The United Arab Emirates is widening one of its key visa requirements. From 20 July 2026, applicants from 10 additional nationalities will need to present a Good Conduct Certificate – also known as a Police Clearance Certificate – when applying for a new employment visa, and this now includes both employee and investor visa categories.
The update comes from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and forms the latest stage of a phased rollout that began earlier in 2026. For businesses and new hires across Ras Al Khaimah and the wider UAE, it means one more document to have ready before a visa file is submitted.
What has changed
Until now, the Good Conduct Certificate requirement applied to a defined set of nationalities. The ICP has extended that list, and from 20 July 2026 the following 10 nationalities are newly added:
- Ghana
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Pakistan
- Senegal
- Syria
- Tonga
- Zambia
These join the nationalities for which the certificate is already mandatory:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Bhutan
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Kenya
- Mexico
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Sri Lanka
- Uganda
The requirement applies to new employment visa applications, covering both employee and investor visas. Anyone from an affected nationality starting a fresh visa application on or after 20 July 2026 should assume the certificate will be requested.
What a Good Conduct Certificate is
A Good Conduct Certificate, or Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), is an official document confirming that the applicant has no criminal record, or listing any record that exists. UAE authorities use it as part of the security and background screening tied to residency and work approvals. It is a standard requirement in many countries for employment and immigration, and the UAE has been steadily bringing more nationalities into scope through 2026.
What applicants should do
The single most important step is to have the certificate ready before submitting a new visa application, alongside the other required documents. Leaving it until the file is already in progress is the most common cause of delays.
How you obtain the certificate depends on where you are and your current visa status:
- If the applicant is outside the UAE, or inside the UAE on a tourist visa: the certificate must be issued by the applicant’s home country and then attested by the UAE Embassy in that country.
- If the applicant is inside the UAE on a cancelled visa: the certificate must be obtained through the UAE Police.
Because attestation and translation can add time, applicants are advised to begin the process well ahead of the intended visa submission date rather than at the last moment.
Support through RAKEZ
For companies and individuals set up in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) has confirmed it can assist with the process. Its Value Added Services team supports Good Conduct Certificate applications within the UAE, document attestation, translation, and visa application submission on the applicant’s behalf.
Businesses that need help can reach RAKEZ at VAS@rakez.com or on WhatsApp at +971 7 203 1696. RAKEZ also maintains a dedicated Good Conduct Certificate page with the full requirements, process, fees and available services, along with an up-to-date visa service checklist. For general support, the RAKEZ contact centre can be reached on 600 577 000.
Why this matters for RAK businesses
Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract new companies and talent, and RAKEZ is one of the emirate’s largest business hubs. A change like this affects onboarding timelines directly: an employer bringing in a new hire from any of the listed nationalities will now need the Good Conduct Certificate in hand before the visa can move forward. Planning for that document early keeps recruitment and relocation on schedule and avoids last-minute holds on visa files. For new arrivals settling into the emirate, it is also worth getting other essentials lined up early, such as our complete guide to getting a driving licence in Ras Al Khaimah.
FAQs
20 July 2026, for new employment visa applications.
New employment visa applications, including both employee and investor visas.
Ghana, Lebanon, Lithuania, Morocco, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal, Syria, Tonga and Zambia.
From your home country (then attested by the UAE Embassy) if you are outside the UAE or on a tourist visa, or through the UAE Police if you are inside the UAE on a cancelled visa.
Yes. RAKEZ offers support with the application, attestation, translation and visa submission. Contact VAS@rakez.com or WhatsApp +971 7 203 1696.
This article is for general information and reflects the update issued by RAKEZ based on the latest ICP guidance. Requirements can change – applicants should confirm the current list and process with RAKEZ or the ICP before submitting a visa application.
