Complete Process for Obtaining a UAE Police Clearance Certificate Remotely
A UAE police clearance certificate, or the PCC, is also known as a good conduct certificate. This is an official document that confirms whether the individual has any criminal record in the UAE. In this post, I will be providing all the guidance regarding the PCC and why it is required for immigration, employment, higher education, or licensing purposes.
If you are no longer living in the UAE but need this certificate, there is good news for you: applications can be made from outside. However, I will be guiding you through the specific requirements and any specific missing steps that may delay your application.
In this guide, I will be guiding you through the exact process to obtain a UAE PCC while outside the country.
Step 1: Gather All the Required Documents
Before you start the application process, I suggest you prepare the following documents:
A clear copy of the valid passport, which has all the relevant details
Copy of the previous UAE residence visa or an entry permit
Recent passport-sized photograph with a white background
A set of fingerprints taken in your home country, which is attested by the UAE embassy or consulate
Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
I would always recommend that you keep your documents clear and properly scanned, as poor quality can cause rejections. However, if you are intimidated by processing such a huge chunk of documents, then contact Consulting.AE. They will provide you with all the details related to company registration, licensing & permits, and administrative support.
Step 2: Obtain Fingerprint Certificate
When applying for a UAE Police Clearance Certificate from abroad, it is essential to have your fingerprints verified and attested. To do this, you must first visit the police authority or a recognized fingerprinting center in your home country and request an official fingerprint form stamped by the authority. This form must then be attested by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Finally, the document should be attested or legalized by the UAE Embassy or consulate. Skipping any of these steps will result in your application being rejected or not processed, so it is crucial to follow the procedure carefully.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Application Channel
The UAE government has streamlined the PCC process, and you can find different ways to apply; they are:
I would first mention the Ministry of Interior (MOI) online portal or mobile app for covering all emirates.
The Dubai Police Website or App is applicable if you have previously lived in Dubai; you may apply directly through this service.
UAE embassies or consultancies abroad, where you may apply with your documents. The embassy will forward it to the concerned UAE authority.
I would always recommend you apply through MOI for the UAE police clearance certificate.
Step 4: Submit the Application Online
Once your documents are ready, the next step is to create an account on the MOI or Dubai Police portal and upload your details. Make sure to fill in all personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. You should also upload the attested fingerprint form along with all other supporting documents. After completing the uploads, you can pay the application fee online, which is generally around AED 400, though additional service charges may apply depending on the authority through which you are applying.
Final Words
Obtaining a PCC may seem complicated, but if you follow each of the steps I have mentioned, you can complete the process smoothly. However, please note that certificate processing and delivery usually take around 2-5 working days. However, I have noticed that most people who submit applications through the embassy take around 2-4 weeks.