abroad—but it’s one of the most crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute to start the process. Do your research, check with both your home and destination country’s requirements, and gather all documents carefully.

Once your PCC is attested and in hand, you’ll be one step closer to your international dream—whether it’s working in Dubai, studying in Canada, or starting a new life in Europe.

Quick Checklist for PCC Attestation:

✅ Apply for Police Character Certificate
✅ Notarize the document (if required)
✅ Attest via Ministry of Foreign Affairs
✅ Get embassy/consulate attestation
✅ Translate and legalize (if needed)
✅ Double-check the requirements for your specific destination