Certificate of Clearance

This section applies to non-Singapore Citizens (Singapore Permanent Residents & Foreign Nationals) only.

The SPF is not obligated to issue a COC but have done so as a form of international cooperation since other countries provide similar documents as well. However, this service does not form part of SPF’s core function. Non-Singapore Citizens who wish to apply for COC are required to appeal, for consideration on a case by case basis. Appellants must have resided in Singapore for a minimum period of 6 months, under a valid pass issued by the Immigrations Checkpoint Authority (ICA) or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). You must also be above the age of 16 and have documentary proof which states that a COC is required by the foreign government authority or institution for overseas purposes such as migration, adoption, overseas employment or further education.

Appellants may note that there are other alternatives to obtain a declaration of no criminal conviction, such as a Statutory Declaration through a Commissioner of Oaths / Justices of Peace or a qualified legal practitioner.

WHAT YOU NEED

Applicants who have met the eligibility criteria may apply for a COC via the link below. All COC applications are to be made online. COC office does not accept walk-in applications. Generally, the processing time for a COC is within 5 working days. Once your COC application has been accepted, you will receive an email notification. Failure to provide the required documents may result in delays or rejection of the application. 

Singapore Citizen Applicants

For Singapore Citizens residing in Singapore or overseas, please login via Singpass and complete the online application form. Once your COC application is accepted, the certificate will be mailed to your postal address as indicated in the online application form. Singapore Citizens are not required to submit any fingerprint impressions or book a fingerprint appointment.

Non Singapore Citizen Applicants

Non Singapore Citizens may only apply for a COC after making a successful appeal. To appeal, please select “Appeal by non-Singapore Citizens to Apply for Certificate of Clearance” and complete the online appeal form. You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal within 5 working days. Upon successful appeal, you may proceed to apply for a COC.

Non-Singapore Citizen Applicants residing in Singapore

If you are a non-Singapore Citizen residing in Singapore, upon our acceptance of your COC application, you will receive a notification to book an appointment to have your fingerprints impressions recorded at Police Cantonment Complex. The COC will be issued to you after verification of your fingerprint impressions at Police Cantonment Complex. 

Non-Singapore Citizen Applicants residing overseas 

If you are a non-Singapore Citizen residing overseas, you are required to have your fingerprint impressions recorded at an authorised institution in your country of residence (such as police stations) and mail the original fingerprint impressions along with your COC application receipt to the Certificate of Clearance Office. Upon our receipt and verification of your fingerprint impressions, the COC will be mailed to your postal address as indicated in the online application form. 

COC Delivery by Registered Mail 

Please note that the general processing time of 5 working days, excludes the time taken by courier to deliver the COC to your postal address. 

COC Office Address 

COC Office is located at:

Certificate of Clearance Office

Block D, #02-07/08

Police Cantonment Complex

391, New Bridge Road

Singapore 088762

Fingerprint Form (PDF)

Sample of Fingerprints (PDF)

WHAT YOU NEED

Applicants who have misplaced their COC, or wish to have additional copies of COC, may apply for a duplicate copy if the initial COC application was made within the last six months. If the initial COC application was made more than six months ago, applicants are required to apply for a new COC instead.

A fee of SGD $30 will be chargeable for each duplicate COC issued.

Applicants may collect the duplicate COCs at Police Cantonment Complex or opt to have it mailed to the address provided in the application form. For collection, please bring along a copy of the acknowledgement slip, generated at the end of the application (sample below) and an identity document for verification.

WHAT YOU NEED

Applicants who had applied for COC and received an email/SMS notification that the COC application has been accepted, can book an appointment to have fingerprint impressions taken at Police Cantonment Complex, within six months from the date of application. The application will be voided if the applicants fail to do so, and need to submit a fresh application. When visiting Police Cantonment Complex on the appointment date, please bring along a copy of the acknowledgement slip, generated at the end of the booking (sample below) and an identity document for verification.

WHAT YOU NEED