Police Clearance in Zimbabwe: How to Apply and What It Is For

A police clearance in Zimbabwe — the police clearance certificate, sometimes called a certificate of good conduct — is required for most emigration visas, many foreign work permits, some professional registrations and a range of jobs. The process is straightforward but slow, so start early.

What it is

The certificate is issued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and states whether the applicant has a criminal record on the police database. It is issued for a specific purpose and has a limited validity period, so applying too far ahead of a visa deadline is as unhelpful as applying too late — check what validity the receiving authority requires.

Where to apply

Applications are handled by the police's criminal records section. In practice most applicants apply in Harare, and enquiries can be made at a police station about the current procedure for provincial applicants. Because procedures and locations do change, confirm the current arrangements with the police before travelling across the country.

What to bring

• Your national ID, and your passport.
• Photographs in the format requested.
• Fingerprints, which are taken as part of the process.
• A letter or documentation stating the purpose, such as a request from an employer, an immigration authority or a professional body.
• The application fee, paid at the official pay point — confirm the current amount on the day.

Names must match across your ID and passport. Mismatches cause the same delays here as they do with passport applications.

Timelines

Processing takes time and the period varies with volumes. Treat any timeline you are quoted as a guide rather than a promise, and build slack into visa and job deadlines. Keep your receipt and reference; they are what allow you to follow up.

Applying from outside Zimbabwe

Zimbabweans abroad usually apply through the nearest Zimbabwean embassy or consulate, which will advise on fingerprinting — commonly taken by the local police or an authorised service and sent with the application. Requirements differ by country, and courier and authentication add time, so start earlier than you think you need to.

Authentication and apostille

Some countries require the certificate to be authenticated or apostilled before they will accept it. That is a separate process handled through the responsible government offices, and it adds weeks. Ask the receiving authority exactly what form of authentication it needs before you begin, so you only go through the process once.

If there is a record

The certificate reflects what is on the police database. If you believe an entry is wrong — a case that was withdrawn or an acquittal, for example — take the court documents proving the outcome and raise it with the criminal records section. Do not attempt to obtain a certificate through an intermediary promising to "clear" a record; that is fraud and it will end far worse than the record itself.

Practical advice

• Apply as soon as you know you will need it.
• Take photocopies of everything.
• Note the validity period and plan your visa submission inside it.
• Keep the original safe and submit certified copies where that is accepted.
• Deal only with official offices — never with someone offering to obtain one for a fee outside the station.

Related: studying abroad and passport applications.