With Singpass
Singapore citizens, permanent residents and applicants holding a valid FIN apply online using Singpass in accordance with Police requirements. Singpass applicants no longer need to submit fingerprints or book fingerprint collection.
SINGAPORE · CERTIFICATE OF CLEARANCE
Singapore Certificate of Clearance (COC) Application
Understand the application routes, prepare the documents and plan your next steps in line with Singapore Police requirements.
For a Singapore Police Certificate of Clearance required for overseas purposes. The Police decide each application.
What is a COC?
The Certificate of Clearance (COC) is issued by the Singapore Police Force (SPF) Criminal Investigation Department to certify that an applicant has no criminal record in Singapore for a specified period. It is for overseas purposes such as immigration, employment, education, adoption or business, not local employment in Singapore. Applicants must provide a document stating the overseas requirement and purpose.
Official source: SPF ↗
Eligibility
The Police list these general conditions:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have lived, worked or studied in Singapore for at least six continuous months before applying.
- Provide documentation showing that an overseas authority requires a COC and the purpose.
This is an initial guide. The Police decide eligibility and the outcome case by case.
Application routes
No Singpass, previously held a FIN
A person who is not a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, previously held a valid FIN and is not eligible for Singpass can use the past FIN under the Police’s designated route. After applying and paying, submit fingerprint scans as instructed by the Police email.
Currently overseas
Choose the route according to your status and Singpass or FIN history. If the past-FIN route applies, fingerprints may be taken by an authorised agency in your country of residence as directed by the Police; originals may be requested if scans cannot be processed.
Official source: SPF ↗ · SPF digitalisation ↗
Documents normally needed
- Proof that an overseas authority requires a COC and its purpose.
- Valid passport particulars page and scans of both sides of an identity document.
- A colour photo on a white background, at least 400 × 514 pixels.
- The applicable Singpass or past FIN information.
- Fingerprint information where required by the Police.
Police list JPG, BMP or PNG for the photograph and PDF for other documents, with a maximum of 2 MB per file. Follow the Police’s instructions for your case.
Application process
- Confirm the purpose and routeCheck the overseas authority’s requirements and the appropriate route for your status, Singpass and FIN.
- Prepare your documentsGather supporting documents, identification and a photo; arrange fingerprints if instructed.
- Apply onlineUse your own official login and complete identity verification. Payment arrangements are explained before engagement.
- Watch for Police noticesRespond to requests for documents or fingerprints. After approval, follow the email instructions to obtain the electronic COC through FileSG.
Our support and your responsibilities
We can explain the route and document requirements, help organise and check the document checklist, and explain the next steps in Police notices. The scope is agreed before engagement. Applicants must use their own Singpass or applicable official login and personally complete identity verification and required Police actions. The Police review and issue the COC; approval and processing time are not guaranteed.
Protect your information: Do not send Singpass passwords, one-time codes, fingerprint files or identity documents in an initial enquiry. Agree on necessity and a secure transfer method with your adviser first.
Fees and processing time
COC application service feeS$350
Includes the S$55 Police processing fee.
Police processing timeAbout 7–14 days
Around 7–14 days from receipt of complete documents to approval; some cases may take longer.
The S$350 service fee includes the S$55 Police processing fee. Overseas fingerprint collection, postage, translation and other third-party costs are excluded; confirm arrangements before engagement. Document preparation, fingerprint collection and postage are not part of Police processing time.
Sample COC certificate
The illustration below has been anonymised and is for reference only. The actual certificate and format are determined by the Singapore Police.
Example of a Police request for additional documents
If submitted documents do not meet the requirements, the Police may ask the applicant to resubmit them. The following is an example of a request concerning overseas employment.
Please note that the following document(s) did not meet the requirement and require resubmission:
- Scanned Document from an Overseas Authority stating that a COC is required and purpose of COC (e.g. immigration, employment, business, education, child adoption etc.)
- Scanned Document stating Offer of Employment overseas
This notice requests the document from the overseas authority stating that a COC is required and its purpose, as well as the overseas employment offer. Requirements vary by case; follow the Police's actual notice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a COC be used to find a job in Singapore?
No. The Police state that the COC is for overseas purposes, not local employment in Singapore.
Can I apply without Singpass?
If you are not a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, previously held a valid FIN and are not eligible for Singpass, the Police list a past-FIN route. Confirm other situations with the Police.
What if I forgot my past FIN?
The Police advise former FIN holders to contact the Ministry of Manpower and provide the identity and previous application information required through official channels. Do not send identity numbers in an initial enquiry.
Must I return to Singapore for fingerprints?
Applicants on the past-FIN route may follow Police instructions to have fingerprints taken by an authorised agency in their country of residence and submit scans; the Police may require original copies by post.
Do Singpass applicants need to submit fingerprints?
The Police digitalisation announcement says Singpass applicants no longer need to submit fingerprints or book collection.
How can I check my application status?
Use the Police COC application status service and monitor the email address provided for any requests.
What if the Police ask for more documents?
Respond as instructed. The Police state that pending applications are treated as closed if an enquiry from the COC office remains unanswered for six months.
Will I receive a paper COC?
Since 6 January 2025, the Police issue an electronic COC and no longer mail a paper certificate. After approval, follow the notice to view and download it through FileSG.
How do I obtain the electronic COC without Singpass?
Eligible past-FIN applicants who are approved can follow the Police email link and instructions, receive a one-time code by mobile or email, and verify through FileSG to view and download the document.
How can an overseas authority verify it?
The Police state that the electronic COC includes a QR code for authenticity checks. Confirm acceptance with the requesting organisation.
How long is a COC valid?
The receiving authority may have its own timing requirements. Confirm with that authority; the Police materials reviewed for this page do not specify one validity period for all purposes.
Does S$350 include the Police fee?
Yes. The S$350 service fee includes the S$55 Police processing fee; overseas fingerprint collection, postage, translation and other third-party costs are excluded. Confirm arrangements before engagement.
How long does processing take?
The Police indicate around 7–14 days from receipt of complete documents to approval, possibly longer in individual cases. They do not specify working or calendar days there.
Is approval guaranteed after payment?
No. The Police review the application and decide the outcome and timing.
Check COC application status ↗
Police application and digitalisation guidance: SPF ↗ · SPF FAQ ↗
Need help preparing a COC application?
Tell us the overseas purpose, your current country and whether you have Singpass or a past FIN. Do not send identity documents, fingerprints, passwords or verification codes in an initial enquiry.
General information only; current Police rules and individual notices prevail.