How to Get a Medical Fitness Certificate in UAE

Whether you're settling into a new job in Dubai, renewing your family's residence visa in Abu Dhabi, or ensuring compliance with UAE residency rules, obtaining a Medical Fitness Certificate is a key step. This essential document confirms you're free from communicable diseases, safeguarding public health across our emirates.^[9]

Why Do You Need a Medical Fitness Certificate in the UAE?

In the UAE, the Medical Fitness Certificate is mandatory for anyone aged 18 and above applying for or renewing a residence visa, whether for employment, family sponsorship, or study.^[1][2][3] It's a legal requirement under federal regulations to protect our communities from infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB), HIV, hepatitis, leprosy, and syphilis.^[4][9]

For Emiratis sponsoring family members or expats working here, this certificate ensures eligibility for residency permits issued by authorities like the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), formerly GDRFA, or emirate-specific bodies such as Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH).^[2][7]

A 2016 Cabinet Resolution mandates TB screening for all renewing expatriates. Those with active TB or drug-resistant strains receive a conditional certificate valid for one year, requiring treatment in the UAE before full renewal.^[2][9] The certificate is typically valid for 30-60 days from issuance, so time your application wisely.^[5]

Who Must Get Tested?

• Expatriates aged 18+ for new or renewal residence visas.^[1][3]
• Family members sponsored on residence visas.^[2]
• Workers in high-risk categories like healthcare, beauty salons, spas, fitness clubs, domestic staff, or drivers (Categories A, B, C).^[3]
• Students enrolling in UAE universities.^[3]

Children under 18 and Emirati citizens are generally exempt, but sponsored dependents over 18 must comply.^[2]

Documents Required for Your Medical Fitness Test

Prepare these essentials to avoid delays at screening centres:

• Copy of entry permit (new visa) or residence visa (renewal).^[1][2]
• Original passport.^[1][2][8]
• Original Emirates ID (for renewals).^[1][2]
• Recent passport-sized photo.^[1][2]
• Mobile number and email for updates.^[2]
• For visa status changes: Change status approval paper.^[1]
• For domestic workers: Pregnancy test may apply (must be negative).^[9]

Pro tip: Use UAE PASS for seamless digital logins at government portals.^[3]

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Your Medical Fitness Certificate

The process is streamlined in 2026 with digital apps and UAE PASS integration, taking just 1-5 days from tests to results.^[1][6]

Step 1: Initiate Your Application

Start via the relevant authority's portal:

• Dubai (DHA): Log into DHA Smart App or website, fill the smart form, and print it.^[1]
• Abu Dhabi (DoH/Seha): Use UAE PASS on ehs.gov.ae or DoH app to book.^[3][7]
• Other Emirates (Sharjah, etc.): Apply via ICP (ica.gov.ae) then visit approved centres like Sahara Centre in Sharjah.^[2][4]

Step 2: Book and Visit a Screening Centre

Select from approved locations:

Emirate	Key Centres
Dubai	Al Garhoud Medical Fitness Centre, over 20 DHA centres.[2]
Abu Dhabi	DoH-approved centres like Capital Health or Al Mudar.[3][8]
Sharjah	Sahara Centre Basement (Emitac).[4]

Arrive 20 minutes early, check in at Customer Happiness Centre, then proceed to radiology for chest X-ray and blood tests.^[3] No fasting required.^[8]

Step 3: Undergo Medical Tests

Expect:

• Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis.^[4]
• Chest X-ray for TB (mandatory in Abu Dhabi, standard elsewhere).^[1][9]
• Additional checks for high-risk jobs or pregnancy (females in domestic roles).^[3][9]

Step 4: Receive Results

Results arrive via email/SMS within 1 day (up to 5 days).^[1][3] Track via DHA Smart App or ICP portal. If unfit, you'll be notified—TB cases may need treatment; occupational unfitness allows 30 days to change jobs.^[1][7]

Step 5: Collect or Print Certificate

Approved results are shared directly with ICP/DHA for visa processing. Hard copies available at centres (Dh10 printing fee).^[2][8]

Costs Involved in 2026

Fees vary by emirate and tests:

• Dubai: Dh250 regular test + Dh50 vaccination/pregnancy if needed + Dh10 printing.^[2]
• Abu Dhabi/others: Similar, pay online via UAE PASS.^[3]

Budget Dh300-400 total. Official sites like mohap.gov.ae or doh.gov.ae list exact rates.^[7]

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Book appointments early via apps to skip queues.^[1][3]
• Double-check documents to avoid retests.
• If results delay >5 days, contact the centre.^[1]
• For TB positives: Sign consent for conditional certificate and start treatment locally.^[9]
• Use typing centres for assistance if needed.^[1]
• Emiratis sponsoring family: Ensure dependents comply before ICA/GDRFA submission.