What Is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), also called a Certificate of Good Conduct in the UAE, is an official document issued by law enforcement authorities confirming that the named individual has no criminal record (or disclosing any relevant convictions).
When Is a PCC Required in the UAE?
- Employment visa applications — many UAE employers require a home country PCC as part of hiring
- Professional licensing — DHA, KHDA, MOHRE, and other authorities require PCCs for regulated roles (doctors, teachers, nurses, engineers)
- Visa applications to other countries — most western countries require a UAE PCC when a resident has lived in the UAE for a specified period
- Golden Visa applications — some categories require a clean PCC
- Security-sensitive roles — Dubai Police, military, financial services
- Adoption and custody proceedings — courts may require a PCC for all parties
UAE Certificate of Good Conduct (Dubai Police)
The UAE Certificate of Good Conduct is issued by Dubai Police for individuals who have lived in Dubai. It confirms that the individual has no criminal record in the UAE.
Who Can Apply?
- UAE residents (current or past) who have lived in Dubai
- Any individual who has previously held a UAE residence visa
- Individuals currently residing in the UAE
Required Documents
- Passport copy (valid)
- Emirates ID copy (or previous UAE residency visa if no longer resident)
- Completed application form
- Application fee (paid at submission)
How We Apply
- Document review — we confirm all details are correctly stated
- Online submission — we submit your application via the Dubai Police Smart App or GDRFA portal
- Biometric appointment (if required for overseas applicants — handled at UAE embassy/consulate)
- Certificate issuance — Dubai Police issues the certificate digitally or in hard copy
- Attestation (if needed for use abroad) — we attest the PCC at UAE MOFA for international use
Processing time: 3–5 working days
Abu Dhabi & Northern Emirates PCC
For individuals who lived in Abu Dhabi or other emirates, the relevant authority differs:
- Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police (ADJD portal)
- Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ: Federal Ministry of Interior
We handle PCCs from all UAE emirate police authorities.
Overseas PCC (Home Country PCC)
For UAE employers requiring a home country PCC, or for UAE residents needing to submit a PCC to foreign embassies, we assist with overseas PCC applications through our international partner network:
| Country | Issuing Authority | Our Service |
|---|---|---|
| India | State Police (state-specific) | Coordination + document prep |
| Pakistan | NADRA / District Police | Coordination + apostille guidance |
| Philippines | NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) | Full guidance + UAE-side attestation |
| UK | DBS / ACPO | Guidance + UAE MOFA attestation |
| USA | FBI / State Police | Guidance + apostille |
| Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan | Ministry of Interior | Coordination |
| Others | Case-by-case | Contact us |
PCC Attestation for International Use
A UAE PCC issued by Dubai Police must be attested before it is accepted by foreign authorities, embassies, or employers outside the UAE:
- UAE MOFA Attestation — Dubai Police PCC authenticated by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Destination Country Embassy Attestation — the relevant embassy in UAE stamps the MOFA-attested PCC
We provide the complete attestation service as part of our document clearing offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been out of the UAE for 2 years — can I still get a UAE PCC? Yes — you can apply for a UAE PCC as a former resident, as long as you previously held a UAE residence visa. The application can be submitted by your authorized representative in the UAE (we handle this on your behalf) or via a UAE consulate in your country.
Does a UAE PCC show old convictions that have been pardoned? UAE pardons and amnesties (issued by presidential decree) may clear the record entirely. If you received a formal pardon, we advise on the likely outcome before applying.
How long is a UAE PCC valid? UAE Certificates of Good Conduct do not have a standard expiry date printed on them, but most authorities (embassies, employers) consider a PCC valid for 3–6 months from issue date. Plan your application timing accordingly.
Can a PCC be processed urgently? Dubai Police offers an express service (typically 24–48 hours) at an additional government fee. We can apply on this basis for urgent cases.
I need a PCC for a visa application to Canada / UK / Australia — what do I need? These countries typically require both a UAE PCC (for the period you lived in the UAE) and your home country PCC. Both must be attested by UAE MOFA (UAE PCC) and the relevant UAE Embassy (home country PCC). We manage all of this — provide us with your application requirements and we'll handle the rest.
Office 225, Oud Metha Offices, Dubai Healthcare City +971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com