Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE: What It Is and How to Get Yours

Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official statement from the UAE authorities confirming that the applicant has no criminal record within the country during their period of residence.

It plays a critical role in a wide range of applications, both within the UAE and internationally. It is needed if you’re applying for a job, pursuing higher education, establishing a company, seeking immigration to another country, or fulfilling legal documentation requirements.

A Police Clearance Certificate is generally requested by government entities, private-sector employers, immigration authorities, embassies, licensing bodies, and legal institutions. Its purpose is to provide assurance that the applicant is of good character and poses no threat to society. In many instances, the absence of a valid PCC can cause delays or even outright rejections of visa, licensing, or employment applications.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE, including eligibility, documentation requirements, application procedures for residents and non-residents, fees involved, and common mistakes to avoid.

Importance of the Police Clearance Certificate

The Police Clearance Certificate is frequently required for the following reasons:

• Employment Applications: Many employers, particularly in sensitive sectors such as education, finance, and healthcare, require a PCC to ensure that potential employees have no criminal history.
• Immigration and Visa Procedures: Immigration authorities in countries such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States require applicants to submit PCCs issued by countries where they have resided for a significant period.
• Business Licensing and Registration: Foreign investors and entrepreneurs seeking to establish companies in the UAE or abroad may need to present a PCC during the licensing process.
• Academic Admissions and Licensing: Academic institutions and professional licensing bodies may demand a PCC as part of their admission or certification requirements.
• Marriage or Adoption Proceedings: Certain personal legal matters, such as registering a marriage or proceeding with an adoption, may also necessitate a valid PCC.

It is essential to note that most PCCs are only valid for a limited duration, typically between 30 and 90 days, depending on the specific requirements of the requesting entity.

Required Documents for Obtaining a PCC

Before applying for a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE, you must gather specific documents. The required documentation differs depending on whether the applicant is residing within the UAE or applying from abroad.

A. Documents for Current Residents of the UAE:

1. A valid Emirates ID (front and back).
2. A scanned copy of the passport, including the page showing the residence visa.
3. A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
4. An active email address and mobile number for communication.

B. Documents for Applicants Outside the UAE:

1. A scanned copy of the passport, including pages showing UAE visa stamps.
2. A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
3. A fingerprint card issued by the local police authority in the applicant’s current country of residence.
4. Attestation of the fingerprint card by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the respective country.
5. Optional: A copy of the old Emirates ID, if available.

The fingerprint card serves as a means for UAE authorities to confirm the identity and previous residency of the applicant who is no longer within the country.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai

Applicants residing in Dubai can obtain their PCC through the Dubai Police portal or via the Dubai Police mobile application, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the application process:

1. Access the Official Portal: Visit the official Dubai Police website at www.dubaipolice.gov.ae or open the Dubai Police mobile app.
2. Log In Using UAE Pass: Log in using your UAE Pass credentials. If you do not have a UAE Pass, you will need to register using your Emirates ID.
3. Navigate to Certificate Services: From the main menu, select “Certificate Services,” then choose “Police Clearance Certificate.”
4. Select User Type: Indicate whether you are a resident of the UAE or applying from outside the country.
5. Input Identification Details: Enter your Emirates ID number (mandatory for current residents).
6. Specify the Purpose of the Certificate: Choose the reason for the application, employment, immigration, education, etc.
7. Indicate Requesting Authority: Specify whether the certificate is required by a government agency, private institution, or embassy.
8. Choose the Language: Select between English or Arabic based on the language requirement of the receiving party.
9. Enter Email Address: Provide a valid email address where the certificate will be sent.
10. Upload Supporting Documents: Upload the scanned copies of all required documents. Ensure clarity and completeness.
11. Pay the Applicable Fees:

• AED 100 for UAE nationals
• AED 200 for residents
• AED 300 for applicants applying from abroad
• AED 20 innovation and knowledge fee (applies to all applicants)
• Optional: AED 100 service fee for in-person applications at police service centers

1. Review and Submit: Double-check all entered information before submission. Accept the terms and conditions and verify the CAPTCHA.
2. Receive the Certificate: The processing time is typically between one to two working days. The certificate will be emailed or made available for download through your user account on the Dubai Police portal.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in Abu Dhabi and Other Emirates

For residents in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and other emirates, the Police Clearance Certificate is issued through the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The application can be submitted via the MOI’s online portal or mobile application.

1. Visit the MOI UAE Website: Go to the website or open the MOI UAE mobile app.
2. Log in Using UAE Pass: Use your UAE Pass credentials to log in. Non-residents may register using their passport details.
3. Access Criminal Status Services: Select “Issuance of Clear Criminal Record Certificate” under the relevant section.
4. Provide Certificate Purpose: Choose the reason for the certificate, such as immigration, employment, licensing, or education.
5. Select Geographic Usage: Indicate if the certificate will be used inside the UAE or abroad.
6. Select Certificate Language: Choose English or Arabic.
7. Input Personal Information: Provide Emirates ID (if applicable), passport number, contact number, and email address.
8. Upload Documents: Upload all required supporting documents in the appropriate format.
9. Pay the Fees:

• AED 50 for applications within the UAE
• AED 100 for applications outside the UAE
• AED 50 biometric processing fee (only if Emirates ID is unavailable)
• Optional: AED 300 for MOFAIC attestation if selected during the application

1. Submit the Application: Confirm all information, complete the CAPTCHA, and submit your request.
2. Certificate Issuance: The certificate is usually processed within a few hours to two working days and will be delivered via email or can be downloaded from the MOI portal.

Using a Police Clearance Certificate for International Purposes

If the certificate is to be used in another country, it must be attested to ensure international validity. This involves two major steps:

1. Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC):

• Access the attestation service via the MOFAIC website or visit a Customer Happiness Center.
• Pay the applicable fee, which ranges between AED 150 and AED 300.

1. Legalization by the Destination Country’s Embassy or Consulate:

• Submit the MOFAIC-attested certificate to the embassy of the country where the certificate will be used.
• Comply with additional requirements or fees as specified by that country’s consulate.

This two-tiered process ensures the Police Clearance Certificate is recognized and accepted by foreign institutions.

Common Mistakes That Delay PCC Applications

Applicants are advised to avoid the following errors, which commonly result in delays or rejections:

• Uploading documents in incorrect formats or low-resolution
• Providing incomplete or inconsistent personal information
• Submitting expired or outdated supporting documents
• Failing to obtain necessary attestations for international use
• Neglecting to save and monitor the application reference number for follow-up

Even a minor discrepancy, such as a misspelled name or mismatched document number, may necessitate resubmission and repayment of the service fee.

How G12 Can Assist You

Securing a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE is an essential task for individuals engaging in legal, professional, academic, or immigration-related activities. At G12, we understand how important a Police Clearance Certificate can be for your future plans. We offer end-to-end support for both UAE-based and international applicants, ensuring accuracy, speed, and peace of mind throughout the application process.

Our services include:

• Personalized consultation to determine your specific requirements
• Document preparation and verification
• Fingerprint card assistance for international applicants
• Coordination with the UAE embassies for document attestation
• Continuous application tracking and follow-up

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for a Police Clearance Certificate without an Emirates ID?

Yes. Applicants who are outside the UAE or who never possessed an Emirates ID can still apply using a valid passport and an attested fingerprint card.

2. Is one Police Clearance Certificate sufficient for all emirates?

Yes. Certificates issued through the Ministry of Interior are valid across all emirates of the UAE.

3. Can I use the same Police Clearance Certificate for different purposes?

In some cases, yes. However, certain institutions may require a PCC specifically addressed to them. It is advisable to confirm with the requesting party.