Bahrain Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India? – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an Indian citizen who lived or worked in Bahrain and now needs a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)? Whether it's for a job abroad, visa processing, immigration, or permanent residency, getting a Bahrain PCC is a crucial requirement. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to apply for a Bahrain PCC from India, including the documents, process, cost, and tips to avoid rejection.

What is a Bahrain Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the Bahrain Ministry of Interior, confirming that the individual does not have any criminal record during their stay in the country. It is also known as a Good Conduct Certificate or Criminal Background Check.

The PCC is commonly requested by:

• Employers abroad for hiring verification

• Immigration authorities for granting visas or residency

• Universities and colleges for admission

• Government agencies for clearance checks

Suppose you have previously lived, worked, or studied in Bahrain and are now applying for opportunities in countries like the UAE, Canada, the UK, Australia, or Europe. In that case, you may be required to submit a Bahrain PCC as part of your background verification.

Who Needs to Apply for the Bahrain PCC from India?

Not everyone needs to apply for a Bahrain PCC, but you must apply if:

• You are an Indian citizen who previously resided in Bahrain for work, study, or a long-term visit.

• You are applying for a new job abroad, and the employer requests your criminal record from previous countries.

• You are applying for a spouse visa, a dependent visa, or a residency permit in another country.

• You are planning to re-enter Bahrain for work or long-term stay and need to update your security records.

• You have previously held a CPR card or Bahrain residency visa and now require official police clearance.

It’s important to note that the PCC is specific to the country you live in. So if you lived in Bahrain, only the Bahraini authorities can issue this certificate.

Documents Required to Apply for the Bahrain PCC from India

Applying for a PCC requires several important documents. You should collect and prepare them carefully to avoid delays or rejection.

1. Personal Identification Documents:

• Passport Copy: Submit a clear copy of your current passport and, if applicable, your old passport showing all Bahrain visa and entry/exit stamps.

• Photographs: Two or more recent passport-size photos with a white background. Follow the size and format specified by the Bahrain authorities.

2. Bahrain-Related Documents:

• CPR Card (if available): A copy of your Central Population Register (CPR) card is highly useful if you have one.

• Bahrain Visa or Residence Permit: Provide a copy of your valid or expired Bahrain visa, residence permit, or work permit to prove your legal stay.

3. Fingerprint and Application Documents:

• Fingerprint Card: Your fingerprints must be taken at an authorised police station in India. This card is a mandatory document for the Bahrain PCC.

• PCC Request/Application Form: Some agencies or authorities may require you to fill out a standard application form.

• Authorisation Letter: If you're applying through an agent like Trueway, an authorisation letter may be needed so they can act on your behalf.

Make sure all copies are clear and readable, and any non-English documents should be translated and notarised.

How to Apply for Bahrain PCC from India – Step-by-Step Process

You can apply for the Bahrain PCC in two main ways: Direct application or through a professional agency.

Option 1: Apply Directly to the Bahrain Authorities

This method is best for those who are confident in handling paperwork, attestation, and international courier processes.

Step 1: Get Fingerprints Taken

Visit your nearest police station and request fingerprinting services. They will take all ten fingerprints on the official card using black ink. The officer’s signature, police station seal, and date should be clearly mentioned.

Step 2: Attestation of Fingerprint Card

The fingerprint card must go through the following attestation chain:

• Notary Public – For initial certification

• State Home Department – For verification at the state level

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) – Final attestation by the central government

This ensures your fingerprint document is legally valid for international submission.

Step 3: Prepare All Required Documents

Attach your attested fingerprint card, passport copies, visa/residence documents, photographs, and CPR card (if available).

Step 4: Send Documents to Bahrain

Courier all the documents to:

Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID)

Ministry of Interior, Kingdom of Bahrain

Include a cover letter mentioning the purpose of PCC, your passport number, and contact details.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

The processing fee must be paid via the method instructed by the Bahraini authorities. Usually, this is done via bank transfer or through the Bahrain Embassy.

Step 6: Receive Your PCC

Once approved, the Bahrain PCC is issued and sent either by email or international post.

Option 2: Apply Through a Trusted Agency Like Trueway

If the direct process feels overwhelming, using a professional agency like Trueway is a smart option.

Benefits of Applying Through Trueway:

• They handle the entire documentation process for you.

• Help you get fingerprints taken in the correct format.

• Manage the full attestation process – saving you time and effort.

• Submit documents directly to the Bahrain authorities.

• Track the application and deliver the PCC to your address in India.

This option ensures faster turnaround and reduces the chances of rejection due to errors or missing documents.

How Much Time Does It Take to Get a Bahrain PCC from India?

• Direct application: Usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on verification and postal delays.

• Through agency: Takes about 2 to 4 weeks, as professional agencies speed up the attestation and submission.

Delays can happen if:

• Documents are incomplete

• Fingerprints are unclear

• Payment is not processed correctly

Bahrain PCC Fees

Service Estimated Cost (INR)

Bahrain CID Fee ₹3,000 – ₹4,000

Fingerprinting + Card Charges ₹1,500 – ₹2,000

Attestation (Notary + State + MEA) ₹2,000 – ₹3,000

International Courier Charges ₹2,000 – ₹2,500

Fees may vary depending on the complexity of your case and the urgency of processing.

Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection in Bahrain PCC Application

Applying for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Bahrain requires accuracy and proper documentation.

Even small mistakes can lead to delays or rejection of your application. Here’s a breakdown of the most common issues and how to avoid them:

1. Unclear or Smudged Fingerprints

Why does it happens?

If your fingerprints are not properly taken—too light, smudged, or unclear—the Bahrain CID may not be able to verify your identity through biometric records.

How to avoid:

• Always get fingerprints taken by a trained officer or professional.

• Use the official fingerprint card and black ink.

• Make sure all 10 fingers are clearly printed.

• The fingerprint card must include the officer’s signature, the seal of the police station, and the date.

2. Missing Visa/Residency Proof

Why does it happen?

Bahrain authorities need proof that you actually stayed in Bahrain. If you don’t provide valid visa pages or residence permits, they might reject your application for lack of evidence.

How to avoid:

• Include old passports that show a Bahrain visa, entry/exit stamps, and residence permit pages.

• Attach your CPR card if you have one (even if expired).

• If you no longer have these documents, check your email or old records for scanned copies.

3. Incorrect or Incomplete Document Set

Why does it happens?

Missing even one required document (such as a passport copy, photos, or application form) can lead to your application being put on hold or sent back.

How to avoid:

• Carefully follow the checklist provided by the Bahrain CID or your agency.

• Make sure all documents are clear, up to date, and in the required format.

• Include multiple copies if needed and label each document correctly.

4. No Attestation on Fingerprint Card

Why does it happens?

The fingerprint card must be officially validated to confirm its authenticity. Without attestation, Bahrain authorities will not accept it as a legal document.

How to avoid:

Get your fingerprint card attested in the following order:

1.Notary Public

2.State Home Department

3.Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India

Each step must be stamped and signed. If you skip any of these, the document will be invalid.

5. Mismatch in Personal Information

Why does it happens?

If there are differences in your name, passport number, date of birth, or CPR number across your documents, it may cause confusion during background checks.

How to avoid:

• Double-check that all documents have the same personal details.

• If there are name changes (e.g., after marriage), include a name change affidavit or legal proof.

• Ensure your passport copy matches the application form and fingerprint card.

How to Avoid Delays or Rejections

To make sure your Bahrain PCC application goes smoothly:

• Follow the process step by step

• Prepare all required documents in advance

• Get proper fingerprinting and attestation

• Recheck your application for errors or missing items

Or better yet, get professional help from an experienced agency like Trueway, which can guide you through the process, verify your documents, and ensure everything is submitted correctly the first time.

Conclusion

Applying for a Bahrain Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India involves multiple steps – from fingerprinting and attestation to submission and tracking. While you can apply on your own, using a reliable agency like Trueway makes the process easier, faster, and stress-free.

If you're unsure about how to get started or want professional support, reach out to Trueway today. Their experienced team will guide you through every step and ensure your Bahrain PCC is delivered safely and on time.