In short:
- The Saudi police clearance certificate is issued through official channels; the reference for how to obtain it is the Unified National Platform and the competent authority.
- Immigration authorities and employers abroad often ask for it, usually with a certified translation.
- The translation must be complete, including the certificate number, date and verification details.
- The receiving authority may ask for an apostille or legalisation, and it decides whether to accept the translation.
If you are preparing to immigrate to Canada, Australia or the UK, or have a job offer abroad after years in Saudi Arabia, your document list will probably include a “police certificate” or “certificate of good conduct” from every country where you lived for a certain period. The Saudi certificate is issued in Arabic, so the foreign authority will need a translation. This guide covers what to know about police clearance certificate translation: where to start, what the translation includes and how to avoid delays.
Where is the certificate issued?
The police clearance certificate is issued through official channels in the Kingdom, and the way to apply depends on your situation, for example whether you are a citizen or resident in Saudi Arabia or someone who has left and needs it from abroad. The Unified National Platform, my.gov.sa, describes the service and the authority that provides it.
Because conditions and procedures can change, we do not list fees, processing times or document requirements here. Check the official platform and the competent authority before you start, and make sure the certificate is recent if the foreign authority requires a specific validity period.
Who asks for a translation?
Immigration authorities
Many immigration programmes ask for a certificate from each country where the applicant lived for a set period after a certain age. If it is not in English or French, for example, they ask for a certified translation. Details vary by country, so read your programme’s guidance on the official website.
Employers abroad
Some employers, particularly in healthcare, education and finance, ask for the certificate as part of pre-employment checks.
Universities and licensing bodies
Some universities and professional licensing bodies include it in admission or registration files.
Long-stay visas
Some long-stay and family reunion visas include this requirement too.
What the certified translation covers
The full text
We translate everything on the certificate: personal details, the statement itself, the issuing authority and the date, without shortening anything.
Names and numbers
Your name is written in English exactly as in your passport, and ID, iqama or passport numbers are carried over as shown. That is why we ask for your passport data page.
Certificate number and verification details
Electronic certificates usually carry a number and a verification code. We translate and preserve these, because the foreign authority may use them to check authenticity.
Dates
Dates are given in the calendar used on the certificate, with the Gregorian equivalent where needed, because immigration authorities pay close attention to issue dates and validity.
After translation: apostille or legalisation
Some authorities accept the certificate with its certified translation. Others ask for an apostille if the country is a Hague Convention member, or traditional legalisation if not. Our guide to apostille in Saudi Arabia explains the difference. Ask the authority about the order before translating so the translation can include any stamps.
Checklist before you send the certificate
- Have you read your programme’s or employer’s guidance on the certificate and translation?
- Is the certificate recent enough for the required validity period?
- Do you know the target language?
- Do you have a clear passport data page photo for the name spelling?
- Does the authority need an apostille or legalisation, and should its stamps be translated?
- Is there a deadline that calls for the urgent service?
Your immigration file is more than one certificate
The police certificate usually comes with other documents that need translating too, such as birth and marriage certificates, degrees, experience letters and bank statements. Translating them together with one office keeps names and terms consistent across the whole file, something immigration officers notice. Send us your full list and we will send one quote with a clear delivery time.
Common mistakes that delay immigration files
- The certificate expiring before you apply: some programmes want a recent certificate, so do not obtain it too early.
- Name spelling mismatches between the translated certificate, your passport and the rest of your file.
- Uncertified translations with no stamp or signature.
- Missing verification details, prompting the authority to ask for clarification.
- Not reading the programme guidance: each country has its own format and conditions.
Why Almadani Translation?
We have been licensed since 1982 (licence No. 64, dated 19 February 1983) and have served more than 20,000 clients. Every translation is stamped, signed and checked by a second translator. We translate into almost any language, not just English, and sign an NDA on request, since this certificate holds personal data.
How to order
Send a photo or PDF of the certificate with your passport data page on WhatsApp to +966569442222, available around the clock, and tell us the country and programme or employer. We send a quote and delivery time before you confirm, then a stamped e-copy on WhatsApp plus a printed copy. If your deadline is close, ask for urgent certified translation, which carries an extra fee. For other official documents, see legal translation.
FAQ
Do you obtain the police clearance certificate for me?
No. The certificate is issued through official channels only; we translate it once issued.
Will immigration authorities accept your translation?
Our translations are certified, stamped, signed and checked by a second translator, but acceptance is always decided by the receiving authority. Read your programme guidance.
Do I need an apostille on the certificate?
That depends on the destination country and authority. Ask them or check their official guidance.
Can you translate it into French?
Yes. We work with almost any language, including French. Tell us which language you need.
I have left Saudi Arabia. Can I still order?
Yes. Send the certificate on WhatsApp and receive the stamped e-copy wherever you are. The printed copy is collected inside the Kingdom, by arrangement with you.
Note: This article is general information, not legal advice. Certificate requirements and immigration rules change, and the receiving authority decides whether it accepts a translation and in what form. Always check the official websites.
Written by the Almadani Translation Team · Information last reviewed: October 2026