Skip to main content
Downtown Dubai
Government Tasks

UAE Police Clearance Certificate

The Good Conduct Certificate for jobs, migration and licensing — how to apply online from inside or outside the UAE, what it costs and how to get it attested for use abroad.

Issued by Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior

Quick answer

Apply for a UAE police clearance (Good Conduct) certificate online via Dubai Police with UAE Pass or the MOI platform for other emirates. It costs around AED 200–300 inside the UAE, arrives electronically within a few working days and stays valid for about three months. Former residents can apply from abroad with a certified fingerprint card.

When You Need One

Migration and residency abroad

Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand and many others require a UAE certificate covering your years here

New employment

Some UAE employers and regulated sectors (education, healthcare, finance) request one at hiring

Professional licensing

Teaching licences, DHA/DOH health licensing and some free zone approvals

Long-term visas

Certain visa categories — including some Golden Visa routes — ask for good conduct evidence

Cost, Time & Validity

AED 200–300

Typical fee in the UAE

Varies by channel and delivery options — confirm on the service page

A few days

Processing time

In-country online applications; longer from abroad

3 months

Standard validity

Most receiving authorities insist on a recent certificate

Time the application against the deadline of whoever asked for it — a certificate issued too early can expire before your file is processed, forcing a repeat fee.

The Application, Step by Step

  1. 1

    Confirm who is asking and the format needed

    Language, attestation route (apostille vs embassy legalisation) and validity window differ by destination. Get this in writing before you apply.
  2. 2

    Apply online

    Dubai residents: Dubai Police website or app, signed in with UAE Pass. Residents of other emirates: the MOI platform. Former residents apply from abroad with passport copies, a photo and a fingerprint card certified by local police.
  3. 3

    Pay the fee

    Around AED 200–300 inside the UAE; somewhat more from abroad. Card payment at submission.
  4. 4

    Receive the certificate

    Issued electronically, usually within a few working days for in-country applications. Request printed or attested copies if your receiving authority needs them.
  5. 5

    Attest for use abroad

    MOFA attestation first, then the destination country’s embassy or an apostille where applicable — the full chain is covered in the document attestation guide.

Already left the UAE?

You can still get the certificate. Apply through the MOI or Dubai Police online service from abroad with your old Emirates ID or passport details, a recent photo and a fingerprint card certified by the police in your current country. Budget extra weeks for processing and courier time — migration authorities commonly ask for it late in the process, so start as soon as it appears on your checklist.

Official Channels

  • Dubai Police — dubaipolice.gov.ae or the Dubai Police app, Good Conduct Certificate service
  • Ministry of Interior — moi.gov.ae for other emirates and applications from abroad
  • MOFA attestation — mofa.gov.ae for use-abroad legalisation

Police Clearance FAQ

What is a UAE police clearance certificate?+
Officially a Good Conduct and Behaviour Certificate — an official confirmation that you have no criminal record in the UAE. Employers, immigration authorities abroad, licensing bodies and some visa categories require it.
How do I get a police clearance certificate in Dubai?+
Apply online through the Dubai Police website or app with UAE Pass if you live in Dubai, or through the MOI platform for other emirates. Upload your Emirates ID and passport details, pay the fee and the certificate is issued electronically — most straightforward applications complete within a few working days.
How much does a UAE police clearance certificate cost?+
Around AED 200–300 for residents applying inside the UAE, depending on the issuing channel and delivery options. Applying from outside the UAE typically costs slightly more and requires fingerprint cards. Check the current fee on the Dubai Police or MOI service page before applying.
Can I get a UAE police clearance after leaving the country?+
Yes. Former residents apply through the MOI or Dubai Police online services from abroad, supplying passport copies, a photo and a fingerprint card certified by local police in your current country. Processing takes longer than in-country applications.
How long is the certificate valid?+
Three months from issue in most cases — receiving authorities usually insist on a recent certificate, so time your application against the deadline of whoever is asking for it.
Does the certificate need attestation for use abroad?+
Often yes. For use in another country the certificate generally needs MOFA attestation in the UAE, then legalisation by the destination country's embassy — or an apostille where applicable. The document attestation guide covers the chain step by step.
What if I have a traffic fine — does it block the certificate?+
Ordinary traffic fines are not criminal convictions and do not appear on a good conduct certificate. Unresolved criminal cases or absconding reports do block issuance — those need to be settled first.

Sources

Reviewed by the DubaiExpatHub editorial team — last checked .

Ask Rafi a follow-up

Not legal advice

DubaiExpatHub is an information portal, not a law firm or government entity. Our tools and content do not constitute legal advice. Always verify critical information with the relevant authority (RERA, DHA, MOHRE, etc.) or a licensed professional.