How Filipinos Can Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia

A practical legal guide for Filipinos—whether you’re still in the Kingdom or already back home.

1) What is a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Saudi Police Clearance Certificate—often called a “Criminal Record Certificate,” “Good Conduct Certificate,” or simply “Police Clearance”—is an official statement from Saudi authorities that, at the time of issuance, you have no record of conviction or that any record is as stated. It is commonly required for:

Immigration (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, EU)
Work visa or employment screening
Study, professional licensing, adoption, or long-term residency
Philippine purposes (e.g., consular/immigration submissions, private employment checks)

Key facts

Issuer: Ministry of Interior (MOI) – Criminal Evidence Department (CED), via local police directorates.
Primary identifiers: Passport and Iqama (residence ID).
Validity: Typically 3–6 months from date of issue (policy varies by recipient agency).
Language: Issued in Arabic. Certified translation is usually required for non-Arabic submissions.

2) Legal & procedural framework (Philippine-centric)

Use in the Philippines: After you obtain the Saudi PCC, you’ll almost always need:
1. Official Arabic-to-English translation; and
2. Apostille (since both the Philippines and Saudi Arabia are parties to the Apostille Convention).
Apostille mechanics:
- Saudi-issued PCC used in PH: Apostille in Saudi Arabia (through MOFA’s apostille system). Philippine recipients can then accept it without additional embassy legalization.
- Philippine documents for Saudi use (e.g., fingerprint cards originating in PH): Apostille the Philippine document at DFA-OCA so Saudi authorities can accept it without further embassy legalization.
Data privacy & identity: Expect biometric verification (ten-print). Keep copies of your old and new passports, old Iqama, and exit/re-entry documents.

3) Which path applies to you?

Choose the scenario that matches your status:

You are currently in Saudi Arabia (with Iqama or under a valid visit/work status).
You are outside Saudi Arabia but previously resided there (you once held an Iqama).
You never had an Iqama (e.g., short-term visitor only).
Your Iqama expired long ago, or you left on final exit and changed passports/names.
You have an ongoing or past police/court case in KSA.

Each path is detailed below.

4) Scenario A — You are in Saudi Arabia

A.1 Authorities involved

Criminal Evidence Department (CED) at the regional police (Riyadh/Jeddah/Dammam, etc.).
Ministry of Interior (appointments are often coordinated via Absher or local police portals).
Saudi MOFA for apostille after issuance.
Philippine Embassy/Consulate (Riyadh/Jeddah/Al Khobar) if an endorsement letter is requested by your police district (some regions still ask for this).

A.2 Core requirements

Current passport (original + copies).
Iqama (original + copies).
Recent photos (passport size), white background.
Appointment or referral/endorsement if the local CED requires it.
Employer letter (occasionally requested) confirming your identity/status.
Applicable fees (police processing + later apostille + translation).

A.3 Step-by-step

Check appointment channel. Book an appointment with the police/Criminal Evidence office in your city. Some districts accept walk-ins; others require an online slot.
(If required) Get an endorsement letter from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate addressed to the police/CED stating you need a PCC.
Biometrics & filing. Appear personally for identity check and fingerprinting (ten-print). Submit passport & Iqama copies and any forms provided at the station.
Release. Processing ranges from a few days to a few weeks depending on the city and workload. The PCC is issued in Arabic.
Translation & apostille.
- Obtain a certified translation into English.
- Get the Saudi apostille (through MOFA’s apostille facility) on the original Arabic PCC (some recipients prefer apostille on the original Arabic version; others accept apostille on both Arabic and the certified English translation—follow your end-user’s rule).
Use in PH or abroad. You can now submit the apostilled PCC (and translation if required) to NBI, a foreign embassy, PR authority, or employer.

Tip: Keep two sets—one original apostilled PCC for immigration; one spare for domestic use. Many agencies will not return original apostilled documents.

5) Scenario B — You are outside Saudi Arabia (former resident)

This is the most common path for OFWs who already returned to the Philippines.

B.1 Authorities involved

Local police in the Philippines (or NBI) for rolled fingerprints on a card.
DFA-OCA for apostille of the fingerprint card (and any cover letter).
Saudi mission may no longer be required for legalization if apostille is accepted; some police districts in KSA still ask for a consular endorsement—confirm requirements for the district handling your request.
Saudi police/CED (processing the PCC upon receipt of your authenticated fingerprint card).
Saudi MOFA apostille after issuance of the PCC.

B.2 Core requirements

Old Iqama copy (if available), final exit or old visa pages, and all relevant passport(s) (current & the one used in KSA).
Fingerprint card with rolled ten-prints taken by NBI or a PNP crime lab (ensure officer’s name, rank, signature, and unit stamp are on the card).
Endorsement letter (if the Saudi police district requires a foreign-mission referral). You may request one from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh/Jeddah/Al Khobar by email/online; they may guide you on couriering.
DFA apostille on the fingerprint card (and endorsement, when issued in PH).
Courier service to send your apostilled fingerprint packet to Saudi (either to the police unit or to a representative in KSA via SPA/authorization).

B.3 Step-by-step

Have your fingerprints taken at NBI or PNP (rolled impressions + flat impressions; ensure the card has your photo, personal data, and officer’s details/stamp).
Apostille the fingerprint card at DFA-OCA. If you secured an endorsement letter in the Philippines (e.g., from a PH government office), apostille that too.
(If requested) Secure a consular endorsement from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate to Saudi police. Some CED offices prefer or require a mission referral with your details and purpose.
Send the packet to KSA—either directly to the police/CED address given to you or to a trusted representative in Saudi carrying your authorization letter and ID copies.
Processing in KSA: Your prints and identity are matched; upon approval, the PCC is issued (Arabic).
Translation & apostille in Saudi (same as Scenario A).
Courier the apostilled PCC back to the Philippines (or to your destination country/agency).

If you no longer have your Iqama number: Include as much proof of prior residence as possible (old work contracts, exit/re-entry visas, old company IDs, pay slips, medical insurance cards). Saudi authorities use multiple data points to locate records.

6) Scenario C — You never had an Iqama (short-term visitor)

Saudi police typically treat PCCs as residence-based. If you only entered on a short visit visa without Iqama, issuance may be declined because no resident file exists. You may instead be asked to produce NBI Clearance (Philippines) or a police certificate from your home jurisdiction. If an immigration authority insists on a Saudi PCC despite no residence history, provide proof of short visit (visa pages, entry/exit stamps) and ask the requesting authority about substitutes (often accepted).

7) Scenario D — Your Iqama expired long ago; name changes; lost records

Expired/old Iqama: Still apply; attach old passport pages, visa numbers, and any proof of residence.
Name change (marriage, court order): Include the proof of name change (PSA marriage certificate, court order) and apostille it if submitting abroad. It’s normal for the PCC to show the name recorded in Saudi databases (usually your name as on the Iqama at that time).
Lost passport/records: Secure a DPS/PNP report or affidavit and retrieve any employer or agency documents that show your Iqama number.

8) Scenario E — If you have (or had) a police/court case in KSA

Open cases can delay or prevent issuance. You may be instructed to clear the matter with Public Prosecution, Najiz (Ministry of Justice e-services), or the relevant court/police station.
Closed/settled cases may still appear as entries; the PCC may indicate disposition. Keep judgment/settlement papers and MOJ/Najiz printouts (translated & apostilled if needed).
Travel bans or administrative holds can also interfere; consult counsel if flagged.

9) Apostille, translation, and form of the document

Form: Original Arabic PCC on official letterhead with security features (office stamp/signature).
Translation: Use a certified translator (KSA-licensed if done in KSA; or a reputable Philippine firm).
Apostille (Saudi side): Obtain MOFA apostille on the original Arabic PCC. Some destinations accept the apostille on the Arabic only plus the translator’s certification; others want both documents apostilled where issued (i.e., apostille the translation if it is a separate document issued in a different country).
Apostille (Philippine side): If your fingerprint card or any PH supporting document will be used in KSA, DFA-OCA apostille them before sending to Saudi.

10) Timelines & fees (typical ranges)

In-KSA filing to release: about 3–15 business days (longer during peak or if inter-city verification is needed).
Outside KSA (with courier): allow 4–8 weeks, depending on fingerprinting, apostille schedules, courier times, and the police unit’s queue.
Costs:
- Fingerprinting in PH (NBI/PNP): nominal fees.
- Translations: varies by page/urgency.
- Apostille (DFA-OCA & MOFA): per-document fee.
- Courier: international rates.

(Always budget extra time and funds for reprints, additional copies, and contingencies.)

11) Practical checklist (Philippine-focused)

If you’re in Saudi:

☐ Passport (orig/copies)
☐ Iqama (orig/copies)
☐ Appointment/endorsement (if required)
☐ Photos
☐ Biometric capture done
☐ Certified translation (Arabic→English)
☐ MOFA apostille (Saudi) on original PCC

If you’re in the Philippines (former resident):

☐ Old & current passports (copies of KSA visas/stamps)
☐ Old Iqama or proof of residence/work in KSA
☐ Fingerprint card with rolled ten-prints (NBI/PNP)
☐ DFA apostille (PH) on fingerprint card (+ any PH endorsements)
☐ (If needed) Consular endorsement for KSA police
☐ Courier to KSA; representative’s authorization
☐ Certified translation (if not done in KSA)
☐ MOFA apostille (Saudi) on the issued PCC

12) Common pitfalls & how to avoid them

No Iqama record found: Provide more identifiers (company name, city, visa/entry dates, old mobile, insurance number).
Mismatched names/dates: Match your passport name format exactly to what was on the Iqama; attach proof of name changes.
Unapostilled documents rejected: Confirm whether the end-user requires apostille on the Arabic original, on the translation, or both.
Insisting on consular legalization despite Apostille: Some frontline offices still follow older rules. You can comply as asked, but keep your apostille receipts and ask for the authority’s written requirement for your records.
Expired PCC: Many immigration offices want certificates issued within 3 or 6 months of submission. Time your request accordingly.
Representative issues: If someone files on your behalf in KSA, give a clear authorization letter with your ID copies.

13) Templates (short forms)

A. Authorization Letter (for representative in KSA)

I, [Full Name], holder of Philippine Passport No. [XXXXX], formerly resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Iqama No. [XXXXXXXXXX], hereby authorize [Representative’s Full Name], [Nationality], ID/Residency No. [XXXXXXX], to file, follow up, and collect my Police Clearance Certificate from the Ministry of Interior/Criminal Evidence Department. I enclose copies of my passport(s), Iqama, fingerprint card (apostilled), and any other documents required.

Signed: _____________ Date: _____________

B. Cover Note for Fingerprint Packet (PH → KSA)

Please find enclosed my apostilled fingerprint card and supporting identification to request issuance of a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate. My prior details are: • Name (as in Iqama): [] • Iqama No.: [] • Passport used in KSA: [] • Employer/City/Approx. dates: [] Kindly advise if further information is required.

14) FAQs

Is NBI Clearance enough instead of a Saudi PCC? Not for foreign immigration or employers requiring a Saudi-specific certificate. For purely domestic purposes, NBI Clearance may suffice unless the Philippine agency explicitly asks for your Saudi PCC.

Do I have to appear in person? If you are in KSA, yes—biometric capture is standard. If you are outside KSA, a fingerprint card authenticated (apostilled) in the Philippines is the usual substitute, with a representative handling Saudi filing.

Will the PCC show cases that were dismissed? It can reflect the presence of a record and its disposition; practices vary by region and time. Keep your dismissal/clearance orders and translations.

What if I worked in multiple Saudi cities? The CED consults national records, but you should list all places of residence/employment to avoid delays.

How many originals should I get? When possible, request two originals (and apostille both), as immigration bodies often keep one.

15) One-page action plan

Identify your scenario (in KSA vs. outside).
Gather IDs (passports old/new, Iqama, visas).
Book your police/CED appointment (in KSA) or complete NBI/PNP fingerprints (outside KSA).
Apostille the originating documents (DFA for PH docs; MOFA for Saudi PCC).
Translate Arabic→English by a certified translator if your end-user requires English.
Submit to your immigration/employer within their validity window (3–6 months).

Final note

Procedures and the specific mix of appointment, endorsement, translation, and apostille requirements can vary by Saudi region and by the requesting authority (immigration, employer, licensing body). Always align the finish (translation/apostille format and dates) to the exact instructions of the agency that will receive your PCC.