As of 8 September 2026: Character attestation GCC is a government certificate confirming that a named person has no criminal convictions in that country. It is issued by only two GCC states — the UAE and Bahrain — and its purpose differs from police clearance in subtle but important ways.
What is character attestation?
Character attestation (also called “attestation of good character” or “certificate of good conduct”) is an official document from a government ministry (usually the Interior Ministry or police) confirming that the holder has no criminal convictions or pending charges within that country’s jurisdiction.
It is different from a police clearance, even though both confirm the absence of a criminal record. The difference is in who issues it, how it is used, and which countries offer it.
Character attestation vs. police clearance — what is the difference?
Police clearance (criminal-status certificate):
- Issued by the police
- Used for employment, visas, background checks and general reference
- Available in all six GCC states (though called by different names: Good Conduct Certificate, Criminal Status Certificate, Non-Conviction Certificate)
- More commonly requested by international employers and institutions
Character attestation (attestation of good character):
- Issued by a ministry, often the Interior Ministry or a specific directorate
- Used for school admissions, professional licensing (doctors, lawyers, teachers), citizenship applications, and civic purposes
- Available only in the UAE and Bahrain among GCC states
- Often not requested overseas, but some universities and professional bodies ask for it
Many visa applications state “police clearance or character attestation” — meaning either document is acceptable. When in doubt, check the receiving institution’s specific requirement.
Which GCC states issue character attestation?
United Arab Emirates: Yes. Called “Attestation of Good Character” or “Certificate of Good Character”. Issued by:
- Dubai Police and Abu Dhabi Police (in person or online)
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for residents outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Intended for residents applying to universities, professional licensing boards, overseas employers or government agencies. Online applications are available through the GDRFA Smart Services portal. Processing takes 1–3 working days. Cost is free or minimal (under AED 50).
Bahrain: Yes. Called “Certificate of Good Character” (shahadat husn al-sira wal-suluk). Issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (part of the Ministry of Interior). Serves the same purpose as police clearance. Processing time and fees are not published.
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia: No. These countries issue police clearance or criminal-status certificates, but do not have a separate, published “character attestation” service.
Do you need character attestation in the GCC?
Most residents and visitors do not need to apply for character attestation unless an institution specifically asks for it. Examples of when you might need it:
- University application (especially for graduate programmes abroad)
- Professional licensing (nursing, teaching, legal practice)
- Government job application
- Citizenship or residency application in another country
For employment, most overseas companies request police clearance instead. If in doubt, ask the institution directly which document they require.
What if you need attestation but your country doesn’t issue it?
If you live in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia and an institution asks for character attestation:
- Check their alternative: Many institutions accept police clearance in place of character attestation. Contact them to confirm.
- Obtain a police clearance from your country of residence: If attestation is required, a police clearance may be accepted as a substitute.
- Obtain a document from your home country: Apply for a character or police certificate from your home country’s police or interior ministry, then have it attested by your home country’s embassy (called an apostille or embassy attestation).
How to apply for character attestation in the UAE
Online (recommended): Visit smartservices.gdrfa.ae, log in with your Emirate ID and password, and search for “Character Attestation” or “Good Character Certificate”. Fill in your details and travel dates. Approval takes 1–3 working days. You can print or download the certificate immediately after approval.
In person: Visit a GDRFA service centre or Dubai/Abu Dhabi Police office. Bring your passport and Emirate ID. Processing takes 2–4 hours.
Related documents in the GCC
If you are relocating or applying for visas in the GCC, you may also need:
- Police clearance across all six GCC states — the document most employers worldwide request
- UAE exit permit — if you are leaving the UAE
- UAE residence visa renewal — if you are staying in the UAE
What is the short version?
Character attestation and police clearance both confirm you have no criminal convictions, but only the UAE and Bahrain issue character attestation as a named service. All six GCC states issue police clearance. If an institution asks for character attestation and you do not live in the UAE or Bahrain, a police clearance from your country of residence is usually accepted as an alternative. When in doubt, ask the institution whether the two are interchangeable.
