This article provides everything you need to apply for a Nepal Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) online from account registration and getting it attested for international use.
What Is Online Police Clearance Registration Nepal (OPCR)?
The Online Police Clearance Registration (OPCR) is Nepal’s official digital platform for applying, tracking, and downloading a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). It is managed by Nepal Police Headquarters and accessible at opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np.
A Police Clearance Certificate also referred to as a Police Report, Character Certificate, or Good Conduct Certificate is an official document issued by Nepal Police confirming whether an individual has any criminal record in Nepal’s Central Crime Database. It carries a digitally signed QR code for instant authentication by any receiving authority worldwide.
Who Needs a Nepal Police Clearance Certificate?
A PCC is required in a wide range of situations. You will need one if you are:
- Applying for a foreign employment visa (Gulf countries, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, etc.)
- Seeking permanent residency (PR) in Australia, Canada, USA, UK, or New Zealand
- Applying for a student visa at an overseas university
- Registering a marriage abroad or a cross-border marriage
- Completing an adoption process involving foreign countries
- Applying for government jobs in Nepal that require security clearance
- Processing any immigration or residency application that requires a criminal background check
- A foreign national who previously resided in Nepal and needs proof of conduct
How to Register on the OPCR Portal
Before you can apply for a Police Report Online in Nepal, you must create a free account on the OPCR system. Here is the complete registration process:
1. Visit the official OPCR website
2. Click “Register” on the login page
3. Select your applicant status
4. Enter your registration details
5. Check your email for a temporary password
How to Apply Online Police Clearance — Full Application Process
Once registered and logged in, follow these steps to complete your Police Clearance Certificate application. The application form has 4 sections:
Click “New Application”
From your OPCR dashboard, click “New Application” to start a fresh PCC request.
Section 1 — Personal information
Enter your full name (as on citizenship), parents’ names, date of birth in both AD and BS (Bikram Sambat), photograph, and your reason for applying (foreign employment, immigration, education, etc.)
Section 2 — Address details
Enter your permanent address and current residential address. Ensure district and municipality details are accurate — verification is done at your home district police station.
Section 3 — Upload required documents
Upload scanned or clear-photo copies of all required identity documents (listed in Section 5 below). Files must be clear, readable JPG or PDF format.
Section 4 — Self-declaration & review
Read the self-declaration carefully, tick the checkbox confirming accuracy, and review all your information one final time. Once you submit, details cannot be changed.
Submit and note your Application ID
Click Submit. You will immediately receive an Application ID / Reference Number save this number. You will use it to track your application status and for consular attestation later.
Required Documents for Online Police Clearance Registration in Nepal
Prepare these documents before starting your application. All uploads should be clear, high-resolution scans or photos.
- Citizenship Certificate: Front and back must match name in application exactly
- Passport (if applicable): Required for travel-related or foreign employment applications.
- Recent Photograph: Passport-size, clear background, within last 6 months.
- Proof of Address: Ward recommendation letter or utility bill if needed
- Departure Proof (if abroad): Immigration stamp, ward letter, or immigration office letter for overseas applicants.
- Foreign Nationals: Valid passport + visa copy + proof of Nepal residency period
Processing Time & Application Status
After submitting your application, Nepal Police will conduct a background verification through your home district police station. You can track your status by logging into your OPCR account and clicking “View Application Status.”
| Application Method | Processing Time | Cost | Available From Abroad |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPCR Online Portal | 2–7 working days | Free | Yes — 24/7 |
| Nagarik App | 2–3 working days | Free | Yes |
| District Police Office (offline) | 5–15 working days | NRs. 500–1,000 | No — in person |
| Nepal Embassy abroad | 2–4 weeks | Varies by country | Yes |
Note: Peak seasons (September–December and March–May) may experience longer processing times due to higher application volumes. Public holidays are not counted as working days.
How to Download Your Police Clearance Certificate
- Log in to your OPCR account: Go to opcr.nepalpolice.gov.np and log in with your registered email and password.
- Check status: Click “View Application Status.” When the status shows Completed or Approved, the download button becomes active.
- Click “Download Certificate” The certificate opens as a digitally signed PDF in a new browser tab. Click the download icon (top-right) to save it to your device.
- Note your Dispatch Number immediately: The Dispatch Number is printed in the top-left cornerof your downloaded PCC. Save it you will need this exact number when applying for consular attestation. Do not lose it.
Consular Attestation for International Use
For use in foreign countries, your Nepal PCC must be attested (authenticated) by the Department of Consular Services, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Nepal is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so a consular stamp is required instead of an apostille.
How to get the consular attestation stamp:
- Visit att.nepalconsular.gov.np to apply online for consular attestation
- You will need your PCC’s Dispatch Number to complete the attestation application
- The attestation fee is NRs. 500 (payable via eSewa, Khalti, or bank deposit)
- For Nepalis abroad, the nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate can process the attestation
- Some countries require additional embassy legalization after the consular stamp check with your destination country’s embassy.
Online vs Offline Police Clearance: Which Should You Choose?
Nepal Police offers both an online (OPCR) route and a traditional offline route at District Police Offices. For the vast majority of applicants, the online route is faster, free, and more convenient. Here is when each method makes sense:
- Use online (OPCR): You have a valid email, smartphone or computer, and scanned copies of documents. Best for both residents and Nepalis abroad. Fastest method.
- Use offline (DPO): You do not have reliable internet access, you have document discrepancies that need in-person resolution, or your online application is repeatedly rejected.
Applying from Abroad — Nepalis Outside Nepal
One of the most significant advantages of the OPCR system is that Nepali citizens living abroad can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate entirely online from any country, at any time, without returning to Nepal.
For departure proof when applying from abroad:
- If you departed from Tribhuvan International Airport: Your passport stamp is sufficient
- If the stamp is unclear: Visit the Immigration Office at Dillibazar, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu they will provide an official letter with your departure date
- If you departed from a foreign airport (Delhi, Mumbai, etc.): Obtain a recommendation letter from your Ward Office mentioning your departure date and the foreign airport
- Upload this document in the departure date proof field during your application
For attestation from abroad, approach the nearest Nepal Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. Submit your downloaded PCC PDF along with your identity documents and the attestation fee.
What Is Free and What Costs Money?
- OPCR online registration: Free
- Online PCC application: Free
- Downloading your digitally signed PCC PDF: Free
- Color printing at a local print shop: Approx. NRs. 30–100 (your cost)
- Consular attestation stamp (MOFA): NRs. 500
- Offline DPO application fee: NRs. 500–1,000 (varies by district)
- Embassy attestation abroad: Varies by country.
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