How to Obtain a Saudi Police Clearance from the Philippines

This article explains, in Philippine context, how Filipinos and former Saudi residents can secure a Saudi Police Clearance (also known as a Police Clearance Certificate, Good Conduct Certificate, or “PCC”) while physically in the Philippines. It covers legal bases, eligibility, documentary requirements, detailed procedures, authentication/apostille, translation, timelines, costs (conceptually), practical tips, and FAQs. Rules and practices can change without notice; verify current requirements directly with the receiving authority and the concerned embassies before filing.

1) What a Saudi Police Clearance Is — and When You Need It

Purpose. A Saudi PCC is an official attestation from Saudi authorities that, for the period you resided in Saudi Arabia, you have no recorded criminal convictions (or that any records are disclosed).
When requested. Commonly required for: immigration (e.g., permanent residency applications), overseas employment screening, admission to regulated professions, adoption, or tender/bidding compliance.
Who usually needs it. Anyone who lived in Saudi Arabia (on an iqama/residence permit or long-term visa) and now needs to prove prior good conduct for that Saudi stay.

Important distinction: A Philippine NBI Clearance covers records within the Philippines only. If you lived in Saudi, foreign authorities often ask for both NBI (PH coverage) and the Saudi PCC (coverage for your stay in KSA).

2) Legal/Procedural Basis (Practical)

Issuing authority. Saudi police authorities issue the PCC; processing often involves the Saudi Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Interface from the Philippines. Applications from outside Saudi are commonly routed through the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Manila and/or a representative in Saudi (if permitted by current rules).
Authentication. Because the PCC is a Saudi public document, a Philippine recipient (e.g., BI, POEA/DMW, foreign embassy in Manila, IRCC, DHA, etc.) may require apostilled or otherwise authenticated documents. As a rule of thumb, assume you will need apostille for documents you submit from the Philippines to a foreign authority and consular attestation if specifically required by the destination authority. Always ask the receiving authority which form of legalization they accept for Saudi-issued documents.

3) Eligibility & Preconditions

You can typically request a Saudi PCC if you can prove prior lawful residence in Saudi Arabia. Expect to be asked for:

Identity: valid Philippine passport.
Proof of prior Saudi stay: copy of iqama, Saudi visa(s) stamped in your passport, exit/re-entry permits, final exit stamp/printout, and old passports if applicable.
Biometrics: rolled fingerprint card with your photo and identity particulars, taken by an official Philippine authority (see §5).
No pending cases: if you had unresolved criminal/civil matters in Saudi, the PCC may be refused or delayed.

4) Document Checklist (Philippine Side)

Prepare clear color scans and multiple paper copies:

Valid Philippine passport (bio page) and any old passports showing your Saudi visas/stamps.
Iqama copy (front/back) or other proof of former Saudi residence (if available).
Two recent passport photos (white background, standard size).
NBI Clearance (not always mandatory for the Saudi PCC itself, but frequently requested by receiving authorities).
Fingerprint card taken and certified by a Philippine authority (§5).
Personal Data Sheet (name, aliases, parents, full address history, Saudi addresses and dates, employer/sponsor if known).
Authorization Letter if you will use a representative to liaise with the Saudi Embassy in Manila or with contacts in Saudi.
Translations into Arabic where required (see §8).
Payment: embassy fees, translation fees, authentication fees, and courier costs (amounts vary).

5) Getting Your Fingerprints in the Philippines

Saudi authorities require a rolled-impression fingerprint card:

Where to take fingerprints. Commonly accepted:
- PNP Forensic Group / Crime Laboratory (or PNP units that take civil fingerprints), or
- NBI satellite/regional offices that perform inked fingerprints for foreign police checks.
Form. Bring a standard fingerprint card (if the Saudi Embassy specifies a template, use that). Otherwise, a standard ten-print card with photo box and officer’s certification usually suffices.
Certification. Ensure the officer signs and stamps the card, indicating agency, rank, and station address. This certification is crucial for acceptance.

Tip: Take two original fingerprint cards in case one is rejected for smudging or insufficient contrast.

6) Authentication / Apostille Sequence (Philippine-Issued Documents)

Expect to authenticate Philippine-issued items you will present to Saudi authorities:

What usually needs apostille: your fingerprint card certification and any notarized documents (e.g., authorization letters, sworn statements), depending on the Saudi Embassy’s current practice.
Where: DFA – Office of Consular Affairs (Aseana or designated satellite).
Order:
1. Notarize (if applicable) →
2. Have the issuing authority certify (if needed) →
3. DFA Apostille.
Consular attestation: Some recipients still ask for Saudi Embassy attestation after DFA apostille. Clarify with the Saudi Embassy in Manila and with your end-user whether apostille alone suffices or if further attestation is required for Saudi-bound or third-country use.

7) Two Main Application Pathways (From the Philippines)

Path A — Through the Saudi Embassy in Manila

Prepare dossier: items in §4–§6.
Embassy submission: File your request at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia (Manila) following its current intake procedure (appointment system, forms, fees, and processing timelines change; bring originals + copies).
Embassy endorsement: The Embassy typically endorses your request to competent Saudi authorities, attaching your apostilled fingerprint card and proofs of former residence.
Saudi processing: Your application is routed in Saudi (police/MOI).
Release: The Saudi PCC is issued in Arabic; pickup or courier/consular release depends on current practice.

Pros: Official, direct channel from the Philippines. Cons: Embassy requirements can change; processing times vary.

Path B — Via a Representative in Saudi Arabia (if permitted)

Prepare & apostille your fingerprint card and supporting documents.
Courier to Saudi your originals or apostilled copies + authorization letter (Arabic translation often requested).
Your authorized representative files with local Saudi authorities following the current regional police procedure.
Release of the PCC to the representative, who then sends the document back to you.
Post-issuance authentication if needed by your end-user (e.g., MOFA stamp in Saudi, then embassy/legalization as required by the receiving jurisdiction).

Pros: Can be faster if your representative can access local offices promptly. Cons: Requires a trusted representative; extra courier and translation steps.

8) Translation (Arabic ↔ English)

Inbound documents (from PH to KSA): The fingerprint card itself is usually in English; some offices accept it as is. If the Embassy or police require Arabic versions of your authorization or cover letter, use an accredited Arabic translator.
Outbound document (Saudi PCC): Normally issued in Arabic. If your end-user needs English, obtain a certified English translation. For international submissions, match the translation with apostille/consular attestation requirements of the destination authority.

9) Timelines & Fees (What to Expect)

Fingerprints (PNP/NBI): same day to a few days.
DFA apostille: a few working days to a couple of weeks depending on service type (regular vs. expedited).
Saudi Embassy intake & routing: variable; plan for multiple weeks end-to-end.
Fees: anticipate line items for fingerprinting, apostille, translations, embassy fees, courier, and representative fees (if any).

Because amounts and schedules change, set expectations with your target deadline and build in buffer time.

10) Special Cases

Lost iqama / no copies: Provide alternative proof—entry/exit stamps, employment certificate naming Saudi workplace and dates, old visas, or any document that ties you to a Saudi sponsor and residence period.
Name changes / data inconsistencies: Align your records (passport, NBI, birth certificate). Provide affidavits and supporting civil registry documents; consider PSA documents and DFA apostille for any affidavits you will present abroad.
Minors or dependents: Parent/guardian applies; provide proof of filiation/guardianship and minor’s prior Saudi residence documentation.
Pending/old cases in Saudi: Expect additional vetting or refusal. If you know of a case number, disclose it; withholding may result in denial.
Currently in KSA: If you are physically in Saudi, the process differs (often via Absher or local police). This article focuses on applicants in the Philippines.

11) Step-by-Step Quick Guide (From PH)

Gather proofs of your prior Saudi residence (iqama, visas, exit stamps).
Get inked fingerprints at PNP Crime Lab or NBI; ensure officer signs/stamps the card.
Notarize your authorization letter (if using a representative) and any required affidavits.
Apostille the fingerprint card certification and relevant notarized documents at DFA.
Translate documents to Arabic if instructed by the Saudi Embassy or your Saudi representative.
Choose your route:
- Embassy Manila route → file, pay fees, and await issuance; or
- Representative route → courier apostilled docs to Saudi for filing.
Receive the Saudi PCC (Arabic).
Obtain certified English translation if your end-user requires it.
Legalize the PCC/translation further only if your end-user insists (confirm apostille vs. consular legalization).
Submit to your end-user together with your NBI Clearance and other PH documents.

12) Practical Tips & Common Pitfalls

Clarity on dates: Write your Saudi address history and dates as completely as possible to avoid verification delays.
Multiple fingerprints: Submit two original fingerprint cards if allowed; smudges are a common cause of rejection.
Sample cover note: Attach a concise letter listing your identifiers (full name, passport number, iqama number, dates in KSA, purpose of PCC).
Photo specs: Use recent, high-quality photos; follow background/color rules exactly.
Keep originals safe: Many offices insist on original apostilled documents; keep duplicates for your records.
Ask the end-user early: Immigration programs and employers have specific legalization rules; get their exact instruction before you file.

13) Sample Cover Letter (you may adapt)

To Whom It May Concern: I, [Full Name], holder of Philippine Passport No. [XXXXXXX], previously resided in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Iqama No. [XXXXXXXXX] from [Month Year] to [Month Year], at [City/Region], employed by [Company/Sponsor]. I respectfully request the issuance of a Police Clearance Certificate covering the above period for submission to [receiving authority/purpose]. Enclosed are my fingerprint card certified in the Philippines, copies of my passport, prior visas/iqama, photographs, and other supporting documents. Thank you for your assistance. Signature / Contact Details

14) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I apply without my iqama copy? A: It is harder but not impossible. Provide alternative proof (old visas, entry/exit stamps, employment certificates) and be ready for longer verification.

Q2: Do I need NBI Clearance first? A: Often yes for your overall submission to an employer/immigration, though the Saudi PCC process itself hinges more on fingerprints and proof of Saudi residence.

Q3: Will an apostille be accepted instead of embassy legalization? A: Some recipients accept apostille; others still prefer or insist on Saudi Embassy attestation or Saudi MOFA stamps. Always follow your end-user’s exact instruction.

Q4: How far back can the PCC cover? A: It covers the periods you resided in Saudi. Very old stays may require more proof and time.

Q5: Can I authorize someone to process for me in Saudi? A: Frequently yes, via authorization letter and couriered apostilled documents, but local practices vary.

15) Clean Submission Checklist (One-Page)

Passport (current + previous with Saudi visas/stamps)
Iqama copy (if available) / other proof of Saudi residence
2 photos (recent, correct specs)
Fingerprint card (inked, signed, stamped by PNP/NBI)
DFA apostille for PH-issued items as required
Authorization letter (if using representative), notarized + apostilled if instructed
Cover letter with Saudi residence dates and addresses
NBI Clearance (for the overall requirement)
Certified Arabic translation(s) where required
Embassy fees / courier arrangements

Final Notes

Treat this as a process plan. Actual intake rules, fees, and release mechanics do change.
Before you file, confirm with (1) the receiving authority, (2) the Saudi Embassy in Manila, and (3) any Saudi-side representative which exact documents and legalization steps they currently accept.
Keep digital scans of every page you submit and receive.