A Police Clearance Certificate is also referred to as a Good Conduct Certificate in some countries, where the police declare an individual’s criminal record in a particular jurisdiction.
But how to get a police clearance certificate in Dubai, UAE is still a question. We are going to compile details about how to get a PCC in Dubai, either if you are a resident or a non-resident.
It is essential to obtain a PPC if you are looking forward to working in big firms or moving abroad.
This blog will guide you through the importance, procedure & all the necessities of a PPC.
A Dubai Police Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by police authorities which confirms whether an individual possesses a criminal record or not.
The document is necessary in a wide range of situations, ranging from job applications to immigration proceedings. It provides proof of good conduct the applicant displayed during their stay in the country.
Who Needs a Police Clearance Certificate?
A PCC is needed for the following reasons
Employment: Most employers, especially those in sensitive sectors, such as health, education, or government jobs require a PCC as a hiring process
Visa and immigration requests: All those who aim to acquire permanent residency, work visa, or immigration purposes usually require a PCC issued by the UAE while making their request.
Higher education: Universities and especially overseas universities may ask for a PCC as proof that the applicant has no criminal record.
Leasing or buying a property: At times, landlords or owners selling a property may request a PCC as proof of character and reputation of the person.
Other legal purposes: The certificate may be required for legal or court purposes, or otherwise for the applicant’s personal background checks.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Requirements to Obtain a UAE Police Clearance Certificate:
Separate procedure for the UAE nationals and residents.
Eligible for Present UAE Residents: The current residents of Dubai can be eligible for a Police Clearance Certificate. They can apply online through digital platforms set up by the Dubai Police or at police stations physically.
Ex-Patients of UAE: Other individuals may be ex-patients of the UAE, and for those who have stayed or resided in the UAE and require a PCC from Dubai, applications are accepted; however, the process for ex-patients of the UAE differs by adding some steps such as fingerprint cards issuance and attestation.
Nationals vs. Expats: The application for PCC is available for all the UAE citizens and expats too; though the entire documentation and process will differ slightly according to the nationality and residence.
Where to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate
How to get a police clearance certificate in Dubai UAE? Well, here’s a number of options available. The decision is entirely yours to either apply online or make an appointment personally.
Online Application: Dubai Police provides a very efficient online application system for PCC among residents and non-residents.
The mobile application of the Dubai Police is available on iOS and Android devices and can be accessed through the official website of the Dubai Police.
Through this, they can obtain their PCC. Online applications are highly encouraged as they allow for processing within days.
In-Person Submission: This option is also provided, but one has to go to a Dubai Police station or service center with the application. Not surprisingly, this is less hassle-free than submitting it online.
For non-residents, of course, there isn’t a local facility for their access, so it’s a bit different for them. For example, some submissions may be possible through courier services or government branches specializing in international requests.
Supporting Documents
Before you apply for your PCC, collect all documents applicable. The documents though little different in case of UAE residents and non-residents.
For UAE Residents:
Copy of Emirates ID
Copy of Passport
Recently attached passport-size photograph
For Non-Residents/Expatriates:
Copy of Passport
Recently attached passport-size photograph
Fingerprints card obtained from your own country, attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country.
Attachments may be required in some instances. Dubai Police may have to be contacted for confirmation on the specific cases.
Steps to Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai
For UAE nationals and residents
Online Procedure
- Open Dubai Police website or activate Dubai Police mobile application.
- Log-in to it through UAE PASS or any other credential
- Access ‘Good Conduct Certificate
- Use an application form with details of the individual.
- Submit the mandatory documents that are a copy of your Emirates ID, passport, and a passport-size photograph
- You can use your credit card or debit card for making an e-payment.
- After processing, you can obtain your PCC through e-mail within 3 to 5 working days.
For Non-Residents
- Obtain the fingerprint card from the police in your country of residence
- Get the fingerprint card attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate located in your country of residence.
- You have the option of applying through the Dubai Police portal or by a courier service at your location
- Attach the attested fingerprint card and other relevant papers needed with your application form
- Pay online and receive a certificate issued electronically
Application Fees
The fees to obtain a UAE Police Clearance Certificate is as follows
- Citizen AED 100
- Resident AED 200
- From outside the country AED 300 or $88
- AED 10 for knowledge fees
- AED 10 for innovation fees
- Additional fee of AED 100 if applied through service centers in person
Online Payment is accessible by credit/debit cards or e-payment services among others.
Processing Time and Certificate Delivery
Once the application has been submitted successfully, and all supporting documents are ready, processing of the application would take 3-5 working days. There is certificate delivery to be availed:
Electronic Delivery: The most convenient and common method is to receive it digitally through email or download it from the Dubai Police portal.
Physical Collection: You can collect the certificate in person from a Dubai Police station if you choose this while applying.
Postal Delivery: In other cases, the PCC can be posted to you where you live.
Validity Period of the Certificate
The valid period of the certificates issued by Dubai Police generally is usually 3 to 6 months as per the validity given by the requesting authority.
Some organizations have their validity period shorter than this period. So, be watchful with this aspect when ascertaining the date of expiry.
If your PCC has already expired and you are in need of another one, the same process can be used for re-application.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Here are general problems experienced by applicants while applying for a PCC in Dubai along with solutions:
Incomplete documents: You must ensure that you have all documents required. Non-residents must ensure that they possess an attested fingerprint card so that no delay occurs.
Submission mistakes: You should go through your information and uploaded documents so that nothing goes wrong with you during the application procedure. In case you detect an error after you make the submission, you can call Dubai Police customer care for correction
Rejection based on fingerprints: In case your fingerprints are rejected, then ensure that they get thoroughly stamped and signed by the UAE Embassy/Consulate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?
- How long does it take to receive a PCC?
For online application submission, this is normally 3-5 working days.
- Can I apply for a PCC if I am no longer residing in Dubai?
Yes, ex-residents may apply outside the emirate by submitting an attested fingerprint card .
- What do I do if my fingerprints are rejected?
You have to submit your fingerprints again and ensure that they are well attested.
- Is the Police Clearance Certificate issued in English or Arabic?
You can request it in whatever language you require it to be – in English or in Arabic.
Conclusion
Applying for a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate is highly required in terms of legality, professionalism, or personal needs involving it.
Now no need to hassle about where or how to get a police clearance certificate in Dubai UAE.
If the necessary procedures are followed and if all documents are correct & in order, your application is going to be executed easily.
The most convenient approach to getting your PCC is through the online application offered by the Dubai Police. They have the shortest time for processing, 3-5 days.
This department is efficient in the service it provides so GOOD LUCK with yours!