Getting a Police Clearance in Dubai/UAE…
As a requirement of due process, I was asked to present a Police Clearance to my (secret!). As you may need to present authentication of your clean records to a new employer, embassy or anyone requiring to know how clean your soul is, this is the procedure you need to know on how to obtain a Police Clearance. In the United Arab Emirates, the Police Clearance is also known as Certificate of Good Conduct, I honestly couldn’t help but chuckle on how it’s called since it looks like a school boy access pass to the bathroom. 
To start of the entire process, you actually need to go to the Criminal Investigation Department located at Dubai Police Head Quarters [map] near Al Mullah Plaza going to Ghusais, there is also an existing office in Bur Dubai for those living in Satwa and the surrounding areas. The process to obtain this is actually not that complicated however, because of a slight “literary” barrier, it makes the whole thing tedious. The process is to simply inform the "desk" sergeant that you want to get a Police Clearance, once you get the application form, you are asked of three things:
1. Original Passport with Copy
2. (2) Passport Size, personal photographs
3. An Applicant must be holding at least six months old residence visa from UAE.
Aside from this, there are two sides of the form, one in English, the other in Arabic. Now this is where things get a little bit messy. If you are an Arab and write on the form both English and Arabic, they accept it. If you, particularly Asian, ask, they want you to go to the typing center and have it typed out. Unfortunately, there is no typing center in sight and the nearest one you can find is across the street… Oh let me correct myself, across the Al Itihad Street (Sharjah-Dubai Highway/Tunnel), where there is no existence of a footbridge and with the ongoing construction of the Dubai-Sharjah flyover, there most likely never will. So part of the painful process of claiming your innocence is actually getting to the typing center and you can only get to the other side by going towards the Al Mullah Plaza Roundabout and going to the Old Labor office, which is inconveniently located, where else but on the other side.
Once you actually get to the typing center, nothing special occurs, they just check your visa, copy the details and type it out. They charge you 15AED for the whole thing and you have to painstakingly walk back to the police station. After giving the paper to the sergeant, he makes a final assessment and asks you to pay up at the counter. You pay a fee of 110AED, be given the date to pick up your Good Conduct Certificate (yes I am smiling) and will be asked to go to Room 10 for a photo and finger print scan. Basically, the 110AED is payment for all the high tech equipment used to tag you and paper they use to print your certificate. Despite the latest technology of the Sagem scanner, it took me 15 minutes to complete the whole thing as sweaty palms prove to be the downfall of this device. “Pilipini problem…” grumbled the corporal. Anyways, after 15minutes of scan-error-try again-wipe-scan, it was done with. It took me 1 hour to get the walking and typing done, 25 minutes for paying and scanning. Over all, the cost of your innocence is 125AED, which is quite a big amount if you ask me… and without a typing center near by, it’s not just money you spend, you might add time as well.
To whom it may concern, I use to work in Dubai 1980 to 1982 at the Jebel Ali hotel and finish my contract for two years and i have a good moral character during my two years contract at the company. My question is how can i obtain a Police clearance from Dubai but the problem i am here in the Philippines, What are the requirements and procedure ? Please, I need an assistance and I really appreciate for your help….Very Truly Yours,Roberto V. Sumayao
Comment by Roberto V. Sumayao — Thursday, 1st May 2008 @ 9:58 AM
Please e-mail me, my namae is Roberto V. Sumayao at rvs3145@yahoo.com
Comment by Roberto V. Sumayao — Thursday, 1st May 2008 @ 10:01 AM
It depends on what is your purpose. You want to come back to Dubai, you can do this or if applying to some other country requiring Certificate of good conduct from the UAE…
Obtain a certificate of good conduct from Dubai Police
Certificates of Good Conduct (also called Police Clearance Certificates) can be obtained from Dubai Police within 2-3 working days for residents within the country.
A. For citizens and residents inside the UAE:
The applicant’s fingerprints are taken.
Obtaining the document takes between 48 and 72 hours.
Fees:
AED 110 for expatriates and AED60 for nationals.
B. For citizens and residents outside the UAE:
Required documents:
A copy of the applicant’s passport.
A copy of the old passport, provided that the previous residence is fixed in it.
A card showing the applicant’s ten fingerprints on the official form issued by the competent authority – Police – in the country of residence. The card should be attested by the UAE embassy in the resident’s country and by the office of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The authority requiring the certificate should be stated.
The documents should be submitted by the applicant or one acting on his behalf.
Where to obtain the service from:
1. Ports Police Station, Bur Dubai (Tel:04-3459999)
2. Al Muragabat Police Station, Deira (Tel:04-2660555)
3. Al Rashidiya Police Station, Rashidiya (Tel:04-2853000)
For other locations, please call 04-2014564, or 04-2014625
Comment by Makiav3lli — Thursday, 1st May 2008 @ 1:51 PM
Dear sir/madam,
I only need a police clearance from dubai UAE , one of the requirements i need going to USA by Immigration for my petition.. can i do that thru mail? where do i mail it? and what are the requirements?how much do i have to pay ? the thing is i do not have my old passport with UAE visa in it. I already mis place it. so what am i supose to do? do i need passport picture too? How can i do that if i am residing now here in the Philippines…I really appreciate for your time and assistance..
Thanks,
Roberto V. Sumayao
rvs3145@yahoo.com
Comment by roberto v. sumayao — Sunday, 4th May 2008 @ 8:28 AM
Hello, I just got question on how to get a police clearance in dubai. Am outside Dubai now and am here in my country. Just want to know what r the things and procedures i need to take. Please help me.
Comment by rea — Tuesday, 3rd June 2008 @ 7:01 AM
For your police clearance issue especially if you are out of the country, please click on this link below:
http://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/english/e_services.jsp?Page=A26&Id=1259&num2=INF&num=INF&mainlayid=196&ItmType=4
Read below:
Type of Service
* Issuing of criminal verification record (outside the country)
Service provided by
* Dubai Police Web Site
* By airmail
Details of the service
* Issue criminal verification records for the public in order to submit it to concerned authorities for the purpose of (study, work, immigration, obtaining permit….etc.)
Beneficiaries
* Public
Concerned Authorities
* Gen. Dept. of Criminal Investigation Department
Required documents
- A criminal verification records form request
-Passport copy of present passport , copy of the old passport in case the resident visa of UAE is printed on it.
-Record of applicant 10 fingerprints (on official letterhead of the country issuing it) attested by UAE embassy.
-Bank draft in the name of Dubai Police H.Q. amounting to (35$).
-A period of 6 months has already passed since the issue of the applicant residence visa (non-citizens)
-2 recent personal photos
(n.p.) the applicants residing outside the country have to mention clearly the party requesting the criminal verification record and their mailing address.
Procedures
- After receiving the request with the attachments and fess, the person in charge will check the correctness of documents and issue a receipt with date of follow up.
- The person in charge will send the bank draft to Finance Department.
-The person in charge will send the finger prints to the CID department.
-Upon receiving the approvals and verifications by the concerned parties, he shall issue the certificate and get it signed by security committees.
-The person in charge shall mail the certificate to the applicant by registered airmail (for applicants outside the country)
Contact nos.
- 9714 – 201 3484 / 201 3564
e-mail : certificate@dubaipolice.gov.ae
Comment by Makiav3lli — Saturday, 7th June 2008 @ 8:51 AM
thanks for the information on getting the police clearance cert it was very useful…esp the fact that the typing centre is at the back of beyond..well atleast we’ll be prepared for the long drive and not get frustrated….thanks
Comment by charmaine — Wednesday, 9th July 2008 @ 6:47 PM
Hi,
I´m currently applying for a permanent visa in Australia an I need a certificate of good conduct from the U.A.E since i lived in Dubai for many years, my problem is I don´t have a copy of my U.A.E. residence Visa … it was on my old passport which expired 6 years ago and was lost last year. all i have is the passport number, is there any way to get a police clearance without this document?
Thanking u in advance..
Jon
Comment by Jon — Thursday, 23rd October 2008 @ 4:30 AM
Hi guys,
Can anyone let me know what is the timeframe approx to receive this good conduct certificate from Dubai police after all necessary documents have been submitted to the Dubai police if you are residing outside the UAE.
Thanks a ton!
Janet
Comment by Janet — Thursday, 4th December 2008 @ 5:01 AM
@Jon,
I am sorry but I would not be able to help you on that one since I don’t know what would happen if you lost the document. I would advise that you contact them by email:
certificate@dubaipolice.gov.ae
@Janet,
It would usually take around 2 if you have your friend do it from here. If you are going to be do it out of the country, it would take approximately around 2 week to a 1 month, depending on verification. Just make sure you fill up your details and meet all the requirements. It is tough being denied because you forgot something so I will emphasize to double check.
Comment by Makiav3lli — Thursday, 4th December 2008 @ 5:29 PM
Thanks for your feedback. I have tried sending them an email, it bounces back & they do not answer the phones. We are in a big dilemma what to do or how to trace the document as it has taken them almost 2 months now.Thanks!
Comment by Janet — Friday, 5th December 2008 @ 6:43 AM
Janet,
I’ll check it out and give them a call where you can communicate through the proper medium. I will try but I can’t promise results.
The thing is that from the 2nd of December 2008 till 13th of December 2008 is a combination of holidays. Thus nothing can be done at the moment.
Comment by Makiav3lli — Friday, 5th December 2008 @ 3:32 PM
Thank you very much!! Janet
Comment by Janet — Monday, 8th December 2008 @ 6:30 AM
Hi Guys,
i worked with my previous employer for 2 years and changed job recently hence my new residence visa is just two months old and there is one month gap between the two residence visas. can i get a police verification report. i understand that 6 month old visa is required. is there a way out?
Mohd.jensin
Comment by Mohd.jensin — Monday, 15th December 2008 @ 4:42 AM
Hai… I worked in Dubai between 2006-2007. I am Indonesian. Now I live in New Zealand and i need Dubai police certificate for immigration, I want to ask you if you know the correct address Dubai Police HQ as i want to sent by post. and I read the fees is 35$ (35 US dollar or dollar what?)
Do I have type application both in English and Arabic?
or only in English?
I have made Dubai police certificate before when I was there do I have to make finger print again to make the new ones?
can you email me and help me . Thank you . Luki
Boe_loek@yahoo.com
Comment by Luki — Thursday, 22nd January 2009 @ 7:55 PM
I just went to Dubai CID this morning, and it only took approx. 15-20 mins. to process it. I didn’t have to go to the typing center to have the Arabic translation as there was a nice police guy who knows how to translate and he took my form (thank you!). Otherwise it would take time going to the typing center as there’s a construction ongoing and it’s difficult to cross the road, though it’s just across.
Will get the certificate after 2 working days.
Comment by Angel — Tuesday, 3rd February 2009 @ 8:14 AM
@Mohd.Jensen,
I would advise if you could call them or have an Arabic PRO explain your situation.
@Luki,
It would be best if you could get information from the UAE Embassy in New Zealand. I mean basically, you will still need authentication from them. As far as the information I have provided, this is the correct one but if you have doubts, visiting their website would be a good move and set your inquiries from there. You need to have both forms sent as Arabic and English. You will need the finger prints verified with UAE Embassy stamp in New Zealand.
@Angel,
Good for you that you had the charm or the “wasta” inside. Visit there on the third day to be safe because sometimes, they miss out on two working days.
You just cannot imagine the inconvenience of crossing if you are without a car and paying 8AED just to get across is is kinda “kakasama loob” knowing the distance isn’t so far, I mean its 500 sq. meters.
Comment by Makiav3lli — Tuesday, 3rd February 2009 @ 10:13 AM
hi! i was in dubai last sept 2008-mar 2009 on a service visa. i need police clearance for immigration to US. am i entitled to get a police clearance? because from the website of dubai police, there are procedures for citizens and nationals with resident visas but not with any kind of visa.
Comment by russell — Sunday, 1st November 2009 @ 10:04 PM
Russell, what visa did you use to get in. Define a service visa? Is it a residence visa?
Comment by Makiav3lli — Wednesday, 4th November 2009 @ 6:45 PM