If you’ve finished your sentence and kept a clean slate since, you may be eligible to “erase” your record in the UAE—including Dubai—and then apply for a Police Clearance (Good Conduct) Certificate. The typical wait? Around 3 years for misdemeanors and 5 years for felonies after you complete the penalty (or receive amnesty), so long as you haven’t reoffended.
What’s really happening (and why this matters)
Employers, immigration authorities, and licensing bodies increasingly rely on digital criminal-record checks. A past case can block visas, jobs, or professional renewals—even if you’ve turned your life around. But here’s the thing: UAE courts and police do recognize rehabilitation. Under set conditions, they allow record clearing (often called expungement) and, once cleared, you can usually obtain a clean Police Clearance.
What I see in practice
I’ve worked with clients who assumed a conviction would permanently follow them. It didn’t. When they met the waiting period, gathered proof of good conduct, and filed a precise petition, their records were cleared—and the Good Conduct Certificate was issued shortly after. The process isn’t instant, and not every offense qualifies, but if you prepare well, you dramatically improve your odds.
Who typically qualifies (and who doesn’t)
Honestly, eligibility turns on the offense type and your conduct since the case ended.
- Generally eligible after a wait:
- Misdemeanors: ~3 years after completing the penalty.
- Felonies: ~5 years after completing the penalty.
- Minor matters may need a longer clean period (often 5–10 years) depending on circumstances.
- Usually ineligible: Serious or security-related crimes, and cases where public safety concerns remain high.
- Core factors courts consider: severity of the offense, time elapsed, rehabilitation steps, and evidence of consistent good conduct.
How the clearing process works (step by step)
Now let’s get practical. Here’s the workflow I advise clients to follow:
- Get your record extract.
Obtain your criminal record from Dubai Police or the Ministry of Interior (MOI)—you’ll need an official copy to anchor your petition. - Check the waiting period.
Confirm you’ve crossed the 3-year (misdemeanor) or 5-year (felony) mark from sentence completion/amnesty—and that there’s been no recidivism. - Assemble your file.
- Emirates ID and passport
- Case details (judgment/sentence completion)
- Proof of rehabilitation: employment letters, education/training certificates, community work, character references
Courts weigh these heavily.
- File the petition.
Submit a formal request with police/CID or the competent court asking to clear or seal the conviction. Precise drafting matters; legal assistance helps. - Allow processing time.
Expect weeks to months depending on the case and authority workload. Stay available for clarifications.
Getting your Police Clearance (after clearing)
Once your record is cleared, you can apply for the Police Clearance (Good Conduct) Certificate via the MOI app or website. Fees are commonly around AED 100, and—if you’re eligible—the certificate can issue in about 24 hours. Important: Active convictions usually block issuance until the record is cleared.
Pro tips to strengthen your petition
- Document steady employment and positive supervisor feedback.
- Show continuity: no fines, no new cases, and clean travel/residency history.
- Bundle achievements: courses, training, or certifications since the offense.
- Use credible referees: community leaders or licensed professionals.
- Be transparent: acknowledge the past, emphasize growth, and keep the ask narrowly tailored.
Bottom line
Your past doesn’t have to define your future in the UAE. If you’ve completed your sentence, stayed out of trouble, and can evidence rehabilitation, you have a real path to clearing your record—and securing a clean Police Clearance to move forward with work, visas, or licensing. Start now, prepare well, and give the authorities every reason to say yes.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The author assumes no responsibility or liability for actions taken based on its contents. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.
Call Lawyers at +971506531334 +971558018669
https://www.lawyersuae.com/
