Dubai Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) – Complete Guide 2026

When applying for a Dubai visa, employment opportunities, international immigration, or university admissions, you'll need a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) – also known as the UAE Good Conduct Certificate. This official criminal background verification from Dubai Police or the Ministry of Interior (MOI) confirms your criminal status during your stay in the UAE.

This complete 2026 guide covers everything about online PCC applications, requirements, status tracking, fees, expedited service options, and how this certificate relates to your Dubai visa application.

What is a Dubai Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Dubai Police Clearance Certificate or UAE Good Conduct Certificate is an official document issued by UAE authorities that verifies whether you have any criminal record during your residence in the United Arab Emirates. This criminal background check is essential for various legal and administrative purposes.

The certificate is also known as:

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Criminal Status Certificate
• Clear Criminal Record Certificate
• Good Conduct Certificate
• MOI UAE Criminal Record Certificate

Who Needs a Police Clearance in Dubai?

You may be required to obtain a criminal background verification for:

• Employment verification – Job applications or employment changes in the UAE or overseas
• Dubai visa requirements 2026 – Investor visas, residency visas, and work permits
• International immigration – Relocating to Canada, UK, Australia, or other countries
• Educational purposes – University admissions and professional licensing
• Family sponsorship – Securing long-term Dubai residency or sponsoring family members
• Dubai visa documentation – Supporting document for various visa categories
• Professional licensing – Medical, legal, and financial sector licenses

Why Dubai PCC Is Needed for Each Visa Type

Understanding PCC requirements for different visa categories helps you prepare properly:

Dubai Work Visa – PCC Requirements

Certificate mandatory for:

• Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses)
• Education sector (teachers, administrators)
• Financial services (bankers, accountants)
• Security and law enforcement positions
• Senior management roles in certain sectors

Not always required for:

• Entry-level positions in hospitality
• Retail and customer service roles
• Short-term contract work (under 6 months)

Dubai Golden Visa – PCC Mandatory

The prestigious Dubai Golden Visa requires:

• Criminal background verification from UAE (if previously resided)
• Police clearance from home country
• Clean record mandatory for approval
• 5-10 year visa validity depends on background verification

Dubai Investor Visa – Background Check for Financial Screening

Investor and entrepreneur visas need:

• UAE criminal record certificate
• Financial background verification
• Previous business conduct check
• Anti-money laundering compliance

Dubai Family Visa – PCC Based on Sponsor

Family sponsorship certificate requirements:

• Required if: Sponsor is in regulated profession
• Required if: Sponsoring spouse from certain nationalities
• Sometimes waived for: Children under 18
• Always needed for: Live-in domestic staff sponsorship

Dubai Tourist Visa 30 Days – No PCC Required

Good news: Dubai tourist visa 30 days applications typically do NOT require a Police Clearance Certificate.

Dubai Residence Visa – PCC Varies

Long-term residence permits:

• 2-3 year residence: Good conduct certificate often required
• Dependent visas: May require sponsor's clearance
• Dubai visa renewal: Sometimes needs updated certificate

Dubai Police PCC Requirements 2026: Documents Needed

Current UAE Residents

To apply for police clearance online, current residents need:

• Emirates ID (valid)
• Passport copy with residence visa page
• Recent passport-size photograph (white background)
• UAE PASS login credentials (mandatory for online applications)
• Email address for certificate delivery

UAE Nationals

Dubai and UAE nationals require:

• Emirates ID
• Passport copy
• Recent passport-size photograph
• UAE PASS account

Former Residents Applying From Outside UAE

If you're applying from abroad for a Dubai visa, you'll need:

• Passport copy
• Old Emirates ID or residence visa page (if available)
• UAE fingerprint card attested by UAE Embassy/Consulate in your current country
• Recent passport-size photograph (35mm x 45mm)
• Proof of previous UAE residency
• Attested authorization letter (if applying through representative)

How to Apply for Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai – Step-by-Step

Method 1: Dubai Police Online Application

The Dubai Police Smart Services process is the fastest option for current residents:

Step 1: Access Dubai Police Portal

• Visit the official Dubai Police website (dubaipolice.gov.ae)
• Or download the Smart Services mobile app
• Available on iOS App Store and Google Play

Step 2: Login with UAE PASS

• Can I get PCC Dubai without UAE PASS? No, UAE PASS is mandatory for online applications
• If you don't have it, download the app and register first
• Verify your identity using Emirates ID

Step 3: Select Service

• Navigate to "Police Clearance Certificate"
• Choose "Criminal Status Certificate" or "Good Conduct Certificate"
• Select language preference (Arabic, English, or both)

Step 4: Fill Application Form

• Enter personal details
• Upload Emirates ID (front and back)
• Upload passport copy with visa page
• Upload recent photograph (white background)

Step 5: Review and Pay

• Review all entered information carefully
• Complete payment using credit/debit card
• Save payment confirmation

Step 6: Download Certificate

• Receive SMS/email notification when ready
• Login to Dubai Police portal
• Download your digital certificate (PDF format)

Processing Time: Same-day service – typically 2-6 hours for most applications

Method 2: MOI UAE Application

Alternative application through Ministry of Interior:

Step 1: Access MOI Portal

• Visit MOI Smart Services portal (moi.gov.ae)
• Or download MOI UAE app

Step 2: Select Certificate Service

• Choose "Issuance of Clear Criminal Record Certificate"
• Login using UAE PASS

Step 3: Complete Application

• Fill online form with accurate details
• Upload required documents
• Select preferred language

Step 4: Payment and Tracking

• Pay applicable fees online
• Receive application reference number
• Track status through portal

Step 5: Certificate Delivery

• Digital certificate sent to registered email
• Can also collect from MOI service centers

Processing Time: 1-3 working days

Method 3: Al Twar Dubai Police (In-Person)

Visit Al Twar Police headquarters for in-person service:

Location: Al Twar Police Station, Dubai Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM Documents Required: Same as online application Processing: Quick processing – same day collection possible

Steps:

1. Visit Al Twar counter
2. Submit completed form with documents
3. Pay fees at designated counter
4. Collect receipt with tracking number
5. Return after processing (usually same day)

Method 4: Application from Outside UAE

For former residents applying internationally:

Step 1: Obtain Fingerprint Card

• Visit local police station in your current country
• Request fingerprints on official card
• Ensure card is properly filled and signed

Step 2: UAE Embassy Attestation

• Locate nearest UAE Embassy or Consulate
• Submit fingerprint card for attestation
• Pay attestation fees (varies by country)
• Processing: 3-7 working days

Step 3: Online Submission

• Upload attested fingerprint card to Dubai Police or MOI portal
• Include all supporting documents
• Pay international application fees

Step 4: Track and Receive

• Use reference number for tracking
• Certificate delivered digitally or by courier
• Can also authorize representative in UAE to collect

Processing Time: 5-10 working days after attestation

Same-Day & Urgent PCC Services in Dubai

Need your certificate urgently? Here are expedited service options:

Regular Processing vs. Express Service

Dubai PCC Fees and Processing Time 2026

Complete Fee Structure

Additional Costs:

• Embassy attestation (abroad): USD 50-150 (varies by country)
• MOFA attestation: AED 150 per document
• Courier delivery (international): AED 100-300

Certificate Validity

How long is Dubai PCC valid?

The police clearance validity:

• Standard validity: 3 months from date of issuance
• For visa applications: Must be within 3 months
• For immigration: Some countries accept up to 6 months
• For employment: Usually 3 months maximum

⚠️ Important: Always check specific requirements with the requesting authority, as validity periods may vary.

How to Track Your PCC Application Status

After applying, you can easily check your application progress:

Track Dubai Police Status

Online Tracking:

1. Visit Dubai Police website
2. Click "Services" → "Track Application Status"
3. Enter reference number or Emirates ID
4. View current status and estimated completion

Via Smart Services App:

1. Login to the app
2. Go to "My Services"
3. View application status in real-time
4. Receive push notifications

SMS Tracking:

• SMS sent automatically at each stage:
  • Application received
  • Under processing
  • Ready for download
  • Certificate issued

Track MOI Application

MOI Portal Tracking:

1. Login to MOI Smart Services
2. Navigate to "My Applications"
3. View detailed status updates
4. Download once marked "Completed"

Reference Number Tracking:

• Use application reference number
• Check status without login
• Available 24/7

What to Do If Your Application Is Delayed

If processing takes longer than expected:

For Applications Under 48 Hours:

• Wait for standard processing time
• Check spam/junk email folders
• Verify payment was successful

For Delays Beyond 5 Working Days:

1. Contact Dubai Police:

   • Call: 04-609-4444
   • Email: contactus@dubaipolice.gov.ae
   • Quote your reference number

2. Visit Service Center:

   • Go to Al Twar headquarters
   • Bring reference number and Emirates ID
   • Speak with customer service officer

3. For MOI Applications:

   • Call MOI helpline: 600-599-999
   • Visit nearest MOI typing center
   • Request status inquiry

Common Delay Reasons:

• Name verification with multiple databases
• Previous residence in multiple emirates
• Incomplete document uploads
• System maintenance (usually weekends)
• High application volume during peak seasons

Dubai PCC Attestation for International Use

If you need your good conduct certificate for use outside the UAE:

Step 1: MOFA Attestation (Mandatory)

UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation:

• Location: MOFA offices across UAE or approved typing centers
• Fee: AED 150 per document
• Processing: 1-2 working days (same day for urgent)
• Required for: All international use

Documents needed for MOFA attestation:

• Original certificate
• Passport copy
• Emirates ID copy (if in UAE)

Step 2: Embassy Attestation (If Required)

Some countries require additional attestation:

• After MOFA, visit destination country's embassy in UAE
• Fees vary (USD 30-100 typically)
• Processing: 2-5 working days
• Required by: Canada, some European countries, Australia

Online MOFA Attestation

Fast digital service:

1. Upload certificate to MOFA portal
2. Pay fees online
3. Receive attested copy digitally
4. Physical attestation still needed for some countries

Countries accepting digital attestation:

• United Kingdom
• United States (some states)
• New Zealand
• Singapore

How to Apply for Dubai Visa with Professional Support

Dubai Visa Types and Background Check Requirements

Understanding which visa needs criminal verification:

Visa Types Overview:

Step-by-Step Dubai Visa Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type

Select the appropriate visa based on your purpose

• Dubai Visa options for tourists and business
• Work permits for employment
• Family reunion visas
• Long-term residence permits

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Standard documents for all visas:

• Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-size photographs (white background)
• Completed visa application form
• Flight booking confirmation
• Hotel reservation (for tourist visas)

Additional for work/residence visas:

• Police clearance certificate (if required)
• Educational certificates
• Medical fitness certificate
• Employment contract
• Company sponsorship letter

Step 3: Submit Clearance Certificate (If Required)

If your visa category needs background verification:

1. Apply for certificate first (before visa application)
2. Get express service if urgent
3. Complete MOFA attestation if needed
4. Include attested certificate with visa documents

Step 4: Apply Through Dubai Visa Center

Application process:

1. Visit Dubai Visa Center website
2. Select your visa type
3. Upload all documents (including clearance if needed)
4. Make secure payment
5. Track application status online
6. Receive e-visa via email

Step 5: Track Your Visa Application

• Email notifications at each stage
• Online tracking with reference number
• SMS updates available
• Customer support for queries

Step 6: Receive Your Approved Visa

• Download e-visa from email
• Print copy for immigration
• Valid from date of issuance
• Present at Dubai airport immigration

Dubai Work Visa Specific Requirements

Is background check mandatory for employment visa?

Yes, for these categories:

• Healthcare workers
• Teachers and educators
• Finance professionals
• Government positions
• Senior management
• Security-related roles

Documents needed:

• Criminal record certificate (attested)
• Educational degree (attested)
• Previous employment certificates
• Medical fitness certificate
• Passport copy
• Photographs

Dubai Visa Renewal with Clearance Certificate

When renewing your Dubai residence visa:

Certificate required for renewal if:

• Changed job to regulated profession
• Upgrading visa category
• Long gap since last verification (3+ years)
• Requested by immigration authorities
• Traveling outside UAE during renewal

Dubai visa renewal steps:

1. Check if certificate needed for your case
2. Apply for fresh certificate (old ones usually not accepted)
3. Get expedited processing to avoid delays
4. Submit renewal application with all documents
5. Complete medical fitness test
6. Receive renewed visa

Processing time: 5-7 working days with all documents ready

Apply for Your Dubai Visa Today – Fast & Hassle-Free

Don't let documentation delays hold you back. Whether you need criminal background verification or comprehensive visa support, Dubai Visa Center offers:

Express processing – Coordination of certificates with visa applications
Complete guidance – From application to attestation
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Related Resources

• Dubai Visa Types and Requirements 2026 – Complete guide to all visa categories
• Dubai Tourist Visa Renewal Process – Step-by-step renewal instructions
• Dubai Work Visa Complete Guide – Employment visa documentation
• Dubai Golden Visa Requirements – Long-term residence permit guide
• UAE PASS Setup Guide – How to activate and use UAE PASS

Apply Dubai Visa Center →