Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai

A police clearance certificate is an official document issued by the Dubai Police or the Ministry of Interior. It confirms that the applicant has no criminal record or pending cases that would restrict their employment, residency, or legal status in the UAE. The certificate is mandatory for employment in regulated professions, such as positions in education, healthcare, financial services, security, and other sectors where legislation requires proof of good conduct. It is also needed for visa and immigration applications, licensing procedures, university enrolments, and citizenship applications. The certificate is recognised by UAE authorities, foreign embassies, and international institutions as proof of a clear criminal record.

The MOI UAE Police Clearance Certificate (federal PCC) is issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior via the MOI web portal and MOI Smart App. It is a federal certificate covering all emirates. For use abroad, the certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). It is issued in Arabic or English and reflects the period of residence or visit in the UAE. The MOI PCC should be obtained when the requesting authority requires a federal certificate (for example, certain overseas immigration bodies), when activities involve multiple emirates, or when the certificate is intended for use abroad and subsequently requires MOFAIC attestation. The MOI PCC is generally processed within a few minutes through MOI Smart Services, with fees starting from AED 50 depending on applicant category and submission channel. The Dubai Police PCC (Good Conduct Certificate) is issued by Dubai Police via their website, mobile application, or Smart Police Stations. It is an emirate-level certificate most commonly required for matters connected with Dubai, such as employment, licensing, or consular submissions that specifically request a Dubai Police document. The Dubai Police PCC should be obtained when the applicant is a current or former Dubai resident and the requesting party specifies Dubai Police, when the matter is regulated within Dubai (such as employment, licensing, or education), or when the authority requires a Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate. Processing usually takes up to five working days. Fees are AED 100 for UAE citizens, AED 200 for residents, and AED 300 for applicants abroad, with an additional AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee. EGSH determines the correct channel (MOI or Dubai Police) based on the applicant’s circumstances and the authority requesting the certificate, prepares and files the application through the appropriate system, and arranges MOFAIC attestation where an MOI PCC is to be used abroad.

To obtain a UAE PCC, applicants must apply to the competent authority depending on their place of residence. Current and former Dubai residents apply via the Dubai Police, while applicants with records across different emirates may use the Ministry of Interior. Processing takes up to five working days through Dubai Police or a few minutes through MOI Smart Services, with certificates issued in Arabic or English. EGSH verifies all supporting documents, selects the correct channel, and files the application to ensure timely issuance in compliance with UAE legal standards.

Applicants may apply for a Dubai Police clearance certificate online through the Dubai Police website, mobile application, or Smart Police Stations. At the federal level, the Ministry of Interior also provides an online channel via its official portal and MOI Smart App. To avoid errors, incomplete submissions, or rejection of the application, it is recommended to apply through EGSH, where all documents are verified and the request is filed correctly through the relevant authority.

Applicants can check the status of their Dubai Police clearance certificate through the Dubai Police website or mobile application by entering their application reference number or Emirates ID details. The system provides real-time updates on the application stage, including verification, processing, and issuance. Certificates are usually issued within five working days, and once approved, can be downloaded in digital format or collected in print. EGSH tracks the status of each application on behalf of clients and confirms completion as soon as Dubai Police release the certificate.

To obtain a clear criminal record certificate, applicants must provide a set of identification and supporting documents. Residents in the UAE are required to submit a valid Emirates ID, a copy of their passport, and a recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. Former residents or applicants applying from outside the country must also provide a copy of their previous UAE residence visa and a fingerprint card, both of which must be attested by the UAE Embassy. EGSH reviews and verifies all documents before submission, ensuring that the application complies with the standards of Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior.

The term «criminal status of financial cases» in a police verification certificate refers to whether the applicant is involved in any active financial disputes or legal proceedings that may affect their eligibility to obtain a certificate. Such cases include bounced cheques, unresolved debts, or court-registered financial obligations. If a person is subject to an open financial case, the authority may refuse to issue the certificate until the matter is resolved. This provision ensures that the certificate accurately reflects not only the absence of general criminal offences but also financial compliance, which is particularly important for employment in banking, finance, and regulated professions.

A police clearance certificate in the UAE can be issued to former residents who no longer live in the country. In such cases, the applicant must provide a valid passport copy, a copy of their previous UAE residence visa, a recent photograph, and a fingerprint card certified by the UAE Embassy in their current country of residence. The application can be submitted online through Dubai Police or the MOI’s innovative services. EGSH assists former residents by preparing the required documentation, coordinating embassy certification of fingerprints, and submitting the application through the correct official channel to ensure timely issuance of the certificate.

A police clearance certificate is valid for three months from the date of issue, as confirmed by Dubai Police regulations. After this period, the certificate expires and cannot be used for official purposes such as employment, visa applications, licensing, or immigration procedures.