Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the UK — Complete Guide

Q: When do I need a Police Clearance Certificate from India?

A PCC is commonly required for emigration and permanent residency, foreign employment background checks, certain visa categories, international adoption, and professional licensing. It certifies that you have no criminal record in India.

Q: How long does an Indian PCC take?

Typically 1-3 weeks from submission. If police verification in India is required it can take longer. A realistic timeline depends on your last Indian address and how recently you lived there.

Q: What are the government fees for an Indian PCC?

Government fees are typically around £15-20 plus the VFS service charge. These are paid directly at the VFS centre at the time of submission.

Q: Can I get a PCC if I haven't lived in India recently?

Yes. The PCC is based on your last known Indian address. As long as you hold an Indian passport you can apply from the UK, though police verification in India may add time.

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India certifies that you have no criminal record in the country. Many immigration authorities, employers and licensing bodies require a PCC from every country you have lived in — and if you held an Indian passport, that includes India. You can apply from the UK through Passport Seva and VFS Global.

Quick answer: Indian passport holders in the UK apply via Passport Seva and submit at VFS Global. The certificate is usually issued in 1–3 weeks (longer if police verification in India is required). Government fees are around £15–£20 plus the VFS charge.

When do you need an Indian PCC?

A PCC from India is commonly required for:

Emigration / permanent residency — many countries require a PCC when you apply for PR.
Foreign employment — employers often request background checks from every country you have lived in.
Visa applications — some visa categories require a PCC from your country of origin.
International adoption — adoption agencies require a PCC.
Professional licensing — some professional bodies require it for registration.

Who is eligible?

Indian passport holders living in the UK can apply for a PCC through VFS Global. You must hold a valid or recently expired Indian passport. The certificate is based on your last known Indian address, so you can still apply even if you have not lived in India recently.

⚠️ Already surrendered your Indian passport? The process differs once you no longer hold an Indian passport. Check the route that applies to you before booking a VFS appointment — WhatsApp us and we'll confirm your options.

Documents you'll need

📋 Indian PCC document checklist

Valid Indian passport (original).
Previous Indian passports, if any.
UK address proof — utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill.
Passport-size photographs.
Proof of purpose — job offer, visa application letter, or similar.
Indian address proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, or similar.

Step-by-step process

1

Confirm eligibility and purpose

Check you hold a valid or recently expired Indian passport and identify exactly why you need the PCC.

2

Complete the Passport Seva application

Fill in the PCC application online at passportindia.gov.in with your passport and address details.

3

Book a VFS Global appointment

Book an appointment at your nearest VFS centre in the UK.

4

Attend VFS with your documents

Submit your documents and biometrics, and pay the government and service fees directly at the centre.

5

Police verification (if required)

Depending on your last Indian address, verification by Indian police may be requested, which can add time.

6

Receive your PCC

The certificate is typically issued within 1–3 weeks and posted to you or available for collection.

Fees and timeline

Sorted service fee: £79 (others charge around £100).
Government fee: approximately £15–£20, paid at VFS.
VFS service charge: paid at the centre, separate from the above.
Timeline: usually 1–3 weeks; longer if police verification in India is needed.

Common questions

Can a PCC be issued faster?

If no police verification in India is required, certificates are often issued at the shorter end of the 1–3 week range. Cases that trigger verification take longer and are outside the applicant's control.

Is a separate PCC needed for each purpose?

A PCC names the purpose it was issued for. If you need it for a different purpose later, a fresh application may be required — tell us your exact purpose so the application is completed correctly.

Want us to handle your Indian PCC?

£79

We complete the Passport Seva application, prepare your documents, book your VFS appointment and track the result. See the full service details.

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