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How to Get a Police Character Certificate

Required for overseas employment, visa applications, and many government jobs. Here is how to apply and what to expect.

Police⏱ 1–2 weeks total💰 PKR 200–500
  • Original CNIC
  • CNIC photocopy
  • Application form (available at the District Police Office or SSP office)
  • Fee payment receipt (bank challan)
  • 2 passport-size photographs
  • If for overseas use: appointment letter or visa application reference
1
Determine which office to approach
For local use (job applications within Pakistan): apply at your local District Police Office (DPO) or SSP office. For overseas use or attestation: apply at the SSP office in your district, and the certificate will then need to be attested by the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2
Pay the fee via bank challan
Purchase a challan form from the District Police Office or designated bank. Pay PKR 200–500 depending on your province. Keep the original stamped challan.
3
Fill out the application form
Get the character certificate application form from the police office. Fill in your full name (as on CNIC), address, purpose, and destination country (if overseas). Attach 2 passport photos.
4
Submit at the SSP or DPO office
Submit the completed form, fee challan, CNIC copy, and photos at the character certificate counter. You will receive a receipt with a reference number.
5
Police verification
A local police official will visit your home address (as on your CNIC) for verification. Be available, or inform a family member. This typically takes 3–7 days.
6
Collect the certificate
Once verification is complete, collect the certificate from the issuing office using your receipt. For overseas purposes, take it for attestation to the Ministry of Interior (Islamabad) and then Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
7
Attestation for overseas use (if required)
Most countries require the certificate to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Visit MOFA in Islamabad or their regional offices in Lahore and Karachi. After MOFA, some countries also require attestation by their embassy in Pakistan.
  • Make sure your CNIC address is current — police verification goes to that address
  • Start this process at least 3–4 weeks before you need it, especially for overseas use
  • MOFA attestation adds another 3–7 days — factor this into your timeline
  • Some countries accept an online-issued character certificate — check your employer's requirements
  • Keep 3–4 certified copies — some employers need the original plus copies
How long is a character certificate valid?
Most character certificates are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Check your employer or embassy requirements as some specify the date of issue must be within 3 months.
Can I apply from outside Pakistan?
Yes. Overseas Pakistanis can apply through the Pakistani Embassy in their country of residence, or authorize a family member in Pakistan to apply on their behalf with a signed authority letter.
What if there is a past FIR or case against me?
Any past criminal record will show in the police verification. A resolved or acquitted case may still appear — consult a lawyer before applying if you have concerns.
Last updated: 2026-03-20. Requirements and fees can change — always verify with the official office before visiting.