How to get a police clearance certificate in UAE

• Press “start service” and login or register with your correct details.
• You will have to present the digits on your Emirates ID.
• Alternatively, still on the current login page, you will be given an option to sign in or register with your UAE pass (your digital login). In specific cases fingerprinting can be requested, for example if you do not have an Emirates ID or if the authority requires additional verification. 
• Complete the following spaces with the details required.
• Get your certificate issued.

Mobile Application of the Ministry of Interior

• Head over to your app store and download the MOI UAE app.
• Under the “most used service” option, choose “police clearance certificate”.
• Click on “start service”.
• Then it takes you to a new page to login or register.
• You may also choose to sign in with your UAE pass. In specific cases fingerprinting can be requested, for example if you do not have an Emirates ID or if the authority requires additional verification.
• Then insert your details in the spaces required including why you are applying for a police clearance certificate
• Get your certificate generated.

Alternatively, if you are in Dubai, you can simply proceed to the Dubai police website www.dubaipolice.gov.ae or download their mobile app or reach them with their contact number 901.

If you are in Abu Dhabi, you can visit Abu Dhabi police website at https://es.adpolice.gov.ae or download their mobile app using their name “Abu Dhabi Police”. It takes just five minutes to complete the application or request using the website or mobile app.

For Sharjah, you can visit their website at www.shjpolice.gov.ae or get their mobile app. This simple method goes equally for other emirates.  

Documents required for the police clearance certificate.

A few of your documents are required to complete the application request. Below is the checklist of documents to provide during the process:

• A copy of your passport size photograph in a white background.
• Your emirates ID
• Your passport copy

You can complete the application process either online or in any police service centre. So below is the application fee according to categories (if you use Dubai Police services):

Also, extra fee may apply if you apply through service centers.

The MOI federal service uses a different fee structure depending on whether the certificate is for use inside or outside the UAE, and fingerprinting fees can apply for specific categories. Always confirm the exact fee on the portal you are using before you pay.

Processing time: how long it takes to get a UAE Police Clearance Certificate

The timing depends on which authority you apply through (MOI or an emirate police portal), your applicant category (resident vs former resident), and whether fingerprinting/extra verification is required. In many cases, online applications are processed quickly, but you should plan for variations.

• Dubai Police: the listed processing time is up to 5 working days (from a complete submission).  
• MOI (federal service): processing can be fast for straightforward cases submitted online, but the timeline may extend if fingerprinting or additional checks are requested.  
• Applicants outside the UAE (former residents): typically take longer because you may need a ten-print fingerprint card and attestation steps before you can complete the application. 

Who can apply for the UAE police clearance certificate?

The beneficiaries of this service are the residents of UAE or those who were once in the UAE but have left.
There are various reasons why people get to apply for the police clearance certificates including reasons related to:

Employees

Some companies ensure all their employees have been checked and free from any criminal records before finally letting them in. So in this case people obtain the police clearance certificate for a UAE visa.
In the UAE some professions like teachers must be checked by the police before a start.

Students

This is usually common for people going to other foreign countries to study. They are usually asked to present a police clearance certificate along with other necessary documents. Police clearance certificate for UAE visa also applies to those seeking a UAE student visa.

Former residents

In addition, anyone who has been in the UAE previously but now resides in another country can equally apply for the police clearance certificates if the need arises. 

• Below are the steps for people in this category to take:
• Obtain a fingerprint card from your police station
• Proceed to the UAE embassy in your country
• Get the fingerprint card attested
• Then proceed to the ministry of interior web at www.moi.gov.ae or get their mobile app.
• Continue with the steps above
• Alternatively, you can download the police mobile app of any of the emirates you wish to get your report from

Also bear in mind that the language options for your police clearance certificate are very important. So ensure to use the language which the receiving organisation can interpret.

Validity of the UAE police clearance certificate

The validity period can depend on the issuing authority. For example, the MOI certificate is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue, while Dubai Police indicates a validity period of 3 months. Always confirm what the receiving organisation requires before you apply.
Keeping your paperwork in order is part of staying compliant in the UAE—especially when a Police Clearance Certificate is requested for a new job, a visa process, immigration purposes, or other official submissions. The key is choosing the right issuing authority (MOI or the police of the relevant emirate), preparing the correct documents, and timing your application properly so the certificate is still valid when you submit it.