Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP) Portal
A Police Character Certificate (PCC) certifies that the applicant has no criminal record in Nigeria. It is commonly used when applying for immigration, residency, employment, or investment opportunities in foreign countries. Foreign nationals who have resided in Nigeria for at least 30 days may also apply for this document.
The certificate is crucial for confirming the absence of any criminal background and is often requested by foreign immigration authorities, employers, and educational institutions to establish the trustworthiness of the individual.
Some destinations such as Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia requires a valid Police Character Certificate for their visa application process.
The official website for application is https://possap.gov.ng
Requirements for Application
Applicants will need to gather the following details for their PCC application:
- Full Name (as per passport)
- Date of Birth
- Gender
- Email Address used for NIN
- Phone Number linked to NIN
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Passport Number and Country of Issue
- Place and Date of Passport Issuance
- Address
- State and Local Government Area
- Country and Place of Birth
- State of Origin
- Destination Country (where the certificate will be used)
- Reason for Traveling (e.g., residency, employment)
- Recent Passport-Sized Photograph
- Copy of Passport Bio Page
How to Apply for the PCC
There are two main ways to apply for a PCC:
1. In-Person Application (Nigeria)
Applicants or their proxies (family/friends) can visit the Nigerian Police Forensic Department in person. The process involves:
- Completing a form at the designated police station or forensic department.
- Paying the application fee (varies depending on the service).
- Submitting fingerprints (biometric data), which can also be accessed via BVN or NIN.
- Collecting the certificate once processed (takes a few days to weeks) or having it emailed as an e-certificate.
2. Online Application (From Abroad)
Nigerians abroad can apply for the PCC through the Nigeria Police Force’s online portal. The key steps include:
- Account Creation: Create an account on the POSSAP portal, providing your email, phone number, and other personal details.
- Form Submission: Fill out the application form, including the reason for applying and your destination country. Upload your passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport.
- Payment: Pay the application fee (around ₦30,000 for immigration purposes).
- Biometric Capture: If not already done through NIN or BVN, schedule an appointment for fingerprint capture at a designated police station or at any available police service station abroad.
- Processing and Collection: Once your application is processed (usually within 72 hours), the certificate is sent to your registered email or can be downloaded from the portal.
Verification and Validity
The PCC is valid for three months from the date of issue, after which a new application may be required. It reveals whether or not the individual has a criminal conviction in Nigeria. To verify your Police Character Certificate, visit the POSSAP website and Click Validate Document then enter the certificate number starting with “PSS” then click proceed.
For use in foreign countries, it may need to be notarized, authenticated by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and sometimes legalized by the respective embassy of the destination country.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Nigeria Police Character Certificate is a straightforward process, whether within Nigeria or from abroad. For those outside the country, a proxy or online application ensures the convenience of obtaining this crucial document for international pursuits.
For further information and application, visit the official POSSAP website or contact us for assistance.
