No-criminal-record notarization (无犯罪记录公证)

What this notarization certifies

The notary office certifies that during your period of residence in China you received no criminal punishment from Chinese judicial authorities. Immigration authorities, foreign employers and residency programs commonly call this a "police clearance" or "certificate of no criminal record", and it is one of the most requested Chinese documents abroad.

Who can apply in Shanghai

Chinese residents whose registered or habitual residence is in Shanghai, and foreign nationals (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents) who previously lived in Shanghai with police registration — the certificate then covers the Shanghai residence period.

Documents to prepare

• Notarization application form (filled in and signed at the notary office)
• Resident ID card or another valid ID — Chinese or foreign passport, or a Taiwan / Hong Kong / Macao travel permit and ID
• Household register (hukou booklet), or a household registration certificate issued by the police
• Proof of living in Shanghai, if your hukou is registered elsewhere — Shanghai residence permit, a property deed or lease in your or a close relative's name, or an employer letter
• The underlying no-criminal-record certificate: Chinese residents obtain it from the police at their hukou place; foreign applicants provide a certificate from their Shanghai employer or school covering the work / study period
• For foreign applicants: proof of working or studying in Shanghai — labor contract, work permit, tax records, student ID, enrollment letter or diploma
• For foreign applicants: a written record of your entries and exits of China, unless your passport stamps already show them
• Guardian's ID and proof of guardianship, if the applicant is a minor or lacks full legal capacity
• Agent's ID and a letter of authorization, if someone applies on your behalf

Requirements vary case by case — the coordinator confirms your personal checklist before you visit the notary office.

Fee and timeline

• Notary fee: ¥80 (about $12) per certificate
• Extra certificate copies: ¥10 (about $1.50) each
• Acceptance review: up to 3 working days; the certificate is normally issued within 15 working days of acceptance

Fees follow Shanghai's published government price standard (2017/2018). The coordinator confirms the current fee and the certified-translation cost before you commit to anything.

Using it abroad

China joined the Hague Apostille Convention in November 2023. For use in a member country — the US, Japan, most of Europe and many others — the notarial certificate receives an apostille and needs no embassy legalization. For non-member countries, consular legalization still applies. Tell the coordinator the destination country and we arrange the correct chain, including a certified translation into the language the receiving authority requires.