UAE Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) for Domestic Workers — Complete 2026 Guide

Quick answer: As of April 2026, the UAE requires a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) — also called a Good Conduct Certificate — for new residence visa applicants from 16 nationalities, including major domestic-worker source countries: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Nepal, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and others. Workers applying from outside the UAE must get the PCC from their home country, attested by the UAE Embassy + UAE MOFA. Workers already inside the UAE (transfer / new sponsor) get a locally-issued UAE Police Clearance via Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, or the federal MOI portal. Cost: AED 50–220 inside UAE · varies abroad. Processing: 1–14 days. This rule applies to NEW applications only — existing residents keep their visas.

If you're sponsoring a maid, nanny, cook, or driver from one of the affected countries — or if your existing domestic worker is transferring sponsorship — this guide walks you through the entire 2026 PCC process: who needs it, how to apply from each home country, how to get one inside the UAE, what it costs, how long it takes, and what to do if you can't get one.

We've cross-checked every detail with the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Last updated May 2026.

What Is a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)?

A Police Clearance Certificate — known in some countries as a Good Conduct Certificate, Police Verification Certificate, Certificate of No Criminal Record, or Background Check — is an official government document confirming that a person has no criminal record in a specific jurisdiction.

The UAE uses two types:

Both are equally valid for the new April 2026 visa rule.

Why Did the UAE Make PCC Mandatory in 2026?

In April 2026, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP) — sometimes referred to as ICA — introduced a new documentation requirement for new residence visa applicants from select nationalities. The rule:

✅ Strengthens the country's already-strong public safety record ✅ Aligns with international labor migration norms (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain have similar requirements) ✅ Protects sponsors and households from hiring workers with serious criminal histories ✅ Protects workers themselves from being placed by unscrupulous brokers

Important: This rule applies to new visa applications only. If your worker already holds a valid UAE residence permit, she is not affected and continues working as normal. The rule is forward-looking.

The 16 Nationalities That Now Require a PCC

As of April 2026, the following 16 nationalities require a Police Clearance Certificate when applying for a new UAE residence visa — including domestic worker visas:

The 7 highlighted countries are major domestic-worker source nationalities for the UAE. If you're hiring from one of these, your worker must present a PCC before her visa is issued.

For a list of nationalities NOT affected (Filipina, Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Eritrean, Ethiopian as of writing), confirm with your licensed Tadbeer center before paying any fees, since the list is reviewed quarterly and may expand.

How to Apply From OUTSIDE the UAE — Per Nationality

This is the path for new domestic worker hires arriving from abroad. The worker applies in her home country, then attests the document for use in the UAE.

Universal 3-Step Process (applies to all 16 nationalities)

1. Worker applies for PCC in her home country     →  certificate issued
2. UAE Embassy in home country attests the PCC    →  embassy stamp
3. UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attests →  document is now valid in UAE

Without all three steps, the document will not be accepted by ICP / MOHRE.

Indonesia 🇮🇩 — SKCK (Surat Keterangan Catatan Kepolisian)

• Issuing authority: Polri (Kepolisian Negara Republik Indonesia)
• Where to apply: Polres (district police office) or online via skck.polri.go.id
• Documents needed: KTP (national ID), Kartu Keluarga (family card), passport, 2 photos, fingerprint
• Cost: IDR 30,000 (~AED 7) at police station + attestation fees abroad
• Processing time: 1–3 days locally
• Validity: 6 months — must be valid when UAE visa issued
• UAE Embassy in Jakarta: attests for AED 100–150 equivalent (~IDR 600,000)
• Notes: SKCK comes in two formats — Indonesia-only and Luar Negeri (for overseas use). Always request the Luar Negeri version for UAE.

Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 — Police Clearance Certificate

• Issuing authority: Sri Lanka Police Department
• Where to apply: Mission Statement Sri Lanka Police HQ (Colombo) or via Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE)
• Documents needed: Birth certificate, NIC (national ID), passport, 2 photos, fingerprints
• Cost: LKR 1,000–2,500 (~AED 12–30) + attestation
• Processing time: 7–14 days
• Validity: 6 months
• Notes: Many Tadbeer centers handle this through their Sri Lankan partner offices — ask about the SLBFE-included package.

Kenya 🇰🇪 — Certificate of Good Conduct

• Issuing authority: Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Where to apply: eCitizen portal (ecitizen.go.ke) or DCI HQ in Nairobi
• Documents needed: National ID, passport, fingerprints (taken at police station)
• Cost: KES 1,050 (~AED 30) online + attestation
• Processing time: 14–21 days
• Validity: 6 months
• Notes: Apply online first, then visit a Huduma Center for fingerprints. Then UAE Embassy in Nairobi attests.

Uganda 🇺🇬 — Certificate of Good Conduct

• Issuing authority: Uganda Police Force / Interpol Uganda
• Where to apply: Interpol HQ in Naguru, Kampala
• Documents needed: National ID, passport, fingerprints
• Cost: UGX 30,000–40,000 (~AED 30–40) + attestation
• Processing time: 7–14 days
• Validity: 6 months
• Notes: Often handled by recruitment agencies in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development which licenses the agency.

Nepal 🇳🇵 — Police Clearance Certificate

• Issuing authority: Nepal Police Headquarters (Naxal, Kathmandu)
• Where to apply: Nepal Police HQ Foreign Employment Section
• Documents needed: Citizenship certificate, passport, 2 photos
• Cost: NPR 500–1,000 (~AED 14–28) + attestation
• Processing time: 7 days
• Validity: 6 months

Egypt 🇪🇬 — شهادة عدم محكومية

• Issuing authority: National Security Sector / Ministry of Interior
• Where to apply: Mogamma Building (Cairo) or governorate police directorate
• Documents needed: National ID, passport, 2 photos, fingerprints
• Cost: EGP 100–200 (~AED 8–16) + attestation
• Processing time: 5–10 days
• Validity: 3–6 months (Egyptian PCC has shorter validity; act quickly)

Ghana 🇬🇭 / Nigeria 🇳🇬 / Cameroon 🇨🇲

Each West African applicant follows a similar path through national police HQ + UAE embassy attestation. Costs range AED 100–300 equivalent; processing 14–30 days. Most reliable Tadbeer centers handle this through local partner agencies.

What if your home country isn't on the list?

You don't need a PCC for the UAE residence visa application. But your home country may still require an exit clearance (e.g. POEA in the Philippines, BMET in Bangladesh, e-Migrate in India). Check with your licensed Tadbeer center.

How to Apply INSIDE the UAE — Locally Issued PCC

If your worker is already in the UAE on a previous residence permit and is now applying for a transfer, sponsor change, or new visa under one of the 16 nationalities, she needs a UAE Police Clearance Certificate issued domestically.

Method 1 — Dubai Police (for Dubai residents)

Online via Dubai Police app or dubaipolice.gov.ae

1. Open the Dubai Police app (iOS / Android) or visit dubaipolice.gov.ae
2. Login with UAE Pass
3. Select "Good Conduct Certificate" → "Apply"
4. Choose:
   • For UAE use (cheaper) — for MOHRE / new sponsor
   • For overseas use — only if going abroad
5. Pay AED 220 via card / Apple Pay
6. Provide fingerprint at any Dubai Police service center (Al Twar, Al Barsha, Bur Dubai, etc.)
7. Receive certificate within 2–3 business days by email + downloadable PDF

Documents required:

• Emirates ID (front + back)
• Passport copy (bio-data page)
• Photo (passport-size, white background)

Validity: 3 months from issue date

Method 2 — Abu Dhabi Police (for Abu Dhabi residents)

Online via TAMM (tamm.abudhabi)

1. Visit tamm.abudhabi or open the TAMM app
2. Login with UAE Pass
3. Search for "Police Clearance Certificate"
4. Choose UAE-use or overseas-use
5. Pay AED 50 federal fee + AED 50 service fee = AED 100 total
6. Fingerprint at Abu Dhabi Police HQ (Al Bateen) or any service center
7. Receive certificate within 1–2 business days

Method 3 — Sharjah / Ajman / Ras Al Khaimah / Fujairah / Umm Al Quwain

Federal MOI portal: moi.gov.ae

Each emirate's police processes PCCs locally. Sharjah Police, Ajman Police, RAK Police, Fujairah Police, and UAQ Police all accept applications via their respective apps OR via the federal Ministry of Interior portal at moi.gov.ae. Cost ranges AED 50–150. Processing 2–7 days.

Method 4 — UAE Pass Federal "Good Conduct Certificate" Service (cross-emirate)

The UAE Pass app offers a unified Good Conduct Certificate service that works across all 7 emirates. Login → "Government Services" → "Good Conduct Certificate" → submit. Best for non-Dubai/AD residents.

Pro tip: do this BEFORE your current visa expires

If your worker is approaching visa expiry and needs to transfer sponsorship, get the local PCC issued at least 4 weeks before the old visa expires. Once the visa lapses, applying for a new PCC becomes more complicated (requires re-entry permit or alternate procedure).

Cost Comparison — Inside UAE vs Outside

Plus courier/return-shipping costs and any local agent fees if you use one.

Document Requirements Checklist

Whether applying inside or outside the UAE:

✅ Worker's passport (bio-data page) — must be valid 6+ months ✅ Worker's Emirates ID (only if she's already in UAE) ✅ Worker's 2 passport-size photos (white background, recent) ✅ Worker's fingerprints (taken at police station / service center) ✅ Authorization letter from sponsor (if agency applies on her behalf) ✅ Visa copy (if currently in UAE)

For attested foreign PCCs, additionally: ✅ UAE Embassy attestation stamp ✅ UAE MOFA attestation stamp

Validity Period & Timing Strategy

Strategy: Time the PCC so it's issued within 30 days of the planned visa submission. If you apply too early and your worker's visa application gets delayed, the PCC may expire and require re-issuance.

Attestation Process (For Foreign PCCs)

Foreign PCCs must be attested in 2 places before the UAE accepts them:

Step 1 — UAE Embassy attestation in the home country

The original PCC is taken to the UAE Embassy in the issuing country (or a UAE consulate). Embassy attests with stamp + signature.

Cost: AED 100–250 equivalent · Time: 1–7 days

Step 2 — UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation

Once back in UAE, the document goes to MOFA UAE for final attestation. Apply via:

• mofaic.gov.ae (online)
• The MOFA app (iOS / Android)
• Walk-in at any of the 7 MOFA service centers

Cost: AED 150 per document · Time: Same-day (urgent: 2 hours)

After MOFA attestation, the PCC is valid for use with MOHRE, ICP, Tadbeer centers, and any UAE government authority.

What Happens if You Don't Have a PCC?

If a worker from one of the 16 affected nationalities applies for a new UAE residence visa without a valid attested PCC:

🛑 The visa application will be rejected by ICP/MOHRE 🛑 The Tadbeer center cannot issue an entry permit 🛑 Any worker fees already paid may be subject to refund (per Federal Decree-Law 9/2022 art 21)

Workarounds:

• Apply for the PCC from inside UAE if she enters on a tourist/visit visa (riskier, longer)
• Wait until the worker can complete the home-country PCC + attestation
• Choose a worker from a non-affected nationality (Filipina, Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Ethiopian, etc.)

PCC for Existing Workers (Transfer / Renewal Scenarios)

If your worker already lives in the UAE on a valid residence permit and you're now changing sponsorship:

The good news: if she's already in the UAE, the local PCC route is fast and cheap (AED 50–220, 1–3 days). No embassy or MOFA attestation needed.

How GCC Domestic Helps You Through the PCC Process

We don't issue PCCs (only governments do). But we make the process easier:

🇦🇪 Browse 134+ verified Tadbeer centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE — all of which handle PCC paperwork for the worker as part of the visa package. → /agencies?country=uae

🤖 Hayat — your AI domestic helper answers PCC questions in native Gulf Arabic on WhatsApp, free, 24/7. Ask things like "How long does Indonesian SKCK take?" or "Which emirate is fastest for local PCC?" → /en/hayat/

📜 Free legal-question helper — Nadia handles general "how do I hire a maid" + Hayat handles ongoing household questions. Both on WhatsApp.

⚖️ Compliance-first listings — every agency on our platform is cross-verified against MOHRE's establishment search. Hire safely, with the right paperwork from day one.

How This Affects Your Hiring Timeline

If you're hiring a domestic worker from one of the 16 affected nationalities, add the PCC step into your timeline:

Week 0:   Choose worker → sign Tadbeer pre-contract
Week 1:   Worker applies for PCC in home country
Week 2:   PCC issued + UAE Embassy attestation
Week 3:   Documents arrive in UAE
Week 4:   MOFA UAE attestation + MOHRE entry permit submission
Week 5:   Worker travels → arrives in UAE
Week 6:   Local medical, EID, residence stamping

Compared to the previous 3-week timeline for non-PCC nationalities, hiring from PCC-required countries adds 2–3 extra weeks. Plan accordingly.

For UAE-internal transfers (worker already in UAE), the PCC adds just 2–5 days because it's all online + same-emirate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Police Clearance Certificate really mandatory for UAE domestic workers in 2026?

Yes — but only for new visa applicants from 16 specific nationalities (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Nepal, Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Iraq, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cuba, Bhutan, Mexico, Afghanistan). Workers already on valid UAE residence visas are not affected. The rule was introduced by ICP in April 2026.

Can the Tadbeer center get the PCC for my worker?

Most reputable Tadbeer centers coordinate the home-country PCC application through their partner agencies in the source country. They typically include attestation fees in the total visa package. Confirm in writing before paying.

How much does a UAE-issued Police Clearance Certificate cost in 2026?

Inside Dubai: AED 220 via Dubai Police app Inside Abu Dhabi: AED 100 via TAMM Other emirates / federal MOI: AED 50–150 Cheapest is Abu Dhabi at AED 100; fastest is also Abu Dhabi at 1–2 days.

How long is a Police Clearance Certificate valid in the UAE?

UAE-issued PCCs are valid for 3 months from issue. Foreign PCCs typically have 6-month validity (Egyptian PCCs are shorter — 3–6 months). Plan visa submission within the validity window.

Do I need a PCC for a Filipina maid?

No. The Philippines is not on the 16-nationality list as of May 2026. Filipina workers go through the standard POEA pre-departure clearance instead, which is separate.

Do I need a PCC for an Indian or Bangladeshi maid?

No. Neither India nor Bangladesh is on the affected list as of May 2026. The list is reviewed quarterly — confirm with your Tadbeer center at the time of hiring.

What if my worker's home-country PCC takes too long?

Some applicants apply for a UAE entry visa first (e.g. visit visa), travel to the UAE, then apply for the PCC locally inside the UAE. This is faster but requires the entry visa class to allow conversion to residence — confirm with your Tadbeer center before pursuing this path.

Is the UAE Embassy attestation in my home country required?

Yes — for foreign PCCs only. The PCC must be attested by the UAE Embassy/Consulate in the issuing country, then by the UAE MOFA inside the UAE. Without both stamps, ICP and MOHRE will reject the document.

What's the difference between a PCC and a Good Conduct Certificate?

They are the same document under two different names. UAE government materials use "Good Conduct Certificate" (شهادة حسن السيرة والسلوك) interchangeably with "Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)." Both refer to a no-criminal-record certification.

My worker had a minor traffic violation 5 years ago — will the PCC be rejected?

Minor traffic offenses (parking, speeding) typically do not appear on PCCs and don't affect the visa. Major offenses, fraud, or violence will be flagged. If concerned, the home-country issuing authority can clarify what appears before you proceed with the visa application.

Conclusion — Plan the PCC Step Into Your Hiring Timeline

The April 2026 PCC rule is the most significant UAE domestic worker compliance update in 18 months. If you're hiring from any of the 16 affected nationalities — and especially the 7 major domestic worker source countries (Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Nepal, Egypt, Ghana) — building the PCC step into your timeline early saves weeks of delays later.

Three takeaways:

1. For new arrivals: Get the home-country PCC + UAE Embassy + MOFA attestation. Budget AED 100–180 + 2–3 extra weeks.
2. For UAE-internal transfers: Use Dubai Police (AED 220) or Abu Dhabi TAMM (AED 100) — fastest path, 1–3 days.
3. For non-listed nationalities (Filipina, Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Ethiopian): No UAE PCC required. Continue with the standard process.

If you're picking your worker, make sure your Tadbeer center handles PCC paperwork end-to-end. Most do. Confirm before you pay.

Need a verified Tadbeer center that handles PCC processing? Browse our 134+ MOHRE-verified UAE agencies — every one cross-checked against the official license database. Or message Hayat free on WhatsApp for instant answers in Native Gulf Arabic.

Sources & References

• UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP)
• Dubai Police Good Conduct Certificate Service
• Abu Dhabi Government Services Hub (TAMM)
• UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation Service
• UAE Pass Federal Services
• How to Hire a Maid in Dubai 2026
• UAE Domestic Worker Scam Warning 2026
• Federal Decree-Law 9 of 2022 (Domestic Workers)

Last updated: May 2026. Verified against UAE ICP and Dubai Police published rules. Next review: August 2026.