Guide to Get Medical Certificate in UAE

Getting a medical certificate in Dubai might sound like just another formality, but it’s actually a key step in starting a new chapter in the UAE — whether you’re moving for work, applying for a residence visa, or starting a new job in certain industries. 

In a country that takes public health seriously, medical certificates help ensure that everyone lives and works in a safe and healthy environment. If you’re not sure where to begin or what to expect, don’t worry! 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, to make the process easy, clear, and completely manageable for you!

Meaning of Medical Certificate in the UAE

A medical certificate in the UAE is an official document issued by a recognised medical authority, confirming an individual's health status. This certificate serves as proof that the person has undergone specific medical examinations and has been declared fit or unfit for certain activities or obligations.​

Who Needs a Medical Certificate?

In the UAE, this certificate plays an important role in upholding public health and safety. If you're moving to the country for the first time, renewing your visa, or working in specific sectors, there are clear regulations around who must undergo medical fitness testing.

Here’s a simple breakdown of who needs a medical certificate and why — 

First-Time Residence Visa Applicants:

If you're an expat applying for a UAE residence visa for the first time, this certificate is mandatory. The test confirms that you are free from communicable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. 

Without this clearance, your visa application cannot proceed.

Individuals Renewing Their Residence Visa:

Even if you’ve lived in the UAE for years, you'll need to repeat the medical fitness test each time and get this certificate to renew your residence visa.

Employees in Specific Job Categories:

Certain professions in the UAE require additional health screenings due to the nature of their work —

• Nursery Workers: Must be tested for syphilis and hepatitis B to protect the health of young children
• Domestic Workers: Housemaids, nannies, and drivers undergo testing for syphilis, hepatitis B, and pregnancy (for female workers)
• Food Handlers: Employees in restaurants, cafes, and catering services are screened for syphilis and hepatitis B to prevent food contamination
• Salon and Beauty Centre Staff: Due to close physical contact with clients, these workers must be tested for syphilis and hepatitis B
• Health Club Employees: Staff in gyms and wellness centres are also tested for these infections to ensure the health and safety of all patrons

Additional Health Requirements:

Certain job roles come with added health checks —

• Hepatitis B Vaccination: This is mandatory for —
  • Nannies
  • Housekeepers
  • Nursery and kindergarten staff
  • Beauty and salon workers
  • Gym and health club employees
  • Healthcare workers
• Pregnancy Test: Female domestic workers are required to undergo a pregnancy test before they start employment 

Steps to Get Medical Certificate in Dubai

Getting a medical certificate is an essential step for individuals seeking residency, employment, or certain occupational roles in Dubai. 

Here is a detailed guide to obtaining this certificate — 

Determine Eligibility and Requirements:

Identify the specific purpose for which you need the medical fitness certificate as requirements may vary —​

• Residency Visa Applicants: All new expats and those renewing their residence visas must undergo medical fitness testing to confirm they are free from communicable diseases
• Specific Professions: Certain job categories, such as food handlers, salon workers, and healthcare professionals, may require additional screenings or vaccinations​

Schedule an Appointment:

Book an appointment at an authorised Medical Fitness Centre under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Appointments can be scheduled through the DHA's online portal or by contacting the centres directly.​

Prepare Necessary Documentation:

Gather and bring your documents to your medical certificate appointment like passport copy, Emirates ID, and more

Attend the Medical Fitness Test:

On the day of your appointment —​

• Registration: Present your documents and complete all the necessary forms​
• Medical Examination: This includes blood tests, chest X-rays, and more
• Additional Tests: Depending on your profession, further assessments or vaccinations may be required

Wait for the Results:

The processing time for medical fitness test results varies —​

• Standard Processing: Results are available within 24 to 48 hours
• Express Services: Some centres offer expedited processing for an additional fee

Receive the Medical Fitness Certificate:

You can collect the certificate in person or access it through the DHA's online portal once your results are ready

Submit the Certificate for Visa Processing:

Provide the original medical fitness certificate to your employer, sponsor, or the relevant government department to proceed with your visa application or renewal​

Requirements for Getting a Medical Certificate

To get a medical fitness certificate in Dubai, you need to provide a few specific documents. While the exact requirements can vary as per the purpose of the certificate and other factors, the following documents are commonly requested — 

Cost of Medical Certificate in Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) offers several medical fitness test services for medical certificate — 

Note: An additional fee of AED 50 applies to the category of household domestic servants for pregnancy examination.

Consequences of Failing the Medical Certificate Test and How to Retake It

Undergoing a medical fitness test is a mandatory step for many residents and workers in the UAE. However, in some cases, individuals may not meet the health standards required for visa approval or employment clearance and, thus, cannot get a medical certificate. 

Here’s what happens if someone fails the test and how they can proceed.

Consequences of Failing the Medical Fitness Test

Failing the medical certificate test can have serious outcomes, especially when it comes to residency status and employment opportunities. 

Here are some possible consequences —

Visa Denial or Cancellation:

If a person is diagnosed with a contagious disease like HIV or active tuberculosis (TB), their UAE residence visa application might be rejected

In certain cases, an existing visa may be revoked based on the severity of the condition

Risk of Deportation:

For serious health threats, the UAE enforces firm public health policies

Individuals with certain medical conditions that pose a risk to public safety may be asked to leave the country

Limited Work Options: Failure to pass the test can restrict job opportunities — particularly in fields that have strict health requirements

This includes roles in the food industry, domestic work, personal care services and the healthcare sector

Retaking the Medical Fitness Test for Medical Certificate

Failing the test isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Individuals have options to address the outcome and, in some cases, retake the test after proper steps are followed — 

1. Get Clarity on Test Results: The first step is to fully understand why the medical certificate was not issued. DHA-approved medical centres usually provide a report that outlines the medical reason for the failure.
2. Undergo Medical Treatment: It’s important to consult a doctor or specialist for the condition in question. Whether it’s TB treatment or another communicable disease, managing or curing the issue is important before reapplying.
3. Appeal the Result: In some cases, particularly if the condition has been treated or there is reason to believe the test result was incorrect, an appeal can be filed. This request is usually submitted to the relevant health authority for review.
4. Reapply for the Test: Once treatment is complete and the condition is no longer considered a public health risk, the individual may schedule a new test. It is highly recommended to check with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the concerned emirate’s health department to follow the correct retesting procedures.

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