Police Certificate
2026/1/13
The Police Certificate reports whether you have a criminal record for the duration lived in Japan. Non-Japanese citizens may apply as well.
Japanese citizen or non-Japanese citizen who lived in Japan
Applicants must come to our office in person to apply and provide their finger prints.
WAYS TO COLLECT:
1. Collection from the Embassy of Japan in Finland
You must bring your valid passport once again for identification purposes.
2. Collection by an authorized person
If you would like to send someone to collect it for you, let us know the nominated person's identity upon your application. The proxy must bring his/her valid passport and the Power of Attorney with applicant's physical signature (free format).
3. By post
You are required to provide an envelope and sufficient stamps to send the certificate. Please note that the Consular Section will not bear responsibility for any loss, delay or damage that occurs as a result of posting the certificate to you.
4. Collection from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other Embassy of Japan
You need to submit the "Request for changing the location (for receipt by applicant / for receipt by attorney)" at the time of application.
No charge
Approximately 2 months
The Police Certificate can only be submitted to foreign government institutions. We cannot issue the certificate for personal or private enterprises. There are also limitations placed on what this certificate can be used for, such as obtaining citizenship, permanent residence, and work permits. Depending on the purpose of your application, you may be required to submit additional documents or may not qualify to apply.
Main Purpose
- To obtain residence permit, work permit.
- To obtain permit to work in the restriction area of the Helsinki airport.
- Au-Pair application to participate
- Activity interacting with children
Condition
Required Documents
- Application Form / Example
- Valid Passport: It must be valid for more than 4 months after the date you apply for this certificate.
- Fingerprint Form (provided in the embassy)
- Document certifying that you’re required to submit your police certificate (depend on the purpose)
- (If necessary) Document explaining you hope to expedite your procedure (free format)
- (If necessary) Application form for an apostille ( Application format, Example)
Application and Collection
The appointment of visiting the embasy is mandatory for your application.
Please send by e-mai l (shinsei<at>hk.mofa.go.jp) with the purpose of the police certificate (where it will be submitted) and your preferred date and time for the visit.
WAYS TO COLLECT:
1. Collection from the Embassy of Japan in Finland
You must bring your valid passport once again for identification purposes.
2. Collection by an authorized person
If you would like to send someone to collect it for you, let us know the nominated person's identity upon your application. The proxy must bring his/her valid passport and the Power of Attorney with applicant's physical signature (free format).
3. By post
You are required to provide an envelope and sufficient stamps to send the certificate. Please note that the Consular Section will not bear responsibility for any loss, delay or damage that occurs as a result of posting the certificate to you.
4. Collection from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or other Embassy of Japan
You need to submit the "Request for changing the location (for receipt by applicant / for receipt by attorney)" at the time of application.