Thai Police Clearance Certificate for an Australian Visa

A Thai police clearance certificate may be needed as part of an Australian visa application. It provides evidence for the Department of Home Affairs to consider when assessing your character.

The documents required depend on your visa subclass, age and residence history. Check your application checklist and any request from Home Affairs before arranging a certificate.

Who needs a police certificate for an Australian visa?

Police certificates are particularly relevant to family and partner visa applications. Home Affairs family visa guidance requires certificates for countries where the relevant person has spent at least 12 months during the past 10 years.

The time can be cumulative. Several periods in the same country may add up to 12 months, even where no single stay lasted a year. The guidance also addresses character requirements for family members aged over 16, including certain non-migrating family members.

Use the checklist for your visa subclass and follow any individual request. Do not assume that every short-term visitor must obtain a police certificate before applying.

For settlement applications, see our Australian partner visa guide for a Thai wife or partner.

Where do you apply for Thai police clearance?

The official Police Clearance Service Center publishes its location as:

Public Service Center of the Special Branch Bureau
2nd floor, 27/40 Soi Vibhavadi Rangsit 27
Thung Song Hong, Lak Si
Bangkok 10210
Telephone: +66 2 551 1999

Check the official Police Clearance Service Center website before travelling for current instructions, opening arrangements and the checklist that applies to you.

Documents for Thai applicants living in Thailand

The official checklist includes the following core documents, with additional evidence depending on the purpose of the application:

• A valid passport.
• Thai national identity card.
• Household registration document.
• Name or surname change documents, where applicable.
• Marriage or divorce documents, where applicable.
• Military documents for relevant Thai male applicants.
• A police check request or evidence of the visa application.

Further documents may be needed for minors and for particular work, residence or marriage purposes. Prepare originals and copies according to the official instructions.

View the official document requirements.

Can you apply while living outside Thailand?

The Police Clearance Service Center provides separate instructions for applicants living abroad, including a postal application route. Use the overseas checklist rather than the instructions for applicants attending in Thailand.

Check the requirements for fingerprints, supporting documents and returning the certificate before sending your application. Keep copies of your submission and proof of postage.

Read the official overseas application instructions.

How long is a police certificate valid?

Home Affairs states that police certificates are valid for 12 months from their issue date for its visa character assessment. It may request a replacement, including where you return to a country after an earlier certificate has expired.

Plan the timing around your application. Obtaining a certificate too early may mean you need another one later. If Home Affairs has given you a submission deadline, start the process promptly.

Do you also need an Australian police check?

If an Australian certificate is required, Home Affairs accepts an Australian Federal Police National Police Check, rather than a state or territory police certificate.

Select Code 33 for Immigration or Citizenship for supply to Home Affairs and include all names you have used. Home Affairs says fingerprints are not required for its Australian police checks.

Read the official police certificate guidance.

What if you have a criminal record?

Answer the application questions honestly, including questions about convictions and charges awaiting legal action. A police certificate does not replace the obligation to provide truthful answers and requested information.

A criminal history requires careful assessment. Avoid assuming that a particular sentence automatically guarantees either approval or refusal. For a character issue, obtain advice from an Australian registered migration agent or appropriately qualified Australian legal practitioner.

Read Home Affairs character requirements.

Preparing your documents for submission

Before submitting the certificate, check that your name and personal details are correct. Explain any differences between your passport, previous names and supporting records.

• Keep a clear scan of every page and retain the original.
• Follow the application instructions for documents requiring translation.
• Check that you have supplied certificates for all countries requested.
• If a certificate is delayed, explain the position before the deadline and provide evidence of your application for it.

Requesting extra time does not guarantee that an extension will be granted. Keep checking your application correspondence.

Related Australian visa guides

• Australian Partner Visa for a Thai Wife or Partner
• Australian Visitor Visa Subclass 600 for Thai Nationals
• Australian Visa Application Support in Thailand