Step-by-step guide Bahrain PCC application

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Bahrain – Step-by-Step Guide

Have you previously lived in Bahrain and do you now need a Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct Certificate)? You can apply for this from the Netherlands (or any other country), but the process is slightly more complex compared to many other countries.

In this article, we explain step by step how to apply, what to watch out for, and how to avoid delays.

What is a Bahrain PCC?

A Bahrain PCC (Good Conduct Certificate) is an official document issued by the police confirming that you did not acquire a criminal record during your stay in Bahrain.

This document is often required for:

• Employment (employment screening)
• Visa / immigration
• Background checks
• Licensing

Important: You must have lived in Bahrain for at least 6 months to be eligible to apply for a PCC.

Step-by-step: Applying for a Bahrain PCC from abroad

Step 1: Have your fingerprints taken

This is the most important step. Since you are no longer in Bahrain, you must have your fingerprints taken in the country where you currently reside.

Requirements:

• Full set: 10 fingerprints + palm prints
• Taken by:
  • Police, or
  • Professional fingerprint specialist
• Must include:
  • Name and signature of the officer/technician
  • Official stamp

Step 2: Take a professional passport photo

You will need a recent passport-sized photo:

• White or light grey background
• Front-facing
• According to passport standards

Step 3: Apply online via the Bahrain portal

You must submit your application through the official Bahrain portal:  https://services.bahrain.bh/wps/portal/GoodConductCertificate_en

Select:
“Certificate Issuance Request for Foreigners Outside the Kingdom of Bahrain”

Log in using your Bahraini Personal Number (CPR)

Information required:

• Personal details
• Bahrain Personal Number (CPR)
• Contact details
• Education and occupation
• Purpose of the application

Step 4: Upload documents and review

During the online application, you must upload the following:

Mandatory:

• Passport (current + old if applicable)
• Bahrain visa / CPR
• Passport photo
• Fingerprint document
• Purpose of application

Sometimes required:

• Explanation letter (purpose letter)

Step 5: Send original fingerprints to Bahrain

After completing your online application, you must send the original fingerprint cards to Bahrain.

This can be done via:

• A contact person in Bahrain
• An agency / third party

Important:

• They will physically submit your documents to the authorities
• Without this step, your application may not be processed

Alternative:
Someone in Bahrain can handle this for you via a Power of Attorney.

We strongly recommend asking someone in Bahrain to manage this step for you, so you can be sure your documents are received correctly.
You can use an express courier such as FedEx or UPS, but there is always a risk that the documents may not reach the correct department.

Step 6: Wait for processing

Processing times are typically:

• 2 to 4 weeks (online processing)
• 3 to 6 weeks total (including shipping)

You will usually receive:

• A digital copy (PDF)
• Sometimes a physical copy

Summary

The process consists of:

1. Having your fingerprints taken
2. Taking a passport photo
3. Submitting the online application
4. Uploading documents
5. Sending original fingerprints to Bahrain
6. Receiving your PCC

Total processing time: several weeks
Start early to avoid delays