How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Saudi Arabia from India

Introduction

If you have previously lived or worked in Saudi Arabia and are now planning to migrate to another country, apply for a job overseas, or pursue higher studies abroad, one of the essential documents you’ll need is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Saudi Arabia. This document serves as proof that you maintained a clean criminal record during your stay in the Kingdom. In this detailed and updated 2025 guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about getting a Saudi PCC from India, particularly if you are no longer residing in Saudi Arabia. We also explain how agencies like Trueway International simplify and speed up this process for Indian citizens.

1. What Is a Saudi Arabia Police Clearance Certificate and Who Needs It?

A Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official record issued by the Saudi Ministry of Interior through its police departments, confirming that the applicant has no criminal history in the Kingdom during their period of residence. This certificate is crucial for individuals who have lived or worked in Saudi Arabia and are now applying for immigration, employment, or higher studies abroad.

Governments in countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand often require a PCC from all the countries an applicant has resided in for more than six months. Therefore, if you’ve spent considerable time in Saudi Arabia, obtaining this certificate is a mandatory part of your documentation process. Whether you're a professional planning to move to Canada under an Express Entry visa or a student heading to Europe, this certificate adds credibility and trust to your profile.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Saudi PCC from India

Applying for a Saudi PCC from India might seem daunting, but with the right guidance and documentation, it can be a smooth process. Here is a detailed step-by-step breakdown:

1. Document Collection: Start by gathering essential documents such as your old and new passport copies, visa pages from your time in Saudi, Iqama copy (if available), passport-sized photographs, and a fingerprint card (rolled impressions).
2. Fingerprinting Process: Visit your nearest police station or government-approved fingerprinting center to get your biometric impressions. Make sure the fingerprints are clear and properly rolled across all ten fingers. The fingerprint card should be in the prescribed format used for international police verification.
3. Attestation by MEA: Once fingerprinting is done, the card needs to be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India. This attestation authenticates the fingerprint document for use in foreign governmental procedures.
4. Submission through Authorized Channels: After attestation, submit all the documents through an authorized agency such as Trueway International. We will forward them to the Saudi Embassy or Consulate for processing.
5. Processing and Delivery: Once the Saudi authorities verify your information and ensure no criminal records exist, they will issue the PCC. The certificate will then be delivered to your address in India.

3. Can You Apply Without Visiting Saudi Arabia?

Yes, absolutely. One of the most convenient aspects of the Saudi PCC process is that you do not need to travel to Saudi Arabia if you are already in India. This is particularly useful for former residents who left the Kingdom years ago. The application and submission processes can be fully handled by a certified agency like Trueway International, which acts as an intermediary between you and the Saudi Embassy.

The remote process involves digital documentation support, courier-based submission, embassy liaison, and status tracking. Trueway ensures that all necessary paperwork is in order before submission, reducing the chances of rejection or delays. This saves time, travel costs, and logistical complications.

4. Documents Required for Saudi PCC

Here is a detailed list of the documents typically required to apply for a Saudi PCC from India:

• Passport copies: Submit both your old passport (used while in Saudi) and your current valid passport.
• Iqama copy: This is the residency permit issued by Saudi authorities. If you still have a copy of your Iqama, include it.
• Saudi visa copy: Include a copy of your employment, residence, or visit visa used during your stay.
• Fingerprint card: Rolled fingerprint impressions from all ten fingers on an official fingerprint form.
• Photographs: Usually 2–4 recent passport-size photos with a white background.
• Authorization letter: A letter authorizing the agency (e.g., Trueway International) to submit the application on your behalf.
• MEA attestation: The fingerprint card must be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Make sure all documents are clear, legible, and consistent in personal details like name, passport number, and date of birth.

5. Procedure for Former Residents of Saudi Arabia

If you previously lived in Saudi Arabia but no longer reside there, the application process changes slightly. You won’t be able to visit local police stations or access portals like Absher, so you’ll rely heavily on embassy-based applications.

Start by collecting your visa history, passport used during Saudi stay, and Iqama (if available). Then, proceed with fingerprinting and document attestation as mentioned. Authorized agencies like Trueway will handle the rest of the process on your behalf.

Even if your Iqama is expired or misplaced, Saudi authorities can trace your history using your visa and passport number, as well as through information like employer name, job title, and city of residence.

6. Online Process for Saudi PCC 

While Saudi Arabia has yet to implement a fully online system for PCC applications for individuals residing outside the Kingdom, several components of the process can be handled digitally:

• Embassy Appointments: Many Saudi embassies now accept pre-booked appointments online.
• Digital Attestation: Use the eSanad portal for online attestation of fingerprint documents by MEA.
• Agency Submission Portals: Agencies like Trueway International offer online document uploads, consultation booking, payment processing, and real-time tracking.

Although a fully digital end-to-end process isn’t available yet, this hybrid model makes things much easier for applicants.

7. Difference Between Saudi PCC from India and Saudi PCC from Saudi Arabia

Factor From India From Saudi Arabia

Applicant’s location Outside Saudi (former residents) Currently residing in Saudi

Submission Through the embassy and authorized agency Direct via local police station or

Absher

Processing time 15–25 working days 7–10 working days

Iqama requirement Optional (for older cases) Mandatory

Biometric process Local Indian police station Local Saudi police station or an Absher

kiosk

The main difference lies in accessibility. Applicants in Saudi can use digital platforms like Absher for faster submissions, while those in India must rely on embassy routes and manual documentation.

8. Can You Apply Without an Iqama?

Yes, it is possible to obtain a Saudi PCC even without an Iqama, especially if you left Saudi Arabia several years ago and no longer have access to your old documents. Here's how:

• Use your passport number and visa details to trace your records
• Include your employment history: company name, job title, location
• If you remember your exit/re-entry visa or final exit date, mention that too

Trueway International helps applicants trace lost Iqama or visa records through embassy verification tools and official channels, ensuring your application proceeds smoothly.

9. Saudi PCC from India – Local Support with Trueway Branches

Applying for a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India is now easier than ever with the local support provided by Trueway International. We understand that completing international documentation can be a stressful process, especially when you're unsure where to begin. That’s why Trueway offers personalized assistance through our conveniently located branches across South India.

Whether you're applying for employment, residency, or visa-related purposes in Saudi Arabia, our expert team ensures your Saudi PCC process is handled accurately and promptly.

Visit Our Branches for In-Person Support:

• Kazhakkoottam – Our Trivandrum branch caters to clients from southern Kerala and nearby areas.
• Attingal – Easily accessible for applicants from Attingal and surrounding regions.
• Kochi – Servicing central Kerala with fast and reliable PCC support.
• Bangalore – Our Karnataka office assists applicants from Bangalore and across the state.
• Chennai – Supporting Tamil Nadu residents with all documentation and Saudi PCC needs.

At each location, our trained professionals will guide you through document verification, attestation, and submission, ensuring your application meets Saudi embassy and consulate requirements. We also offer document pickup and delivery options to further simplify the process.

10. What Is the Validity and Processing Time of Saudi PCC?

• Validity: The Saudi PCC is generally valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue. The exact duration depends on the country requesting the certificate and the nature of your visa or immigration application.
• Processing Time:
• For applicants from India: 15 to 25 working days
• For applicants inside Saudi Arabia: 7 to 10 working days

Agencies like Trueway can also provide expedited processing services for eligible candidates or urgent visa applications.

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for the Saudi PCC

Applying for a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) requires precision and attention to detail. Even minor mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays, rejections, or requests for resubmission. Here are the most common errors applicants make — and how you can avoid them:

1. Submitting unclear fingerprints

One of the most frequent reasons for rejection is poor-quality fingerprint impressions. Blurred or smudged prints cannot be read by the Saudi authorities.

Tip: Always get your fingerprints done at a professional fingerprinting center or forensic lab. Ensure all ten prints are clearly captured and taken on the official fingerprint card (CID form or prescribed format).

2. Missing MEA attestation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attestation is mandatory for fingerprint cards before they are submitted to the Saudi Embassy or consulate.

Tip: Never skip this step. After local attestation (by a notary or state authorities), your fingerprint card must go through MEA attestation to validate its authenticity.

3. Mismatch in personal details

Inconsistencies in your name, date of birth, passport number, or other details across different documents can result in your PCC being rejected.

Tip: Double-check that all your documents — passport, application form, authorization letter, and fingerprint card — carry exactly the same personal details.

4. No authorization letter when applying through an agent

If you're using an authorized agency like Trueway to apply on your behalf, you must provide a signed authorization letter.

Tip: Include a clearly signed and dated letter authorizing the agency to process your PCC. Include your passport number, contact details, and signature.

5. Incorrect employer or Saudi location details

Providing the wrong employer name or incorrect details about the city or region where you worked in Saudi Arabia can affect the application.

Tip: Be precise with your Saudi employment history. Provide correct employer names, Iqama numbers (if available), and the cities where you lived or worked.

What to Do If Your Saudi PCC Application Is Rejected

Rejection of a Saudi PCC application can be stressful, especially if it’s needed for a job or visa. However, in most cases, the issue can be resolved with the right steps. Here’s what to do next:

1. Understand the reason for rejection

The Saudi authorities may not always provide a detailed explanation, but if you applied through an agency like Trueway, we can follow up and obtain the exact reason. Common issues include incomplete documents, poor-quality fingerprints, or incorrect personal data.

2. Correct the error and reapply

Once the issue is identified, take steps to correct it:

• If fingerprints were unclear, retake them at an approved center.
• If document details were mismatched, prepare corrected and consistent documentation.
• If MEA attestation was missing, complete the attestation before resubmission.

3. Seek professional guidance

Re-applying after a rejection requires extra care. Let experienced agencies like Trueway handle the reapplication process. We will ensure every document is verified, attested, and submitted correctly to prevent another rejection.

4. Stay informed about updates

Saudi PCC requirements may change periodically. Stay updated with the latest guidelines from the Saudi Embassy or authorized agencies.

12. Why Choose Trueway International for Saudi PCC?

• Over 10 years of expertise in certificate attestation and immigration documentation
• Pan-Kerala presence with walk-in support centers and doorstep document pickup
• Personalized consultation for former Saudi residents
• Real-time tracking of application status
• End-to-end processing – from fingerprinting to embassy submission
• Affordable Pricing with No Hidden Charges
• 24x7 Dedicated Customer Support
• Award-Winning Documentation Services

Thousands of applicants trust Trueway every year for fast, error-free PCC services.

13. Saudi PCC Fees and Charges (2025 Update)

When applying for a Saudi Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India, it’s essential to understand the different stages involved and the corresponding service charges — even if the exact fee may vary depending on your location, documentation needs, and urgency.

At Trueway International, we maintain transparent pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring you receive reliable service and complete value for your money.

What’s Included in the Saudi PCC Processing Fee?

Although we do not disclose fixed fees online (as costs can vary slightly depending on individual requirements), our standard service package typically includes:

• ✅ Fingerprinting service at a certified center or partner location
• ✅ Notary attestation and Home Department attestation (if required)
• ✅ MEA attestation (Ministry of External Affairs)
• ✅ Saudi Embassy attestation or consulate submission
• ✅ Document pickup and delivery (in select cities)
• ✅ 24x7 customer support and guidance
• ✅ Online tracking facility for your application status
• ✅ Personalized consultation for document verification and clarification

At Trueway, we provide a detailed quote after reviewing your document set, so you know exactly what you're paying for — with no surprises.

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I apply for my spouse’s Saudi PCC?

Yes, you can apply on behalf of your spouse with proper authorization, photo ID, and supporting documents.

Q2. Is Saudi PCC required for a tourist or visit visa?

No. PCC is typically only required for work visas, immigration, PR, or long-term residence permits.

Q3. What if I don’t have fingerprinting facilities nearby?

Trueway helps you locate the nearest approved center or arranges home visits in select locations across Kerala.

Conclusion

A Police Clearance Certificate from Saudi Arabia is essential for your immigration, employment, or education plans if you've lived in the Kingdom. Though the process may seem complex, with expert guidance from Trueway International, you can complete it without errors or delays. From fingerprinting to embassy coordination, we handle it all so you can focus on your goals.

📞 Contact Trueway International today to start your Saudi PCC process with ease and confidence!