A police clearance certificate in Dubai can be obtained directly through the official Dubai Police app or the MOI’s smart services for AED 50 to AED 300, depending on the issuing authority and whether it’s for domestic or international use — no third-party service fee is required. Third-party facilitation centers exist and can file it on your behalf, typically starting around AED 320, but the application itself is designed for self-service.
Do this next:
- Confirm whether the requesting authority needs a Dubai-specific certificate or a federal one covering all emirates
- Apply directly through the Dubai Police app/website or MOI’s UAE Pass-linked portal — both are self-service
- Budget AED 50–300 for the certificate itself, plus AED 300 more only if MOFAIC attestation is needed for use abroad
MOI Federal PCC vs Dubai Police PCC
The correct certificate depends on which authority is asking for it and whether your record needs to cover more than one emirate.
| Feature | MOI Federal PCC | Dubai Police PCC |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All emirates | Dubai only |
| Processing time | Minutes, via MOI Smart Services | Up to 5 working days |
| Fee (domestic use) | AED 50 | AED 100 (citizens) / AED 200 (residents) |
| Fee (international use) | AED 100 | AED 300 (applicants abroad) |
| Validity | 30 days | 3 months |
| MOFAIC attestation | Required for use abroad | May be required, depending on destination |
The MOI certificate’s 30-day validity is significantly shorter than Dubai Police’s 3 months — if you’re applying for something with a longer document-submission timeline, the Dubai Police version gives you more runway before it expires.
How to Apply PCC Directly
Both official channels are built for residents to complete themselves, with UAE Pass as the login method for MOI specifically.
- Choose your channel: Dubai Police app/website for a Dubai-specific certificate, or the MOI UAE app/website (via UAE Pass) for a federal one
- Log in and select the Police Clearance Certificate / Good Conduct Certificate service
- Upload your Emirates ID and passport copy
- Pay the applicable fee online
- Receive the certificate digitally by email or in your account, typically within 24 hours to 5 working days depending on the channel
Applying yourself costs the government fee only — AED 50 to AED 300. Paid facilitation centers charge on top of this for the same filing process; they’re a genuine convenience option if you want someone else handling documentation, but not a requirement.
Pro tip: If you’ve already left the UAE, you can still apply as a former resident — the key extra requirement is a fingerprint card, taken at a local police authority in your current country and attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate there before submission.
MOFAIC Attestation for Use Abroad
A certificate intended for use outside the UAE needs Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation attestation to be recognized by foreign governments and institutions.
The integrated MOI-MOFAIC digital service now completes issuance and attestation in a single transaction, reducing what used to take up to six days to roughly three minutes, processed entirely through UAE Pass. The attestation fee is AED 300, covering both MOFAIC and the UAE Embassy in the destination country — though some countries require additional legalization by their own embassy in the UAE afterward, so confirm the full chain your destination requires before applying.
What Can Get Your Application Rejected
Mismatched personal details across documents are the most common cause of rejection — your name, passport number, and Emirates ID number must match exactly on every submitted document, with no abbreviations or formatting differences.
Active criminal proceedings, unresolved financial cases including bounced cheques, and outstanding traffic fines can all block issuance until resolved. A minimum UAE residence period may also apply for certain application categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a police clearance certificate cost in Dubai?
Dubai Police charges AED 100 for UAE citizens, AED 200 for residents, and AED 300 for applicants abroad, plus a AED 20 knowledge and innovation fee. The MOI charges AED 50 for domestic use and AED 100 for international use. Neither requires a third-party service fee if applied for directly.
What is the difference between MOI and Dubai Police clearance certificates?
The MOI issues a federal certificate covering all emirates, processed within minutes and valid for 30 days. Dubai Police issues an emirate-specific certificate for Dubai only, taking up to 5 working days and valid for 3 months. Which one you need depends on what the requesting authority specifies.
Can I get a police clearance certificate from outside the UAE?
Yes. Former residents apply online through Dubai Police or the MOI portal, with an additional requirement: a fingerprint card obtained from a local police authority and attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Do I need MOFAIC attestation for my certificate?
Only if the certificate will be used outside the UAE. The attestation fee is AED 300, covering MOFAIC and the UAE Embassy in the destination country, and can now be completed in one integrated digital transaction alongside MOI issuance.
Last verified: September 2026 Reviewed by: UAE Content Team Source: Ministry of Interior (MOI) / Dubai Police
Not legal advice. For rejected applications or complex cases, consult MOI or Dubai Police directly.
