UAE Police Clearance Certificate — How to Apply in 2026
How to get a UAE Police Clearance Certificate (Good Conduct Certificate) from Dubai Police. Covers the online application, fingerprints, fees, express option, attestation for foreign use, and applying from abroad.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
What Is a UAE Police Clearance Certificate?
A UAE Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — officially called the 'Good Conduct Certificate' by Dubai Police — is an official document issued by the Dubai Police confirming that the applicant has no criminal record registered in the UAE. It is one of the most frequently requested documents for immigration and residency applications worldwide.
The certificate is issued in both Arabic and English on a single document, carries an official Dubai Police seal and QR verification code, and has a standard validity of 90 days from the date of issue for most foreign embassy purposes. It is the UAE equivalent of a DBS check (UK), police background check (US), or national criminal record check.
The official name is 'Good Conduct Certificate' — not 'police clearance'
When searching on the Dubai Police website or app, look for 'Good Conduct Certificate' — this is the official service name. 'Police Clearance Certificate' and 'PCC' are the internationally used terms and refer to the same document. Some embassies specify 'Good Conduct Certificate UAE' in their document lists — they mean the same thing.
Who Needs a UAE Police Clearance Certificate?
The most common reasons Dubai expats need a PCC include immigration applications to English-speaking countries, specialist UAE visa categories, professional licences, and university admissions abroad. Here is a breakdown by scenario:
Countries and situations that commonly require a UAE PCC
Who Can Apply for a UAE PCC?
The following categories of people can apply for a Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate:
- Current UAE residents: Anyone with a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID can apply at any time.
- Former UAE residents: People who previously held a UAE residence visa — even if it is now cancelled — can apply from inside or outside the UAE, provided they have documented evidence of their former UAE residency (a cancelled visa page in their passport is sufficient).
- Tourists who stayed 6+ months: Long-stay tourists who resided in the UAE for extended periods may qualify; contact Dubai Police directly to confirm eligibility without a residence visa record.
- Those with expired Emirates IDs: An expired Emirates ID is acceptable as supporting documentation for the PCC application — you do not need a current active ID.
Apply while your Emirates ID is still valid — it simplifies the process
If you know you are leaving the UAE and will need a PCC for a future visa application, apply before your Emirates ID expires and before your visa is cancelled. The application is simpler, faster, and does not require the additional steps needed for former residents applying from abroad. A PCC can be applied for and then used within its 90-day validity even after you have left the UAE.
PCC Application — 6-Step Process
- 1
Apply online via the Dubai Police app or website
Download the Dubai Police app (iOS and Android) or visit dubaipolice.gov.ae. Under 'Services', find 'Good Conduct Certificate' (the official name for the Police Clearance Certificate). Fill in the application form with your personal details — name as per passport, Emirates ID number, date of birth, nationality, and UAE address. Upload the required documents: a copy of your Emirates ID (current or expired), passport photo page, UAE visa page, and a recent passport-style photograph with white background. - 2
Book a fingerprint appointment
After submitting your application, you will be prompted to book a fingerprint appointment at a Dubai Police service centre. Fingerprint collection is mandatory for all PCC applications — even for people who have been fingerprinted previously as part of their Emirates ID process. Available appointment times are shown in the app. Bring your original Emirates ID and passport to the appointment. Most appointments take 15–30 minutes. - 3
Pay the application fee electronically
The standard fee is AED 220, payable via credit/debit card in the app or on the Dubai Police website. Express 24-hour processing costs AED 320. Former residents applying from outside the UAE pay AED 320. Payment must be made before the fingerprint appointment is confirmed. Keep your payment receipt — you will need the reference number if there is any query about your application. - 4
Attend your fingerprint appointment
Go to the Dubai Police service centre at your booked time with your original Emirates ID, passport, and the appointment confirmation from the app. The biometrics officer will collect your fingerprints digitally. The process takes 10–15 minutes. If your photograph does not meet ICA standards (white background, no glasses, correct dimensions), it will be rejected and you will need to resubmit — bring a printed photo as a backup or upload a compliant digital photo in advance. - 5
Wait 3–5 working days for processing
Standard applications take 3–5 working days from the date of your fingerprint appointment. Express applications (AED 320) take 24 hours from the fingerprint date. You will receive an SMS and/or email notification when your certificate is ready. The certificate is issued in both Arabic and English on a single document and includes an official Dubai Police QR code for verification. - 6
Download and verify your certificate
Once issued, download your PCC as a PDF via the Dubai Police app under 'My Services' → 'My Applications'. The certificate is digitally signed and QR-coded — any authority can verify it by scanning the QR code. Print on A4 paper; both the digital PDF and a colour printout are typically accepted for UAE embassy submissions. For foreign embassies requiring apostille or attestation, proceed to the attestation chain described below.
Standard vs Express vs Former-Resident PCC
UAE PCC application types and fees
Attestation Chain — Using a UAE PCC Abroad
Most foreign embassies require a UAE PCC to be attested (legalised) before they will accept it. The UAE uses an attestation chain rather than the Hague Apostille for many countries (the UAE joined the Apostille Convention in 2021, so an apostille is now available for Hague Convention member states). Check whether your destination country accepts an apostille or requires full attestation.
The standard attestation chain for UAE documents used abroad:
- Dubai Police issue the PCC — digital certificate with QR code.
- Apostille from MOFAIC (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) — AED 150 per document. Done at MOFAIC service centres or typing centres. This step satisfies requirements for countries that are Hague Apostille Convention members (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, NZ, and most EU countries).
- Home country embassy in UAE (optional, for some countries) — some countries require a second attestation by their own embassy in addition to the UAE MOFAIC apostille.
- Courier to your destination country — if applying from abroad, the attested document typically needs to be physically submitted to an immigration authority or embassy overseas.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| PCC | |
Dubai Police PCC (standard) Via app; 3–5 working days | AED 220 |
Dubai Police PCC (express 24-hr) 24-hour processing from fingerprint date | AED 320 |
PCC former resident (from abroad) Via app; fingerprints at UAE embassy | AED 320 |
| Attestation | |
MOFAIC apostille stamp Legalises the PCC for use in Hague Convention countries | AED 150 per document |
Home country embassy attestation (where required) Varies by country and embassy; some require appointment | AED 100–400 |
| Service Fees | |
Typing centre handling fee If using a typing centre to handle the attestation chain on your behalf | AED 100–200 |
| Courier | |
Courier (attested PCC to overseas address) DHL/FedEx international; 2–5 working days depending on destination | AED 80–200 |
| Totals | |
Total typical cost (standard + MOFAIC + courier) End-to-end for most immigration applications | AED 450–650 |
Applying Yourself vs Via Tasheel Agent
Apply yourself via Dubai Police app
- Cheaper — app application costs AED 220 vs AED 400–600 via agent (includes agent markup).
- Faster — app appointment booking is instant; no need to visit a typing centre.
- Full visibility into your application status in real time via the app.
- The Dubai Police app is straightforward — the application form takes 10–15 minutes to complete.
- Digital certificate issued directly to your app — no need to collect a paper document.
Use a Tasheel typing centre agent
- Agents handle the entire process end-to-end including attestation — useful if you are time-poor.
- Tasheel agents know how to avoid common photo or document rejection issues.
- For former residents applying from outside the UAE, an agent with local contacts can handle the Dubai-side process on your behalf.
- If your application is complex (multiple UAE residency periods, common name, previous legal issues), an experienced agent reduces the risk of errors.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Rejected photograph — bring a backup printed photo to your appointment
Photo rejection is the most common reason for PCC application delays. UAE government photo standards require: white background only (no off-white or grey), face fully visible with no glasses or head coverings (except for religious reasons), head straight and centred, and dimensions meeting ICA specifications (typically 35×45mm, 3.5cm × 4.5cm). Use a photo editing app to ensure the background is pure white before uploading. Bring a printed copy to your fingerprint appointment as a backup.
Name or date mismatch on application — check Emirates ID vs passport carefully
The most common processing delay is a mismatch between the name on the application and the name on the Emirates ID or passport. Transliteration differences (Mohammed vs Muhammad vs Mohamed) can cause a rejection. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your UAE Emirates ID — not as it appears on your passport — as the AECB record is linked to the Emirates ID version.
UAE PCC for Specific Immigration Scenarios
Different immigration pathways have slightly different requirements for how the UAE PCC is presented and whether additional documentation is needed alongside it. Here is guidance for the most common scenarios:
- UK Skilled Worker Visa: UKVI requires a UAE PCC if you have lived in the UAE for 12+ months in the past 10 years. The PCC must be apostilled via MOFAIC. Submit the apostilled original with your visa application (or upload a certified scan if applying online). Valid for 6 months from issue.
- Canadian Express Entry: IRCC requires a PCC from every country of residence for 6+ months in the past 10 years. The UAE PCC must be apostilled. Submit with the initial application or upon request from IRCC. Some applicants receive a Request for Documents (RFD) — respond within the specified window.
- Australian Skilled Migration: The Department of Home Affairs requires a UAE PCC if you have resided in the UAE for 12+ cumulative months in the past 10 years. Apostille required. Some visa subclasses accept a digital UAE PCC with the QR code — check the current guidance on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
- US Immigrant Visa (Green Card): Required if you have lived in the UAE for 6+ months. The National Visa Center (NVC) sends instructions on which countries require PCCs. UAE PCC must be apostilled. Note: the US has a specific rule that the PCC must be issued within 15 months of your civil surgeon medical exam (I-693).
- UAE Golden Visa (talent category): Some Golden Visa talent categories require a Good Conduct Certificate as part of the initial documentation. This is a domestic UAE use case — no apostille is required, and the digital PDF with QR code is sufficient.
Where to Get Fingerprinted for Your UAE PCC in Dubai
The Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate fingerprint appointment is taken at specific Dubai Police service centres — not at all police stations. The main fingerprinting locations as of 2026 are: Dubai Police General Headquarters (Bur Dubai), Al Muraqabat Police Station, Al Barsha Police Station, Deira Police Station, and Al Rashidiya Police Station. Appointment availability varies by location — the Dubai Police app shows real-time availability at each centre.
The fingerprint appointment itself is brief — the biometrics officer will digitally scan all ten fingerprints, capture a facial photograph, and confirm your Emirates ID. The process takes 10–15 minutes. You do not receive any paperwork at the appointment — the biometric data is submitted directly to the Dubai Police processing system. Your PCC will be issued digitally 3–5 working days (standard) or 24 hours (express) after the fingerprint appointment date.
Book the earliest available fingerprint slot to speed up your PCC
Processing time starts from the date of your fingerprint appointment, not the date of your application. If you apply online today but the first available fingerprint slot is in 10 days, your PCC will not be ready until 13–15 days from now. Check all available service centres in the app — different locations often have different availability. A centre in a quieter area may have a slot available tomorrow rather than next week.
Documents Required for a UAE PCC Application
Gathering the correct documents before starting your application prevents the most common rejection and delay scenarios. The Dubai Police system performs automated document matching — mismatches between documents (name spelling differences, date of birth format errors) will trigger manual review and delay your application by 5–10 working days.
- Emirates ID: Front and back scan. Current (valid) is preferred but expired IDs are accepted for the PCC application. Ensure the scan is clear, well-lit, and the ID number (15 digits) is fully readable.
- Passport copy: The biographical data page (photo page). If you have changed passports since your UAE residency, provide both the current passport and the passport that contains the UAE visa stamp.
- UAE visa page: The page in your passport showing your UAE residence visa — current or cancelled. This proves your UAE residency history. If you are on a new passport with a freshly renewed visa, providing the old passport's visa page confirms the full history.
- Recent photograph: Digital upload required. Strict ICA standards: white background only, no shadows, face fully visible, no glasses, size 35×45mm, JPEG format under 300KB. An incorrect photo is the most common reason for application rejection.
- For former residents abroad: Additionally provide a copy of your current country of residence proof (national ID, utility bill, or current residence permit) and your cancelled UAE visa if not in a current passport.
Use an online photo tool to ensure your picture meets ICA standards
Several free online tools (e.g., passport-photo.online, idphoto4you) allow you to upload any selfie and convert it to ICA-compliant format with the correct white background, dimensions, and file size. This is faster and more reliable than guessing whether a phone photo will be accepted. Dubai Police rejection due to photo issues adds 3–5 working days to your application.
Applying for a UAE PCC From Outside the UAE
Former UAE residents who are now living abroad can apply for a Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate remotely without returning to the UAE. The process uses the Dubai Police app and UAE embassy fingerprint collection. Here is the step-by-step process for applicants abroad:
- Download the Dubai Police app on your smartphone.
- Register and select 'Good Conduct Certificate' → 'Outside UAE Applicant'.
- Fill in your personal details using your passport and cancelled UAE visa information.
- Upload: passport copy, cancelled UAE visa page, copy of Emirates ID (if available), and passport-style photo.
- Pay AED 320 via card in the app.
- Book a fingerprint appointment at the nearest UAE embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- Attend the UAE embassy fingerprint appointment — bring your original passport.
- Wait 5–10 working days for Dubai Police to process the application.
- The completed PCC is emailed to you as a PDF and is also available in the Dubai Police app.
No UAE embassy in your country? Contact Dubai Police for alternatives
If there is no UAE embassy in your country of residence, Dubai Police may accept fingerprints taken by a local police authority and notarised, or refer you to the nearest UAE embassy in a neighbouring country. Contact Dubai Police customer service (internationalpolice@dubaipolice.gov.ae) to confirm the procedure for your specific country before booking any appointment.
How Long Is a UAE PCC Valid — Country-by-Country
The standard UAE PCC validity is 90 days from the date of issue. However, different immigration systems interpret 'validity' differently — some countries require the PCC to be current at the time of application, others at the time of visa decision, and some have specific windows tied to other documents in the application. The table below summarises the main destinations requiring a UAE PCC:
UAE PCC validity requirements by destination country
Always verify current requirements with the target embassy — rules change
Immigration document requirements change frequently. The validity windows and attestation requirements shown above are accurate as of May 2026 but may have been updated. Always verify the current requirements on the official immigration authority website of your target country before applying for your PCC.