How to Get Police Clearance Certificate in Namibia 2026 - Requirements, Fee, Time Guide

Introduction

Police clearance certificate (also called criminal record clearance or certificate of good conduct) is required for almost all formal jobs in Namibia: Government (GRN), FNB Namibia, Bank Windhoek, Old Mutual, Sanlam, Hollard Insurance, Shoprite, MTC, teaching, security, driving jobs. It is also required for car insurance claims, home loan applications at FNB and Bank Windhoek, personal loans, opening some bank accounts, and life insurance applications. This guide shows you where to apply, what you need, how much it costs, and how long it takes in 2026.

What is Police Clearance Certificate?

Police clearance certificate is a document from NAMPOL (Namibian Police) that shows whether you have a criminal record or not. It shows all previous convictions (if any). Most employers want clean police clearance (no criminal record). For banking and insurance jobs (FNB, Bank Windhoek, Old Mutual, Sanlam, Hollard), clean police clearance AND clean ITC credit check via TransUnion Namibia are required.

Where to Apply in Namibia 2026

Windhoek (Main Office - Fastest)

• NAMPOL Criminal Record Centre, Ausspanplatz, Corner of Robert Mugabe and John Meinert Street, Windhoek
• Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Windhoek - Immigration Office
• Open: Monday-Friday 08:00-16:00, Saturday 08:00-12:00 (Windhoek only)

Other Towns

• All regional police stations: Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Oshakati, Rundu, Katima Mulilo, Keetmanshoop, Otjiwarongo
• Time is longer in regions (4-8 weeks vs 2-6 weeks Windhoek) because fingerprints are sent to Windhoek

Requirements - What You Need

• Namibian ID or Passport - original + certified copy
• 2 passport photos - recent, white background
• Fee: N$80 normal, N$200 expedited, N$400 urgent (see below)
• Fingerprints: Taken at NAMPOL office - no need to bring own
• Application form: Provided at office, or download from nampol.gov.na

Cost and Time - 2026 Prices

Validity

Police clearance certificate is valid for 6 months from date of issue. After 6 months, most employers (FNB, Old Mutual, GRN) will ask for new one. So don't apply too early - apply when you start applying for jobs.

Why Police Clearance is Required for Banking, Insurance, Finance Jobs

1. Banking Jobs - FNB Namibia, Bank Windhoek, Standard Bank

FNB Namibia and Bank Windhoek handle cash, home loans, personal loans, credit cards, and customer bank accounts. They require clean police clearance + clean ITC credit check (TransUnion Namibia N$50 online, Compuscan) before hiring for:

• Bank Teller (N$10,000-15,000 salary + medical aid + pension)
• Consultant (N$18,000-28,000 + medical aid + pension + car allowance)
• Home Loan Consultant (N$18,000-25,000 + commission + car allowance + car insurance)
• Manager (N$35,000+ + benefits)

2. Insurance Jobs - Old Mutual, Sanlam, Hollard, Santam

Old Mutual, Sanlam, Hollard handle life insurance, funeral cover, car insurance, home insurance, medical aid, retirement annuities. They require clean police clearance + ITC because you handle sensitive client financial information and large sums:

• Insurance Broker (N$12,000 basic + commission N$10,000-30,000 from selling life insurance, funeral cover, car insurance)
• Financial Advisor (N$15,000 + commission + medical aid + pension + car allowance N$4,000 + car insurance benefit)
• Car Insurance Agent (N$12,000 + commission)

You must also have own car + valid driver's license + car insurance (Hollard, Old Mutual, Santam comprehensive from N$400/month Toyota Corolla) and smartphone with MTC data bundles for client visits.

3. Government Jobs (GRN) - All Ministries

All GRN jobs require police clearance: Admin Officer, HR Officer, Accountant, Cleaner, Driver. Apply early as GRN recruitment takes 2-3 months and police clearance is valid 6 months.

4. Finance Requirements - Home Loan, Car Insurance, Life Insurance

Even outside jobs, you need police clearance for:

• Home Loan at FNB Namibia and Bank Windhoek: FNB home loan civil servants at prime -2% (9.5%), Bank Windhoek Easy Home Loan, GIPF housing loan N$500k - all require police clearance + ITC + life insurance + home insurance
• Car Insurance Claim: If accident and you claim from Hollard, Old Mutual, Santam, they may ask for police clearance + police report
• Personal Loan: FNB personal loan up to N$250k, Bank Windhoek personal loan - require police clearance for large amounts + ITC
• Life Insurance: Old Mutual, Sanlam life insurance N$500k cover for N$150/month - require police clearance for large cover
• Opening Bank Account: Some FNB accounts for non-residents require police clearance

How to Expedite - If You Need It Urgently

If you got a job offer from FNB, Old Mutual, or need to claim car insurance at Hollard urgently:

1. Go to NAMPOL Criminal Record Centre, Ausspanplatz, Windhoek early (07:00)
2. Ask for expedited service - N$200 for 5-7 days, N$400 for 2 days
3. Bring ID, passport photos, cash
4. Explain urgency: "Job offer from FNB, need to start Monday" or "Car insurance claim, need to repair car"
5. They will prioritize

FAQ

• Can I apply online? No, you must go in person for fingerprints. But you can download form from nampol.gov.na and fill before going.
• What if I have criminal record? It will show on certificate. Some employers may still hire depending on offense and time passed. Banking and insurance (FNB, Old Mutual) are strict - clean record required.
• Can I use same certificate for multiple jobs? Yes, within 6 months validity. Make certified copies at police station N$10 per copy.
• Do I need police clearance for Shoprite, Pick n Pay? Yes, Shoprite and Pick n Pay require police clearance for cashier and manager roles (handling cash).