Obtaining the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Portugal
To use an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Portugal, you first need to obtain the certificate from the appropriate Indian authority. This can be done through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Police Station. Submit necessary documents, including your passport (original and photocopy), address proof, and a completed application form. In cases where local police verification is required, you may need to approach your local police station. Once the application is processed, the PCC is issued, typically within 7–10 working days. Make sure to collect the original PCC, as only original documents can be apostilled.
Notarization of the PCC
Before submitting the PCC for an apostille, it needs to be notarized by a registered notary public. Notarization confirms the authenticity of the document and prepares it for the next step in the process. This involves a notary certifying the PCC, which adds a layer of legal validation. Without notarization and SDM Authentication the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will not accept the document for apostille. Ensure the notarization is performed by an authorized professional to avoid delays.
Apostille from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
The notarized PCC must be submitted to the MEA for the apostille process. The authorized agencies like INFINITYGRO to handle apostille services. Submit the original PCC, a copy of your passport, and any additional forms required by the service provider. The apostille is a certificate that authenticates the document for international use. It is attached to the PCC, making it legally valid in Portugal and other member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention. The process typically takes 2–3 working days.
Translation and Final Use in Portugal
In some cases, Portuguese authorities may require the apostilled PCC to be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. Additionally, ensure the PCC is recent, as Portugal usually does not accept certificates older than three to six months. Once the apostille is completed, and any necessary translations are prepared, the PCC is ready for use in Portugal. Whether for residency, employment, or visa purposes, the apostilled PCC is legally recognized, eliminating the need for further consular authentication.
The validity of an Indian Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for use in Portugal is typically determined by the specific requirements of the Portuguese authorities. In general:
Validity Period: Most Portuguese authorities, including for visa and residency applications, consider the PCC valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue. Beyond this period, you may be required to obtain a new PCC.
Check Specific Requirements: Some applications (e.g., visa or immigration) may have specific guidelines, so it’s advisable to verify with the Portuguese consulate, SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), or any relevant department handling your case.
Practical Advice: If your PCC is older than 3 months at the time of submission, it is safer to apply for a new one to avoid potential delays or rejections.
Remember that the PCC should be apostilled and, if necessary, translated into Portuguese before submission.