Good Conduct Certificate (Shahadat Husn Sira) in Saudi Arabia
Get your Saudi PCC online via Absher - now widely accepted with MOFA attestation for visas abroad.
Last verified: 2026-06
Overview
Saudi Arabia now issues a Good Conduct Certificate (Shahadat Husn Sira) through Absher to former and current residents. It's the Saudi equivalent of a police clearance certificate (PCC) and is commonly requested for jobs, immigration, and professional licensing abroad.
Applicants who lived in Saudi Arabia for at least 6 months can request the certificate, even after leaving the country, as long as they had an Iqama and biometrics on file.
After issuance, most foreign authorities ask for MOFA attestation and then the receiving country's embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah to attest it. Plan for that extra step in your timeline.
Documents required
- Valid or expired Iqama number
- Passport copy
- Absher account (current or reactivated)
- Recent passport photo (digital)
- Authorisation letter (if applying via representative)
Eligibility
- You held a valid Iqama in Saudi Arabia for at least 6 months
- You have no open criminal cases
- Your biometrics are on record with the Ministry of Interior
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Good Conduct Certificate (Absher) | 100 SAR | Per certificate. Confirm current rate on Absher. |
| MOFA attestation | 30-60 SAR | Required if using the certificate abroad. |
| Certified Arabic-to-English translation | 100-200 SAR | From a Ministry of Justice-approved translator. |
| Receiving embassy legalisation | Varies SAR | Charged by the foreign embassy in Riyadh/Jeddah. |
Step by step
- 1
Log into Absher Individuals
Use your Iqama-linked Absher account. If you've left Saudi Arabia, you may need to reactivate via the Saudi embassy or with a registered local mobile number.
online
- 2
Submit the request
Navigate to My Services > General Services > Good Conduct Certificate. Complete the form and pay the fee via SADAD.
10 minutes · online
- 3
Wait for verification
The Ministry of Interior cross-checks criminal and immigration records. If clean, the certificate is issued electronically.
5-15 working days · online
- 4
Download the certificate
Download the signed PDF from Absher. It carries an electronic seal and QR code for verification.
online
- 5
Attest for international use
Submit the certificate to MOFA for attestation, then to the destination country's embassy in Saudi Arabia for legalisation if required.
3-10 days · either
Processing time: 5-15 working days from Absher submission to issuance; add 1-2 weeks for full attestation chain.
Where to do it online
- Absher
Apply for and download the Good Conduct Certificate
Ministry of Justice-approved translators handle certified English translations. Some attestation services help with MOFA and embassy queues.
Common pitfalls
- Applying without reactivating your Absher account after leaving KSA
- Forgetting that some embassies (e.g., Canada, Australia) require attestation by both MOFA and their own consulate
- Assuming the certificate is automatic - the MOI still vets criminal records and can refuse
- Letting the certificate go beyond 6 months old - most foreign authorities ask for one issued within the last 6 months
FAQs
Yes. Since the Absher service expanded in 2020, former residents can apply online from anywhere, provided their Absher account is active and their biometrics are on record.
There's no official expiry, but most foreign authorities accept it only if issued within the last 6 months. Some accept up to 12 months - check with the requesting authority.
Not separately if your biometrics were already taken during Iqama issuance. If not on file, a fingerprint appointment at a Saudi mission may be required.
No. Traffic fines are administrative and don't show on the Good Conduct Certificate, which lists only criminal convictions.
Yes, with a notarised power of attorney and the applicant's ID documents. Many attestation agencies offer this service.
Yes, after MOFA attestation and legalisation by the destination country's embassy in Saudi Arabia. The Absher-issued document is digitally signed and verifiable.
Skip the hassle
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