How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate for Your UAE Visa
If you’re planning to move to the UAE for employment, it’s worth noting that you will need to obtain a police clearance certificate, also known as a good conduct certificate. While this certificate may not be mandatory for all types of visas, some embassies still recommend obtaining it to ensure a smooth and efficient visa application process in case requirements change.
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In some cases, you might also need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) while living in the UAE or after you’ve moved back home. In this Pacific Prime Dubai article, we look at how you can apply for a police clearance certificate in the UAE.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also referred to as a “Good Conduct Certificate,” is an official document that confirms a person’s criminal record or lack thereof in the country where they reside. In the UAE, police departments throughout the country issue the certificate, which serves as evidence that the individual in question has no criminal history or pending charges.
How to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate
Individuals who currently reside in or have previously resided in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can acquire a police clearance certificate (PCC) by submitting an application through the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website. Alternatively, applicants may utilize the MOI UAE mobile application via their smartphones or visit an MOI service center to complete the application form and process payment using an electronic payment card.
For Dubai residents, an additional option is to obtain a PCC through the Dubai Police website or the Dubai Police mobile application. Alternatively, individuals may visit one of the Dubai Police offices in person to submit their application for the certificate.
How Long is a UAE Police Clearance Valid For?
Following issuance, the police clearance certificate remains valid for a duration of three months. Should the certificate be required for use beyond the UAE, it may necessitate legalization or a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) stamp.
Typically, applicants can expect certificate delivery within 24 hours of application, provided it is submitted on a working day. Alternatively, those who choose to apply for a soft copy or submit an in-person application can anticipate receiving the certificate on the same day via email or in-hand.
Documents Required for Police Clearance
Each Emirate has a unique policy regarding clearances. If you lived in Dubai, you won’t have to return to the UAE to get a police clearance certificate. As of late 2019, fingerprints are no longer required as part of the application – though they used to be if you didn’t hold an Emirates ID. With this adjustment, candidates who prefer to have a third party acquire the certificate on their behalf will find it simpler to do so.
Former UAE residents are required to obtain a fingerprint card from the country where they presently reside and have it authenticated by the local UAE Embassy. This card is an official report from the police department, which serves to verify the applicant’s identity through their decimal fingerprint and biometric details. Upon obtaining the fingerprint card, the applicant may proceed to submit their request for a clearance certificate online through either the Dubai Police or MOI’s web portal.
The following documents are required for those applying for a PCC in Dubai:
- Passport copy
- Visa cancelation page for those who have left the UAE
- Scanned copy of passport photo x 1
- Confirmation of language certificate in English or Arabic
- Emirates ID
How Long Will It Take to Get a Police Clearance Certificate?
The police clearance certificate takes around three to five days to issue, though this depends on the police department. The timeframe will vary between each Emirate as well. Once the document has been issued, the MoFA stamp can be applied. Note that it can only be applied for in-person and not completed through any other means, such as by post.
The stamp can usually be processed within the same working day. You don’t need to make an appointment since a ticketing system is used for queuing. You might have to wait around for quite some time, especially if you go during peak periods. Therefore, it’s advisable to leave plenty of time for this stage.
How Much is the Police Clearance Certificate?
The Ministry of Interior (MOI) levies fees for Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) in the UAE, which vary depending on the language of the certificate. The fee for an Arabic PCC is AED 50, while an English one costs AED 150 for individuals based within the country.
For those who require a hard copy of the PCC to be delivered to their residence, an additional delivery charge of AED 13 applies. It is noteworthy that PCCs applied for online in Dubai can be delivered electronically to the applicant’s email.
Fees for police clearance certificates in the UAE are divided into the following categories:
- Nationals of United Arab Emirates – 100 AED
- Residents of United Arab Emirates – 200 AED
- Outside of United Arab Emirates – 300 AED
- Knowledge Fees – 10 AED
- Innovation Fees – 10 AED
- AED 100 extra will be charged if the service center application is made in person.
Our Advice
To obtain a police clearance certificate for your UAE visa application, it is mandatory to undergo a medical test and secure health insurance coverage. It is imperative to ensure that you possess a comprehensive health insurance plan prior to relocating to the UAE.
Our knowledgeable advisors at Pacific Prime are pleased to assist you in finding a suitable international health insurance plan tailored to your specific requirements and budget. Contact us for impartial advice or to compare health insurance in the UAE today.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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