The certificate can be issued to eligible Qatari nationals and foreign residents, with the supporting documents and application procedures varying according to the applicant’s circumstances and the purpose for which the document is needed.

The ministry lists an official issuance fee of QR 10, while requiring applicants to provide the relevant documentation and submit the request personally or through an authorized representative.

This is an existing government service rather than a newly introduced regulation or a recent decision to impose additional charges on residents.

According to the official Ministry of Interior guidance, Qatari citizens seeking the certificate for employment must provide a statement identifying the purpose of the request and the organization requiring the document.

They must also submit a copy of their Qatar identification card, allowing the competent department to verify the applicant’s identity and process the request under the relevant service category.

Foreign residents applying for employment purposes are similarly required to identify the requesting organization and provide a clear copy of their valid Qatar identification card.

Depending on their circumstances, expatriate applicants may also be required to submit a police clearance certificate issued by their home country’s embassy and authenticated by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the other competent authorities.

However, the ministry identifies specific categories of foreign residents who are exempt from submitting a police clearance certificate issued by their country of origin.

The first category includes expatriates born in Qatar, provided they can establish their birth in the country through the relevant official records when requested.

A second exemption applies to expatriates who first entered Qatar before reaching the age of 16, subject to verification of their immigration history and the date of their initial entry.

A further exemption covers foreign residents who have lived in Qatar for more than ten years, provided that their residence has not been interrupted for a period exceeding six months.

These exemptions concern the requirement to provide a certificate from the applicant’s country of origin and do not eliminate the need to obtain the Qatari certificate itself or fulfill the remaining application conditions.

For applicants seeking a Police Clearance Certificate for use outside Qatar, the Ministry of Interior provides procedures covering purposes such as education, migration, and other official transactions.

Qatari citizens and residents applying under these categories are instructed to provide a copy of their Qatar identification card and comply with the relevant application and verification requirements.

Former residents who have already departed Qatar may also request a certificate from abroad through one of the procedures published by the ministry.

These options include applying through a Qatari embassy, sending the required documents by express mail, or authorizing a representative in Qatar through an officially certified power of attorney.

The ministry also refers to electronic application or inquiry channels through its website and Metrash services, subject to the eligibility requirements and the validity of the applicant’s identification documents.

For certain applications submitted from abroad, the required documents may include copies of current and previous passports showing residence details, identification numbers, and the dates of entry into and departure from Qatar.

Applicants may additionally need personal photographs and officially certified fingerprint records, particularly where consular procedures or additional identity verification are required.

The relevant documents should be prepared in accordance with the specific route selected, because the requirements for former residents may differ from those applicable to individuals currently living in Qatar.

Regarding fees, the ministry identifies QR 10 as the official certificate issuance charge, while separate expenses may arise for postal delivery, document authentication, or consular services.

Applicants should therefore distinguish the government issuance fee from any additional costs associated with international document processing or the use of authorized representatives.

The Ministry of Interior provides official channels for checking requirements and following up on applications, including the electronic inquiry services available through its website.

Individuals seeking clarification may also contact the Criminal Evidence and Information Department through the published telephone number 2346666.

Applicants are encouraged to identify the correct purpose of the certificate before submitting their requests, as the supporting documents may differ between employment, education, immigration, and other official purposes.

Foreign residents should also verify whether they qualify for an exemption from submitting a home-country police clearance certificate, potentially avoiding unnecessary document preparation and authentication procedures.

The ministry remains the responsible authority for examining applications, determining document requirements, and applying the relevant rules to Qatari citizens, current residents, and former residents.

Meeting the published requirements allows an application to be considered, while the competent authority retains responsibility for verifying the submitted information and issuing the certificate.

Source: Ministry of Interior, State of Qatar – Criminal Evidence and Information Department.