To obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) in Dubai, use the Dubai Police App, their official website, or a Smart Police Station (SPS) for quick digital application, proving no criminal record in the UAE for jobs, visas, or education, with fees varying by residency status (e.g., AED 200 for residents) and processing in a few days. Required documents typically include passport copies, a personal photo, and sometimes fingerprints or supporting documents for those outside the UAE, with online payment via card or Apple Pay.
What is a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate?
A Dubai Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also called a Good Conduct Certificate, is an official document from Dubai Police confirming you have no criminal record in the UAE, proving good behaviour for jobs, visas, education, or business, and is obtained online via the Dubai Police app or website, or at police stations. It’s mandatory for many life events and requires personal details, photos, and passport copies, with fees varying for citizens, residents, and those abroad.
Why Do You Need a Good Conduct Certificate?
You will typically need a PCC for:
- Employment: Many employers in Dubai require it for pre-employment screening.
- Visa & Immigration: Essential for residency permits and certain visa applications.
- Higher Education: Universities often require it from international students.
- Professional Licensing: Needed to practice in regulated fields like medicine or law.
- Business Setup: May be required for company owners and key personnel.
- Banking & Finance: Some banks request it for account openings, especially for high-net-worth individuals.
- Adoption Processes: To assess the suitability of prospective parents.
Eligibility & Required Documents
There are no strict eligibility criteria beyond having a record in the UAE’s system. The required documents differ based on your current status.
| Applicant Type | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| UAE Residents | – Valid Passport & UAE Visa Copy – Emirates ID Copy – Recent Passport-Sized Photograph – Application Form & Fee Payment |
| Non-Residents | – Valid Passport – Attested Fingerprint Card from your current country’s police – Previous UAE Visa (if applicable) – Two Passport-Sized Photographs – Application Form & Fee Payment |
Crucial for Non-Residents: The fingerprint card must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your current country of residence.
Step-by-Step Application Process (for Dubai Police)
1. Access the Service:
- Visit the official Dubai Police website: www.dubaipolice.gov.ae
- Or download the Dubai Police Smart App (available on iOS and Android).
- Navigate to the “Services” > “Individual Services” > “Permits and Certificates” or search for “Good Conduct Certificate” / “Police Clearance Certificate”.
2. Log In:
- Use your UAE Pass (recommended for seamless access) or create/register an account.
3. Fill Out the Application:
- Provide personal details (e.g., Emirates ID number if available, passport details, visa history, contact info).
- Specify the purpose and whether the certificate is for use inside or outside the UAE.
- Upload required documents (see below).
4. Submit Fingerprints (if required):
- If you have a valid Emirates ID and are applying from inside the UAE, fingerprints are usually not needed (biometrics are already on record).
- If you do not have an Emirates ID or are applying from outside the UAE, you must provide a 10-fingerprint card (ten-print fingerprints). This needs to be certified by your local police and attested by the UAE Embassy/Consulate in your current country.
5. Pay the Fees:
- Fees vary (typically AED 100–300 depending on language, purpose, and whether for local or international use; additional charges may apply for attestation or service centers).
- Payment is online via card.
6. Processing and Delivery:
- Processing time: Usually a few hours to 2–3 working days (often instant or within 24 hours for simple cases).
- The certificate is delivered electronically (via email or downloadable from your account).
- Validity: Typically 3 months from the date of issuance.
Alternative: Applying via Ministry of Interior (MOI)
- For a UAE-wide certificate, use the MOI portal: moi.gov.ae or the MOI UAE App.
- Log in with UAE Pass.
- Select “Issuance of Criminal Clearance Certificate.”
- Follow similar steps (fees: ~AED 50–100 for local use, higher for international; fingerprinting may apply for some categories).
- This is useful if your stay was not limited to Dubai.
Additional Tips
- If the certificate needs to be used abroad, you may require further attestation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and/or the destination country’s embassy.
- For in-person help (e.g., fingerprinting), visit Dubai Police service centers like Al Qusais, Ports, Al Rashidiya, or Jebel Ali Police Stations.
- Track your application status online using your transaction number.
- If you’re outside the UAE and need help with fingerprints or attestation, contact the nearest UAE Embassy.
For the most up-to-date details, fees, or any changes (as processes can evolve), always check the official Dubai Police website or contact their helpline at 901. Avoid third-party agents unless necessary to prevent delays or extra costs. Safe travels and good luck with your application!
Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Fees 2026
The fees for a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) are:
| Citizen | AED 100 |
| Resident | AED 200 |
| From Outside the Country | AED 300 |
| Knowledge and Innovation fees | AED 20 |
| Fingerprinting (for visitors and GCC citizens) | AED 50 |
| MOFA Attestation (for certificates used abroad) | AED 300 |
| Additional fee if applied through service centers in person | AED 100 |
Delivery Fee (Optional): An additional AED 100 might apply if you choose to receive a hard copy of the PCC through a service centre instead of electronic delivery.
- Arabic Certificate: AED 50
- English Certificate: AED 150
Processing Time & Validity
- How long does it take to get a Dubai police clearance certificate? The standard processing time is 2-3 working days. However, straightforward online applications are often approved within 24 hours.
- Validity: A Dubai PCC is typically valid for 3 months from the date of issue for most official purposes.
FAQs: Dubai Police Clearance Certificate
1. How can I get a police clearance certificate in Dubai for a visit visa?
The process is the same as for non-residents. You will need to apply from outside the UAE, providing an attested fingerprint card from your home country along with a copy of your previous UAE visit visa.
2. Is police clearance free in Dubai?
No, it is not free. The cost varies based on your applicant status (citizen, resident, or non-resident), as detailed in the fees table below.
3. What is the difference between a PCC and a Good Conduct Certificate?
There is no difference. “Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)” and “Good Conduct Certificate” are two names for the same document in Dubai.
4. Can I apply for a Dubai PCC if I am outside the UAE?
Yes. You can apply online through the Dubai Police or MOI portals as a “non-resident.” The key requirement is the attested fingerprint card.
5. My application was rejected. What should I do?
Rejections are rare but can happen if there is a criminal record, a mismatch in personal information, or incomplete documentation. Contact Dubai Police directly through their hotline (901) for specific reasons and resolution steps.
6. How long is a Dubai PCC valid?
A Dubai Police-issued PCC is typically valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. As of 2026, Dubai Police validity is explicitly 3 months; MOI may be 30 days in some cases (per Ministerial Decision No. 600 of 2024)—always verify with the destination authority (e.g., embassy/immigration). The validity period may vary depending on the receiving organization or country requesting it, as some (e.g., immigration authorities) accept only recent certificates.
7. How long does it take to process a Dubai PCC application?
Processing usually takes 1–5 working days. Online applications for current residents with Emirates ID are often instant or within 24 hours. Non-residents or cases requiring fingerprint verification may take 2–5 days. Delays can occur during peak periods, holidays, or if documents are incomplete.
8. Do I need to get my Dubai PCC attested for use abroad?
Yes, if the PCC is for international use (e.g., visa, immigration, employment, or education abroad), it typically requires further attestation. Start with UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation, followed by the embassy/consulate of the destination country. This ensures global recognition. Skip this if it’s only for UAE-internal use.
9. Can I apply for a Dubai PCC if I never had an Emirates ID?
Yes, but you must apply as a non-resident (even if you were a visitor). Provide a passport copy, previous UAE visa details (if any), and an attested 10-fingerprint card from your home country’s police. Fingerprints are mandatory without an Emirates ID.
10. What happens if I have a criminal record in the UAE?
You will not receive a PCC if there are outstanding cases, convictions, or restrictions. The application may be rejected, and the certificate will reflect the criminal status. Contact Dubai Police (901) for clarification or to resolve any issues.
11. Can I renew or reapply for a Dubai PCC if it expires?
Yes, the process is the same as a new application. Reapply online via Dubai Police or MOI portals. For non-residents, you may need to resubmit an updated attested fingerprint card if the previous one is outdated.
12. Is there a difference between Dubai Police PCC and MOI Good Conduct Certificate?
No major difference in purpose—they both confirm no criminal record in the UAE. Dubai Police handles Dubai-specific applications (often faster for Dubai residents/ex-residents). MOI covers UAE-wide (useful for multi-emirate stays). Choose based on your stay history; both are accepted broadly.
13. What are the fees for a Dubai PCC in 2026?
Fees vary by status and channel (approximate; always confirm on the official portal, as they can change):
- UAE citizens: ~AED 100–200
- Residents: ~AED 200–300 (plus AED 10–20 knowledge/innovation fee)
- Non-residents/overseas: ~AED 300–500 (higher due to verification) MOI fees: ~AED 50–100 for local use, AED 100+ for international, plus fingerprinting if needed.
Note: Fees include potential extras like AED 10–50 for knowledge/innovation, biometric processing (if no Emirates ID), or delivery/courier for non-residents. Additional charges may apply for in-person applications or service centers (e.g., AED 100 optional).
14. Can I track my Dubai PCC application status online?
Yes. Use your transaction/reference number on the Dubai Police website/app or MOI portal. Log in with UAE Pass, enter the number, and check real-time status.
15. What are common reasons for PCC rejection or delays?
- Incomplete or mismatched documents (e.g., wrong passport details)
- Unattested fingerprint card (for non-residents)
- Incorrect purpose selected
- Active criminal cases or restrictions
- High application volume or holidays To avoid issues, double-check details and apply during weekdays.
16. How do I get my fingerprint card attested in India for UAE PCC?
Get 10-fingerprints from your local Indian police station or authorized forensic lab → Attest via MEA (Ministry of External Affairs, India) → Then UAE Embassy/Consulate in India (fees ~INR 2,000–5,000 + processing time 1–4 weeks). Upload the fully attested card to the Dubai Police/MOI portal.
Conclusion
Navigating the process to get your Dubai police clearance certificate can be simple, especially with the online option. By following this guide, you know exactly what to expect in terms of documents, fees, and processing time.
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