Police Certificate Application Procedures
2026/3/30
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Important Notes (updated as of 25 March 2026) |
Application
Starting from April 2026, appointments for police certificate applications must be requested via email.If you wish to apply, please contact policecheck@bb.mofa.go.jp with the following information:
1. Full name
2. Email address
3. Telephone number
4. Purpose of application (e.g., Australian visa, citizenship, Queensland teacher registration, or Federal Police employment)
5. If applying for an Australian visa, please specify the visa subclass and your application status.
If your application is for an Australian visa or citizenship, please attach one of the following:
- A Request Letter issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- A letter from the Department of Home Affairs confirming receipt of your application.
- A screenshot of the relevant section of the Department of Home Affairs website stating that a Japanese police certificate is a mandatory requirement for your application.
Please note that we do not accept request letters written by migration agents.
We will contact those whose details have been verified to arrange a suitable date. Please be advised that we will give priority to individuals who have received an official request letter.
1. Full name
2. Email address
3. Telephone number
4. Purpose of application (e.g., Australian visa, citizenship, Queensland teacher registration, or Federal Police employment)
5. If applying for an Australian visa, please specify the visa subclass and your application status.
If your application is for an Australian visa or citizenship, please attach one of the following:
- A Request Letter issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
- A letter from the Department of Home Affairs confirming receipt of your application.
- A screenshot of the relevant section of the Department of Home Affairs website stating that a Japanese police certificate is a mandatory requirement for your application.
Please note that we do not accept request letters written by migration agents.
We will contact those whose details have been verified to arrange a suitable date. Please be advised that we will give priority to individuals who have received an official request letter.
Required Documents, Fees & Notes
Required documents
1. Police Certificate Application Form – (Example)
2. Valid original passport with more than 3 months validity and showing the most up to date personal details
2. Valid original passport with more than 3 months validity and showing the most up to date personal details
Fee
Free of charge
To note:
As fingerprints will be taken at our office, the applicant must apply in person. Applications cannot be submitted by a representative.
As we act as an intermediary for the National Police Agency via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the police certificate will take 2–3 months to arrive from Japan.
The police certificate can only be issued using the same name as that in the passport provided with the application. The certificate only serves to confirm the existence of a criminal record according to your fingerprints.
The certificate is written in Japanese, English, French, German and Spanish.
We are unable to accept your application if it is required by an indivual or private company.
As we act as an intermediary for the National Police Agency via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the police certificate will take 2–3 months to arrive from Japan.
The police certificate can only be issued using the same name as that in the passport provided with the application. The certificate only serves to confirm the existence of a criminal record according to your fingerprints.
The certificate is written in Japanese, English, French, German and Spanish.
We are unable to accept your application if it is required by an indivual or private company.
Collection
<Collection at the Consulate>
No appointment is necessary. Please visit the Consulate during opening hours with your physical photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license). You can confirm the Consulate's location and closing days on our website.
<Collection by Post>
If you would like to receive your certificate by post, please ensure you provide a small, domestic Registered Post envelope with tracking number at the time of your application. Please note that the Consulate is not liable for documents lost or damaged in the mail.
<Collection by a Representative>
If a representative is collecting the certificate on your behalf, they must present an original power of attorney signed by you, along with the physical photo ID for both you and the representative.
No appointment is necessary. Please visit the Consulate during opening hours with your physical photo ID (e.g., passport or driver’s license). You can confirm the Consulate's location and closing days on our website.
<Collection by Post>
If you would like to receive your certificate by post, please ensure you provide a small, domestic Registered Post envelope with tracking number at the time of your application. Please note that the Consulate is not liable for documents lost or damaged in the mail.
<Collection by a Representative>
If a representative is collecting the certificate on your behalf, they must present an original power of attorney signed by you, along with the physical photo ID for both you and the representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
＞ Q3 I have two passports. The passports are issued under different names and they are my official names. Can I apply using two passports with different names?
＞ Q4 How long does it take to receive a Police Certificate? Is there an expiry date on my police certificate?
Recommended Information
- How To Apply For a Visa
- General Information
- Amended Procedure of Entry into Japan
- Australian Citizens
- Visa Fee
- Short Term Stay
- Work, Study, Long Term Stay
- Entertainer (Professional Sports Player [Golfer, Tennis Player, Surfer] )
- Working Holiday Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Download Forms
- Customs and Quarantine in Japan
- Japanese Passport