The UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security has introduced a new documentation requirement for certain nationalities applying for new UAE residence visas.
A Police Clearance Certificate (also known as a Good Conduct Certificate) is now required for new visa applications for nationals of the countries listed below.
Certificate requirements depend on the applicant’s location at the time of application:
- Applicants outside the UAE must obtain the certificate from their home country. The certificate must then be attested by the UAE Embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
- Applicants currently in the UAE on a previous residence permit must obtain a locally issued UAE Police Clearance Certificate.
This requirement applies to new visa applications for nationals of the following countries:
- Afghanistan; Algeria; Bhutan; Bulgaria; Cameroon; Cuba; Egypt; Ghana; Indonesia; Iraq; Kenya; Mexico; Nepal; Nigeria; Sri Lanka; Uganda.
This new requirement may impact processing timelines for affected applicants, particularly those applying from outside the UAE, due to the required attestation steps. Employers and applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow sufficient time to secure the required documentation.
We will continue to monitor implementation and share updates as additional guidance becomes available.
