Guide to Getting Your Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE

A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document that verifies an individual's good conduct and reputation from a security and criminal perspective within the UAE. This certificate is often required by official bodies for various purposes, such as employment, higher education, immigration, and obtaining licenses. It serves as proof that the applicant has no involvement in antisocial or illegal activities, ensuring their suitability for the respective purpose.

In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE. We will cover the steps involved in the application process, the necessary documents and any other essential information to help you navigate the process smoothly.

Read on to find out more about securing your Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE.

Why Do You Need a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate?

There are several scenarios where a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate might be required:

Immigration Applications:
- Many countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, require applicants to submit a police clearance certificate as part of their visa application process.
- This certificate serves to verify the applicant's criminal record history and is crucial for determining eligibility for entry and residency.
Employment Opportunities:
- In certain sectors, especially those with security-sensitive roles, employers may require job applicants to furnish a police clearance certificate.
- This document verifies the applicant's criminal background and helps ensure a safe working environment.
- It is often a standard requirement to assess suitability for employment and maintain regulatory compliance in industries such as law enforcement, healthcare, and education.
University Admissions:
- Many universities abroad may require applicants to include a police clearance certificate as part of their application package.
- This certificate serves to verify the applicant's criminal record history and is essential for assessing eligibility for admission, especially in programs with specific security or professional practice requirements.
- It ensures compliance with international standards and helps universities maintain a safe and secure campus environment for all students and staff.
Adoption Procedures:
- When adopting a child internationally, prospective parents often need to provide a police clearance certificate.
- This document verifies the adoptive parents' criminal background and is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the child.
- It is typically required by adoption agencies and authorities in both the adoptive parents' home country and the country from which they are adopting, to confirm eligibility and suitability for adoption.
- This ensures that the adoption process aligns with legal and ethical standards, promoting the best interests of the child throughout.

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE

Obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE involves a straightforward process, available through multiple channels. Here’s a detailed look at how you can apply:

Available Methods to Apply:

Online: You can apply through the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) official website or the MOI UAE mobile app, available on both Android and iOS platforms. The online application streamlines the process, allowing you to submit your request efficiently from anywhere with internet access.
In Person: Alternatively, you can visit one of MOI’s service centres located across all emirates. This option provides face-to-face assistance and ensures that all necessary documentation is completed correctly.

Required Documents:

A valid Emirates ID card
A letter stating no pending criminal convictions
A recent passport-size photograph
A copy of the applicant’s passport

Start Service

How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai

For residents of Dubai, here’s how you can obtain your Police Clearance Certificate:

Online Application via Dubai Police Website or App:

Download the ‘MOI UAE’ app from the App Store (for Apple devices), Google Play Store (for Android devices), or Huawei AppGallery (for Huawei phones).
Log in to the app using your UAE Pass account credentials.
Once logged in, navigate to the homepage and select ‘Issuance of a clear criminal record certificate’. Tap on ‘Start Service’ to begin your application.
Enter your personal information, including your mobile number, full name, and email address. Ensure all details are accurate as per your official documents.
Specify the purpose of the certificate, whether it's for use inside or outside the country, and provide any additional required information as prompted.
Choose your preferred language for the certificate, either English or Arabic.
Select how you would like to receive the certificate: via email or courier. Note that additional charges may apply for courier delivery.
Proceed to make the payment for the service using your credit or debit card details securely through the app.
Once your payment is successfully processed, you will receive confirmation of your application. The certificate will be delivered to you through the chosen method within the specified timeframe, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for obtaining your Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai.

Start Service

In Person Application:

Locate the nearest Dubai Police office in your area.
Upon arrival, proceed to the service counter designated for Police Clearance Certificate applications.
Obtain an application form from the counter and carefully fill it out with accurate personal details as per your official identification documents.
Prepare the required documents, which typically include your original Emirates ID, passport copy, and possibly additional identification proofs depending on specific requirements.
Submit the completed application form along with the necessary documents to the Dubai Police officer at the counter.
Pay the applicable service fees using cash or card, as specified by the Dubai Police.
Upon payment, you will receive a transaction number or receipt. This number is essential for tracking the status of your application and for any follow-up inquiries.
The Dubai Police officer will provide you with an estimated timeframe for processing your Police Clearance Certificate application. Be sure to note any additional instructions or requirements they may provide.

Applying in person allows for direct interaction with Dubai Police staff, ensuring all application details are accurately processed and facilitating prompt issuance of your Police Clearance Certificate.

Additional Information for Former UAE Residents

If you are no longer a resident of the UAE, follow these steps to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate:

Procedure:

Obtain a fingerprint card from the local police department in your current country of residence. Ensure that the fingerprinting is done according to local regulations and standards.
Have the fingerprint card attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your current country of residence. This attestation confirms the authenticity of your fingerprints for use in UAE official documentation.
Submit your application online through either the Ministry of Interior - UAE portal or the Dubai Police website. Use the specified section dedicated to Police Clearance Certificate applications for former residents.
Include all necessary information and documentation as required during the online application process. This typically includes scanned copies of your attested fingerprint card, identification documents (passport copy, Emirates ID, etc.), and any additional forms or declarations as requested.
Proceed with any applicable payment for the service fees associated with processing your Police Clearance Certificate application. Payments can often be made securely through the online portal using a credit or debit card.
After submitting your application, monitor the status through the online portal for updates on the processing of your Police Clearance Certificate. Allow for sufficient processing time, which may vary depending on the completeness of your application and current workload.

Required Documents:

Fingerprint card approved by the UAE Embassy
Two recent passport-sized photographs
A copy of your valid passport
A copy of your last UAE visa
The reason for the application

Costs and Validity

Fees for the Service:

Inside UAE: AED 50
Outside UAE: AED 100
Additional fees for service centres and delivery methods:
- AED 10 for knowledge fees
- AED 10 for innovation fees
- AED 100 if applied through service centres in person

Validity of the Certificate:

The Police Clearance Certificate is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Contact and Support

For further assistance, you can reach out to Dubai Police through the following channels:

Call Center: 901
Email: mail@dubaipolice.gov.ae
Live Chat: Available on the Dubai Police website and app
P.O. Box: 1493, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently obtain your Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE, ensuring you meet the requirements for your intended purpose, whether it be for work, study, immigration, or other official needs.