How to Apply for PCC from the Indian Embassy​ While Living Abroad?

First things First — Do You Even Need a PCC?

Before starting with the PCC application, you should ask yourself why you need this certificate. Depending upon the scenarios, you will need a PCC if:

• You are applying for permanent residency in a foreign country.
• You are taking up a new job overseas.
• You need a long-term visa or want to study abroad.

Note: You don’t need a PCC if you are just going on a short holiday or tourist trip.

A) How to Apply for PCC from the Indian Embassy​? 5 Steps

An “Indian mission” means an office set up by the Indian government in another country. They are called embassies, high commissions, or consulates — the name depends on which country they are in, but they all do similar work. Here’s how you can get PCC from the Indian embassy abroad. 

1. Find Your Local Indian Embassy or Consulate

Indian Mission is present in almost all foreign countries. To start with the PCC process, you must first find one in the country you’re located in. To do this, you can search online by typing “Indian Embassy in ( the name of the country you’re residing). After that, visit their official website and look for a section on “PCC” or “Police Clearance Certificate.

On their website, you will find details like

• The process details
• The exact form you need to fill & submit.
• A checklist of documents.
• How to submit your documents (by post or in person).
• Additional details. 

If you don’t prefer the online method, you can visit the Indian embassy in person and ask the officials for the PCC process. They will guide you and also give you a physical form to fill out (this may vary from embassy to embassy). 

2. Collect All the Required Documents

Below is a list of documents that you need to submit. However, sometimes the embassy may ask for a few extra documents. This usually depends upon your purpose for getting a PCC in the first place.  So always check their website or contact the officials. 

a) Application form

• Download the form from the Indian embassy’s website. Additionally, in some cases, you can also collect the form from the embassy.
• Fill the form neatly with all your details.
• Note that every Indian embassy abroad will have a different form. So make sure you download the correct one. 

b) Original passport + copies

• Your original passport (for checking).
• Photocopies of the first two pages and last two pages of the passport. These pages show your photo, passport number, and other details.

c) Proof of your current address

Since you’re living outside India, you’ll need to present proof of where you are staying currently. This can include:

• Utility bill (like electricity or water bill)
• Rental agreement
• Bank statement with your local address

Note: Please make sure the address is clear and matches what you write in your form.

d) Proof of why you need a PCC

You should present proof of your need to get police verification done. For example, 

If you need PCC for a job, you must include a copy of your job offer letter or work permit. Or if it’s for residency, then don’t forget to include a copy of your visa or immigration documents.

e) Sponsorship Letter (If Any)

If someone else is sponsoring your move, you will need to provide a sponsorship letter. This happens when a family member or your employer is going to sponsor your move. For this, a declaration or letter from them explaining their sponsorship is needed for the PCC application.

f) Any Other Documents

Depending upon the purpose and the country that you’re residing, Indian embassies may ask for additional documents like

• Passport-size photographs
• Copies of old visas
• Any forms specific to their region

So, always follow the checklist given by the embassy.

3. Submit Your Application

Once you gather all your documents and fill out the form, submit your application to the embassy. 

You can do this by 

• Taking your documents and application to the Indian Embassy or Consulate physically if they allow walk-ins or
• Sending your application by post/courier

Note: You will also be asked to pay a fee for the PCC. The amount varies from country to country.

Some embassies may give you a tracking number, so you can check the status later.

4. Police Verification in India

After this, the police verification in India will start. Here’s a quick overview of the process: 

• The Indian embassy will send your application to India.
• Your application will be forwarded to the Passport Issuing Authority in India. This is the passport office where your passport was issued. 
• Then, they start the police verification process by contacting the local police station near your home in India. 
• They will do a background check to see if you have any criminal record. 
• The local police will also visit the address on your passport for verification. 
• They may also check with your family or neighbours to confirm that you lived there and had no issues.
• If everything is okay, they send a “Clear” report back.

Timeline: This can take 6 to 8 weeks, so be patient. 

If there is any delay, you can request your family in India to follow up with the local police station to check on the status.

5. Receive Your PCC

Once the Indian police send a clear report confirming that there are no criminal records against you, your Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) will be issued. 

The Indian Embassy or Consulate where you submitted your application will then process the certificate. 

After processing, you will receive the PCC either in person at the embassy or through post or courier. This depends on the delivery option you selected during the application process and/or the Indian embassy procedure in that country. 

The PCC will state clearly that you have no criminal record in India. Now, you can now use this for your visa, job, or residency application.

B) Process for Foreign Nationals (Non-Indians)

If you are not an Indian citizen but have lived in India and need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), the process is a bit different for you. You cannot get the PCC directly from an Indian Embassy or Consulate in another country. Instead, you need to follow this process:

1. Apply for the PCC in India

You must get the certificate from one of these places:

• The District Police Office in the area where you lived in India, or
• The FRRO/FRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office). You can visit their website to apply online. 

Once you send out the application, these officials will check your records and give you the PCC if everything is clear.

2. Get the PCC Attested by the Indian Embassy (if needed)

After you get your PCC from India, you might want to get it attested by an Indian embassy in your country if the organization you’re applying to wants it to be certified or verified. Here’s how you can do this: 

• Take the original PCC to the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your current country.
• Submit your application and pay the required fees.
• The embassy will check the original PCC and verify the authenticity of the document. 
• Once everything is done, they will give you a certified or attested copy with an official stamp 

Conclusion

You can easily get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the Indian Embassy while living abroad if you go step-by-step. The process may seem difficult but is not — if you stay organized and follow the instructions carefully. Make sure you gather the documents properly, follow the steps given by the Indian embassy, and submit your application. After that, wait for the verification. If you have questions or need help with your application, feel free to contact us — we’re here to support you!

FAQs

Where can I get the Indian Embassy PCC form?

You can get the PCC form from the official website of the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Since the process and form differ from one country to another, you should check the Indian embassy’s website for the correct version and instructions. Alternatively, you can visit the embassy in person or talk with the officials. 

How to get a PCC from the Indian Embassy in the UAE​?

Visit https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in/  and create an account. Fill out the form and upload a photo and signature. Then book the appointment and submit your application at the BLS centre. after completion of the process, PCC will be delivered.