Step-by-Step Guide: Getting a UAE Police Clearance Certificate from Abroad

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 from abroad, you must have the fingerprint verification attested. To verify the fingerprint, you must: 

• Visit the police authority or a recognised fingerprinting centre in your home industry
• You must also request an official fingerprint form, which is stamped by the authority 
• Get the form attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country 
• Finally, you can have the document attested or legalised by the UAE Embassy or consulate 

Without this step, I am warning you that your application will not be processed. 

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 

From my perspective, when you have your documents ready, it is essential to create an account on the MOI or Dubai Police portal and upload your details: 

• Fill in all the personal details exactly as per your passport. 
• Upload the attested fingerprint form and all the supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee online, which is usually around AED 400 and above, with additional service charges depending on the authority through which you have applied. 

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.