Moving to a different country and becoming its resident is a multi-step process. From getting a resident visa to finding a home and a job, each step requires preparation and certain documents. One of the key ones is a Police Clearance Certificate proving your clean record, which is vital for many tasks.

In the United Arab Emirates, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is of great importance in many aspects of everyday life. Also known as a Good Conduct Certificate, it plays a huge role when acquiring visas and licenses, seeking employment, applying for studies, and in other situations. This guide will help you learn how to get a PCC in the UAE and when you might need it.

What is a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE?

A Police Clearance Certificate is a document issued by police departments in the UAE that certifies an individual's criminal record status or lack thereof. Essentially, it serves as proof that its holder has not been involved in any criminal activities in the country, thus proving the person’s good conduct, credibility, and compliance with the state’s laws and legal requirements.

Why Do You Need a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai?

In the UAE, government agencies, Immigration authorities, professional licensing bodies, employers, and educational institutions may need to assess your credibility and character before issuing certain documents, providing their services, or hiring you.

A PCC may be required for various reasons, such as:

1. Visa and Residency

When applying for a visa or residency in Dubai, some countries or the UAE government may require a PCC to ensure a person’s lack of criminal record.

2. Employment

Many employers in Dubai, especially in industries like finance, government, education, and healthcare, require a PCC as part of the pre-employment background check process.

3. Immigration

If you are planning to immigrate to another country from Dubai, that country's immigration authorities may request a Police Clearance Certificate to verify your criminal background.

4. Education

A PCC may be required from students applying for admission to certain UAE educational institutions, as some courses are related to public safety, law enforcement, or other fields that mandate a clean criminal record.

5. Professional Licensing

Just as in education, there are a number of professions that require a professional license issued by licensing agencies. Specialists involved in such work fields will have to prove their legal and personal credibility with a PCC in order to secure a professional license.

6. Opening a Business

In some cases, a Police Clearance Certificate may be required to open a business in the UAE. The specific requirements can vary depending on the type of business and the licensing authority.

7. Adoption

Individuals looking to adopt a child may need to provide a PCC to prove they do not have a criminal record.

As you can see, there are a number of reasons for acquiring a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE. In general, evidence of a clean criminal record can help facilitate various procedures and may be requested by different authorities as part of the application process.

How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in UAE and Dubai

To obtain a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE, follow these steps:

1. Apply for the PCC

The first thing to know about acquiring a PCC in Dubai is that there are several ways of applying for it. On the one hand, you can apply for it online on the official website of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) or by using its smartphone application. In Dubai, the same can be done via the Dubai Police website or mobile app. On the other hand, you can visit a police department, a Smart Police Station (SPS), or a service center to apply for a PCC in person. In This case, you will need to attend the police station in the emirate where you reside or where you last resided in the UAE. Here is the list of channels you can use to apply for a PCC:

MOI website
MOI smartphone application
MOI service centers
Dubai Police website
Dubai Police Application
Police stations
SPS
901 call center

2. Submit the required documents

The list of necessary documentation typically includes:

A copy of your valid Emirates ID
A copy of your passport
Recently taken passport-sized photographs
A letter stating no current criminal convictions

Additional documents for non-residents:

A copy of your most recent valid UAE visa
A fingerprint card attested by the UAE Embassy
The cause of application

If you are a non-UAE resident or no longer live in the Emirates, you’ll need to secure a fingerprint card from the country of your current residence and have it accredited by the Embassy of the UAE. Also, some UAE agencies may need you to submit proof of address, such as a utility bill.

3. Pay the fees

There are certain charges presently related to securing a Police Clearance Certificate. The associated fees vary depending on your nationality, preferred language, and place of residence. It is best to find out about the charges and possible payment methods beforehand.

4. Await processing

Once you have submitted all required documents and information, the police department will process your application for the PCC. If you apply on a working day, your PCC will typically be ready within 24 hours. However, there may be delays depending on how complete and valid your documents and other information are.

You can monitor the status of your PCC application online on the MOI or Dubai Police websites and in the corresponding mobile apps. In case of any follow-up questions or issues you want to clarify, you can call the 901 call center, send an e-mail to mail@dubaipolice.gov.ae, or make use of the live chat feature online.

5. Collect the certificate

Once your Police Clearance Certificate is ready, you will be notified to collect it from the police department. Don’t forget to bring your passport or Emirates ID for identification purposes. Also, you can apply for the PCC to be sent to your e-mail address when applying for it online, or order the delivery of the certificate’s hard copy to your home address for an additional fee.

Please note that a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE is valid for three months. After the expiry date, you will have to apply for a PCC again if you need one.

Online Application for a PCC

In order to apply for a Police Clearance Certificate online, visit the website of the MOI or use its mobile application. Those residing in Dubai can go to the website of the Dubai Police or apply via the Dubai Police application. After that, follow these steps:

Choose the PCC service and click on the “Accept Service” button.
Complete the online application procedure, and add the necessary documents and information.
Pay the required fee by using the preferred payment method.
Submit the application.

Applying for a PCC via a Smart Police Station

In Dubai, you can apply for a Police Clearance Certificate at a Smart Police Station (SPS). The SPS system is one of the ways in which the UAE Government manifests the country’s strategy for the digitization of public services. The introduction of SPSs allows for less bureaucracy and human interaction, and more accessibility and privacy. An SPS is open 24/7, and the services are available in 7 languages, which is especially important in a country with such a diverse population.

The PCC application process at an SPS is similar to an online application. Here is the list of locations of Smart Police Stations in Dubai:

Al Eyaas Police Point, Emirates Road
Last Exit, Al Khawaneej Drive-thru
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai Airport Freezone
Last Exit, E11, Dubai Bound
Dubai Design District (D3)
La Mer, Jumeirah
Last Exit E11, Abu Dhabi Bound
Al Lesaily, Al Ain Road
Al Muraqqabat, Deira
Al Seef by Meraas
City Walk, Building 10
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Hatta
Arabian Ranches
Al Twar Al Nahda St, D93

Costs of Acquiring a PCC

Here are the fees charged by the UAE authorities for different applicant categories:

AED 100 for UAE nationals
AED 200 for UAE residents
AED 300 for applicants from a foreign country
AED 10 for innovation fee
AED 10 for knowledge fee

A PCC can be issued in Arabic or English. The MOI charges the following fee for the certificate:

AED 50 for a PCC in Arabic
AED 150 for a PCC in English

As mentioned earlier, having a hard copy of the PCC to be delivered to your home address will require an additional delivery fee.

All fees can be paid in cash, by using a debit card, an eDirham card, or digital payments. You can choose the most convenient payment method depending on where and how you apply for the PCC.

PCC for Non-UAE Residents

As mentioned before, non-UAE residents can apply for a UAE Police Clearance Certificate online. In addition to the standard set of documents, they are required to submit the visa page and a fingerprint card from their current country of residence authenticated by the UAE Embassy. If the PCC is intended to be used outside of the UAE, it may require a stamp from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Possible Complications Related to PCC

Here is the list of potential complications you may face when applying for a PCC.

Delays in processing

The application process for a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE can sometimes be delayed due to factors such as incomplete documentation, errors in the application form, or a high volume of applications being processed at the same time.

Incomplete documentation

One of the most common reasons for delays in processing a PCC application is incomplete documentation. Applicants must provide all required documents, such as valid identification, proof of address, and any other supporting documents requested by the authorities.

Language barriers

The application process for a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE may be complicated for non-Arabic speakers, as many of the forms and instructions are only available in Arabic. This can lead to errors in the application process, prolonging the time it takes to receive the certificate.

Fingerprinting issues

Applicants are required to submit their fingerprints as part of the PCC application process. If there are any issues with obtaining clear fingerprints, the application may be delayed or rejected, requiring the applicant to reapply.

Lack of clarity on requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE can sometimes be unclear or ambiguous, leading to confusion among applicants. This can result in delays as applicants may need to seek clarification from the authorities or provide additional information.

Rejection of application

In some cases, PCC applications in the UAE may be rejected for various reasons, such as discrepancies in the information provided or past criminal records. This can lead to delays in the process and may require the applicant to take further steps to address the issues and reapply.

Long waiting times

Due to the high volume of applications received by the authorities, there may be long waiting times for the processing of Police Clearance Certificates in the UAE. This can be frustrating for applicants who require the certificate for employment or visa purposes.

Overall, the most probable way to run into complications when applying for a PCC is by providing false or inaccurate information. While obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE is generally a straightforward process, there can be complications that arise, leading to delays in processing and potential issues with the application. It is important for applicants to make sure they have all the required paperwork and information prepared before applying to avoid any unnecessary delays or rejection. All the arising problems on the part of the applicant should be dealt with as promptly as possible.

Remember that the authenticity of the data and documents you submit is your responsibility, and failing to ensure it may lead to various complications, from processing delays to being denied a PCC or legal action against you in case of its misuse.

Conclusion

A Police Clearance Certificate in the UAE is a very important document that can prove valuable in a variety of cases. The process of acquiring a PCC is quite simple and is massively facilitated by the UAE’s current strive for digitization, as it provides various options for online application. All you need is to prepare for the necessary procedures in advance by gathering all the useful information and collecting the required documents, and you will have your PCC in no time.

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