A UAE Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also called a Good Conduct Certificate, confirms you have no criminal record in the country.
You may need one for a job, visa, immigration, or studying abroad. Here’s how to get yours.
What Is a UAE Police Clearance Certificate?
A PCC certifies that you have no criminal convictions in the UAE and are not under investigation. It is widely requested by employers, immigration authorities, universities, and visa consulates.
Residents and visitors across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah apply for one when changing jobs, relocating, or pairing it with documents like a UAE Golden Visa or work visa application.
Two Ways to Get It: Dubai Police vs MOI
The UAE offers the certificate through more than one official channel.
- Dubai Police issues a Police Clearance Certificate through Dubai Police channels and states that it proves good conduct in the UAE.
- The Ministry of Interior (MOI) issues a Criminal Clearance Certificate through federal smart services.
Choose Dubai Police if the requesting authority asks for a Dubai Police certificate or you are applying through Dubai Police channels. Choose the MOI certificate if the requesting authority asks for the MOI/federal certificate or you are applying through MOI services.
How to Apply From Inside the UAE
Both channels are fully online and use your UAE Pass digital identity to log in.
Through Dubai Police
- Sign in with UAE Pass on the Dubai Police website or app.
- Select the Police Clearance Certificate service.
- Enter your details, your status (citizen, resident, or visitor), and your Emirates ID information.
- State the reason for the certificate and the preferred language (Arabic or English).
- Pay the fee and submit.
- Track the request by the reference number sent to you by SMS and email.
Through the Ministry of Interior
- Log in with UAE Pass on the MOI website or the MOI smart app.
- Select “Issuance of Clear Criminal Record Certificate” under police services.
- Specify whether the certificate is for use inside or outside the UAE.
- Enter the purpose and preferred language, then pay online.
You can also visit an MOI Happiness Service Centre or a Dubai Police service centre in person if you prefer.
How to Apply From Outside the UAE
You can still apply online after leaving the country, but you must first prove your identity with a fingerprint card.
Get a fingerprint card from the police in your current country, then have it attested by the UAE Embassy there. The card must show clear prints of all ten fingers.
Once attested, submit your online application to Dubai Police or the MOI with the supporting documents listed below.
Required Documents
For applicants inside the UAE:
- A valid Emirates ID
- A copy of your passport
- A recent passport-size photo with a white background
- A valid email address
For applicants outside the UAE:
- A fingerprint card attested by the UAE Embassy
- A copy of your valid passport
- A copy of your last UAE visa or residence permit
- Two recent passport-size photos
- The reason for your application
UAE Police Clearance Certificate Fees
Fees depend on the channel and your status. The figures below are the standard charges from each authority.
| Item | Authority | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| UAE citizen certificate | Dubai Police | AED 100 |
| UAE resident certificate | Dubai Police | AED 200 |
| Applicant from abroad | Dubai Police | AED 300 |
| Knowledge & innovation fee | Dubai Police | AED 20 |
| Certificate for use inside the UAE | MOI | AED 50 |
| Certificate for use outside the UAE | MOI | AED 100 |
| Fingerprinting (visitors / GCC) | MOI | AED 50 |
| MOFA attestation (overseas use) | MOI | AED 300 |
Validity and Processing Time
This is where the two certificates differ most, so check which validity your requesting body needs.
- Dubai Police: valid for three months; completion time is listed as five working days.
- MOI federal certificate: valid for 30 days under Ministerial Decision No. 600 of 2024; estimated delivery time is 5 to 540 minutes.
For overseas use, the certificate can then be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Checking Your Application Status
To follow up on a Dubai Police application, open the Dubai Police website or app, enter your reference number and the captcha, then submit. Your current status will appear on screen.
MOI applicants can track progress through the same portal or smart app used to apply.
If Your Application Is Rejected
Rejections are uncommon but usually come down to two reasons:
- A criminal complaint or active case exists under your name or a similar one.
- You never held an Emirates ID and did not submit an original fingerprint card to the CID department.
If you suspect a complaint, request a travel-ban check to confirm whether anything is filed against your name.
If the issue is a missing fingerprint card, follow the authority’s instruction to provide an attested ten-fingerprint card.
For help, contact Dubai Police by email at [email protected] or call 901.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Good Conduct Certificate the same as a PCC?
Yes. “Good Conduct Certificate,” “Criminal Clearance Certificate,” and “Police Clearance Certificate” all refer to the same UAE document.
How long is a UAE PCC valid?
A Dubai Police certificate is valid for three months. The MOI federal certificate is valid for 30 days from issue.
Can I apply after leaving the UAE?
Yes. Apply online using a fingerprint card attested by the UAE Embassy in your current country.
Sources
- UAE Ministry of Interior — Issuance of Criminal Clearance Certificate
- Dubai Police — Good Conduct Certificate service
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government — Police certificates
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