A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is an official document issued by the responsible government authorities or the Police department of the city/state. It is provided to individuals who specifically apply for it.
The police clearance certificate is useful in many legal and bureaucratic processes such as visa applications, confirmation of employment, admission to an educational institution, etc.
In this blog, we will explore in detail the meaning, importance, uses, and how to get Police Clearance Certificate in dubai and other aspects of this important document. Without any further delay, let’s get started.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate?
A Police Clearance Certificate also known as a Good Conduct Certificate in Dubai is an official document issued by the Dubai Police.
It serves as a record of the clean criminal record of an individual highlighting their great conduct and non-involvement in illegal activities.
It is a significantly important document as it clears an individual of any kind of legal misconduct.
A police clearance certificate is needed for various purposes such as employment, education abroad, immigration, etc.
Uses of a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai
A PCC popularly referred to as a Good Conduct Certificate plays an important role in a variety of processes. Some of the important functions of the police clearance certificate are mentioned below;
- Employment Visa Processing – A PCC is commonly needed to process work visa applications. It is necessary to join a new job or switch from one job to another.
- Residency Application – Candidates hopeful of moving abroad permanently need to provide a police clearance certificate especially if they are moving the whole family.
- Immigration Purposes – Obtaining a PCC from Dubai is often necessary for some countries when attaining citizenship, permanent residency, or long-term visas.
- Higher Education/Study Abroad – Students applying for studies abroad or seeking admission in specific educational institutions in Dubai may require a PCC to verify their status regarding a criminal record.
- Adoption Processes – Dubai residents need to obtain a police clearance certificate if they are adopting children in Dubai or from other countries. This is to ensure the suitability of adopters as law-abiding citizens.
- Business Setup – A PCC is also needed for entrepreneurs setting up a business in Dubai. The Police clearance certificate is an important legal requirement for all new businesses.
- Travel and Visa Applications – Many countries insist on a PCC as part of their visa documents, especially for long-stay visas.
In other words, a PCC is an assurance of the good conduct of an individual and is hence so often required for legal, professional, and personal reasons in Dubai.
Why Various Organisations Need a Police Clearance Certificate?
Various organizations across multiple disciplines need a PCC to be submitted by the candidates.
The core reasons for needing a PCC remain the same – to determine whether an individual has any criminal cases against them.
Let’s further unpack why organizations need a PCC, also known as the Good Conduct Certificate.
1. Employers
Many employers in Dubai need a PCC as a part of the documentation process.
It helps them determine whether an individual is suitable for their organization. Employers need a Good Conduct Certificate for the following reasons;
- Ensuring Workplace Safety – In human-centric sectors such as healthcare and education, employers need to maintain a workforce with clean background to build a safe and productive environment.
- Reputation – One of the key reasons for hiring candidates with clean backgrounds is to build and maintain a reputation or public perception.
- Compliance – In many cases, employers are required by law to obtain PCC from new employees.
2. Immigration Authorities
The candidates applying for visas and residency certificates will need to provide PCC in the documentation process.
This helps the authorities determine whether an individual is suitable for immigration or not.
The following reasons are also important for PCC requirements by immigration authorities;
- National Security – A PCC helps determine the criminal liability of individuals hence helping the authorities to grant immigration only to suitable individuals. In the process, maintaining national security.
- Visa and Residency Acceptance – A Good Conduct Certificate enables the authorities to provide visas and residency permits only to law-abiding citizens.
3. Educational Institutions
Higher education institutions require a PCC to maintain a safe and favorable learning environment.
The safety and security of students is the institution’s responsibility and the PCC helps maintain that by avoiding individuals with criminal records.
They also need a Police Clearance Certificate to determine the eligibility of individuals for scholarships, admissions, and special programs if any.
4. Other Organisations
Many other organisations such as government authorities and licensing bodies need a Police Clearance Certificate for multiple reasons.
For example, a licensing body may need a PCC to determine whether the individual under consideration is suitable for that particular practicing license.
In summary, the GCC is vital for organizations to verify the character and integrity of individuals, ensuring a secure and compliant environment across various sectors.
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai
The steps involved in the PCC application process are pretty straightforward. Discussed in detail below are the steps that can be followed for quick resolution;
- Determine your eligibility – The first step is to make sure whether you are eligible for a PCC in Dubai. To do so, ensure that you meet the following criteria;
- You should be a citizen of the UAE
- You must have lived in Dubai for at least 6 months
- Get the documents ready – The next step is to collect all the required documents for the Police clearance certificate application.
- Submit the application – Dubai police offers both online and offline methods of application submission so depending on your convenience choose the right method.
- Pay the Fees
- Collect your PCC
Online Application Method
- Access the application form through either the Dubai police website (https://moi.gov.ae/en/)) or through the Dubai police app available on both iOS and Android.
- Register yourself and log in using the credentials. Once you are in, choose the “Police Clearance Certificate” section within the platform
- Complete the application form by providing all the required information.
- Upload all the required documents on the portal
- Pay the processing fee and finally submit the application
- Take note of the reference number provided on the final submission, using which you can track the status of your application for the PCC.
- Once approved by the issuing authorities, you will receive the Police Clearance Certificate in your mail or you can download it directly from the app.
Offline Method
- Visit the Dubai Police Service Center – Locate a nearby police service center that processes the PCC applications.
- Fill the form – Once you have acquired the offline form, fill in all the required information.
- Attach the specified documents – Copies of original documents must be submitted alongside the application form.
- Pay the Fee – Once the application is filled and all the documents are attached, pay the fee and complete the final submission of the certificate.
- Collect the PCC – Either you will be handed your PCC straightaway or will be asked to come back at a designated pick-up time.
Police Clearance Certificate for Non-Residents of Dubai
Individuals who have spent time in Dubai can also apply for a police clearance certificate.
The PCC application process for non-residents is the same as that for residents of Dubai.
However, there are certain conditions one must take into consideration;
- Non-residents applying for a PCC must have a fingerprint card issued by the police department in their home country.
- The card needs to be attested by the UAE embassy in the candidate’s home country.
- A PCC is valid only for a short period of three months so plan accordingly
- The PCC is issued in both Arabic and English. Be sure to inform the authorities of your preference.
Documents Needed for Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai
The candidates need to provide certain documents alongside their PCC application. The documents needed are as follows;
- Original passport as well as copies
- Emirates ID
- UAE Visa (copy and original, only if applicable)
- Completed application form
- Fee payment receipt
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of residence
Documents Required for PCC (Non-Residents)
If you are applying for a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai as a non-resident then the documents you need to provide are a bit different. Here is the list of documents that need to be submitted;
- Valid Passport
- Fingerprint Card issued by the local police station. It needs to be attested by the UAE Embassy in the issuing country.
- Two Passport-size photographs
- The previous UAE visas (if applicable)
- Completed PCC application form
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai will be essential for several legal, professional, and personal purposes.
Obtaining a police clearance certificate from Dubai is quite an easy process, irrespective of whether you are currently residing in the UAE or you are applying from abroad.
You can easily get your PCC to meet your both legal and professional requirements through the steps mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Police Clearance Certificate in Dubai cost?
The cost depends on certain varying factors but listed below are the average costs for PCC in Dubai;
- For Residents – AED 200
- For Non-Residents – AED 300
- For Citizens – AED 100
All applicants further need to pay 10 AED as a knowledge fee and another 10 AED as an innovation fee. Additionally, a delivery fee of 100 AED is applicable if you want your PCC delivered physically as opposed to electronically delivery.
2. What is the processing time for PCC in Dubai?
Generally, the time taken to issue a police clearance certificate in Dubai is 24 hours but it may take longer depending on the residency status of the candidates and certain other varying factors.
3. How long does it take to get the police clearance certificate attested?
On average, PCC attestation in Dubai can take anywhere between 8-10 working days. You can contact SEPL Dubai for quick and hassle-free attestation services services.
4. Is the PCC required for employment in Dubai?
Yes, employers need a police clearance certificate as a part of the pre-employment screening procedure to make sure they are hiring a candidate that meets all their criteria.
5. How to apply for a police clearance certificate?
Candidates looking for PCC in Dubai can apply either using the online method through the Dubai police website/app. Another way is to apply offline in person.
6. What is the validity period for a PCC in Dubai?
From the date of issuance, PCC is valid for 3 months. So make sure to plan accordingly before applying for the police clearance certificate.