Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia: Get it Now!

Looking for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for the Saudi Kingdom? A criminal records report (CRR) is a service available online for eligible Saudi citizens and residents via Absher. This report is known as a Saudi PCC, a police clearance certificate, a criminal record certificate or a certificate of good conduct.

The official online route is:

Absher → My Services → Public Services → Absher Reports → Request Report → Criminal Records Report.

This Saudi Police Clearance Certificate guide covers details on who is eligible to use the PCC document, how you can request this certificate online, information you will need, the service duration, fees, the validity period and how you can verify this document.

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.

Methods to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia

Here are the main routes people use to get a Saudi police certificate:

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

Let’s go through each method in detail.

Method 1: Through 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 using absher refernece number.

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

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

Method 2: 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.

Read Also: Fast Dubai Visa From Qatar Online – Step-by-Step Guide

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) and valid Iqama
• 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

Return on the given date with your receipt to collect it.

If the receipt is lost:

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

Processing Time

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

Good news on cost: the Ministry of Interior doesn’t charge for the in-person certificate. The catch is that only a certificate collected in person can be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so if the country asking for it needs attestation, go the police-station route. And if you’re an expat about to leave on final exit, get it before you go – it’s very hard to obtain from abroad.

In most cases:

• The certificate is generally valid for one year, though many receiving authorities want one issued within the last 3–6 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.

Read More: Update Iqama in SNB Online: Everything You Need to Know

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does immigration require a Saudi police clearance certificate?

Often, yes. Many immigration authorities ask for one if you’ve lived in Saudi Arabia for a significant period, so check their exact rule.

Can someone apply on my behalf?

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

Is attestation required?

Some countries want MOFA attestation, and only certificates issued in person can be attested, so check with the requesting authority first.

Is it open to residents after leaving Saudi Arabia?

Usually not. Expats who’ve left on final exit generally can’t get one, so apply before you leave – Saudi citizens abroad can go through a Saudi embassy.

Read Also: How to Calculate a Loan in Kuwait (CBK Rules + 2026 Guide)

See also our step-by-step Absher police clearance guide, and make sure your Iqama is valid before you apply.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia does not have to make it difficult to get a Police Clearance Certificate. Apply 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.