Insights

Criminal status of financial cases: checking with Dubai Police

A plain explanation of the Dubai Police status service, what it shows and the steps to take if it finds something.

Guide · Criminal · Updated 28 October 2026 · 7 min read

In short

Dubai Police provide an online service, on their app and website, that tells you whether you have an open criminal case, financial case or circular in Dubai, including cases that carry a travel ban. You usually check with your Emirates ID or passport details, and some features need UAE Pass.

If the result shows a case, note the reference, find out which authority holds it and whether it carries a travel ban, and take advice before you travel or respond.

What the service is

The service is commonly called the "criminal status of financial cases" check, and it sits within the Dubai Police "Circulars and travel bans" services. It lets residents and visitors see whether they are wanted in a financial or criminal matter in Dubai, without visiting a police station. It is widely used before travel, before applying for a new job or visa, and after a dispute with a bank, landlord or business partner.

What counts as a financial case

In this context, "financial cases" are criminal complaints and circulars connected to money, such as some cheque-related offences that remain criminal after the 2022 reforms, breach of trust, and fraud. They are different from ordinary civil claims, such as a bank suing for an unpaid loan, which are handled by the civil courts. A civil claim can still lead to a travel ban, so a clear result on this service does not rule out a civil case. If you are worried about a bank debt, also read our guide on checking a travel ban.

How to use it

Open the Dubai Police app or the Dubai Police website.
Find the services for circulars and travel bans, or criminal status of financial cases.
Choose how to search: Emirates ID, or passport number and nationality.
Enter your details and submit. Some features ask you to sign in with UAE Pass.
Note the result, including any case or reference number, and take a screenshot.

Reading the result

What you see	What it usually means	What to do
No case or circular found	No open financial or criminal case in Dubai Police records at the time of the check	Check civil and other-emirate services too if you have reason to worry
A case or circular is shown	An open matter exists, possibly with a travel restriction	Note the reference and take advice before travelling or responding
Unclear or error	The service could not match your details	Try again with the other identifier, or ask us to check

If a case appears

Stay calm and do not ignore it. Find out the nature of the complaint, the stage it has reached and whether a travel restriction applies. For some offences, a settlement with the complainant can end the case; for others it will run its course. Avoid contacting the complainant in a way that could be seen as pressure. Before you give any statement to the police, take advice. Our criminal page explains how we help at this stage.

When it is worth checking

Before travel, especially after a dispute with a bank, landlord, employer or business partner.
Before applying for a new job or visa, since an open case can delay security and immigration approvals.
After a cheque has bounced, whether you issued it or received it, to understand whether a complaint has been filed.
After receiving an SMS or call saying a case has been opened. Verify it through the official service rather than trusting a message or caller.

Scam calls and messages pretending to be from the police are common. The police will not ask you to pay money over the phone to close a case. If in doubt, check the official app yourself.

A note on your data

Use only the official Dubai Police app or website for these checks. Be cautious with third-party websites that ask for your Emirates ID or passport details to "check for you"; you have no way of knowing how they store or use that information.

This guide is general information about UAE law and practice as at the date above, not legal advice for your situation. Procedures and fees change. For advice on your matter, contact us.

FAQ

Questions people ask

The official Dubai Police service is generally free to use.

Not necessarily. Civil claims, such as a bank suing for a loan, are handled by the courts. A civil case can still carry a travel ban, so check the court services too if you are concerned.

It covers Dubai Police records. Cases in other emirates may need to be checked through their own services.

Often yes, through the app or website, though some features need UAE Pass. If you cannot access it, a lawyer in the UAE can check for you.