Legal documents are needed when you move to the UAE to work or study. Without these papers, you won’t be able to process your application, which is a huge hassle since you need original copies with you. Apart from birth certificates, educational credentials, and identification cards, you also need a police clearance or a Good Conduct Certificate.
Also Read: 8 Things To Remember when Changing Employers in the UAE
If this is your first time hearing about this requirement, this article will help you understand why it is important and how you can apply for one if your employer or school requires you to submit it.
What is a Police Clearance Certificate or Good Conduct Certicate?
Police clearance certificates are documents required when you apply for a job or when you enroll in a school or university in the UAE. Sometimes, it is called a Good Conduct certificate. The purpose of this certificate is to give evidence that you are not engaged in any illegal or antisocial activities in the country. This also proves that you have good conduct.
Police clearance certificates are becoming in-demand in the UAE. We can’t blame those employers who are demanding this type of document since it really proves whether the individual is worth hiring or not. As for foreign and local universities, asking for police clearance is also a way to tell if the incoming student has no problem following the law.
Step-by-step process to get your police clearance certificate
1. Know its purpose.
The first thing you need to consider is the purpose of the police clearance certificate. There’s actually no need to apply for it if you are not in the UAE to study or if your employer doesn’t require one. If your employer asks for it, that’s the only time you should get one so you can save up the processing fees and other charges.
2. Secure the required documents.
To get your police clearance or good conduct certificate, you need to secure the following documents for a smooth application:
- Your Emirates ID
- Your passport-sized photos
- A photocopy of your passport.
- A letter stating that you don’t have any pending criminal cases.
3. Prepare the fees.
The fees you have to pay when you apply for a police clearance vary. This is the list of fees according to the categories used by the Dubai Police:
- AED 300 if the application comes from a foreign country
- AED 200 for UAE residents
- AED 100 for UAE nationals
- AED 10 for knowledge fee
- AED 10 for innovation fee
Additionally, you have to pay for the fees as required by the Ministry of Interior. If the certificate is in Arabic, the fee is AED 50. If it’s in English, the fee is AED 150.
4. Start applying for the police clearance certificate.
After securing the documents and fees needed, you can now start applying for the police clearance certificate. To do that, you can visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior (MOI). The ministry also has an application that can be downloaded on your iOS or Android smartphone. The application functions just the same as the website.
If applying online is not an option for you, you can directly head to the service centers of MOI. There are service centers located across the country. You can easily find the nearest location through the official website of the ministry.
Meanwhile, those who are currently residing and working in Dubai can get police clearance certificates from Dubai Police offices. Find the nearest office and don’t hesitate to ask them how the process is done.
When applying for your certificate, make sure to choose between the Arabic and English versions. You will be asked online or by a person who will assist you during the process.
5. Wait for your certificate to be processed.
After applying, you can get your police clearance certificate within 24 hours if you filed your application on a weekday. If you opt for a soft copy, you will get the document via email. If you applied in person, you can get the certificate on the same day you applied.
If you want a hard copy when you applied online, you can have the certificate delivered to your home with a fee. The shipping charge is AED 13.
Should you wish to check the status of your application, you can contact 901 and ask your queries.
Can I apply for a UAE police clearance certificate even if I’m outside the country?
Yes, even if you have left the country already, you can still get a police clearance certificate in the UAE if your next employer asks for it. The application is done online but you have to go to the UAE embassy in your home country to have your fingerprint card attested. This fingerprint card will be the official report from the UAE police department. This serves as a confirmation of your identity. It stores your biometrics and fingerprint. During the process, the UAE embassy will submit your application to MOI or Dubai Police in the UAE.
To get your police clearance from your home country, ensure that you have the reason for your application, fingerprint card approved by the embassy of the UAE, two passport-sized pictures, your last UAE residence visa, and a photocopy of your passport.
The fee for this application is AED 300 plus other charges.
Final Thoughts
Getting your police clearance certificate in the UAE is a pretty easy task. It’s simple to obtain regardless if you are a student or an employee. The process is smooth if you will follow what’s in this article. Although you might find it challenging to secure the documents and the fees, you will eventually get it done if you are knowledgeable of the procedure. Now that there is an online application for police clearances, you can easily do it in the comfort of your home or office.
For those who have friends and relatives in the UAE, don’t forget to share this information with them. Remember, sharing is caring!