All You Need to Know About Getting a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai

UAE nationals and expats commonly request police clearance certificates for various reasons, such as for attending foreign universities or applying for UAE immigration. Many companies in the country also require this certificate to ensure their employees have no legal issues. However, obtaining the certificate can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the process and in a foreign country with no contacts other than their employer. If you have questions about obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai, such as what documents are needed or if your employer needs to provide any information, this section will provide answers to help guide you through the process.

Are you planning to relocate to a new place for work, education, or a fresh start? It can be an exciting journey. It is also important to review the official paperwork requirements, which can be challenging. One such document crucial for many visa applications and emigration procedures is the Police Clearance Certificate. Obtaining a PCC might seem daunting if you plan to make Dubai your new home or even just a temporary stop. However, this comprehensive guide will serve as your guiding light.

How Police Clearance Certificate Works in Dubai

The Police Clearance Certificate is a crucial document in Dubai. It is also known as a Good Conduct Certificate. The police department of the UAE issues this document, which acts as proof of a clean criminal record. You can also consider it a testament to the fact that you’re not accused of any criminal activity. The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an essential document if you have lived or worked in the United Arab Emirates and you intend to go abroad or carry out specific activities there. It can serve as evidence of moral rectitude and integrity, guaranteeing legitimacy and compliance with legal requirements while moving, looking for work, conducting business overseas, attending school, or participating in professional activities.

• Police Clearance Certificate’s Legal Advantage

The certificate is a legal requirement for various purposes, including work, study, immigration, obtaining licenses, and others. It’s a testament to your clean record, and it’s often required when you’re applying for jobs, visas, or licenses. The legal importance of the Police Clearance Certificate is immense. Immigration authorities, employers, educational institutions, official bodies, and professional licensing bodies require it to assess your integrity, eligibility, and suitability.

• Conditions in Which You Need a Police Clearance Certificate

A Police Clearance Certificate can be required in multiple situations in the UAE. Let’s take an example for your better understanding. Suppose you are applying for a job where your employer will ask for your Police Clearance Certificate to verify whether you have any criminal record. 

For another example, educational institutions may ask for your Police Clearance  Certificate. Multiple students start their new journey while applying to a new school or university. While doing so, the admissions authorities may ask for your PCC, especially when you have opted for law-related courses. Apart from this situation, a Police Clearance Certificate is also required while applying for a visa. In this situation, the certificate verifies your conduct and character. You may also require a Police Clearance Certificate while practicing a certain profession. 

Process of Application for a PCC in Dubai

The UAE government has introduced online systems, making it more convenient for individuals to request and receive their Police Clearance Certificates:

• • Online Application: UAE police clearance certificate to initiate the process, visit the official website of the UAE government’s approved service provider for PCCs.
  • Required Documents: UAE police clearance certificate Ensure you have the following documents ready for the application process:
  • Application Submission: Fill out the application form on the PCC website, carefully entering all the required information. Attach the necessary documents and apply online.
  • Payment and Processing: Pay the prescribed fees for the UAE Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai. The processing time may vary, but typically it takes a few working days to complete.
  • Delivery of the Certificate: Once the verification process is completed, you will receive the UAE Police Clearance Certificate via email or courier service, depending on the service provider’s policy. You must apply through the fingerprints report if you no longer have your previous Emirates ID and UAE residency visa copy. Please note that obtaining the PCC via the fingerprint report can take up to 3-4 weeks.

• Steps to Follow

You can follow the below-mentioned steps to apply for the Police Clearance Certificate:

• • Visit your local police station and request your fingerprints taken on the report provided.
  • Send the original fingerprint report, signed by a serving officer.
  • Solicitor certification is required for further processing.
  • Get the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Apostille stamp.
  • Get the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stamp of UAE.
  • Forward the application to the UAE Police Department.

• Required Documents for Application

Below are the documents that you are required to submit to process your application:

• • Passport copy
  • Previous UAE residency visa copy
  • Previous Emirates ID copy
  • Recent passport-sized photograph
  • A valid Emirates ID card
  • A letter stating there are no pending criminal convictions

• Where to Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai

To apply for the Police Clearance Certificate, you need to visit the police station, or you can also apply for it online. If you are applying for the certificate online, you can visit the official website of government-approved service providers. Below-mentioned are the service providers where you can apply for the Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai:

• • The Dubai Police Application
  • Dubai Police website
  • Call Centre 901
  • Walk-in devices
  • Drive-thru devices
  • Dubai Now App
  • Smart Police Stations (SPS)

• Application Fees and Expected Processing Time

For a PCC, the usual service costs are USD 27.22 (AED 100) for Dubai nationals, USD 54.45 (AED 200) for residents who are not citizens, and USD 81.70 (AED 300) for applicants from outside the nation. Cash, E-Dirham, debit cards, and credit cards are all accepted forms of payment for these service fees.

Depending on the service provider’s terms, you will receive the UAE Police Clearance Certificate by email or via courier when the verification procedure is over. Getting the PCC through the fingerprint report may take three to four weeks. A PCC is only valid for three months after it is issued.

Online Application for the PCC

The Police Clearance Certificate can be obtained via an online application. You can access the official website of the police department for the same. However, certain requirements need to be met, and steps need to be followed.

• Requirements for Online Application

You can apply online for a Police Clearance Certificate if you have all the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria. If you are a resident of Dubai with a valid Emirates ID, or if you don’t live in Dubai but have a valid Emirates ID, you can apply for the PCC.

• Step-by-step Guide for Online Application

Now that you are aware of the requirements for online applications let’s jump to the step-by-step process. Follow the steps to apply for PCC in Dubai online:

• • Visit the official website of the police department and create a profile or sign in if you already have an account.
  • Now, navigate to the Police Clearance Certificate section and fill out the application form. This application form will ask you to fill out information like your name, contact details, passport details, visa details, etc.
  • The system can ask you to submit the required documents after filling out the form. You can submit these documents in PDF format. These documents may include your passport copy, visa page, residence permit, etc.
  • Now, the next step is to pay the service fee for the PCC on the online portal.
  • After paying the processing fee, you only need to submit your application and wait for it to get approved. Note that it is important to carefully review all the information that you have provided before applying.

PCC in Dubai For Non-Residents

If you are not residing in Dubai but want to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate, you can easily do that. The UAE government has provided the authority to apply for the same. In order to do so, you need to meet certain requirements and follow certain instructions. Below is a detailed analysis of getting the PCC in Dubai for non-residents.

• Eligibility Criteria

Non-residents can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate with a valid Emirates ID and other documents. PCC can help non-resident applicants with immigration, education, and employment.

• Required Documents 

In addition to the aforementioned paperwork, non-residents must provide the visa page and a fingerprint card confirmed by the UAE Embassy from their present place of residence.

• Application Process 

Non-residents can apply for a PCC through the MOI website or mobile application, or they can visit one of the MOI service locations. If you live in Dubai, you can also apply through the procedures of the Dubai Police.

The cost of a PCC is determined by the language used in the certificate and whether or not it needs to be shipped to your residence. For instance, a PCC in Arabic costs USD 13.60 (AED 50), but for residents of the country, an English one costs AED 150. If the PCC is ordered online in Dubai, electronic delivery is an option; physical delivery of the PCC may incur additional expenses.

• Managing Difficulties for Non-Residents

It is crucial to address any issues that may arise during the application process on time. For instance, if you didn’t submit the original fingerprint certificate to the CID department or if criminal charges have been made against you, your application may get denied. In such situations, you can obtain an authenticated fingerprint card from your home country and provide it to the UAE authorities or seek the assistance of a lawyer to conduct a travel ban check. Remember that the certificate is valid for three months from the date of issuance and that the PCC is usually processed in less than a day. If you plan to use the certificate outside of the UAE, legalization or a MoFA stamp may be required.

Advantages & Uses of a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE

Now that we understand the process of obtaining a UAE Police Clearance Certificate, let’s explore the benefits and applications of this document.

• Employment Opportunities: Many employers require a UAE Police Clearance Certificate as part of their recruitment process. They look for this document, especially for positions involving high levels of trust, responsibility, or security clearance. It assures employers that you have a clean criminal record and are a reliable candidate.
• Visa and Immigration Purposes: When applying for a visa or immigrating to another country, authorities often demand a UAE Police Clearance Certificate. Here the document is required to assess your character and evaluate the risk associated with granting you entry. It serves as evidence of your good conduct and compliance with legal requirements.
• Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges abroad may require a UAE Police Clearance Certificate to ensure their students and staff’s safety and well-being. It shows that you are dedicated to creating a secure learning environment and fosters trust among academics.
• Professional Licensing: Certain professions, such as healthcare, education, finance, and law enforcement, may necessitate a UAE Police Clearance Certificate for license purposes. This requirement ensures the integrity of individuals working in sensitive fields.

Final Thoughts on Obtaining Police Clearance in Dubai

Getting a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai is a crucial task. Do not fear, though; whether you are a resident or not, it is a simple and organized process. From job applications to immigration processes, the PCC is crucial to upholding your integrity and building confidence in various situations. 

Remember that keeping your criminal record spotless and obtaining your PCC are important indicators of your personal and professional credibility, in addition to being legal requirements.

Similar Suggestions For You:

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)