Police Clearance Certificate from Saudi Arabia: Complete 2026 Guide

A police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia (also called a Saudi PCC or Criminal Record Report) is an official document issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior that confirms whether you have any criminal record during your stay in the Kingdom.

If you have lived or worked in Saudi Arabia for more than six months and are now planning to immigrate to Canada, Australia, the UK, the UAE, or apply for a new job abroad, this certificate is almost always mandatory.

This guide covers everything: how to apply if you are still in Saudi Arabia, how to get it from abroad after final exit, exact costs, processing times, required documents, attestation steps, and what to do if your application is rejected.

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate from Saudi Arabia?

A police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia is an official government document that verifies your criminal record status during the period you resided in the Kingdom under a valid Iqama (residence permit).

The certificate is issued by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation under the Ministry of Interior and confirms either that you have no criminal record or lists any offences, arrests, court proceedings, or convictions registered against you during your stay.

Who Issues It?

The document is issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior through the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation. It’s available in both Arabic and English and contains your personal details, Iqama number, period of residence, and criminal record status.If you’re relocating to the UAE for employment, you may also need to understand UAE residence visa requirements and potential labour law implications.

Where Is It Required?

The certificate is typically required by:

• Foreign governments for immigration and permanent residency applications
• Employers in sensitive sectors (healthcare, education, finance, security)
• Universities for international student admissions
• Adoption agencies and family sponsorship authorities
• Professional licensing boards in regulated industries

Countries like Canada, Australia, the United States, New Zealand, and most EU nations require applicants who have lived in Saudi Arabia for six months or more to submit a Saudi PCC as part of their visa or immigration application.

Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate from Saudi Arabia?

You will need to obtain a police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia if you have resided in the Kingdom for six months or more and are now in any of the following situations:

Immigration and Permanent Residency

• Applying for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada, Australia, the UK, USA, or New Zealand
• Immigration authorities require background checks from every country where you lived for more than six months since turning 16 or 18 (depending on jurisdiction)

Employment

• Applying for a work visa or employment permit in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, or another GCC country
• New employer requires a background check before issuing an offer letter

Education

• Applying for a long-term study visa for university programs in the USA, UK, Canada, or Europe

Family Sponsorship

• Sponsoring family members for dependent visas where the sponsoring country requires your criminal background check

Professional Licensing

• Applying for professional licensing in regulated industries such as medicine, nursing, teaching, law, or finance
• Countries require foreign criminal record verification before issuing professional credentials

Adoption

• Involved in adoption proceedings where foreign authorities require a clean criminal record from all countries of prior residence

Even if you left Saudi Arabia years ago, immigration authorities and employers will still require the Saudi PCC if your residence there exceeded six months.

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How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from Saudi Arabia: Four Methods

There are four primary methods to obtain a police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia depending on your current location and residency status.

Method 1: Online via Absher (If You Are Currently in Saudi Arabia)

If you are still residing in Saudi Arabia with a valid Iqama, the fastest and easiest method is to apply online through the Absher platform.

Prerequisites

• Active Absher account
• Valid Iqama (residence permit)
• Registered Saudi National Address
• Biometric verification with Ministry of Interior
• Valid payment method (credit/debit card or STC Pay)

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Log in to your Absher account at absher.sa

Step 2: Navigate to My Services > Public Services > Absher Reports

Step 3: Click on “Criminal Records Report” or “Request Report”

Step 4: Fill in required details:

• Iqama number
• ID number
• Date of birth
• Select the destination country (Canada, Australia, UAE, USA, etc.)

Step 5: Review details and click “Submit Request”

Step 6: Pay the fee of SAR 57.50 (approx. USD 15.33 or AED 56)

Step 7: Wait for processing (typically 1-4 hours)

Step 8: Download your certificate from Absher Reports > View Previous Requests

Step 9: Optionally request physical delivery to your National Address (SAR 17 fee, 3-5 working days)

Cost Breakdown (Absher Method)

• Absher application fee: SAR 57.50 (~USD 15)
• Optional delivery: SAR 17 (~USD 4.50)
• MOFA attestation: SAR 50 (~USD 13)
• English translation: SAR 50-100 (~USD 13-27)
• Total: SAR 120-220 (~USD 32-59)

Method 2: Manual Application via Embassy Route (If in Saudi Arabia)

This method involves obtaining an endorsement letter from your embassy and applying through a police station.

Step 1: Get Embassy Endorsement Letter

Visit your country’s embassy or consulate in Saudi Arabia and submit:

• Copy of digital Iqama
• Copy of valid passport
• One color photograph (6×4 cm)
• Duly filled application form
• Embassy fee: SAR 0-100 (varies by nationality)

Download forms:

• Authority Letter for Pakistan
• Endorsement Letter for India
• Endorsement Letter for Philippines

Step 2: MOFA Attestation of Endorsement Letter

Book appointment at Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and get the endorsement letter attested (no translation needed).

Step 3: Police Station Appointment

Contact the Department of Criminal Evidence at your local police station (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam) and schedule an appointment.

Step 4: Submit Documents

Visit the police station with:

• Original authority letter (with MOFA attestation)
• Copy of digital Iqama
• Copy of valid passport
• One color photograph (6×4 cm)
• Fingerprints (may be taken on-site)

Step 5: Pay Police Fee

Typically SAR 50-100 depending on location.

Step 6: Collect Certificate

Processing time: 1-2 weeks. You’ll be given a collection date.

Step 7: MOFA Attestation of Certificate

Take the issued certificate to MOFA for attestation (SAR 50 fee).

Step 8: English Translation

Use an authorized translation office (SAR 50-100).

Step 9: Optional Embassy Attestation of Translation

Some countries require the translation to be attested by your embassy (SAR 50-100).

Cost Breakdown (Manual Method)

• Embassy endorsement: SAR 0-100
• MOFA attestation (endorsement): SAR 50
• Police fee: SAR 50-100
• MOFA attestation (certificate): SAR 50
• Translation: SAR 50-100
• Optional embassy attestation: SAR 50-100
• Total: SAR 250-450 (~USD 67-120)

Method 3: Applying from Abroad After Final Exit

If you’ve already left Saudi Arabia, you have two routes:

Route A: Authorize a Representative in Saudi Arabia

Grant Power of Attorney to a trusted person in Saudi Arabia to apply on your behalf.

Your representative must submit:

• Original Power of Attorney (attested by Saudi embassy in your current country)
• Original local police clearance from your current residence (with fingerprints, attested by Saudi embassy, with Arabic translation)
• Copy of previous passport(s) showing Saudi visa pages, entry/exit stamps
• Copy of Saudi Iqama
• Two recent passport photos (white background)
• Copy of employment certificate from your Saudi employer

Process:

1. Your embassy in Saudi Arabia obtains MOFA approval via diplomatic Note Verbale
2. Representative makes police appointment
3. Representative submits all documents
4. Representative collects certificate on prescribed date

Route B: Return to Saudi Arabia on Umrah or Visit Visa

If you don’t have a representative:

• Apply for Umrah visa or tourist visit visa
• Enter Saudi Arabia
• Follow Method 2 (manual application process)
• This route is more expensive (visa + travel + accommodation) but more straightforward

Cost Breakdown (From Abroad via Representative)

• Saudi embassy attestation (fingerprints): USD 40-100
• Arabic translation: USD 30-50
• Courier to Saudi Arabia: USD 50-100
• Representative service fee: SAR 500-1000 (~USD 133-267)
• Police & MOFA fees: SAR 200-300 (~USD 53-80)
• Return courier: USD 50-100
• Total: USD 350-650 (~SAR 1313-2438)

Method 4: Professional PCC Service Providers

Many expatriates use professional agencies that handle the entire process.

Popular Agencies:

• Trueway International
• Helpline Group
• Leaves International
• Globoprime
• Fingerprint Expert

What They Do:

• Document collection and verification
• Embassy coordination
• Fingerprinting assistance and attestation
• MOFA attestation
• English translation
• Courier delivery to your address worldwide

Cost Breakdown (Professional Service)

• All-inclusive service fee: USD 200-500 (~SAR 750-1875)
• Expedited processing (if available): +USD 100-200
• Total: USD 200-700 (~SAR 750-2625)

Processing Time:

• Standard: 2-4 weeks
• Expedited: 1-2 weeks

Required Documents for Saudi Police Clearance Certificate

Regardless of method, you’ll need these core documents:

Essential Documents

1. Valid passport showing all pages (especially Saudi visa pages and entry/exit stamps)
2. Copy of Saudi Iqama (residence permit)
3. Employment certificate from Saudi employer (job title, dates, employer stamp)
4. Recent passport photos (2 photos, white background, 6×4 cm or 2×2 inches)
5. Completed application form (from embassy, police, or service provider)

Additional Documents for Manual/Abroad Applications

6. Endorsement/authority letter from your embassy in Saudi Arabia
7. Fingerprint card (if applying from abroad – must be attested by Saudi embassy)
8. Arabic translation of fingerprint card and foreign documents

Complete Cost Breakdown

Here’s a comprehensive cost comparison across all methods:

If You Are in Saudi Arabia (Absher)

Item	Cost (SAR)	Cost (USD)
Absher fee	57.50	15.33
Delivery (optional)	17	4.53
MOFA attestation	50	13.33
Translation	50-100	13-27
TOTAL	120-220	32-59

If You Are in Saudi Arabia (Manual)

Item	Cost (SAR)	Cost (USD)
Embassy endorsement	0-100	0-27
MOFA attestation (endorsement)	50	13
Police fee	50-100	13-27
MOFA attestation (certificate)	50	13
Translation	50-100	13-27
Embassy attestation (optional)	50-100	13-27
TOTAL	250-450	67-120

If You Are Abroad (Representative)

Item	Cost (SAR)	Cost (USD)
Fingerprint attestation	–	40-100
Translation	–	30-50
Courier to Saudi	–	50-100
Representative fee	500-1000	133-267
Police & MOFA fees	200-300	53-80
Return courier	–	50-100
TOTAL	1313-2438	350-650

If Using Professional Service

Item	Cost (SAR)	Cost (USD)
All-inclusive fee	750-1875	200-500
Expedited (optional)	375-750	100-200
TOTAL	750-2625	200-700

Processing Time: How Long Does It Take?

Absher Online (If in Saudi Arabia)

• Standard processing: 1-4 hours
• Download availability: 30 days from issuance

Manual Application (If in Saudi Arabia)

• Embassy endorsement: 1-3 working days
• MOFA attestation (endorsement): 1-2 working days
• Police background check: 1-2 weeks
• MOFA attestation (certificate): 1-2 working days
• English translation: 1-2 working days
• Total: 2-3 weeks

From Abroad (Via Representative)

• Saudi embassy attestation (home country): 1-2 weeks
• Courier to Saudi Arabia: 3-7 days
• Embassy/MOFA approval: 1-2 weeks
• Police background check: 2-3 weeks
• MOFA attestation & translation: 1 week
• Return courier: 5-10 days
• Total: 6-10 weeks

Professional Service Provider

• Standard: 2-4 weeks
• Expedited: 1-2 weeks (additional fee)

Processing increases significantly if there are document discrepancies, criminal records requiring verification, or unclear fingerprints.

Common Reasons for Application Rejection

Your application may be rejected for these reasons:

Criminal Record Issues

• Arrests, charges, or convictions during your Saudi stay
• The certificate will either be rejected or reflect the criminal history

Document Discrepancies

• Mismatched personal details (name spelling, date of birth, Iqama number)
• Any inconsistency between passport, Iqama, fingerprints, and application

Fingerprint Problems

• Smudged, partial, or illegible fingerprints
• Must be taken by qualified professionals on correct format

Residency Record Issues

• Ministry of Interior cannot locate your Iqama/residency records
• Common if you worked on freelance visa, overstayed, or employer didn’t register Iqama properly

Expired Documentation

• Iqama expired before you left Saudi Arabia
• Not renewed or cancelled properly

Missing Attestations

• Incorrect embassy endorsement
• Missing MOFA attestation

Outstanding Issues

• Unpaid traffic fines
• Visa overstay penalties
• Unresolved legal cases

Previous Deportation

• If you were deported or have active travel ban

Can You Reapply?

Yes, in most cases. Once you identify and resolve the issue (correct details, resubmit fingerprints, clear fines), you can reapply.

However, if rejection is due to criminal record, the certificate will reflect your legal history and cannot be “cleared” by reapplying.

Attestation and Translation Requirements

After obtaining your certificate, most foreign authorities require attestation and translation.

MOFA Attestation

Why It’s Required:

MOFA attestation confirms the document is genuine and issued by an authorized Saudi government body.

Process:

1. Visit MOFA office in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam
2. Submit original police clearance certificate
3. Pay fee: SAR 50 (~USD 13)
4. Collect attested certificate (1-2 working days)

The MOFA stamp is placed on the back of the certificate.

English Translation

Why It’s Required:

Original certificates are issued in Arabic. Most immigration authorities (Canada, Australia, UK, USA, EU) require English translation.

Process:

In Saudi Arabia:

• Use authorized translation office in major cities
• Cost: SAR 50-100 per document
• Time: 1-2 working days

If Abroad:

• Use NAATI-certified translator (Australia)
• Use certified translator (Canada)
• Use equivalent in your country
• Cost varies by country

Embassy Attestation of Translation (Optional)

When Required:

Some countries (like Canada) require the English translation to be attested by your home embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Process:

1. Take both original Arabic certificate (with MOFA attestation) and English translation to your embassy
2. Pay embassy fee: SAR 50-100
3. Receive embassy stamp confirming translation accuracy

Important Note on Apostille

Saudi Arabia is not a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents cannot be apostilled – they must go through traditional attestation:

1. MOFA attestation in Saudi Arabia
2. Embassy attestation in destination country (if required)

Validity Period of the Certificate

The certificate itself has no expiration date printed on it.

However, the accepting authority determines how recent it must be:

Authority	Validity Period
Canadian Immigration (IRCC)	6 months
Australian Home Affairs	12 months
UK Home Office	6 months (varies by visa type)
UAE/GCC Employment	3-6 months
US Immigration	6-12 months

Absher Download Period:

You can view and download your certificate for 30 days after issuance in Absher. After that, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.

Special Cases and Considerations

If You Worked for Less Than Six Months

Most immigration authorities only require PCCs from countries where you resided for six months or more.

If your stay was shorter, check with the requesting authority – in most cases, a Saudi PCC won’t be required.

If You Have a Criminal Record in Saudi Arabia

Your certificate will reflect:

• Nature of offence
• Court proceedings
• Outcome/conviction details

This doesn’t automatically disqualify you from immigration or employment, but the receiving country/employer will assess individually.

What to Do:

• Consult an immigration lawyer in your destination country
• Minor offences or dismissed cases may have less impact than serious crimes

If You Cannot Locate Your Old Iqama

What to Try:

• Look for old employment letters, visa copies, or passport pages showing Iqama number
• Contact your former Saudi employer for employment records
• Ministry of Interior maintains electronic records – they can locate you via passport number

If you genuinely cannot find records, contact the Saudi embassy in your current country for guidance.

If Your Saudi Employer Has Closed Down

You can still apply – the certificate is based on Ministry of Interior records, not your employer’s current status.

However, you may struggle to get an employment certificate.

Solution:

• Provide old salary slips, employment contracts
• Write a statutory declaration explaining the situation

If you’re concerned about re-entering the UAE after working in Saudi Arabia, verify your status through travel ban checks in UAE before booking travel.

Quick Takeaways

• Required if: You lived in Saudi Arabia for 6+ months and are now applying for immigration, employment abroad, or foreign visa
• Four methods: Absher online (in Saudi), manual via embassy (in Saudi), authorized representative (abroad), professional service provider
• Costs: SAR 120 (~USD 32) via Absher to USD 700+ via professional service from abroad
• Processing time: 1-4 hours (Absher) to 6-10 weeks (from abroad via representative)
• Must be attested: MOFA attestation + English translation required for most foreign authorities
• Common rejections: Criminal record, mismatched details, unclear fingerprints, incomplete residency records.f you have legal concerns in the UAE, consult our guides on how to check police case in UAE online and Dubai police case check
• Validity: Accepted if issued within 6-12 months (varies by authority)
• Apply early: Start the process as soon as you know you’ll need it

Verify your Saudi legal status before applying for PCC

Make sure you have no criminal records or travel bans — check now to avoid application rejection.

Check Saudi Status →

Obtaining a police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia is a mandatory step for most expatriates seeking to immigrate, work, or study abroad.

The process has been significantly simplified for current residents through Absher, but for those who have already left the Kingdom, it remains complex and typically requires either a trusted representative or professional attestation agency.

Understanding which method applies to your situation, gathering correct documents, ensuring clear fingerprints, and budgeting for costs and processing times are critical to success.

If you have a criminal record or face document discrepancies, seek professional legal advice early. With proper preparation, most applicants can successfully obtain their Saudi PCC without major delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia?

Absher online (in Saudi): 1-4 hours. Manual application (in Saudi): 2-3 weeks. From abroad via representative: 6-10 weeks. Professional service: 2-4 weeks standard, 1-2 weeks expedited.

How much does a Saudi police clearance certificate cost?

Absher: SAR 57.50 (~USD 15) plus attestation/translation totaling SAR 120-220 (~USD 32-59). Manual in Saudi: SAR 250-450 (~USD 67-120). From abroad via representative: USD 350-650. Professional service: USD 200-700.

Can I get a Saudi PCC if I’ve already left the country?

Yes. Authorize a representative in Saudi Arabia, return on Umrah/visit visa, or use a professional PCC service provider. You’ll need an attested fingerprint card from your current country.

Do I need a Saudi PCC if I only worked there for 3 months?

Most immigration authorities only require PCCs from countries where you resided for 6+ months. Check with your specific requesting authority, but typically no for stays under 6 months.

What if my Saudi PCC shows a criminal record?

The certificate will reflect it. This doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but the receiving country/employer will assess your case individually. Minor/dismissed cases have less impact than serious crimes. Consult an immigration lawyer.

How do I get my Saudi PCC attested and translated?

Take it to Saudi MOFA for attestation (SAR 50). Have it translated by authorized translation office (SAR 50-100). Some countries require the translation attested by your embassy (SAR 50-100).

Can I apply through Absher if I’m no longer in Saudi Arabia?

No. Absher requires active Iqama and biometric verification within Saudi Arabia. If you’ve left, use authorized representative, return on visit visa, or professional service.

What is the validity period of a Saudi PCC?

No expiration date on the certificate itself, but most authorities require it issued within 6-12 months of submission. Canada: 6 months. Australia: 12 months. UAE: 3-6 months.

You’re absolutely right – I missed the government resources and outbound links. Let me add the References section with proper government links:

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References

1. Criminal Records Report — National Platform. Government of Saudi Arabia. my.gov.sa/en/services/112121
2. Absher Platform — Ministry of Interior. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. absher.sa
3. Saudi Police Clearance Letter. U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia. sa.usembassy.gov/saudi-police-clearance-letter
4. Obtaining a Saudi Police Clearance. Australian Embassy in Saudi Arabia. saudiarabia.embassy.gov.au/ryad/clear_saudi.html
5. Ministry of Interior — Riyadh Police. Government of Saudi Arabia. moi.gov.sa
6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Document Attestation. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mofa.gov.sa
7. Police Clearance Certificate Requirements — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Government of Canada. canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
8. Character Requirements — Department of Home Affairs. Australian Government. homeaffairs.gov.au