Living in Qatar
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or through your city or county law enforcement agency. In both cases, the clearance will be run against the National Crime Information Center, which contains all federal, state and local criminal information.
Please make an appointment for a police clearance by going to the "Document and Public Services" tab and clicking on the link there.
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 or longer to complete the authentication process using an express mail service.
FBI Police Clearance Certificate
To obtain a FBI clearence from Qatar, please make an appointment at the U.S. Embassy Doha for a Notary Service. At the time of your appointment, request a police clearance package. Follow the instuctions given for your clearnce.
You will be charged for a Notary Service.
After you recieve your clearance back from the FBI, please make an appointment for a Notary Service. Bring your clearnce with you. You will be asked to fill out an Affidavite. The Affdavite will attached to your clearence. Your clearance will be completed.
You be charged for a Notary Service
The FBI lists the instructions as well at the following website: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/fprequest.htm.
Americans should note that once mailed, FBI processing usually requires 3 to 4 weeks.
Americans should have their fingerprints taken at the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) office located in the Al Waab area. Either you or your company can take your fingerprints as needed. Again, the U.S. Embassy in Doha does not offer fingerprinting services.