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Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai: What the Guide Covers
This guide explains the full process of obtaining a police clearance certificate (PCC) in Dubai and across the UAE. It covers the difference between the Dubai Police and Ministry of Interior certificates, applicable government fees, required documents, and step-by-step application procedures for residents, citizens, and former residents abroad.
The article also addresses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) attestation requirements for certificates intended for international use, common reasons for application rejection, and how to apply through EGSH as a government-authorised service centre. Each section is structured as a standalone reference for applicants at different stages of the process.
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What Is a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE
A police clearance certificate, also referred to as a good conduct certificate or clear criminal record certificate, is an official document confirming that an individual has no criminal record or pending cases within the United Arab Emirates. The certificate verifies that the holder has not been involved in actions that compromise honour or integrity during their time in the country.
Two authorities issue this document at different levels. Dubai Police issues an emirate-level PCC covering the applicant's record in Dubai. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) issues a federal criminal clearance certificate covering all emirates. The federal certificate is governed by Ministerial Decision No. (600) of 2024 regarding the regulation of the issuance of criminal clearance certificates.
The Dubai Police PCC is valid for three months from the date of issue. The MOI certificate has a formal validity period of 30 days from the date of issuance under the same ministerial decision. Applicants should confirm the freshness requirement with the requesting authority, as some institutions accept certificates issued within a wider timeframe.
The certificate is issued in Arabic and English only. Both channels deliver the certificate electronically via email or through the applicant's online account.
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When a Police Clearance Certificate Is Required
A PCC is mandatory for a range of official, professional, and legal purposes in the UAE and abroad.
Employment in regulated professions requires proof of good conduct. Sectors including education, healthcare, financial services, and security mandate a PCC as part of pre-employment screening. The certificate is commonly required alongside employment visa stamping and other onboarding procedures.
Immigration and visa applications represent another common requirement. Applicants seeking residency in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia must provide a PCC from every country in which they have resided. Within the UAE, a PCC may be required for certain visa status changes or when applying for long-term residency categories.
Professional licensing bodies in Dubai require the certificate before issuing or renewing practitioner licences in healthcare, law, and finance. University admissions for international students may also require a PCC as part of enrolment documentation.
Business registration and licensing procedures may require company owners or key personnel to provide a PCC. This applies to certain trade licence registration procedures and regulated commercial activities. Applicants pursuing a Golden Visa through property investment or other long-term residency categories may also need a PCC as part of the supporting documentation.
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Documents Required for a Police Clearance Certificate
Document requirements differ depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the UAE.
Applicants Inside the UAE
Residents and citizens applying from within the UAE must provide a valid Emirates ID, a copy of the passport (including the residency visa page for residents), and a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
A valid Emirates ID is mandatory for identity verification through both the Dubai Police and MOI systems. UAE Pass login credentials are required for online applications through either platform.
Applicants Outside the UAE
Former residents applying from abroad must provide a copy of the passport (including pages showing previous UAE visas), a recent passport-sized photograph, and a fingerprint card. The fingerprint card must be obtained from a local police authority in the applicant's current country of residence and attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country.
Attestation of the fingerprint card by the UAE Embassy ensures that the identity verification meets the standards required by UAE authorities. Without proper attestation, the application may be rejected.
How to Apply for a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Online
The Dubai Police PCC application is available through digital and in-person channels.
Step 1 — Access the Dubai Police Platform
Visit dubaipolice.gov.ae or download the Dubai Police mobile application. Log in using UAE Pass or a registered account.
Step 2 — Select the Certificate Service
Navigate to Certificate Services and select Police Clearance Certificate. The service may also be listed as Criminal Status Certificate on some platforms.
Step 3 — Complete the Application Form
Select the applicant type: citizen or resident inside the UAE, or applicant outside the country. Specify the purpose of the certificate from the available options, such as employment, immigration, education, or licensing. Select the requesting organisation category and choose the certificate language (Arabic or English).
Step 4 — Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of the Emirates ID, passport, and photograph. All files must meet the format and size requirements specified on the platform.
Step 5 — Pay the Applicable Fee
Complete payment online using a credit or debit card. The fee depends on the applicant's status: AED 100 for UAE citizens, AED 200 for residents, and AED 300 for applicants abroad. An additional AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee applies.
Step 6 — Submit and Track
Submit the application and note the reference number. The certificate is typically issued within five working days and delivered electronically via email or made available for download from the applicant's account.
How to Apply Through the MOI Portal
Residents of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain can apply for a federal criminal clearance certificate through the MOI website or the MOI Smart App.
Log in using UAE Pass and select "Issuance of Clear Criminal Record Certificate" under police services. The platform prompts the applicant to specify whether the certificate is for domestic or international use, the purpose, and the preferred language. Complete the payment online. The MOI charges AED 50 for domestic-use certificates and AED 100 for certificates intended for international use. The certificate is processed within minutes through MOI Smart Services and delivered digitally.
Visitors and GCC nationals must have a valid passport registered in the system and complete the fingerprint procedure before applying.
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MOFAIC Attestation for International Use
A police clearance certificate intended for use abroad must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). This attestation confirms the authenticity of the document for recognition by foreign governments, employers, and institutions.
MOFAIC, in cooperation with the MOI, offers a comprehensive digital attestation service for the criminal clearance certificate. This integrated service consolidates issuance and attestation into a single digital transaction, reducing the completion time from the previous six days to approximately three minutes. The service covers MOI issuance, MOFAIC attestation, and UAE Embassy attestation in the destination country.
The attestation fee is AED 300, covering MOFAIC and the UAE Embassy in the destination country. Applicants can complete the attestation process through the MOI portal using UAE Pass, with the attested certificate delivered digitally.
Some countries may require additional legalisation by their embassy in the UAE after MOFAIC attestation. Applicants should verify the full chain of attestation required by the destination country before submitting the application.
Criminal Status of Financial Cases
The police clearance certificate reflects not only general criminal offences but also the applicant's financial case status. Involvement in active financial disputes, bounced cheque cases, or unresolved court-registered financial obligations may prevent issuance of the certificate.
Applicants with pending financial cases should resolve outstanding matters before applying. This is particularly relevant for employment in banking, finance, and other regulated sectors where both criminal and financial compliance are assessed.
Unpaid traffic fines, civil penalties, or other government obligations may also affect the application. All outstanding liabilities should be cleared before submitting the request.
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate Through EGSH
EGSH is a government-authorised service centre integrated with Dubai Police systems. Applicants can obtain a police clearance certificate directly at the centre without navigating multiple government platforms independently.
Step 1 — Visit EGSH or Book an Appointment
Contact EGSH by phone, WhatsApp, or through the website to schedule a visit. Walk-in appointments are also accepted during working hours. The centre is located at Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai.
Step 2 — Provide Documents for Verification
Submit the required documents to the EGSH consultant: Emirates ID, passport copy, and a recent passport-sized photograph. Applicants abroad must also provide an attested fingerprint card. The consultant verifies all documents for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Step 3 — Channel Selection and Application Filing
EGSH determines the correct application channel — Dubai Police or the MOI — based on the applicant's residency history and the requirements of the requesting authority. The consultant files the application directly through the official system on the applicant's behalf.
Step 4 — MOFAIC Attestation (If Required)
For certificates intended for use outside the UAE, EGSH arranges MOFAIC attestation through the integrated digital service. This step is coordinated as part of the same application process.
Step 5 — Certificate Collection
The police clearance certificate is issued within five working days through Dubai Police. EGSH notifies the applicant upon completion and provides the certificate in digital or printed format.
For applicants outside the UAE, EGSH assists with coordinating the fingerprint attestation process through the UAE Embassy and preparing the full documentation package for submission.
Common Reasons for Application Rejection
Applications may be rejected or delayed for several reasons. Mismatched personal information between the application form and identity documents is a frequent cause. All details, including the applicant's name, passport number, and Emirates ID number, must match exactly across all submitted documents.
Incomplete documentation, such as missing passport pages or an unattested fingerprint card for overseas applicants, also leads to rejection. Low-quality scanned copies that are illegible or do not meet format requirements result in processing delays.
Applicants with an active criminal record, pending criminal proceedings, or unresolved financial cases recorded in the system will not receive a certificate until the matter is resolved. A minimum of six months of UAE residence may be required for some application categories. Those who are also managing residence visa renewal alongside a PCC application should ensure both processes are coordinated to avoid documentation gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a police clearance certificate in Dubai?
A police clearance certificate, also known as a good conduct certificate, is an official document issued by Dubai Police or the MOI confirming that the holder has no criminal record in the UAE. It is required for employment, immigration, visa applications, professional licensing, and university enrolment.
How much does a police clearance certificate cost in Dubai?
Dubai Police charges AED 100 for UAE citizens, AED 200 for residents, and AED 300 for applicants abroad, plus a AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee. The MOI charges AED 50 for domestic-use certificates and AED 100 for international use. MOFAIC attestation for international use costs an additional AED 300.
How long does it take to get a police clearance certificate in the UAE?
The MOI federal certificate is processed within minutes through MOI Smart Services. The Dubai Police PCC typically takes up to five working days. Online applications for residents with valid Emirates IDs may be processed within 24 hours in straightforward cases.
Can I get a police clearance certificate from outside the UAE?
Former residents can apply online through Dubai Police or the MOI portal. Applicants abroad must submit a fingerprint card obtained from a local police authority and attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, along with a passport copy and photograph.
How long is a UAE police clearance certificate valid?
The Dubai Police PCC is valid for three months from the date of issue. The MOI certificate is formally valid for 30 days under Ministerial Decision No. (600) of 2024. Applicants should confirm the specific freshness requirement with the requesting authority.
Do I need MOFAIC attestation for my police clearance certificate?
MOFAIC attestation is required when the certificate will be used outside the UAE. The attestation fee is AED 300 and covers both MOFAIC and the UAE Embassy in the destination country. The integrated digital attestation service processes both steps in a single transaction.
What is the difference between the MOI and Dubai Police police clearance certificate?
The MOI issues a federal certificate covering all emirates, processed within minutes and formally valid for 30 days. Dubai Police issues an emirate-level certificate specific to Dubai, processed within five working days and valid for three months. The choice depends on which authority the requesting party specifies and whether the applicant's record spans multiple emirates.
Can a police clearance certificate be rejected due to financial cases?
Active financial disputes, bounced cheque cases, or unresolved court-registered obligations may prevent issuance. All pending financial matters and outstanding government liabilities, including traffic fines, should be resolved before applying.
What documents are needed if I am applying from abroad?
Applicants outside the UAE must provide a passport copy (including pages showing previous UAE visas), a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background, and a fingerprint card attested by the UAE Embassy in their country of residence.
Can someone else apply for a police clearance certificate on my behalf?
An authorised representative may apply on the applicant's behalf with a notarised power of attorney and all required documents. The power of attorney must specifically authorise the representative to act on the applicant's behalf for this purpose.
Explained by
Abdelmohsen Alyahri
Support Services
Abdelmohsen Alyahri is a support services professional with 3 years of experience in UAE government transactions. He assists with procedures across MOFA, the Ministry of Economy, Dubai Municipality, and RTA, ensuring accurate document handling, compliance, and timely processing.
Official Sources and References
- Dubai Police — Emirate-level police authority for Dubai, responsible for issuing the Dubai Police clearance certificate (Good Conduct Certificate).
- Ministry of Interior (MOI) — Federal authority responsible for issuing the UAE-wide criminal clearance certificate under Ministerial Decision No. (600) of 2024.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) — Federal authority responsible for attestation of documents, including police clearance certificates, for use outside the UAE.
Important Notice
The information in this article reflects regulations and fee structures applicable at the time of publication. Government fees, processing times, and document requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the relevant UAE authorities. Final decisions on the issuance of police clearance certificates rest with Dubai Police and the MOI. Current requirements should be verified directly with the issuing authority or through an authorised government service centre before submitting an application.
