How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in France and India: A Complete Guide for Indian Expats

Moving abroad often comes with a long list of administrative requirements—one of the most important being the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). Essential for processes such as employment, immigration, and citizenship applications, a PCC verifies an individual’s criminal record history. For Indian nationals living in France, it’s vital to understand how to obtain a PCC from both France and India to ensure smooth progression through official procedures and avoid unnecessary delays.

A Real-Life Scenario: Priya’s Nationality Application in France

Meet Priya, an Indian national living in Paris. She was advancing steadily through the French nationality application process until she was unexpectedly asked to provide a Police Clearance Certificate from India. Caught off guard and unfamiliar with the process, Priya faced significant delays. Her experience is a reminder of how critical it is for Indian expats to be proactive and well-informed when it comes to PCC requirements.

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in France

What Is It?

In France, the equivalent of a PCC is called the Extrait de Casier Judiciaire or Bulletin No. 3. It outlines any serious criminal convictions and is commonly required for:

• Citizenship and naturalisation applications

• Employment

• Immigration procedures

• University admissions or volunteering roles

Who Can Apply?

• Residents of France: French citizens and foreign nationals.
• Non-Residents: Foreigners who previously lived in France.

How to Apply?

a. Online Application

You can apply online through the official website: casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr

Steps to follow:

1. Visit the above website.
2. Select your category (French citizen, resident, or non-resident).
3. Enter your personal information (name, birth date, place of birth, etc.).
4. Submit the online application.

The police clearance certificate will be sent to you by email or post within a few days.

✅ Processing Time:

• Online Via FranceConnect: 1 hour to 24 hours

• Online  Without FranceConnect: ~2 working days

b. Postal Application

Mail the Cerfa n°10071*16 form with:

• Copy of valid ID

• Full name, birth details, and current address

Send to:
Casier Judiciaire National
107 rue du Landreau
44317 Nantes Cedex 3
France

📬 Processing Time: Approx. 2 weeks (longer for non-residents)

c. Through Embassies or Consulates

French citizens living abroad can apply through their local consulate, which forwards the request to France.

📌 Cost: Free of charge

⚠️ Important Notes:

-The certificate (Bulletin No. 3) only shows serious criminal convictions.

-It is only issued to the individual requesting it or a legal representative (a minor or an adult under guardianship).

-It may never be issued to a third party, and people not respecting this can face a fine of €7,500 (Articles R. 82, 777, and 781 of the Code of Criminal Procedure).

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in India via Embassy

For Indian nationals residing abroad, obtaining a PCC from India is a crucial step, especially when applying for foreign citizenship or long-term visas.

Application Process

1. Online Application: Visit the Passport Seva Online Portal and register an account.
2. Fill Application: Complete the PCC application form with accurate details.
3. Schedule Appointment: Choose a suitable date and time for an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate.
4. Document Submission: Submit the required documents, including:
   • Valid Indian passport (original and photocopy)
   • Proof of current residence
   • Recent passport-sized photographs
5. Police Verification: The application will be forwarded to the relevant police authorities in India for verification.
6. Issuance: Upon receiving a clear report, the PCC will be issued and can be collected from the embassy or consulate.

Processing Time

The processing time can vary depending on the police verification process in India. It’s advisable to apply well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.

Cost

A nominal fee is charged for the PCC application, which varies by location. It’s recommended to check with the respective embassy or consulate for the exact amount.

📌 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re applying for French nationality, seeking long-term residency, or preparing for international work or study, obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from both France and India is a critical step. As seen in Priya’s real-life experience, being informed and proactive can help you avoid delays and navigate the system with confidence.

At L’Association Frehindi, we understand the unique challenges faced by Indian nationals living in France. From documentation and cultural adaptation to academic and emotional support, our team is here to assist you—every step of the way.

📲 Stay Connected, Stay Informed

• Connect with us on WhatsApp (+33 6 27 92 43 98) for regular India-in-France insights.
• Join our exclusive WhatsApp group for Indian expats in France—a growing community sharing real-time experiences and support.
• Like and follow us on Facebook for updates, stories, and tips: facebook.com/assofrehindi
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Indians in France – your go-to space for the latest news, community updates, events, and inspiring stories of fellow Indians living in France.

🇮🇳🤝🇫🇷
At Frehindi, we make navigating French life easy—one Indian at a time.

Warm regards,
Haru Mehra
President,
L’Association Frehindi
(A not-for-profit organization established under the 1901 law of France)

📧 haru@frehindi.com | 🌍 www.frehindi.org | 📞 +33 6 27 92 43 98