Police Clearance Zimbabwe

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate?

A police clearance certificate (sometimes called a criminal record check or certificate of good conduct) is an official document issued by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirming whether an individual has a criminal record in Zimbabwe. The certificate states either that the person has "no criminal record" or details any convictions.

When Do You Need a Police Clearance?

• Immigration — Required for visa applications (UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, USA)
• Employment — Many employers require a police clearance, especially for positions of trust
• Professional registration — Required for registration with professional bodies (lawyers, doctors, accountants)
• Adoption — Required for adoption applications in Zimbabwe and abroad
• Emigration — Required when permanently emigrating from Zimbabwe
• Citizenship applications — Required when applying for foreign citizenship
• Security industry — Required for security guard licensing

How to Apply in Zimbabwe

Step 1: Complete Form 137

Obtain Form 137 (Application for Criminal Record Check) from any ZRP station or the Criminal Records Office. Complete all sections including personal details, purpose of clearance, and the country requesting it.

Step 2: Fingerprints

Your fingerprints must be taken at a ZRP police station. This is done on an official fingerprint form. Take your national ID or passport when visiting the station.

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit Form 137, fingerprint form, and payment to:

• ZRP Criminal Records Office, 7th Floor, Police General Headquarters, Corner Josiah Tongogara & 7th Street, Harare
• Or at regional CID offices in major cities

Step 4: Collection

The clearance certificate is typically ready in 2–4 weeks. Collect it from the same office where you submitted or arrange delivery.

How to Apply From Abroad

If you are outside Zimbabwe, you have two options:

Option 1: Through a Zimbabwe Embassy

1. Contact the nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate
2. Submit Form 137 (available at the embassy)
3. Have your fingerprints taken at a local police station in your country
4. Pay the embassy processing fee
5. The embassy forwards your application to ZRP in Harare
6. Processing time: 4–8 weeks

Option 2: Through an Agent in Zimbabwe

1. Appoint an agent with a Power of Attorney
2. Send your fingerprints (taken locally) and Form 137 to the agent
3. The agent submits in person at ZRP Harare
4. Processing time: 2–4 weeks (faster than embassy route)

Costs

Method	Cost (USD)	Time
In person at ZRP, Harare	$10–$20	2–4 weeks
Through Zimbabwe Embassy	$30–$60	4–8 weeks
Through agent in Zimbabwe	$30–$50 + agent fee	2–4 weeks

Validity

A Zimbabwe police clearance certificate is typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue. Some countries or employers may accept certificates up to 12 months old. Check the specific requirements of the requesting organisation.

Related Documents

• Power of Attorney — To appoint someone to collect on your behalf
• Affidavit Form — May be required to support your application
• Birth Certificate — Often needed alongside police clearance for immigration
• Name Change — If your name has changed since living in Zimbabwe

Frequently Asked Questions