The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Saudi Arabia happens to be one of the most demanded documents in case you are planning to immigrate, study, or work in another country upon leaving Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities also give this certificate and attest that you were not on a criminal record in the Kingdom.
- By Absher
- By the MOI website
- By goverment .sa
Here, in this elaborate guide, I will guide you through the whole Saudi PCC process, whether you are still within the Kingdom or an overseas applicant.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia?
A Police clearance certificate is a document that is approved by the Saudi government, and it is a statement that explains whether you are a criminal or not in the course of your stay in the Kingdom.
Methods to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia
In case you are asking yourself how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Saudi Arabia, it is possible to apply via online options through three official websites:
1. via Absher
Step 1: Log in to Absher
- Visit the Absher portal.
Step 2: Log in to Absher
- Log in with your username (or Iqama number), password, and OTP.
Step 3: Select Service
- Click on “Criminal Record (Police Clearance Certificate)”.
- Choose your region.
Step 4: Enter your Detail
- Go to Electronic Services > My Services > General Services > Absher Reports > Request a Report > Criminal Records Report.
- Click on ” Verify my details”.
Step 5: Download the report
- Choose the purpose (visa, immigration, work) and the destination country, then submit. You can view and print the report, or have it delivered to your National Address.
- Your first report is free. After that it’s about SAR 57.70, and courier delivery costs roughly SAR 17 extra.
Step 6: Receive Certificate
- Processing will then become the Police Clearance Certificate.
- You can either pick it up or it can be delivered to you (when it is possible).
Read more: Renew Iqama in Saudi Arabia
2. via gov.sa
Step 1: Access the Unified National Platform
- Visit my.gov.sa.
- Log in using your National Single Sign-On (Nafath) account.
Step 2: Search for Service
- In the search bar, type “Police Clearance Certificate” or “Criminal Record”.
- Choose the intermediate service of the Ministry of Interior (MOI).
Step 3: Request PCC
- Submit the online request form with your details.
- Upload required documents if asked.
Step 4: Book an Appointment
- Some requests may redirect you to Absher for scheduling.
Step 5: Complete Verification
- Give biometrics or other details in the police premises upon request.
Step 6: Collect Certificate
- After the completion of the processing, download the certificate using the portal or pick up the certificate at the office.
3. via MOI Website
Heads-up: the MOI site now routes this service to Absher, so in practice you’ll finish the request there. The steps below are still a useful map, but you won’t need to upload photos or book a police station visit for the standard report.
Step 1: Visit MOI Portal
- Go to the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website: moi.gov.sa.
Step 2: Log in with Credentials
- Sign in using your Nafath or Absher account.
Step 3: Navigate to e-Services
- Click on “e-Services”.
- Choose the Public Security in the list.
Step 4: Choose Police Clearance Certificate
- Choose the service of a Criminal record / Police clearance certificate.
- Fill in your details.
Step 5: Submit Request
- Check that your Iqama details are correct and the purpose and destination country are filled in.
- Confirm and submit the request.
Required Documents
Once issued, the Absher report is valid for 30 days, so don’t request it too early. If it’s going abroad for immigration or a work visa, the receiving country may also want it attested or apostilled and translated. Check the embassy’s rules first, because that step often takes longer than getting the report itself.
- Copies + original Iqama (Residence Permit) of a valid one.
- Valid Passport– original and copy
- An active Absher account, a registered National Address and biometrics on file with the MOI
- Destination country and purpose of the report (you enter these online)
- Letter of Employer or of Embassy (in case of immigration or work in another country)
- Exit/Re-entry Visa Copy (if applying before final exit)
- Power of Attorney (only if applying on behalf of someone)
FAQs
Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia?
A PCC is a printed document of your criminal record status in Saudi Arabia.
Can the application be made in Saudi Arabia to the PCC?
You can do it online through Absher, my.gov.sa, or the MOI site, and come to the police station to verify the same.
What are the required documents for PCC?
You’ll need a valid Iqama, an active Absher account, a registered National Address and your biometrics on file. The letter from the employer/embassy might be necessary.
Considering the time spent on obtaining a PCC in Saudi Arabia?
It’s usually issued within one working day. Courier delivery takes 3–5 working days, and the report is valid for 30 days.
Read more: Zain SIM Activation in KSA
Your Iqama needs to be valid for the request to go through, so it’s worth a quick Iqama expiry date check first. If it’s close to lapsing, sort out the Iqama renewal before you apply, and clear anything flagged in an Iqama fine check.
Final Words
Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia is not difficult via Absher, my.gov.sa, or the MOI portal. You should have your Iqama, passport, and photos ready, make an appointment, and verify. You can obtain your Saudi PCC in no time to immigrate, work, or study in another country.
