Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia (PCC Guide)

Need a police clearance certificate from Saudi Arabia and don’t know where to start? It is a necessary procedure regardless of whether you are seeking immigration, a work visa, family sponsorship, or any other official procedure, and to many individuals, it may seem complicated and even distressing to get a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

This is a step-by-step, detailed guide on how to obtain a police clearance certificate in Saudi Arabia through official means.

• MyGovernment.sa
• Absher
• By visiting a police station.

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), a Criminal Record Certificate, is a document used to confirm the criminal record of a person by Saudi authorities regarding his or her residence in the Kingdom.

The certificate is usually necessary in:

• Immigration and permanent residency
• Employment abroad
• Family sponsorship
• Study visas
• Government or embassy verification

The issuance of PCCs is secured and reliable as Saudi Arabia issues it with the help of official digital platforms and police stations.

Who Needs a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate?

You might be required to present a certificate from the police in Saudi Arabia in case:

• You have lived or worked in Saudi Arabia before.
• You are either seeking immigration, PR, or citizenship.
• You are moving to another international job.
• An embassy or foreign authority requests it
• You are providing sponsorship to family members.
• You have been applying for a study or work visa.

Both citizens and expatriate residents of Saudi Arabia may apply, although the procedure might be varied according to eligibility and access to the system.

Methods to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi authorities are now offering three official means of obtaining a police certificate by the applicant:

1. MyGovernment.sa website
2. Absher platform
3. Visiting your nearest police station

Let’s go through each method in detail.

Method 1: Through MyGovernment.sa Website

MyGovernment.sa is the central portal of the digital services of Saudi Arabia that enables qualified users to access the services of government documentation online.

Steps to Apply via MyGovernment.sa

• Visit the official MyGovernment.sa portal

• Log in using your National ID or Absher credentials
• Criminal Record Certificate / Police Clearance Certificate Search.

• Open the criminal record report and open the service.

• Submit the required information
• Verify your identity digitally
• Track the status of your application

Who Can Use This Method?

• Saudi nationals
• Active digital identity access by residents.

Processing Time

• Usually 3–7 working days

This is the best process to use when the user wants an online and paperless process.

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Method 2: Through the Absher

The most trusted and commonly used platform of government services in Saudi Arabia is Absher. It is the most preferred mode among most applicants.

via Absher

• Go to the Absher website.

• Navigate to Services

• Choose Police Clearance / Criminal Record Certificate

• Click on Start Services Criminal Record Certificate.

• Submit your request
• Complete digital verification
• Receive confirmation and status updates

Key Benefits of Absher

• Fully online process
• Fast verification
• Secure and official
• No physical visit required (in most cases)

Processing Time

• 1-5 working days in most cases

In case you have access to Absher, it is the quickest and simplest way.

Method 3: Visit Your Nearest Police Station

In case no online services are accessible or relevant, you may apply to a police station at the physical level. It is still a valid approach that is widely used.

via Police Station

Step 1: Visit Your Nearest Police Station

Go to the police station that has your area of residence under its jurisdiction.

Step 2: Bring an Official Request Letter

You should bring an official letter from the authority that demands the certificate, making it clear that:

• The purpose of the police certificate
• Your full name and identification details

This letter is mandatory.

Step 3: Carry Required Identification & Photo

For Saudi Citizens:

• Original National ID
• One 6×4 cm color photograph

For Residents (Expats):

• Passport (original)
• One 6×4 cm color photograph

Step 4: Complete Identity Verification

A police officer will:

• Verify your identity
• Review documents
• Verify your records by taking your fingerprints.

Step 5: Receive the Acknowledgment Receipt

One will be provided with a receipt that attests:

• Your application submission
• The date for certificate collection

Step 6: Collect the Certificate in Person

Hereby deliver on a specified date with your receipt.

If the receipt is lost:

• Report the loss
• Re-verify your identity
• Collect the certificate after confirmation

Processing Time for Saudi Police Certificate

The processing time can be different under the condition of the approach:

• Absher / MyGovernment.sa: 1–7 working days
• Police Station: 7–14 working days

Delays may occur due to:

• Document mismatch
• Incomplete request letters
• High application volume

Validity of Saudi Police Clearance Certificate

In most cases:

• Validity ranges from 3 to 6 months
• Immigration officers can establish certain validity regulations.

Always confirm validity requirements with the requesting authority.

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

Absher Not Showing PCC Option

• Make sure that your Absher account has been fully verified.
• Provide personal information where necessary.

Name or Passport Mismatch

• Make sure that the documents are the same.
• Fix the right mistakes before the application.

Fingerprint Issues

• Make sure that fingerprints are readable.
• Do not use damaged fingerprints.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does immigration require a Saudi police clearance certificate?

Yes. It is mandatory in most immigration authorities, provided you spent not less than six months in Saudi Arabia.

Can someone apply on my behalf?

In the majority of cases, one is asked to look presentable or authenticate online access.

Is attestation required?

Attestation is necessary with certain embassies; never doubt the requesting authority.

Is it open to residents after leaving Saudi Arabia?

Yes, in most of them, by the coordination of the embassies or by official practice.

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Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia does not have to make it difficult to get a Police Clearance Certificate. Applying via MyGovernment.sa Absher, or by visiting a police station, the right steps are followed to make the application a smooth and successful process.

I hope that this guide will provide you with clarity, confidence, and control, so that you can finish your application without confusion and stress.