How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from UAE for Immigration
How to Get a Police Clearance Certificate from UAE for Immigration: Complete Guide 2026
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is a cornerstone of any international immigration application. Whether you're planning to immigrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Portugal, providing proof of your clean criminal record from countries where you've lived for an extended period is an essential requirement.
For current or former residents of the United Arab Emirates, obtaining this certificate is one of the smoothest processes thanks to the country's significant digital transformation in government services. In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about obtaining a UAE police clearance, whether you're still in the country or have already left.
When Do You Need a Police Clearance Certificate?
Most immigration authorities (such as IRCC in Canada or the Department of Home Affairs in Australia) require a police certificate from every country where you've lived for 6 months or more continuously since turning 18 years old.
If you've worked or lived in the UAE for a year or more, you'll definitely need this certificate. Importantly, the certificate must be recent—most immigration programs require the issuance date to be within the previous 6 months of application submission, and sometimes validity is shorter (3 months) depending on your immigration destination.
Difference Between Local and Federal Police Certificates
In the UAE, you can obtain the certificate from two main sources:
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Ministry of Interior (MOI): This is the "federal" certificate covering all emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah). It's globally accepted for all immigration purposes.
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Dubai Police: If you're a resident of Dubai emirate, you can obtain the certificate directly from Dubai Police. This is also accepted by all international immigration authorities as it's connected to the national criminal database.
Hijraah Tip: For immigration applications to Canada or Australia, we always recommend using the Ministry of Interior (MOI) app to get the federal certificate—it's the most comprehensive and is the accepted standard.
Steps to Obtain the Certificate from Inside the UAE
If you're still residing in the UAE with a valid Emirates ID, the process is extremely simple and entirely digital.
1. Apply Through the MOI UAE App
This is the fastest and most efficient method:
- Download the App: Download "MOI UAE" from your app store.
- Login: Use your digital identity (UAE Pass) to log in securely.
- Select Service: Search for "Issue Police Clearance Certificate" (إصدار شهادة بحث الحالة الجنائية).
- Fill in Details: Most of your data will be automatically pulled from the digital identity system. You only need to specify the "Purpose of Certificate" (select "Outside Country" or "Immigration").
- Select Language: Choose the language (English/Arabic). For immigration, always select the English or bilingual (Arabic/English) certificate.
- Pay Fees: Payment is made via credit card within the app.
2. Apply Through Service Centers
If you prefer paper-based applications or encounter issues with the app, you can visit:
- "Tasheel" centers or Customer Happiness Centers affiliated with the Ministry of Interior.
- You'll need to bring your original Emirates ID and a recent passport-sized photo.
Required Documents (From Inside UAE):
- Valid Emirates ID
- Active email address (to receive the digital copy)
- Registered UAE phone number
Fees and Timeline:
- Fees: Usually range from AED 200-300 (may vary slightly depending on channels used)
- Timeline: The process typically takes 24-48 business hours, and the certificate arrives as an electronically-signed digital copy via email
Steps to Obtain the Certificate from Outside the UAE
This is the bigger challenge for many immigrants who have already left the UAE. But don't worry—the procedures are clear:
1. Obtain a Fingerprint Card
You must visit the nearest police station in your current country and request fingerprinting on an official form. This form must be stamped by your country's police directorate.
2. Attestation of Fingerprint Card
After obtaining fingerprints, the form must be attested by:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your current country
- UAE Embassy in your current country
3. Online Application
Once you have the attested fingerprint card, you can apply through the UAE Ministry of Interior website (moi.gov.ae) or their app:
- Upload the attested fingerprint card
- Upload a copy of your passport (with previous UAE residence page if available)
- Upload a passport-style photo with white background
- Pay the fees (slightly higher for applicants from outside, around AED 300-400)
Certificate Attestation
After the certificate is issued, you may need to have it "attested" for official recognition by embassies:
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UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Attestation: This is the most important attestation. It can be done electronically through the Foreign Ministry website, where the digital certificate is verified and an electronic attestation stamp is applied.
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Destination Country Embassy Attestation: Some countries (like Portugal or certain Australian work visas) may require the certificate to be attested by their embassy in the UAE.
Note for Canada: For Canadian immigration (Express Entry), IRCC usually accepts the digital police clearance certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior directly without needing additional MOFA attestation, as long as it contains a QR code for verification.
Important Tips for Immigrants
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Certificate Validity: In the UAE, police clearance certificates are valid for only 3 months from the issuance date. Don't obtain it too early or it may expire before you submit your immigration file.
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Ideal Timing: Start the extraction process about one month before submitting your final immigration application. If you're outside the UAE, start two months earlier due to fingerprinting and embassy attestation procedures.
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Name Matching: Ensure your name on the certificate exactly matches your name in your passport. Any slight difference could lead to rejection by immigration authorities.
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If You Have a Criminal Record: If you have any previous financial or criminal cases, it's best to consult an immigration lawyer before applying. Financial cases (like bounced checks that have been settled) usually appear in the record until "rehabilitation" is granted or data is updated in the police system.
Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Police Clearance
Can I get the certificate if my Emirates ID has expired?
Yes, you can apply as a "former resident" using your old ID number and passport copy, but you'll need to follow the steps for applying from outside the country (fingerprinting) if you don't have access to UAE Pass digital identity.
What is the total cost?
From inside the country: approximately AED 220. From outside: may reach AED 500-700 including fingerprint attestation and shipping fees if applicable.
Is the digital certificate accepted for Canada immigration?
Yes, the digital version (PDF) issued by the Ministry of Interior with a QR code is fully accepted by Canadian immigration authorities.
What if my application is rejected?
Rejection is usually due to missing documents or unclear fingerprints (for applicants from outside). Ensure you upload high-quality images and follow attestation instructions precisely.
Police Clearance Requirements by Destination
For Canada (Express Entry)
- Digital PCC from MOI with QR code is accepted
- No MOFA attestation typically required
- Valid for 6 months from submission
- Required if you lived in UAE for 6+ months since age 18
For Australia (Skilled Migration)
- Must be obtained from MOI or Dubai Police
- May require MOFA attestation for some visa subclasses
- Should be less than 12 months old at time of submission
- AFP (Australian Federal Police) has specific requirements for UAE PCCs
For Portugal (D7/D8 Visa)
- MOFA attestation required
- Portuguese Embassy attestation may be required
- Must be apostilled or legalized
- Valid for 3 months from issuance
At Hijraah, we strive to simplify your journey toward your new future. If you need help preparing your documents or calculating your immigration points, you can always rely on our smart tools.
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Last updated: February 2026
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