Police certificate
Police clearance certificate from the South African Police Service (SAPS). It is fingerprint-based, so allow time.
INZ usually asks for police certificates from your country of citizenship and from countries where you have lived for long periods. Check exactly which ones apply to your application.
Documents to start gathering
- Unabridged birth certificates for children, which may be needed to show both parents
- Marriage certificate and evidence of your relationship
- Professional registration for regulated occupations, such as health and engineering
What we often see
- Start the police certificate early. It is often the slowest document in the pack.
- Many skilled South African roles appear on the Green List. Check Tier 1 before assuming a two-year wait.
General guidance, updated 23 October 2026. Requirements depend on the visa and your circumstances; we’ll give you a personal checklist.