How to Obtain a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate: A Complete Guide on the PCC Process in Qatar.

If you are residing in Qatar or planning to move abroad, obtaining a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an essential step for various purposes such as employment, residency applications, and immigration. The Qatar Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) serves as an official document that confirms an individual’s clean criminal record within the country. Whether you’re an expatriate looking for job opportunities, applying for residency, or preparing to migrate, understanding the process to obtain a Qatar PCC will ensure you meet the requirements smoothly and efficiently.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to obtain your Qatar Police Clearance Certificate, including the necessary requirements, application methods, fees, and more.

What is a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Qatar Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the Ministry of Interior (MOI) in Qatar. It certifies that the individual applying for it has no criminal record within the country’s legal system. The Qatar PCC is required for a variety of reasons, including applying for a job, obtaining residency, migrating to another country, marriage registration, or even starting a business.

Expats and citizens who have lived in Qatar for more than six months are eligible to apply for the Qatar PCC. If you’re planning to leave the country, the PCC serves as an official record of your conduct during your stay in Qatar.

Why Do You Need a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate?

You may need a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate for the following reasons:

• Residency Applications: To obtain residency or apply for family residency.
• Employment: Many employers require a PCC as part of the recruitment process, especially in fields like healthcare, engineering, and education.
• Immigration and Travel: If you’re moving to another country, a PCC from Qatar may be required to support your visa application.
• Business Registration: Some businesses require the applicant to present a PCC for company licensing.
• Other Official Purposes: Including marriage registration and educational admissions.

Requirements for Obtaining a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

The requirements to obtain a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate may vary depending on your nationality, reason for the certificate, and whether you’re applying from within Qatar or from abroad. Here are the general requirements for different categories:

1. For Expats Residing in Qatar for Over 6 Months:

If you are an expat who has lived in Qatar for over six months, the following documents are required:

• Completed application form: Ensure the form is fully filled out with accurate details.
• Valid copy of your passport: Both your current passport and any old passports used during your stay in Qatar.
• Valid copy of your residence permit: This document proves your legal stay in Qatar.
• Certified Fingerprint Document: A fingerprinted document that is certified or attested by the Qatar Embassy in your home country.
• Residency History: Provide addresses of all the places you’ve resided in Qatar along with the time period of your stay at each location.
• Qatar ID copy: A clear copy of your Qatar Identification card.
• Formal Request Letter: A letter addressed to the Director/General of Evidence and Criminal Information, explaining the purpose of the certificate.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-size photographs (4×6 cm).
• Employment Letter (if applicable): If you’re employed, a letter from your company may be required.
• Home Country PCC: The Police Clearance Certificate from your home country, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Qatar.

2. For Expats Who Have Left Qatar:

If you have already left Qatar and need a PCC, you can obtain it by:

• Visiting Qatar in person: With the required documents, you can apply directly at the CEID (Criminal Evidence and Information Department).
• Authorized Representative: You can send a representative with a power of attorney to submit the application on your behalf.
• Through Qatar Embassy: Visit the nearest Qatar Embassy with the necessary documents to apply for the certificate.
• By Post: Send the required documents by mail to the CEID in Qatar for processing.

3. Qatar Police Clearance Certificate for UPDA Exam Applicants

If you’re an engineer or architect seeking to take the UPDA exam in Qatar, a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate is one of the prerequisites. The following documents are required:

1. Completed Application Form: Official application form filled out completely.
2. Letter from the Engineers’ Admission Committee: A letter from the committee confirming your eligibility.
3. Valid Passport and Residence Permit Copies: Copies of your current passport, as well as any old passports used during your stay in Qatar.
4. Fingerprint Document: A certified fingerprint document from the Qatar Embassy in your home country.
5. Residential History: Addresses of all residences in Qatar with the duration of stay.
6. Qatar ID Copy: A copy of your Qatar ID card.
7. Formal Request Letter: A letter addressed to the Director of Evidence and Criminal Information, explaining the purpose.
8. Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent photographs (4×6 cm).
9. Employer Letter (if applicable): If relevant, a letter from your employer.
10. Home Country PCC: Police Clearance Certificate from your home country, attested by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

4. PCC for Employment Purposes

If you require a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate for employment, you will need the following documents:

For Expats Residing in Qatar:

1. Completed Application Form: Fill out the form as required by the authorities.
2. Qatar ID Copy: A copy of your Qatar ID card.
3. Employer’s Offer Letter: A letter from your employer addressed to the Director of CEID.
4. Academic Qualifications: Copies of your academic qualification certificates.
5. No-Objection Letter (if applicable): A letter from your previous employer, if applicable.
6. Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent photographs (4×6 cm).

For Expats Who Have Left Qatar:

1. Completed Application Form: Fill out the application form.
2. Employer Offer Letter: A letter from your employer addressed to the Director of CEID.
3. Qatar ID Copy: A copy of your Qatar ID card.
4. Passport-Size Photographs: Two photographs (4×6 cm).
5. Home Country PCC: Police Clearance Certificate from your home country, attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and other relevant authorities.
6. No-Objection Letter (if applicable): A no-objection letter from your previous employer.

5. For Personal and Official Purposes (e.g., Marriage, Company Establishment, etc.)

If you need the Qatar Police Clearance Certificate for personal reasons such as marriage, customs clearance or starting a business, the following documents are required:

For Expats Residing in Qatar:

1. Completed Application Form: Officially filled form.
2. Qatar ID Copy: A copy of your Qatar ID.
3. Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent photographs (4×6 cm).

For Expats Who Have Left Qatar:

1. Completed Application Form: The application form should be filled out and submitted.
2. Residence Permit and Passport: Provide copies of your residence permit and passport.
3. Residential History: Provide a full list of addresses in Qatar and the period you stayed at each.
4. Fingerprint Document: The fingerprint document, attested by your country’s Embassy.
5. Home Country PCC: Police Clearance Certificate from your home country, attested by MOFA and other relevant authorities.
6. Sponsor Letter (if applicable): A letter from your Qatari sponsor.
7. Passport-Size Photographs: Two recent photographs (4×6 cm).

6. Obtaining the Qatar Police Clearance Certificate from Outside Qatar

If you are no longer residing in Qatar but need a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate, the following is required:

1. Fingerprint Document: An original fingerprint document, attested by a competent government authority in your country.
2. Passport Copies: Copies of relevant pages of your current and old passports, showing your entry and exit dates from Qatar.
3. Passport-Size Photographs: Three recent passport-size photographs (4×6 cm).
4. Explanation Letter: A letter explaining the purpose for obtaining the PCC.
5. Good Conduct Certificate: An original police clearance certificate from your local police authority, attested by the competent government authority.

How to Apply for a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

There are two ways to apply for a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate: online through the Metrash2 app or offline at the CEID office. Both methods are straightforward, but the online method offers more convenience.

Online Application via Metrash2

Metrash2 is the official mobile application for the Ministry of Interior in Qatar, which allows you to apply for the Qatar PCC easily from your smartphone.

Here’s how to apply for a PCC through Metrash2:

Step 1: Log into the App:

Download and install the Metrash2 app from Google Play or the App Store. If it’s your first time using the app, you will need to create an account.

Step 2: Navigate to Services:

From the homepage, go to the ‘General Services‘ tab.

Step 3: Select PCC:

Choose the ‘Police Clearance Certificate’ option and click on ‘Request Certificate’.

Step 4: Fill in the Required Details:

Complete the application form by providing the necessary details.

Step 5: Upload Documents:

Attach the required documents, including your passport copy, Qatar ID, and fingerprint certificate.

Step 6: Agree and Submit:

Review the details and click ‘I agree’ to confirm the validity of your data.

Step 7: Make Payment:

Pay the fee for the PCC application.

Step 8: Submit:

Once all steps are completed, submit your application.

Offline Application at CEID

If you prefer to apply in person, visit the Criminal Evidence and Information Department (CEID) at the Ministry of Interior. Here’s how:

Step 1: Complete the Application:

Fill out the Police Clearance Certificate form.

Step 2: Submit Documents:

Present all the necessary documents, such as passport copies, Qatar ID, residence permit, and other supporting paperwork.

Step 3: Pay Fees:

Pay the required fees.

Step 4: Collection:

Once your application is processed, you can either pick up your certificate in person or opt for postal delivery.

Qatar Police Clearance Certificate Fee

The cost of obtaining a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate is:

• QAR 10: For the standard application.
• QAR 20: Additional fee if you choose postal delivery to receive a hard copy of the certificate.

Qatar Police Clearance Certificate Validity

The validity of a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate typically depends on the purpose for which it is issued. For most purposes, the validity period is generally six months. However, for certain official processes, the certificate may need to be submitted within a shorter time frame, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of the institution requesting the certificate.

How to Track Your Qatar PCC Application Status

To check the status of your Qatar Police Clearance Certificate application, follow these steps:

1. Open the Metrash2 app.
2. Navigate to ‘General Services’ and select ‘Police Clearance Certificate’.
3. Click on ‘Application Follow-up’ and enter the required details.
4. Click ‘Search’ to see the status of your application.

How to Print Your Qatar Police Clearance Certificate

Once your Qatar Police Clearance Certificate is processed, you can download and print it directly from the Qatar Digital ID (QDI) app. Here’s how:

1. Download the QDI App: Install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Login: Use your Qatar ID, mobile number, and other login credentials.
3. Locate Your PCC: Find your Qatar PCC in the app and click on it to view.
4. Save and Print: The certificate will appear as a PDF, which you can save and print.

Alternatively, you can pick up your certificate in person from the CEID office.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Qatar Police Clearance Certificate is an important step for both expatriates and residents in Qatar who need to provide proof of their clean criminal record. Whether you are applying for residency, seeking employment, or planning to move abroad, understanding the process and meeting the requirements will ensure that you can obtain the PCC quickly and without hassle. By following this step-by-step guide, you can smoothly navigate the process of obtaining your Qatar PCC, whether you choose to apply online via Metrash2 or visit the CEID office in person.