How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai

Ever come across the term “good conduct certificate”? Ever asked to submit one? Well, if you are planning to start a business, study, work, or live in Dubai, it is essential to obtain a police clearance certificate Dubai.

Not just expats, but UAE nationals may also need a police clearance certificate (PCC) in various situations, such as applying for jobs and admissions abroad.

Quick summary:

• A police clearance certificate is issued by the Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior.
• It stands as proof of your criminal-free and clean background record.
• It can be obtained by UAE citizens, residents, or non-residents who used to live in Dubai in the past.
• Required for business license, visa, study admission, and other life events.

Now, you might be wondering, “How can I get one?” If you are unfamiliar with the clearance process in the UAE, it may seem a bit intimidating. However, we are here to make it a piece of cake for you. In this guide, you will find every detail about the Dubai police clearance certificate, including the process you need to follow to get one, the documents you need to submit, the fees you will have to pay, and more.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate Dubai?

A police clearance certificate, also known as a good conduct certificate, is an official document issued by a country’s government to an individual that verifies that the individual has never committed any illegal actions and has no criminal history in that specific country.

A police clearance certificate in Dubai is issued by the Dubai Police via their app or through police stations. It confirms that the person to whom it is issued has not been involved in any legal cases or activities that violate the laws, honour, or integrity of the UAE during their time in the country. To obtain it, individuals must submit their personal details, photos, and passport copies to the authority and pay the necessary fees.

Importance of a Police Clearance Certificate

A police clearance certificate verifies a person’s credibility and compliance with the law. In the UAE and abroad, embassies, government agencies, educational institutions, licensing authorities, and employers often request this certificate to confirm an individual’s integrity and good character.

So, you typically require a police clearance certificate when applying for jobs, visas, licenses, or admissions. It demonstrates that you are a trustworthy candidate for any opportunity you pursue.

Common uses of a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai

You may need a police clearance certificate from Dubai Police for various purposes:

Business setup:

When starting a business in Dubai, government authorities may ask you to submit a PCC to confirm your legal compliance and credibility. In such cases, the business owner and key personnel of the company must provide their police clearance certificates.

Job application:

Employers in Dubai or abroad may ask for a good conduct certificate to reassure themselves that you will be a good match for the job and have no criminal history. For them, it is an essential part of the screening process. Generally, a police certificate is an essential requirement for a work visa in Dubai.

Immigration and visa:

Whenever you apply for a visa abroad, including Dubai, immigration authorities always ask for a police clearance certificate. Government bodies require this certificate when issuing and renewing visas, including a visit visa and residency permits. This requirement helps ensure public safety and protects the interests of the nation.

Study admission:

Educational institutes may also ask for a police clearance certificate (PPC) from students during the admission process. It is especially needed for programs related to law, public safety, etc.

Professional license:

If you plan to practice as a lawyer, accountant, financial broker, real estate broker, or other professional, you must submit a good character certificate to obtain your professional license. Licensing authorities would not approve your application without it.

Bank account opening:

Some banking institutions request a good conduct certificate from the applicant for opening a bank account as part of their KYC procedures.

Other common uses:

• Personal loans: A police clearance certificate is required for applying for personal loans with banks.
• Child adoption: To adopt a child, the prospective parents are required to submit a good conduct certificate to ensure the safety and well-being of the child.
• Driving permit: When applying for a driving permit in Dubai or elsewhere, along with the application, a police certificate clearance is also submitted.
• Marriage: In some cases, like marrying outside the UAE, a good conduct certificate may be required to meet embassy requirements.

Who Can Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai?

UAE nationals, residents, or foreigners from outside the UAE can apply for a police clearance certificate in Dubai. Also, non-residents who previously resided in the Emirates can apply for one. The common categories of applicants include:

• Entrepreneurs or business owners
• Job applicants
• Students
• Expats, visitors, or foreigners looking for visas
• Professionals seeking a license

Documents Required for a Police Clearance Certificate Dubai

Before applying for the good conduct certificate Dubai, you must prepare well. The following are the documents needed to obtain a police clearance certificate Dubai:

For UAE residents:

• A valid Emirates ID
• Recent passport photo
• Copy of passport
• UAE visa copy

For non-residents:

• Fingerprint form from their current country of residence, attested by the UAE Embassy
• Passport copy
• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• Copy of the last UAE visa, if applicable
• Reason for application

Our legal experts at Dubiz can help you with PCC if you need it for company setup in Dubai.

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai Online?

The process to obtain a Dubai police clearance certificate is quite straightforward. Applicants can apply for a police clearance certificate in Dubai through the Ministry of Interior or the Dubai police.

Here are the easy steps to apply for a police clearance certificate Dubai online:

Select the channel of application:

You can apply for the police clearance certificate Dubai through the Ministry of Interior website/app or the Dubai Police website/app.

Register/log in on the portal:

If you are already registered, you will need to sign in using your credentials. If you are a new user, you will need to create an account using a UAE Pass.

Choose the service:

Look for the police clearance certificate service on the selected portal:

• On the MOI website, locate the “Issuance of Clear Criminal Record Certificate” service under e-Services. Click on “Start Service.”
• If using the Dubai Police website, you will find the certificate service on the home page, under which you can select the “Police Clearance Certificate” option.

Here are the quick links for your convenience:

• Dubai Police
• Ministry of Interior

Fill the application:

Enter the required details in the online application, including your user type (resident/citizen/visitor/outside the UAE), passport information, Emirates ID (if applicable), visa details (if applicable), reason for application, language for the certificate, etc. Ensure that all details are provided accurately.

Upload the documents:

Next, you will need to attach the required documents along with your application. You can scan and upload them easily. This may include a passport copy, passport photo, previous residence visa (if applicable), or any additional documents requested by the authorities.

Submit fingerprints, if required:

Applicants who do not have an Emirates ID or who are applying from outside the UAE must provide a 10-finger fingerprint copy certified by the UAE Embassy in their current country of residence.

Make the fee payment:

There is an application fee for the police clearance certificate that must be paid, which varies depending on the applicant’s location, purpose, and selected language. You can choose an acceptable online payment method according to the website settings (Apple Pay, credit card, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, etc.) to pay the fee.

Submit the application:

Cross-check the application details and finally submit your application. You can track your application online using the reference number assigned to you upon submission.

Receive your PCC:

The processing of a police clearance certificate takes a few hours to a few days. Once your application is approved, you will receive your police clearance certificate electronically via email. You can also download it from the platform.

Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai – Validity and Processing Time

• Validity: Police clearance certificate Dubai remains valid for 3 months from its date of issuance.
• Processing time: Wondering how long does police clearance take in Dubai? Expect a few hours (usually within 24 hours) to get your Dubai police clearance certificate, provided your application is complete.

Step-by-step Application Process (by visiting the center)

You can choose to apply for the Dubai police clearance certificate in person at designated centers. Here are the steps to follow:

Prepare all the documents:

Before visiting the center, make sure you have all the required documents ready in advance. You must carry the necessary copies and original documents to the center.

Visit a Dubai Police service center:

Next, locate the nearest center available to you. You can visit a police station or a Dubai Smart Station. Available locations can be found on the Dubai Police website.

Submit the application along with fees:

Request an application form at the service center, fill out the required details, and submit it along with the necessary document copies. Finally, make the payment for the application fee.

Receive Your PCC:

Once you submit your application, the authorities will review it, and your certificate of good conduct will be issued to you after approval. You can collect it at the same center, or it may be sent to you by mail.

Service channels for police clearance certificate in Dubai

Here is the full list of service channels for obtaining a police clearance certificate Dubai:

• MOI website or app
• Dubai Police website/app
• Police stations (Al Qusais Police Station, Ports Police Station, Al Rashidiya Police Station, Jebel Ali Police Station, etc.)
• Call center
• Walk-in machine
• Drive-thru machine
• Dubai Now app
• Smart police stations

The digital channels are available 24/7, while the police stations are open from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm.

For updated information regarding the fees, processes, or new rules, it is advisable to reach out to Dubai Police directly through their website or helpline at 901.

How Much is Dubai Police Clearance Certificate?

The fee for getting a police clearance certificate Dubai depends on whether you are applying through the Dubai Police or the Ministry of Interior:

Applying through Dubai Police:

• For UAE citizens: AED 100
• For residents: AED 200
• From outside the country: AED 300 or $88
• Knowledge and innovation fees: AED 20
• Additional fees if applying through service centers in person: AED 100

Applying through MOI:

• Service fees: AED 50 (use within UAE) and AED 100 (use outside UAE)
• Fingerprinting fees for visitors and GCC citizens: AED 50
• Attestation for use outside UAE: AED 300

Please note there can be slight variations in cost depending on the language of the certificate, your nationality, etc.

Some Important Points

Here are some essential insights you need to know about a good conduct certificate UAE:

• Accuracy of application details: The applicant is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information submitted. It is better to double-check the information before final submission.
• Proper use of certificate: Misuse of the certificate may result in legal action against the holder. Be mindful of that.
• Certificate denial: If the applicant has any criminal background or is wanted by any authority, no certificate will be issued to him/her.
• Entry requirement: When applying from outside the UAE, the applicant must have previously entered the UAE.
• Attestation for international use: If the PCC is intended for use outside the UAE, it will require legalization and attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

How Dubiz Helps?

From employment visa applications to company formation, a police clearance certificate is a vital document that provides confirmation of your good background. While the process may seem intimidating in a foreign country like the UAE, it is actually quite straightforward. We have addressed all the potential questions related to the police clearance certificate UAE in this guide.

We offer comprehensive document and translation services in the UAE for companies. If you plan to expand your business in the UAE, we can assist with all legal formalities, including:

• UAE company registration
• Business licenses
• UAE Visas
• Documentation (including the police clearance certificate Dubai)
• Business bank account opening

We can help you at every stage of your business setup in Dubai.

Contact Dubiz Business Setup today:

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)