Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai (2026): How to Get a Good Conduct Certificate Inside or Outside the UAE — Fees, Validity, When Visas Need One and Attestation

A police clearance certificate in Dubai — also called a good conduct certificate — is issued online by Dubai Police in minutes to a few days: AED 220 in total for a UAE resident and AED 320 for an applicant outside the UAE. In 2026 it matters more than before, because the UAE now asks for a police clearance certificate with new entry permits for certain nationalities. This guide explains when you need one, which certificate (UAE or home country), how to apply from Dubai, the other emirates or abroad, the fees, the validity and how to attest it.

📄 What is a police clearance certificate in the UAE?

It is an official statement that the police hold no criminal record against you in the UAE. The name changes with the issuer, but it is the same type of document:

🛂 When do I need a police clearance certificate for a UAE visa?

Since 2026, the UAE asks for a police clearance certificate with new entry permits for a list of nationalities. Reports from free zones and typing centres include, for example, Nepal, Ghana, Egypt, Afghanistan, Algeria and Nigeria, and the list has grown several times during the year. It can apply to employment, family and other long-stay visas. GDRFA (Dubai) and ICP (other emirates) and some free zones apply their own lists, so check your nationality before you file.

Does a family visa need one?

Usually not for a renewal. For a new family visa for a listed nationality, the entry permit can ask for one. We check this before filing — see our family visa documents checklist and how to apply for a UAE family visa.

Does the Golden Visa need one?

It is not a standard document for every Golden Visa, but it can be asked for some nationalities or categories. We confirm the requirement for your file before you apply.

When else is it asked for?

⚖️ Do I need a UAE certificate or one from my home country?

💻 How do I apply for a police clearance certificate in Dubai? Step by step

What documents do I need in Dubai?

For a resident with a valid Emirates ID: only the UAE Pass login, the purpose and the language. Applicants in the UAE without an Emirates ID give fingerprints at a police station (for example Al Qusais, Al Rashidiya, Jebel Ali or the Ports police station) or an authorised service centre.

🌍 Can I get a Dubai police clearance certificate from outside the UAE?

Yes, if you lived in or entered the UAE before. Apply online on the Dubai Police website or app; the fee is AED 320 in total. You need:

Can a relative apply for me?

Yes. A relative or agent in the UAE can apply with copies of your passport, old residence visa and Emirates ID and your photos — useful for the MOI certificate, which is handled through the Federal Criminal Police.

🏙️ I live in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or another emirate. Where do I apply?

Residents of the other six emirates use the MOI UAE app: log in with UAE Pass, open police services and choose the clear criminal record certificate. It is normally issued within 24 hours, digitally or by courier. The fee is about AED 100; the amount shown in the app when you pay is final.

💰 How much does a police clearance certificate cost in Dubai?

Amer centres do not issue police certificates; the in-person route is a Dubai Police station or service centre. Online totals include the knowledge and innovation fee; the amount shown at payment is final.

How long does it take, and how long is it valid?

Online applications are often finished the same day; a few take some working days. The certificate is usually valid for 3 months from issue, and some embassies want it newer, so apply close to the date you need it.

🔏 How do I attest a police clearance certificate?

A UAE certificate for use abroad

Get it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), then by the destination country's embassy in the UAE if that country requires it. The UAE is not part of the apostille system, so embassy legalisation is the usual route. See our attestation service and MOFA attestation guide.

A home-country certificate for a UAE visa

The chain is: home country (foreign ministry or the authority your country uses) → UAE embassy or consulate there → MOFA in the UAE. A legal translation into Arabic may be needed.

🔄 What changed? Old rules vs 2026

🚫 What are the most common problems with a police clearance certificate?

What if I have an old case in the UAE?

A closed case with a final decision is handled by the police; an open case usually stops a clear certificate. Get the court or prosecution decision first, and ask a lawyer if a criminal case is involved.

🤝 Police clearance services by FamilyVisa.ae

FamilyVisa.ae helps with the certificate and the visa around it, online:

📝 Quick recap

• Dubai Police issues the good conduct certificate online with UAE Pass: AED 220 for residents, AED 320 from abroad, AED 120 for citizens.
• Other emirates: the MOI UAE app, normally within 24 hours.
• Usually ready the same day to a few days; valid for about 3 months.
• Since 2026, new entry permits for listed nationalities can need a certificate — home-country and attested if you are outside the UAE or on a visit visa.
• For use abroad: MOFA attestation, then the destination embassy if required.

🔗 Related guides

• Attestation services
• UAE Golden Visa
• MOFA attestation in the UAE
• Family entry permit for the UAE
• Family visa documents checklist
• Family visa rejection reasons

❓ Frequently asked questions

1. How do I get a police clearance certificate in Dubai?

Apply online on the Dubai Police website or app with UAE Pass, choose the purpose and the language, pay the fee and download the digital certificate from your requests. Residents of the other emirates use the MOI UAE app instead.

2. How much is a police clearance certificate in Dubai?

AED 220 in total for a UAE resident applying online (AED 200 plus the AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee), AED 320 for an applicant outside the UAE and AED 120 for a UAE citizen. A service centre adds AED 100.

3. Is a good conduct certificate the same as a police clearance certificate?

Yes. Dubai Police calls it a good conduct certificate, the MOI calls it a clear criminal record certificate, and most embassies and employers call it a police clearance certificate (PCC). They are the same type of document.

4. How long does a Dubai police clearance certificate take?

Often the same day after payment, sometimes a few working days when extra checks are needed. You can track the request on the website or app.

5. How long is a police clearance certificate valid?

Usually three months from the date of issue. Some embassies and employers want a certificate issued more recently, so apply close to the date you need it.

6. Can I get a Dubai police clearance certificate from outside the UAE?

Yes, if you lived in or entered the UAE before. Apply online with a copy of your passport, your old residence visa, a photo and your Emirates ID if you had one. The fee is AED 320 in total.

7. What if my fingerprints are not on record?

Applicants outside the UAE without a fingerprint record submit a fingerprint form certified by the UAE embassy in their country. In the UAE, applicants without an Emirates ID give fingerprints at a police station or service centre.

8. Do I need a police clearance certificate for a UAE family visa?

Usually not for renewals. Since 2026, a police clearance certificate is asked for new entry permits for certain nationalities, and family visas can be included. The list has changed several times, so we check your nationality before filing.

9. Which police clearance certificate do I need for a new UAE visa?

If you are outside the UAE or on a visit visa, a certificate from your home country, attested by the UAE embassy there and by MOFA. If you are in the UAE after a cancelled residence, a certificate from Dubai Police or the MOI.

10. Do I need a police clearance certificate for the Golden Visa?

It is not a standard document for every Golden Visa, but it can be asked for some nationalities or categories. We check the requirement for your case before filing.

11. How do I attest a Dubai police clearance certificate for use abroad?

Get it attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), then by the embassy of the destination country if that country requires it. The UAE is not part of the apostille system, so embassy legalisation is the usual route.

12. How do I attest my home-country police certificate for the UAE?

It is attested in the home country, then by the UAE embassy or consulate there, then by MOFA in the UAE. An Arabic translation may be needed.

13. I live in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi. Where do I apply?

Residents of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain apply through the MOI UAE app with UAE Pass. It is normally issued within 24 hours.

14. How much is the MOI police clearance certificate?

About AED 100. Some reports give a lower fee for use inside the UAE. The amount shown in the MOI UAE app when you pay is final.

15. Can someone apply for my police clearance certificate on my behalf?

Yes. A relative or agent can apply with a copy of your passport, your old residence visa, your Emirates ID and photos. For Dubai Police you can also apply yourself online from abroad.

16. Can I choose Arabic or English?

Yes. You choose the language of the certificate during the application. Choose English if the certificate is for an embassy or employer abroad.

17. Is the Dubai police clearance fee refundable?

No. Dubai Police states that fees paid are non-refundable, so check the purpose and language before you pay.

18. What if I have a case or a travel ban in the UAE?

The certificate may not be issued as clear while a case is open. Settle the case or get a court decision first, and ask a lawyer if a criminal case is involved.

19. Do I need a police clearance certificate to change jobs in the UAE?

Not as a general rule. It is mainly asked for new entry permits for certain nationalities, some free zones and jobs in sensitive sectors, and for immigration to other countries.

20. Can FamilyVisa.ae get my police clearance certificate?

Yes. We apply for the Dubai Police or MOI certificate, arrange MOFA attestation and check whether your new UAE visa needs one. Message us on WhatsApp with your nationality and purpose.

Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Rules and fees are set by Dubai Police, the Ministry of Interior, GDRFA Dubai, ICP and MOFA and can change; the fees quoted are the published amounts on 15 October 2026, and the amount shown when you pay is the final reference. Every application is decided by the immigration authorities. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Main official sources: Dubai Police — good conduct certificate, u.ae — justice eServices, MOFA — attestation. FamilyVisa.ae is operated by 800 DOCS LLC SOC, a DET-licensed private visa services company in Dubai — not a government office.