At a glance
- Local name
- Good Conduct Certificate (PCC)
- Country
- Qatar
- Process steps
- 8
- Fee items
- 6
- Online portals
- 3
- FAQs
- 8
- Pitfalls covered
- 8
- Last verified
- 2026-06
What is Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) in Qatar?
The Good Conduct Certificate, formally the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), is issued by the General Directorate of Evidences and Criminal Information at the Ministry of Interior. It confirms that the applicant has no criminal record in Qatar during their period of residence, and is commonly required for overseas employment (Canadian, Australian and UK skilled migration; teaching and nursing roles abroad), for permanent-residency and citizenship applications in destination countries, for second-citizenship-by-investment programmes, and for sensitive professions taking up new roles in or outside Qatar.
Applications can be filed through the Metrash mobile app under 'Other Services' > 'Good Conduct Certificate', or in person at the Evidences and Criminal Information Department in Al Duhail. The application asks for the QID, the passport, the purpose of the certificate, the destination country (for overseas use) and a fingerprint reference. First-time applicants need to attend MOI in person for fingerprint capture if their prints are not yet on the criminal-information database; returning residents whose prints were already taken at QID issuance can usually file entirely online.
The MOI fee is around QAR 10 per certificate, one of the cheapest stamps in the Qatari system. The real cost and time sink lie in the downstream attestation chain for overseas use. If the destination country requires the PCC to be MOFA-attested and then attested by its own embassy in Doha, plan QAR 50 to QAR 200 for the MOFA stamp, an MOJ-approved Arabic translation if the receiving country needs an Arabic original, plus whatever the receiving country's embassy charges (often USD 30 to USD 100 equivalent). The total turnaround for an overseas-ready PCC is typically 1-3 weeks.
Format matters. The MOI now issues the PCC primarily as a digital document with a QR code that the receiving authority can verify against the MOI register. Some destination countries still ask for a wet-stamped paper original; if so, request the paper version at the Evidences and Criminal Information Department counter alongside the digital one. Most countries (Canada, Australia, the UK, the Gulf states themselves) accept the digital version with the MOFA-attested original; some Eastern European migration boards still ask for the paper original.
A subtle point catches a lot of applicants: most receiving authorities require the PCC to have been issued within the last three to six months at the time of submission. An old certificate from a year ago is rarely accepted even if it has not 'expired' in Qatar's sense. Plan the PCC application as close as possible to the destination-country deadline; do not get one early 'just in case'. If the destination country has multiple stages (federal then provincial then employer), have the original re-attested if the chain takes more than six months.
Former residents can also apply from abroad. The Qatar Embassy in your current country of residence can take a PCC application on your behalf and forward it to MOI in Doha, or you can appoint an authorised representative in Qatar through a notarised power of attorney to file at the Evidences and Criminal Information Department. The remote route is slower (4-8 weeks) but works for residents who have already returned home permanently and need a PCC for a citizenship or skilled migration application.
What documents do I need for Good Conduct Certificate (PCC)?
Bring originals AND coloured photocopies of every item. Files are rejected at counter for a single missing page or unattested certificate.
Documents required
- ✓Valid QID (active resident) or expired QID plus a 'Letter of Previous Residency' (for former residents)
- ✓Valid passport, original and copy
- ✓Fingerprints on file at MOI Evidences and Criminal Information Department (first-time applicants attend for capture)
- ✓Letter of purpose specifying the destination country or organisation (helpful for overseas-use applications)
- ✓Power of attorney for a representative filing on the applicant's behalf
- ✓Destination-country embassy address for forwarded attestation requests
Eligibility
- →Currently or previously resident in Qatar with a QID
- →No pending criminal proceedings (open cases delay or block the certificate)
- →Have provided fingerprints to MOI at some point (first time at QID issuance, retained on file thereafter)
How much does Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) cost in Qatar in 2026?
Government fees current to 2026-06. All payments via the relevant portal wallet or SADAD-equivalent rail; service-centre cash counters typically charge a small extra typing fee.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PCC issuance through Metrash or MOI | 10 QAR | Standard MOI fee; confirm current amount on portal.moi.gov.qa. |
| MOFA Qatar attestation (per document) | 50-200 QAR | Required for overseas use; depends on document category. |
| MOJ-approved Arabic translation (per page) | 75-150 QAR | Only needed if the destination country requires an Arabic version. |
| Destination-country embassy attestation in Doha | Varies QAR | Set by each embassy; typically QAR 100-400 equivalent. |
| Express service | Varies QAR | Some categories allow same-day issuance for a higher fee on case-by-case basis. |
| Typing-centre bundled service | 150-400 QAR | Per document; includes filing, MOFA appointment and collection. |
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How do I apply for Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) step by step?
The end-to-end flow for Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) in Qatar. Total wall-clock time: Standard PCC issuance: 2-5 working days through Metrash or in person at MOI Al Duhail. Add 1-3 weeks for MOFA attestation and destination-country embassy attestation. Former residents applying from abroad: 4-8 weeks because of international document handling. Express service is available for some categories at a higher fee..
- 1
Submit the PCC application
Open Metrash > 'Other Services' > 'Good Conduct Certificate' and fill in the purpose, destination country and language preference. Pay the QAR 10 fee with a Qatari debit or credit card. Alternatively, visit the General Directorate of Evidences and Criminal Information in Al Duhail with QID and passport.
⏱ Same day on Metrash📍 either - 2
Fingerprint capture (first-time applicants)
First-time applicants attend MOI Al Duhail to give fingerprints. The capture takes 30-60 minutes including queue time. Returning residents whose prints were taken at QID issuance can usually skip this step because the prints remain on file in the criminal-information database. The Metrash submission flags whether a fingerprint step is needed.
⏱ 30-60 minutes when triggered📍 center - 3
MOI issues the certificate
MOI checks the criminal-information database against the QID and issues the PCC electronically (with a QR code for verification) and on paper if requested. Standard issuance takes 2-5 working days; express service is available for some categories at a higher fee. The digital version arrives in the Metrash inbox under 'Certificates'.
⏱ 2-5 days📍 online - 4
MOFA Qatar attestation (overseas use)
If the destination country requires it, book a MOFA attestation appointment through the MOFA e-services portal and visit the MOFA service centre in Lusail with the original. MOFA applies its stamp (QAR 50-200) and registers the attestation in the MOFA digital register. Translation into Arabic is needed if the destination requires it.
⏱ 1-3 days with appointment📍 center - 5
Embassy attestation in Doha (destination country)
Visit the destination country's embassy in Doha for an embassy stamp on the MOFA-attested PCC. Procedures vary by embassy: some accept walk-ins, others require pre-booking. Fees vary, typically QAR 100-400 equivalent. The receiving authority overseas will then accept the chain as a complete authentication.
⏱ 1-2 weeks📍 center - 6
Track validity at the destination
Most receiving authorities accept PCCs issued within the last 3-6 months. If the migration or job process extends beyond that window, plan to apply for a fresh PCC rather than re-using the old one. Some Eastern European migration boards still ask for a wet-stamped paper original; confirm with the destination's official guidance before relying on a digital PCC.
📍 either - 7
Apply from abroad (former residents)
Former residents who have already left Qatar can apply through the Qatar Embassy in their current country of residence, or through an authorised representative in Qatar holding a notarised power of attorney. The remote route is slower (4-8 weeks) because of the international document handling but works for residents settled elsewhere.
⏱ 4-8 weeks📍 center - 8
Verify the digital certificate at the destination
The digital PCC carries a QR code that links to the MOI register, allowing the receiving authority to verify authenticity in real time without contacting Qatar directly. Many migration boards (Canada IRCC, UK Home Office, Australia DHA) accept the digital QR-verifiable version paired with the MOFA-attested chain. Provide the receiving authority with both the QR-coded digital PDF and the embassy-attested paper original.
📍 online
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Which portal do I use for Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) in Qatar?
These official portals handle Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) for Qatar. Each page on Wathim has the login flow, common errors and sibling fallback when one is down.
Apply for Good Conduct Certificate, track status, download digital QR-coded PDF
Portal guide →Online application, certificate download, status verification by QR code
Portal guide →National portal listing the MOI good-conduct-certificate service with current fees and channels.
Portal guide →💡 Authorised typing centres and PRO services routinely submit PCC applications and arrange MOFA and destination-embassy attestations on behalf of applicants. Packaged fees typically run QAR 150-400 per document on top of government fees. Use a typing centre when (a) you need the certificate fast and want a fluent operator handling MOFA scheduling, (b) you are coordinating attestations across multiple embassies in Doha, or (c) you are a former resident asking a Qatar-based contact to file on your behalf through a notarised power of attorney.
How do I renew Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) and what are the penalties?
A PCC is a snapshot in time and does not 'renew' in the traditional sense. Applicants simply request a fresh certificate when they need one. Most receiving authorities accept PCCs issued within the last 3-6 months; older certificates are usually rejected even if Qatar has no formal validity expiry. Plan the application close to the destination submission date and never get one early 'just in case'.
Fines & penalties
- ⚠Submitting false information to obtain a PCC: criminal charges under the Penal Code and a travel ban
- ⚠Forging or altering the PCC after issuance: criminal prosecution and immediate deportation
- ⚠Using another person's QID to apply: identity-theft charges and ban from future MOI services
- ⚠Filing while a criminal case is open: certificate is withheld or delayed; the underlying case must close first
What goes wrong with Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) applications?
These failures repeat across every Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) case Wathim sees in Qatar. Catch them before submitting to save a counter rejection.
- !Forgetting MOFA attestation when the PCC is intended for overseas use: receiving authorities will reject
- !Letting the QID expire before applying: the Metrash and portal screens reject the request
- !Assuming a PCC issued years ago is still valid: most countries require one issued within 3-6 months
- !Submitting the digital version to an authority that requires a wet-stamped paper original: confirm format before applying
- !Submitting to an embassy without checking their additional attestation requirements: some embassies need pre-booking or specific photo standards
- !Filing while a criminal case is open: the certificate is withheld until the case closes
- !Applying for a PCC for a destination that does not need it: a tourist visa or business visit may not need it, saving time and money
- !Forgetting that some receiving authorities want both an English and an Arabic version: ask before paying for one only
Frequently asked questions about Good Conduct Certificate (PCC) in Qatar
MOI charges around QAR 10 for the certificate itself. MOFA attestation for overseas use adds QAR 50-200 per stamp. Destination-country embassy attestation in Doha typically adds another QAR 100-400 equivalent, paid in local currency. MOJ-approved Arabic translation runs QAR 75-150 per page if needed. Confirm the current MOI fee on portal.moi.gov.qa before paying.
Standard issuance takes 2-5 working days through Metrash or in person at the MOI Evidences and Criminal Information Department in Al Duhail. Add 1-3 weeks if MOFA Qatar attestation and destination-country embassy attestation are required. Former residents applying from abroad should plan 4-8 weeks because of international document handling. Express service is available for some categories at a higher fee.
Yes. Former residents can apply through the Qatar Embassy in their current country of residence, or through an authorised representative in Qatar holding a notarised power of attorney. The Qatar Embassy submission usually forwards the request to MOI in Doha and returns the issued certificate by courier. Plan 4-8 weeks for the remote route, longer for embassies with heavier queues.
There is no fixed expiry in Qatar; the certificate is a snapshot at the time of issue. Most receiving authorities accept PCCs issued within the last 3-6 months. Older certificates are rarely accepted even if technically not expired. Plan the application close to the destination submission date; do not get one early 'just in case' because the validity window starts from issuance, not from submission.
Usually not. Fingerprints captured at the time of QID issuance remain on file in the MOI criminal-information database. The Metrash application flags whether a fingerprint step is needed; if your prints are on file, you can complete the entire application online. First-time applicants and applicants whose prints were captured before the unified database (older residents) may need a single visit to MOI Al Duhail.
Yes. MOI issues the PCC in English by default for overseas use; Arabic versions are issued on request, or for use in Qatari courts and ministries. If the destination country requires both, request both at issuance to avoid a fresh application. MOJ-approved Arabic translation is also available through legal translators in Doha for QAR 75-150 per page.
MOI will not issue the PCC while a criminal case is open against you. The application status shows 'Under Review' on Metrash, and the certificate is released once the case closes or is dismissed. Plan around this: if you have a pending case, complete its resolution before applying for the PCC. Contesting an outdated record requires a formal legal process through the Public Prosecution.
Yes for most major destinations. Canada IRCC, UK Home Office, Australia DHA and most EU migration boards now accept the digital QR-verifiable version paired with the MOFA-attested chain. Some Eastern European boards and certain regulated professions still ask for a wet-stamped paper original; check the destination's published guidance before relying on the digital version alone.
