Non-Criminal Record for Foreigners

How to Get a Non-Criminal Record for Foreigners

With the continued internationalization of China, an increasing number of foreigners are settling down in China for work and career development. In order to apply for a work permit card and permanent residence card in China, the local authorities require a certificate of no criminal record. Read the guide here for more details.

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Certificate of no criminal record (abroad)
Foreigners are required to apply for a certificate of no criminal record from the police, judicial, or security authorities in their home country or the country/region where they have resided continuously for at least one year.

Once the certificate is obtained, the next step depends on the country’s status regarding the Hague Convention.

Non-Hague Convention Countries: Documents must be authenticated by Chinese embassies or consulates abroad to verify their authenticity.
Hague Convention Member States: Only an Apostille certification is required, eliminating the need for embassy or consulate authentication.
Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Regions: Documents must be notarized by local notary authorities.

Note: The Hague Convention countries are those that have signed the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. This convention simplifies the cross-border document authentication process—member states only require an Apostille certification, eliminating the need for traditional consular legalization.

And, Non-Chinese certificates need to be translated into Chinese, which is recommended to be done by a professional organization.

Note: A Certificate of No Criminal Record is normally valid for six months. After this period, a new one will be required.

Certificate of no criminal record (within china)

In China, the need for a no-criminal record certificate often arises in different scenarios. Foreigners working in China might need this certificate when transferring to another city within the country. Additionally, those who have previously studied or worked in China may require it when applying for work or residence visas in other countries like the U.S., Australia, or New Zealand. To be eligible, applicants must have legally resided in China for a cumulative period of 180 days or more, regardless of the visa type. They must also hold a valid residence permit or visa and provide proof of foreigner residence registration.

The application process within China can be handled individually or through an employer. For individual applications, the local entry-exit administration bureau of the public security authority, at or above the county level, is the go-to place. Employers, on the other hand, can submit applications through the exit-entry administration department where their company is registered, along with necessary documents such as a company introduction letter and the candidate’s relevant materials. Some major cities, like Beijing, even offer 24-hour online services, making the process more convenient for foreign applicants.

Required Documents

Original passport and copies (including visa pages and entry stamps).
Original Temporary Residence Registration Form for Foreign Nationals.
Completed Application Form for No Criminal Record Certificate (some cities provide multilingual versions).

The process itself involves submitting the required materials and paying the applicable fees at the exit-entry administration department. The review typically takes three to five business days, though complex cases may require additional time for verification. Once approved, applicants can collect their certificate at the designated location, presenting a valid ID, usually their passport.

GOMAX INTERNATIONAL offers comprehensive services to assist foreigners in obtaining no criminal record certificates with apositille or notarization. Our services include:
Consultation: Providing detailed guidance on the application process, required documents, and specific requirements for different countries and regions.
Document Preparation: Assisting with the preparation and translation of necessary documents to ensure they meet the required standards.
Application Submission: Helping with the submission of applications to the relevant authorities, both within China and abroad.
Follow-up and Tracking: Monitoring the application progress and providing timely updates to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Certification and Notarization: Assisting with the authentication and notarization of documents, including Apostille certification for Hague Convention countries.

For more information on how GOMAX INTERNATIONAL can assist you with your no criminal record and health certificate applications, please contact us at info@gomaxgroup.com. We are committed to making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible for you.

How to Get a Non-Criminal Record for Foreigners

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