Police Clearances

To obtain a residence permit in Qatar, the Government of Qatar usually requires foreign citizens to provide a police clearance certificate from their home countries.  You can obtain a U.S. police clearance certificate two ways: through your city or county law enforcement agency or through the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).  In both cases, the clearance will be run against the National Crime Information Center, which contains all federal, state and local criminal information.

The U.S. Embassy in Doha strongly recommends that you obtain a U.S. police clearance before you come to Qatar.  The U.S. Embassy in Doha does not provide fingerprinting services.

Local Law Enforcement Agency Police Clearance Certificate

The local law enforcement agency from your state of residence or domicile will perform a police clearance check upon your request.  You should contact your local law enforcement agency for their requirements and fees.  After the clearance process is completed, you must also authenticate the police clearance certificate from your local or state law enforcement agency.  Please visit our Authentications website for this process.  Once a local clearance is obtained, you should expect 2 to 4 weeks to complete the authentication process using an express mail service.

FBI Police Clearance Certificate

The FBI will provide a police clearance certificate if requested.  Please visit the following website for complete instructions: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm.

Please print the fingerprint card from the website.  Either you or your company can take your fingerprints as needed.  Again, the U.S. Embassy in Doha does not offer fingerprinting services.  Americans have had their fingerprints taken at the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) office located in the Al Waab area.  However, there is no guarantee that CID will take your fingerprints.

Americans should note that once mailed, FBI processing usually requires 14 to 18 weeks.  Please visit the U.S. Embassy during American Citizens Services (ACS) hours once you have received your fingerprint response card from the FBI.