A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is one of the most essential documents you’ll need when applying for migration, employment, higher studies, family visas, or international licensing. But if you’re living in Saudi Arabia and planning to use your PCC abroad, simply holding the certificate isn’t enough. You must complete the required legalisation steps, including obtaining a MOFA stamp for police clearance.
The rules have changed in recent years, especially after Saudi Arabia joined the Hague Apostille Convention. This has created two different pathways depending on where you will use your PCC. Understanding these pathways is essential to avoid delays, rejections, or last-minute surprises. This guide explains everything in clean, simple steps. So you know exactly how to get a MOFA stamp for police clearance, whether you’re applying for a job, migrating abroad, or processing a family visa.
Why You Need a MOFA Stamp on Your Police Clearance Certificate
When your PCC is being submitted outside Saudi Arabia, foreign authorities need proof that the certificate is genuine. That’s why countries require either:
- MOFA apostille (for Hague countries), or
- MOFA attestation + embassy legalisation (for non-Hague countries)
A mofa stamp for police clearance is the final government seal that confirms your Saudi PCC has been correctly verified and is legally valid for international use.
This is especially important for:
- PR and migration files
- Work permit applications
- Student visas
- Family reunification visas
- Overseas licensing or professional registration
In all these cases, foreign authorities expect a fully legalised PCC and your MOFA police clearance attestation is a key part of that chain.
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Apply Through the DIGITAL PLATFORM
You begin by logging in through our assistance. If your fingerprints aren’t registered, Absher will request a biometric appointment.
Step 2: Visit the Police Station
Carry your:
- Iqama
- Passport copy
- Passport photos
- Request letter (if required by your embassy or employer)
Your PCC request will be processed after fingerprint verification.
Step 3: Receive Your PCC
Once you have the certificate, you can proceed with an apostille or attestation.
How to Get MOFA Stamp for Police Clearance (Apostille or Attestation)
Now that Saudi Arabia follows the Hague system, the legalisation steps depend on the destination country.
Case 1: PCC for a Hague Convention Country (Apostille Required)
If you’re submitting your PCC to a country that’s a party to the Hague Convention, you need an apostilled police clearance certificate, not an embassy attestation.
Process:
- Pre-check
- Make sure your PCC is complete, accurate, and issued in the correct format.
- Submit to the Saudi MOFA
- MOFA verifies the document and issues the apostille.
- Receive Apostilled PCC
- This apostille replaces all embassy stamps. Your PCC is now fully valid internationally police clearance certificate attestation from mofa done right.
This is the simplest and fastest route.
Case 2: PCC for Non-Hague Countries (Embassy Attestation Required)
If you’re applying to non-Hague countries, an apostille alone is not accepted. You need a complete police clearance certificate attestation from the MOFA.
Process:
- Local verification
- Destination country embassy attestation
- Final MOFA attestation of police character certificate
This makes your PCC legally acceptable in non-Hague jurisdictions.
Documents Usually Required for MOFA PCC Apostille or Attestation
- Original PCC issued in Saudi Arabia
- Passport copy
- Iqama copy
- Passport-size photo (if required)
- Supporting letter (sometimes needed for embassy attestation)
Why Expats Choose Helpline Group for PCC and MOFA Attestation
For more than 25 years, Helpline Group has supported lacks of expats in Saudi Arabia and across the Gulf with document legalisation. Our global network covers more than 10 countries, allowing us to handle cross-border paperwork with unmatched accuracy and speed.
Clients trust us because we combine reliability with expertise. Every document that reaches our team is handled securely, thoroughly checked, and processed professionally from PCC issuance to the final MOFA stamp for police clearance.
If you want your PCC legalised the first time correctly, without stress or confusion, Helpline Group is ready to guide you every step of the way. Your documents. Our expertise. A clear path forward.
