Police clearance certificates (PCC)—also called good conduct certificates, criminal record checks, or FBI background checks depending on your country—are mandatory for most UAE employment visas and Golden Visa applications. Here’s what you need to know about getting your PCC translated and accepted.
Why the UAE Requires Police Clearance Certificates
The UAE requires PCCs as part of its security vetting for foreign workers. The certificate confirms that you have no criminal record (or discloses any record that exists) in countries where you’ve lived. This requirement applies to:
- Employment visa applicants - most new work visas
- Golden Visa applicants - 10-year visa through investment or professional qualification
- Some residency renewals - depending on circumstances
- Certain professional licenses - healthcare, education, finance
The PCC must be issued by police or government authorities in each country where you’ve lived for a significant period (typically 6+ months in the past 5-10 years).
PCC Requirements by Country
Different countries issue PCCs through different authorities and with different formats. Here’s what you need to know for common source countries:
United States
Issuing Authority: FBI or state police departments
FBI Identity History Summary:
- Apply online through FBI’s website
- Fingerprint submission required
- Processing time: 3-5 business days (electronic) to 8-10 weeks (paper)
- Requires apostille from US Department of State (not the issuing state)
State-Level Checks:
- Some positions require state-level PCCs in addition to FBI
- Apostille from the Secretary of State of the issuing state
United Kingdom
Issuing Authority: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or ACRO Criminal Records Office
Standard or Enhanced DBS:
- For UK residents or recent residents
- Apply through an umbrella organization
- Processing time: 2-8 weeks
ACRO Police Certificate:
- For non-UK residents who lived in the UK
- Apply directly to ACRO
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks
- Requires FCO apostille
India
Issuing Authority: Regional Passport Office or local police
Passport Office PCC:
- Apply at Passport Seva Kendra
- Processing time: 1-3 weeks
- Requires MEA attestation, then UAE Embassy attestation
Police Station Certificate:
- Alternative in some cases
- Same attestation requirements
Pakistan
Issuing Authority: Character Certificate Section of local police
Police Character Certificate:
- Apply through local police station
- Processing time: 2-4 weeks
- Requires MOFA Pakistan attestation, then UAE Embassy attestation
Philippines
Issuing Authority: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
NBI Clearance:
- Apply at NBI offices or accredited centers
- Processing time: Same-day to 2 weeks (if “hit” occurs)
- Requires DFA authentication, then UAE Embassy attestation
The Attestation Chain for PCCs
PCCs follow the same attestation chain as other foreign documents:
From Apostille Countries (US, UK, EU, Australia)
- Obtain PCC from the relevant authority
- Apostille from the designated authority
- MOFA Attestation in UAE (if required—some uses accept apostille only)
From Non-Apostille Countries (India, Pakistan, Philippines, most Arab countries)
- Obtain PCC from the relevant authority
- Home country foreign ministry attestation
- UAE Embassy attestation in home country
- MOFA Attestation in UAE
Translation Requirements
Once your PCC is properly attested, it needs translation if it’s not in Arabic:
For UAE government submission (GDRFA, MOHRE):
- MOJ-certified Arabic translation is mandatory
- Translation must be done AFTER attestation (the stamps must be visible)
- Our turnaround: 4-8 hours for standard PCCs
Key translation considerations:
- Name consistency - The translated name must match your passport and visa exactly
- Date format - We include both Gregorian and Hijri dates where relevant
- Clearance statement - The “no criminal record” statement must be precisely rendered
- Official notations - All stamps, signatures, and reference numbers must be captured
Validity Periods
PCC validity is one of the most confusing aspects of the process:
Document Validity:
- Most countries issue PCCs valid for 3-6 months
- The UAE typically requires PCCs issued within 6 months of submission
- Some employers or authorities require more recent PCCs (3 months)
Translation Validity:
- Translations don’t expire
- However, if your PCC expires, you’ll need a new one and a new translation
Pro tip: Time your PCC application so the certificate is fresh when you submit your UAE visa application. Getting a PCC 6 months before you plan to apply creates unnecessary risk.
Common PCC Translation Issues
Name Discrepancies
Your PCC will show your name as recorded in that country’s systems. If you’ve used different name spellings or if your name has been transliterated differently, this causes problems.
Example: Your FBI check shows “Mohammed Ahmad” but your passport shows “Mohamed Ahmed.” The UAE authority may question whether these are the same person.
Solution: We flag these discrepancies and can help you understand your options—either getting the PCC reissued with the correct spelling, or obtaining a name verification affidavit.
Multiple PCCs Required
If you’ve lived in multiple countries, you may need multiple PCCs. Each needs its own attestation chain and translation.
Common scenario: Indian national who worked in the UK before coming to UAE needs both Indian PCC and UK ACRO certificate.
Hit or Record Listed
If your PCC shows any record—even minor traffic offenses or cases that were dismissed—this must be accurately translated and disclosed. Attempting to hide or minimize records is illegal and will cause far bigger problems if discovered.
How GDRFA Uses PCCs
For employment visa applications, GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) reviews your PCC as part of the security clearance process:
- Document verification - GDRFA confirms the attestation chain is complete
- Content review - They assess any disclosed records against UAE entry requirements
- Database check - They may verify against international databases
- Approval or inquiry - Either visa proceeds or additional documentation is requested
A properly translated and attested PCC with no records typically clears quickly. Issues arise with incomplete attestation chains, expired documents, or disclosed records that require additional review.
Special Cases
FBI Channeler Results
The FBI allows authorized channelers to submit fingerprints and receive results faster. These channeler results are valid for attestation—ensure you receive the official FBI letterhead version.
Digital PCCs
Some countries now issue digital or electronic PCCs. For UAE purposes:
- You typically need a physical printed version with official stamps
- Digital verification codes are helpful but don’t replace physical attestation
- Contact the issuing authority about obtaining a physical document if needed
No Criminal Record Affidavits
Some countries don’t issue PCCs in the traditional sense. In these cases:
- A sworn affidavit before a notary may be acceptable
- Confirm with UAE authorities before proceeding
- The affidavit needs the same attestation chain as a standard PCC
Our PCC Translation Service
We translate PCCs from all countries in any language. Our service includes:
- Document review - We verify your PCC has proper attestation before translation
- Name verification - We check names against your passport spelling
- MOJ-certified translation - Official Arabic translation with ministry stamp
- Digital delivery - Same-day delivery via WhatsApp and email
- Physical copies - Couriered anywhere in the UAE if needed
Turnaround: Standard PCCs (single-page, clear scan) complete in 4-8 hours. Multi-page documents or complex formats may take longer.
Getting Started
Have your PCC ready for translation? Here’s what to do:
- Verify attestation - Check that all required stamps are present
- Send via WhatsApp - Clear photos or scans of the complete document including stamps
- Provide passport copy - So we can verify name spelling
- Receive quote - We confirm price and timeline
- Get translation - Delivered digitally within hours
Questions about your specific situation? Send us your PCC and we’ll advise on what you need.