Launching a company in a UAE free zone means navigating a series of compliance checks. One document that often confuses new founders and HR managers is the Good Conduct Certificate, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). This official record confirms that an individual has no criminal convictions. While not always mandatory, it can be decisive in visa approvals, banking, or licensing.
What is a Good Conduct Certificate in the UAE?
A Good Conduct Certificate in the UAE is an official police document that confirms you have no criminal record, issued by Dubai Police or the Ministry of Interior.
It can be provided in Arabic or English and carries a stamp or QR code for verification. Immigration and licensing authorities use it to validate the background of business owners, directors, and employees.
What Changed Since the 2018 Mandatory Rule?
In February 2018, the UAE Cabinet introduced a rule making the Good Conduct Certificate mandatory for all new employment visas. By April of the same year, the rule was suspended until further notice due to practical challenges.
As of 2025, there is no blanket requirement for the certificate when applying for a standard free zone visa. However, it remains compulsory in certain categories such as the Golden Visa, some regulated industries, and specific cases where authorities require additional security checks.
Who Needs a Good Conduct Certificate in a Free Zone Setup?
Business owners and partners
Entrepreneurs applying for investor or partner visas may be asked to submit a certificate. While the licence itself rarely requires it, the visa process can.
Company directors and managers
If a director or manager listed on a licence intends to reside and work in the UAE, their residency visa may trigger this requirement.
Employees
Free zone employees may be required to provide a certificate during the work visa process, especially when recruited from abroad. While not universal today, HR teams should anticipate it in sensitive roles or regulated industries.
Dependents
Family members applying for dependent visas are generally exempt. The certificate applies mainly to work and investor visas.
When the Certificate is Checked in the Free Zone Process
- During licensing: Most licences are issued without it, though certain regulated activities may ask for one.
- During visa approvals: The most common stage where the certificate is requested, particularly for Golden Visa applicants and investors.
- Other linked procedures: Some banks and professional licensing bodies may also request it.
Documents Required for a Good Conduct Certificate
Inside the UAE
- Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Recent passport photo
Outside the UAE
- Fingerprint card from local police, attested by the UAE Embassy
- Passport copy
- Photographs
- Old UAE visa or Emirates ID, if previously resident
Validity: Certificates are valid for 90 days. Always time your application close to visa submission to avoid expiry.
How to Apply for a Good Conduct Certificate in the UAE
Online application
Dubai Police and the Ministry of Interior both provide online platforms and mobile apps. Applicants log in with UAE Pass, upload documents, pay the fee, and often receive the certificate within 24–48 hours. An urgent service can deliver it the same day.
In-person option
Applicants can also visit police stations or service centres. This is sometimes required for first-time applicants when fingerprints need to be taken. Certificates can be collected in person or sent by courier.
How to Apply for a Good Conduct Certificate from Outside the UAE
Applicants abroad must start with a fingerprint card from their local police, then have it attested by the UAE Embassy. The documents are submitted online through Dubai Police or the Ministry of Interior, or via embassy facilitation.
Processing usually takes between two and six weeks, as attestation and international delivery add to the timeline.
Good Conduct Certificate Fees, Processing Times, and Validity
| Applicant | Fee (AED) | Timeline | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE resident | 50–200 | 24–48 hours (urgent same day) | 90 days | English versions cost slightly more |
| Overseas applicant | 300–400 | 2–6 weeks including attestation | 90 days | Embassy attestation required |
Inside UAE vs Outside UAE Applications
| Location | Key Documents | Process | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside UAE | Emirates ID, passport, photo | Apply online via Dubai Police or MOI | 1–2 days |
| Outside UAE | Fingerprint card (attested), passport, photos | Submit through MOI portal or UAE Embassy | 2–6 weeks |
Which Certificate Do Foreign Nationals Need?
- New entrants: If you have never lived in the UAE, you will need a police clearance from your home country or the country where you resided in the last five years. It must be attested by the UAE Embassy and MOFAIC.
- Current or recent UAE residents: A UAE-issued certificate is expected.
- Mixed residency in the past five years: You may need more than one certificate to cover the full period.
Practical Tips to Avoid Delays
- Apply close to visa submission, as validity is only 90 days.
- Always specify the correct purpose and authority when applying.
- Request the English version if the certificate will be used for immigration or free zone licensing.
- Keep both digital and stamped copies for reuse with banks or other authorities.
How DUQE Supports Founders and Businesses
For many entrepreneurs, the Good Conduct Certificate is an unexpected hurdle. DUQE helps founders and companies by advising on whether the certificate is needed in their case, preparing and attesting documents, and aligning the application with licence and visa timelines.
With this support, investors and HR managers can avoid mistakes and keep their setup process running smoothly. Contact us today for further information.
FAQs: Good Conduct Certificate in UAE Free Zone Setup
Is a Good Conduct Certificate mandatory for UAE free zone visas in 2025?
No. The universal requirement was suspended in 2018. Today it is only mandatory in certain cases, such as Golden Visa applications or regulated sectors.
How long is a UAE Police Clearance Certificate valid?
It is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Can I use a home-country police certificate instead of a UAE one?
Yes, if you are a new entrant who has not lived in the UAE before. Current or recent UAE residents will be asked for a UAE-issued certificate.
How much does a Good Conduct Certificate cost in the UAE?
Residents typically pay 50–200. Overseas applicants should expect 300–400 including attestation and courier fees.
Can a free zone licence be issued without a Good Conduct Certificate?
Yes. Most licences are issued without it. The certificate becomes relevant mainly at the visa stage.
How do I get a Good Conduct Certificate urgently in Dubai?
Dubai Police offers an urgent service for around 200, often delivering the certificate the same day.
Do family dependents need a Good Conduct Certificate?
No. The requirement applies to work, investor, and partner visas, not dependent visas.