A Dubai police clearance certificate is an official certificate used to show a person's good conduct from a security and criminal-record perspective in the UAE. People may also call it a PCC Dubai, Good Conduct Certificate, Dubai Police certificate or criminal record certificate. It is commonly requested for work, immigration, study, licensing and other official purposes.

The application route depends on where you are, whether you have a valid or expired Emirates ID, whether Dubai Police can verify your fingerprints, and what the receiving organisation requires. Current residents, former residents abroad and people applying from India can therefore follow different document steps.

Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior both provide criminal-record certificate services, but they are separate government channels. Do not assume that every employer, embassy or immigration office accepts either route in the same way. Ask which issuer and format the receiving office wants before you pay.

If your PCC is part of a wider UAE travel plan, review the Dubai visitor visa requirements separately because a police clearance certificate does not replace a visa.

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate — Quick Overview

Also calledPCC Dubai, Good Conduct Certificate, Dubai Police certificate
Common usesEmployment, immigration, study, licensing and other official submissions
Main Dubai channelsDubai Police website/app, DubaiNow, Smart Police Stations and police stations
Digital accessDubai Police digital channels are available 24/7
Outside-UAE documentsPersonal photo, passport copy and previous UAE residence visa copy
Emirates ID ruleDubai Police allows a valid or expired Emirates ID number
No Emirates IDInside UAE: in-person fingerprinting may be needed; outside UAE: an embassy-certified ten-print fingerprint card may be needed
Citizen feeAED 100
Resident feeAED 200
Outside-UAE feeAED 300 or USD 88
Extra Dubai Police feeAED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fees; in-person service-centre applications add AED 100
Completion timeDubai Police lists 5 working days
Dubai Police validity3 months from issue date
Dubai Police help901 for non-emergency service enquiries

What Is a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate?

Dubai Police describes the service as a certificate that proves the applicant's good conduct in the United Arab Emirates from a security and criminal perspective. You can give it to an office that asks for it for work, study, visas, licences or another official use.

It is better not to describe the Dubai Police certificate as a document that checks only “Dubai records.” The current Dubai Police service wording refers to good conduct in the UAE. The Ministry of Interior also issues a separate Clear Criminal Record Certificate through its own service.

The practical question is therefore which certificate the receiving organisation asks for. An employer may simply say “PCC,” while an embassy or immigration office may name the issuing authority, language, attestation route or maximum certificate age.

PCC Dubai, Good Conduct Certificate and MOI Certificate

PCC Dubai, Police Clearance Certificate and Good Conduct Certificate are often used as everyday names for criminal-record clearance. However, the application channel still matters.

TermPractical MeaningWhat to Confirm
Dubai Police PCCPCC issued by Dubai PolicePurpose, issuer and attestation need
Good Conduct CertificateAnother common name for a PCCWhich government route is needed
MOI Clear Criminal Record CertificateSeparate PCC service from the Ministry of InteriorMOI route, use and attestation

Do not choose only by which fee is lower or which app is easier. Use the certificate accepted by the organisation receiving it.

Who Needs a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate?

An office may ask for a PCC when it needs a formal record check. Common uses include:

  • Work and job background checks
  • PR and visa files abroad
  • Study visas and university files
  • Job licences in health, finance or law
  • Business or trade-licence files that ask for a PCC
  • Family or long-stay files when a PCC is asked for
  • Embassy or foreign government files

Some long-stay UAE visa routes can also ask for record checks. If your PCC is linked to that type of plan, see the Dubai Golden Visa guide separately because the PCC does not replace the visa eligibility rules.

Current UAE residents and former residents abroad can both need a UAE PCC. Living abroad does not remove the need for a UAE PCC if the other office asks for one.

Before You Apply: 8 Checks That Save Time

A few checks before payment can save a failed trip to a police station or a second online request.

  • Ask the receiving office if it wants Dubai Police or MOI.
  • Check if the PCC must be in a set language.
  • Check how recent the PCC must be when you submit it.
  • Check if you still have a valid or expired Emirates ID number.
  • If you live abroad, check whether Dubai Police can use your old fingerprint record.
  • If new prints are needed abroad, check the UAE Embassy route before you pay.
  • Check if the final PCC needs MOFA or embassy attestation.
  • Keep enough time for the PCC, any correction and any attestation step.

These checks are simple, but they solve many common errors. The goal is to know the exact document path before the first payment.

Police Clearance Certificate Dubai Online

A Police clearance certificate Dubai online application can start through Dubai Police online channels. Dubai Police currently lists its website, mobile app and DubaiNow among the available service channels. Smart Police Stations and police stations are also listed.

The online route is simple when Dubai Police can match your ID data. You should use the same name, passport details and Emirates ID information that belong to the official record. Keep the payment receipt and application reference after submission.

Dubai Police lists digital channels as available 24/7. Police stations use set working hours, so check the time before you go.

When you are ready to submit, use the official Dubai Police Police Clearance Certificate service.

How to Apply for a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate

A simple order helps you avoid ID and document mistakes.

  1. Ask which PCC and issuer the receiving office accepts.
  2. Confirm whether you will apply from inside or outside the UAE.
  3. Check if you have a valid or old Emirates ID number.
  4. Keep your passport and old UAE visa papers ready.
  5. If you have no Emirates ID or ten-print record, check the fingerprint step before you pay.
  6. Open the official Dubai Police or MOI certificate service that matches the required issuing channel.
  7. Enter your ID data exactly as shown on the papers.
  8. Choose the purpose asked for by the receiving office.
  9. Upload clear files and complete the ID check shown on screen.
  10. Pay the listed fee through the official service.
  11. Save the payment record and application reference.
  12. Track the request and reply if Dubai Police asks for more data.
  13. Check the final PCC, its dates and any attestation need before you send it abroad.

What Happens After You Submit the PCC Request?

Keep the request reference as soon as you pay. Save the receipt too. These two items make follow-up much easier.

Dubai Police checks the data linked to the request. The service may also need an ID or fingerprint match. If a detail is wrong, fix it through the official route. Do not send a second paid request unless the service tells you to do so.

Watch the phone number and email used in the request. If Dubai Police asks for more data, reply as soon as you can. A fast reply can prevent an avoidable delay.

When the PCC is ready, check the name and other key details. Check the issue date too. Then compare the final document with the rules from the office that asked for it.

If that office also wants attestation, start that step after you have the final PCC. Keep the original digital file safe. Do not edit it or remove its QR or check code.

What If You Enter the Wrong Details?

Check every field before you pay. A small name or passport error can cause a delay.

If you spot an error after you send the request, use the same official service first. Check the request status. If the site does not let you fix the field, call 901 for help.

Do not create a second paid request just to correct one detail unless Dubai Police tells you to do that. Keep the first reference number and payment receipt.

When the PCC arrives, check the name, dates and key ID data before you send it to an employer, school or visa office.

Current Resident vs Former Resident: What Changes?

A current resident often has an easier ID match. The Emirates ID and UAE record may already link to the person. This can make the online path more direct.

A former resident can still apply. An expired Emirates ID number can still help because Dubai Police accepts valid or expired ID numbers. Keep old UAE visa copies if you have them.

A former resident abroad should check fingerprints early. If Dubai Police has no ten-print record it can use, the person may need a new ten-print card certified by the UAE Embassy.

This is why two former residents may not get the same document list. One may have a usable old print record. The other may need new prints.

Do not copy another person's PCC steps. Start with your own ID, old visa data and current location.

Applying Inside or Outside the UAE

Applying Inside the UAE

Dubai Police lets you apply with a valid or expired Emirates ID number. This is useful for current residents and many former residents whose Emirates ID has expired.

If you have no Emirates ID, Dubai Police says you must visit a listed service centre for fingerprints. Its current terms name Al Qusais Police Station, Ports Police Station, Al Rashidiya Police Station and Jebel Ali Police Station for this purpose.

Police Clearance Certificate Dubai Outside UAE

Dubai Police also lets eligible people abroad request the PCC. The current service lists a personal photo, passport copy and previous residence visa copy among the required documents for outside-country applications.

Dubai Police says an overseas applicant must have entered the UAE before. If the person does not have a ten-print fingerprint record, a ten-print fingerprint card certified or authenticated by the UAE Embassy you must send.

Not every former resident needs a new fingerprint card. It depends on whether Dubai Police can match the ID and prints already on file.

Dubai PCC Without Emirates ID

No current Emirates ID does not always block the request. Dubai Police accepts a valid or expired ID number. The steps change if there is no Emirates ID record at all.

Inside the UAE, you may need fingerprinting in person. Abroad, you may need an embassy-certified ten-print card. Keep old UAE visa and passport details ready to help match the old file.

Former residents abroad should check whether Dubai Police requires an embassy-authenticated ten-print fingerprint card.

Dubai PCC from India

A former UAE resident living in India can apply for a UAE police clearance when it is needed for employment, immigration, study or another official file. The normal Dubai Police overseas rules still apply.

If Dubai Police cannot use old prints, you may need a ten-print card certified by the UAE Embassy. The local steps in India can vary, so follow the current UAE mission rules.

An Indian police certificate does not replace a UAE PCC when the receiving office asks for UAE records. The receiving office may need the UAE-issued PCC.

A new Dubai visa is a separate process with its own rules.

Applying from India and Planning a New Dubai Trip?

The PCC and the visitor visa are separate documents. Check the India-specific visa requirements before starting the new travel application.

View Dubai Visa Guide for Indian Citizens

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Requirements

Dubai police clearance certificate requirements change by applicant location and identity record. Do not use an overseas list for a UAE resident. Not every person needs new prints.

ItemWhen It MattersKey Point
PassportIdentity checkUse clear, matching passport details
Emirates ID numberCurrent or former residentsDubai Police accepts a valid or expired ID number
Personal photoOutside-UAE applicationDubai Police lists it for overseas requests
Previous residence visa copyOutside-UAE applicationDubai Police lists it with outside-country documents
Ten-print fingerprintWhen no print record can workInside UAE: in person; abroad: UAE Embassy check may be needed
Purpose of certificateAll applicationsUse the purpose the receiving office asks for

Documents Required for Dubai PCC

Your checklist depends on your route. It may include:

  • Passport and clear passport copy
  • Valid or expired Emirates ID number if you have one
  • Personal photo where required
  • Copy of the previous UAE residence visa for an outside-UAE application
  • Ten-print card certified by the UAE Embassy when needed abroad
  • Purpose and receiving-office details
  • Payment receipt and request reference
  • Any extra data Dubai Police asks for

Check names and numbers before upload. A wrong passport number, name or old visa detail can cause an extra check.

Do not alter scans or fingerprint documents. Use clear copies of the real documents requested by the service.

Simple Document Check Before Upload

Use clear files. Check the name on each page. Check the passport number. Check the old UAE visa details too.

Do not crop out key data. Do not hide stamps or dates that the service needs. If a scan is hard to read, make a new scan.

Keep the same spelling across the form and the files. Small differences can cause an extra check.

Save a copy of what you send. This makes it much easier to answer a follow-up request later.

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Fee

The published Dubai police clearance certificate fee depends on the applicant type and service channel. Dubai Police currently lists the following charges:

Applicant / ChannelPublished Fee
UAE citizenAED 100
UAE residentAED 200
Applicant outside UAEAED 300 or USD 88
Knowledge and Innovation feesAED 20
Additional in-person service-centre feeAED 100

Dubai Police states that paid fees are non-refundable. Do not expect an automatic refund if the request fails.

MOI uses its own service and fees. If the receiving office wants an MOI PCC, check the live MOI fee.

Processing Time and Dubai PCC Status Check

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Processing Time

Dubai Police currently lists a completion time of 5 working days for the Police Clearance Certificate service. Use that as the standard published time.

Do not promise that every online request will be completed in 24 hours. Extra prints, wrong ID data, missing files or more checks can add time.

If you have a deadline, apply early. Leave time for fixes and attestation.

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Status Check

For a Dubai police clearance certificate status check, keep the reference number created when the request you submit it. Dubai Police has an Application Status service that uses the reference number.

If you need help with a Dubai Police request, the current PCC service lists 901 as the call-centre channel. Use 901 for service help. Keep 999 for emergencies.

A PCC request is separate from a visa application. If you are also tracking an entry visa, use the Dubai visa status check guide for that separate record.

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Validity

Dubai Police states that its Police Clearance Certificate is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.

The receiving office can still ask for a newer PCC. For example, an employer or immigration authority may ask for a certificate issued within a shorter period even though the Dubai Police certificate itself has a three-month validity.

Do not copy the Dubai Police validity to the separate MOI PCC. If you use the MOI route, read the current MOI certificate terms and the receiving organisation's instructions.

Apply close enough to your deadline that the PCC is still fresh when you submit it.

When Should You Apply for the PCC?

Do not apply too early if the receiving office wants a very recent PCC. Dubai Police gives its certificate a three-month validity, but another office may use a shorter age rule.

Do not apply too late either. Dubai Police lists five working days for the service. An overseas fingerprint step can add more time before the PCC request is ready to move.

If you also need attestation, leave time for that after issue. MOFA may use a digital route or a courier route. The route depends on the document and issuer.

A good plan starts with the final deadline. Work backwards from that date. Add time for the PCC, a possible correction and any attestation step.

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate Attestation

A UAE PCC may need attestation for use abroad. The country or office receiving it decides if attestation is needed.

MOFA's current attestation service includes Police Clearance Certificates / Good Conduct Certificates among the supported document types. Eligible UAE-issued digital documents can use digital attestation when they contain a verification feature such as a QR code, reference number or barcode.

The attestation route can differ. MOFA may use a digital route or a courier route based on the issuer and document. MOFA lists up to two hours for eligible digital attestation in working hours. Courier attestation can take one to three business days.

MOFA and MOI also offer a one-step route for the MOI Clear Criminal Record Certificate. That route can combine MOI issue, MOFA attestation and UAE embassy attestation. Do not apply the MOI three-minute workflow to every Dubai Police PCC.

For a PCC that must be used abroad, check the official UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation service.

Dubai PCC for Immigration, Employment and Study

People often need a UAE PCC for visas, work, study and job licences.

The receiving office may set the issuer, language, attestation and age rules. Read those rules first. One PCC does not fit every country or use.

If the office says “UAE Police Certificate,” ask if it wants Dubai Police or MOI. That check can stop you paying for the wrong PCC.

A PCC also does not prove visa eligibility by itself. The visa office still checks the rest of the file.

Dubai PCC Sample, Verification and Privacy

A sample can show the type of data on a PCC. Do not treat an old image as the fixed layout. The layout and QR or check tools can change.

Treat a real PCC as private ID data. It may show a name, reference number and QR code.

Never publish another person's full certificate online. If you need to show a sample to an adviser, redact passport details, certificate numbers, QR codes and other identifiers first.

If the receiving office wants to verify it, use the official check or attestation service. Do not use a social-media image.

Common Dubai PCC Application Mistakes

  • Using an unofficial site instead of Dubai Police or MOI
  • Choosing the wrong issuer for the receiving office
  • Using passport or ID data that does not match
  • Thinking an expired Emirates ID can never be used
  • Applying abroad without checking the ten-print rule
  • Assuming every former resident needs a new fingerprint card
  • Uploading unclear or changed ID files
  • Using a fixed 24-hour processing promise instead of the published five-working-day service time
  • Thinking three-month validity fits every employer or embassy
  • Using the MOI attestation route for every Dubai Police PCC
  • Applying too close to a deadline
  • Losing the reference number needed to track the request
  • Sharing an unredacted PCC or QR code publicly
  • Thinking payment guarantees a PCC

Dubai Police Clearance Certificate: Final Checklist

  • Confirm the exact PCC and issuer.
  • Check whether you are applying inside or outside the UAE.
  • Keep your valid or expired Emirates ID number if you have one.
  • Prepare your passport, old UAE visa data and overseas papers.
  • Check the ten-print rule before you pay if no print record exists.
  • Use the official Dubai Police or MOI service.
  • Confirm the current fee before payment.
  • Keep the payment receipt and reference number.
  • Allow five working days for the Dubai Police service.
  • Check the three-month validity against the receiving office's rule.
  • Check if MOFA or embassy attestation is needed.
  • Hide PCC numbers, passport data and QR codes when sharing copies.

A careful application starts with the receiving organisation's instructions. Once you know the correct certificate, the Dubai Police process is much easier to prepare.

Need a Dubai Visitor Visa as Well?

A PCC and a visitor visa serve different purposes. If your police clearance is part of a new Dubai travel plan, check the visitor visa options separately.

View Dubai Visitor Visa Options