How to Get a Police Clearance in Qatar

A police clearance certificate is essential for those applying for a job. This certificate shows any police record of a person if any.

What is a Police Clearance?

This certification will ensure that the applicant has not committed any criminal offense. If ever the applicant committed any crime, the certificate will show the details. Both citizens and residents can apply for this certification.

This certificate is also called the Good Conduct Certificate. The Criminal Evidence and Information Department (CEID), under the Ministry of Interior, provides the certificate.

ALSO READ: How to Apply for a Qatar ID

What are the reasons for getting a police clearance?

There are many reasons for applying for a police clearance certification. The most common reasons are employment, starting a business, getting a license, immigration, and marriage.

What are the requirements for getting a police clearance?

Since there are various reasons for requesting a police clearance, the requirements will also vary. The certification costs QR 10, with an additional processing fee whenever applicable. Take note of these:

For Education and Immigration

Citizens

If the applicant is in the country, processing the application should be done personally. Remember to bring a photocopy of a valid ID.
If the applicant is outside the country, it can also be done personally at the embassy. Bring a letter explaining why you need the police clearance.
The citizen, who is out of the country, can also request an authorized representative to facilitate the request. The representative should have a power of attorney to act on the applicant’s behalf. The emissary should also bring a valid ID.

Residents/ Expatriates who are currently residing in Qatar for more than 6 months

The application can be done personally
Applicants can also assign a representative to process the request. The representative will need power of attorney, to allow to act on the behalf of the applicant. The emissary will bring the following documents:
Application form
Photocopy of residence permit
Photocopy of a valid passport
Original fingerprints document (certified or attested by the country’s embassy)
List of full addresses and period of stay in Qatar
2 pcs ID photo (4 x 6 cm)
Photocopy of residence permit
Police clearance certificate from home country (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and equivalent representatives in home country)
Sponsor letter from company or employer

Residents/ Expatriates (who are residing outside Qatar)

Applicants may visit Qatar to apply personally
May assign a representative, by giving a power of attorney to process the application. Bring the documents as stated on the MOI website
Go to the Qatar embassy to apply. Prepare the documents listed on the MOI website.
Applicants can also send the requirements to MOI by mail
Use the Metrash2 application or MOI website (will still use the valid residence permit)

For quick reference, here are the required documents:

Application form
Photocopy of expired residence permit
Photocopy of a valid passport
Proof of first entry and last exit from Qatar (can use pages in the passport)
List of addresses and length of stay of all residences in Qatar
Full set of original fingerprints (attested by MFA and the Qatari embassy of the country where the applicant currently resides)
Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country or embassy (attested by the MFA and equivalent authorities from home country)
Application letter stating the need for police clearance. Address the letter to the Director-General of Evidence and Criminal Information
2 pieces ID photo ( 4 x 6 cm)
Photocopy of valid ID
If the applicant is born in Doha, there is no need to attach a police clearance from the home country. the birth certificate should be attached instead
If the applicant arrived in the country when they are under 16 years old, they need to attach a photocopy of the passport showing their first entry in the country

2. For marriage or establishment of business or obtaining a license for school

Citizens

Application form
Photocopy of valid ID
2 pieces ID photo ( 4 x 6 cm)

Residents or expatriates

Application form
Photocopy of residence permit
Photocopy of passport
List of addresses and length of stay in all residences in Qatar
Full set of original fingerprints (attested by MFA and the Qatari embassy of the country where the applicant currently resides)
Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country or embassy (attested by the MFA and equivalent authorities from home country)
Letter of sponsorship
2 pieces ID photo ( 4 x 6 cm)

3. For employment

Citizens

Photocopy of Qatari ID
2 pieces ID photo ( 4 x 6 cm)
An offer letter from the employer must be addressed to the Director of CEID
Educational certificates
No objection letter from the former employer

Residents

Offer letter from the employer and addressed to the director of CEID
Photocopy of passport
Photocopy of Qatar ID/ Residence Permit
2 pieces ID photo ( 4 x 6 cm)
Police clearance certificate from home country or embassy (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local authorities)
Letter of sponsor (for male applicants)

How to Apply for Police Clearance Using Metrash2

The Metrash2 app is a convenient way to apply for a certificate. The main requirements would be to have the app on your phone and a 6-month residence in the country.

Once you log in to the app, here are the steps to follow:

Click General Services
Choose Police Clearance Certificate
Click Request Certificate and fill out the needed information
Click Next
Prepare the documents that you will need to upload. You can take photos of the paperwork so you can upload these
Put a checkmark on “I Agree” and click Next
Choose the delivery option (Qatar Post or the nearest MOI service center)
Choose a payment option (credit card or debit card)
Payment is QR 10. If you choose to receive the certificate through Qatar Post, you will pay an additional QR 20.

Video

This video provides easy-to-follow instructions in applying for a police clearance certificate using Metrash2 app.

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences that the OFW shared on the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.

How long does it take to obtain a police clearance from Qatar?

Depending on the applicant’s background, the certificate may be available from two weeks to two months. The department concerned will review your records to see if there is anything on their record.

Where to get fingerprinted?

Proceed to the CEID Headquarters near Industrial Area and Salwa Road. You can also go to the nearest MOI Service Center.

Use this map to get to the Headquarters:

What do they check in police clearance?

The police clearance contains records of your offenses if any. Should CEID find any hit in your file, it will appear in the certificate. Otherwise, the certificate will declare that you have no criminal record during your stay in Qatar.

Validity of police clearance

The PCC is valid for 6 months. You can always check with the MOI website to see if there are updates regarding the length of validity.

Summary

The police clearance certificate or good conduct certificate is an important requirement in some transactions in Qatar. It is needed for those applying for a job, getting into school, immigration, setting up a business, and getting married. You can request this certificate when you have a minimum of 6 months of residency in the country.

You can apply for this certificate personally or appoint a representative to request it for you. Another option is the Metrash2 app. For these options, you can claim the certificate personally or have it sent by mail.

Payment for the police clearance certificate is QR 10. But you might have to pay an additional amount for processing, such as mailing.