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The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate is a compulsory legal document that confirms you are free from contagious diseases and medically fit to live and work in Dubai. It applies to expats aged 18 and above applying for new employment, residency, or family visas as per Law No. (5) of 2025 on Public Health. The certificate is issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) through approved medical fitness centers across the emirate, with the support provided by Dubai Academic Health Institution (DAHI) in the test, according to Article (13)(b)(3) of the above law.
The main purpose of this certificate is to protect public health by screening individuals for infectious conditions like tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and hepatitis B. It is mandatory for new residents, visa renewals, and even specific professions such as food handlers, domestic workers, and salon staff to make sure no one hides an illness or spreads it, both by purpose or by accident.
DHA requires different types of DHA fitness tests, including pre-employment, residency visa, and driving-related medical fitness tests, as well as professional driver assessments and occupational health card issuance, depending on the use of the certificate. Each test includes a blood test and a chest X-ray, with some additional tests for core specialities like food handling, healthcare, salon services, and domestic work. For example, food industry workers need additional tests for hepatitis A, B, and C.
The application process can be done either online via the DHA portal or mobile app, or through authorized typing centers. You’ll need documents like your passport, Emirates ID, and a visa copy. Appointments are available across multiple testing centers in Dubai, with clear timelines, payment options, and certificate delivery formats.
After completing the medical test, you can track results online using the DHA portal, or you’ll get the result in your email that is officially registered with the DHA. Unfit results can impact your visa, but appeals or re-tests may be possible in certain cases. Common mistakes, such as missing documents, selecting the incorrect test type, or visiting an unauthorized testing center, can delay the process.
Finally, we’ll list approved DHA medical centers, their services, working hours, and even provide a sample certificate and answers to common questions. This guide ensures you’re fully prepared, whether it’s your first test or you’re renewing an old certificate.
What Is the DHA Medical Fitness Certificate?
The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate is recognized as a legal proof of health status, confirming an individual’s medical fitness based on blood test and chest X-ray screening for infectious diseases issued by the Dubai Health Authority under Law No. 5 of 2025 concerning public health in Dubai for work or residency approval. It is required for employment, visa applications, and certain professional licenses for individuals aged 18 and above. However, those under 18 are not required to undergo this.
Why Is the DHA Medical Fitness Certificate Important?
The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate is important because expatriates over the age of 18 years need it for visa issuance or renewal, job or sponsor changes, education or healthcare registration, professional licensing, company setup, family visa sponsorship, health insurance, and other legal purposes as per the official portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Here are five key reasons why the DHA Medical Fitness Certificate is important:
- It is required to obtain or renew a UAE visa and residence permit.
- It allows job or sponsor changes within the UAE.
- It is needed for education enrollment or healthcare registration.
- It supports professional licensing and company setup processes.
- It is necessary for family visa sponsorship and health insurance.
Who needs a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate in Dubai?
The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate is required for expatriates aged 18 years and above who apply for or renew a UAE residence visa as per the Emirates Health Services (EHS) in the UAE. The fitness certificate confirms the applicants are free from infectious diseases and fit to live or work in Dubai as per UAE health and residency regulations.
- Expats aged 18 and above
- First-time visa applicants
- Visa renewals for employment or dependents
What Types of Tests are required to get a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate?
The type of tests required to get a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate are blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis, a chest X-ray for tuberculosis, leprosy screening, and, in some cases, additional vaccinations based on occupation type.
- General medical examination
- Blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis)
- Chest X-ray for tuberculosis
- Leprosy screening
- Additional vaccination requirements by occupation
What are the Separate Medical Test Requirements for specialities?
Some professions in Dubai require extra medical tests for DHA fitness certification. For example, domestic workers and high-risk job holders must take Hepatitis B vaccination, Syphilis, and pregnancy tests. Below are some specifically required tests.
For Domestic Workers and High-Risk Jobs:
- Hepatitis B vaccination
- Syphilis and pregnancy test (with sponsor consent)
For Healthcare Professionals:
- Screening for HIV, TB, Leprosy, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis
How to Apply for a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate?
To apply for a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate, you need to follow a few simple steps through the Dubai Health Authority’s Smart App or website. The entire process is online, making it convenient for applicants to book appointments, complete forms, and track results without visiting multiple offices.
- Create a DHA Account
- Log in and choose “Medical Fitness Service”
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents
- Select the testing centre and schedule an appointment
- Pay fees online
- Visit the centre for testing
- Track application status
- Download or collect your certificate
Create an Account on the DHA Portal
Start by creating your account on the DHA website or Smart App. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to access all medical fitness services and manage everything from there.
Log in and choose “Medical Fitness Service”
After logging in, look for the “Medical Fitness Service.” This is where your application begins. It’s the official step to book your medical tests for visa or residency purposes.
Complete the online application form
Now fill out the form carefully. Add your details just as they appear on your passport and visa. Only a minor mistake here could delay your approval, so double-check before you mark that complete.
Upload required documents
Next, upload your passport copy, Emirates ID, visa page, and a photo. Some people may also need to attach a sponsor letter, especially if it’s for a new visa or job change.
Select the testing centre and schedule an appointment
Pick a DHA-approved medical centre near you. Choose a time slot that works best; mornings are usually less crowded. Booking in advance helps you avoid longer waits later.
Pay fees online
Pay the testing fee through the secure online system using a card. Regular service costs less, but if you’re in a hurry, you can pick the express option for faster results.
Visit the centre for testing
On your appointment day, bring all your original documents. The test includes a quick physical check, blood test, and chest X-ray. It usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Track application status
You can easily track or check your DHA Medical Fitness Certificate application status on the official app, so no need to visit the centre. It updates once your results are ready.
Download your certificate
When your results are cleared, download the DHA Medical Fitness Certificate directly online from the app or dha portal. You can also collect it from the centre.
What Documents Are Required for the DHA Medical Fitness Application?
To complete your DHA Medical Fitness application, you must provide valid identification and visa-related documents. These confirm your identity and legal status in the UAE, allowing DHA to process your request quickly and accurately.
- Original passport and copy
- Emirates ID or entry permit
- Residence visa or visa copy
- Passport-size photo
- Contact details
- Status change receipt if applicable
How much is the fee for a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate in Dubai?
The cost of getting a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate in Dubai depends on the type of service you select. The Standard service costs AED 250 and takes 24 hrs of processing time. For quicker results, you can choose the Express service for AED 700, which takes 6 hours, or the VIP option for AED 1,020, which completes the process in 2 hours. Additionally, the Smart Salem service, known for its fast and fully digital process, also costs AED 700 with 30 minutes of processing.
| Service Type | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Standard | 250 |
| Express | 700 |
| VIP | 1,020 |
| Smart Salem | 700 |
How much time is required to get a Medical Fitness Certificate?
The time required to receive a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate in Dubai varies by service type, with standard taking 24 hours, Express 6 hours, VIP 2 hours, and Smart Salem 30 minutes. For women undergoing a pregnancy test, the results are released along with the other medical test outcomes.
| Service Type | Result Time |
|---|---|
| Standard | 24 hours |
| Express | 6 hours |
| VIP | 2 hours |
| Smart Salem | 30 minutes |
What Does the DHA Medical Fitness Certificate Show?
The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate displays your personal information, passport number, nationality, and photograph, along with laboratory results for infectious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Tuberculosis. It clearly states whether you are medically Fit or Unfit for residency or employment in the UAE, includes the examination date, issuing authority (DHA), and the certificate’s official validity period.
- Fit means the person is medically healthy and free from infectious or communicable diseases, making them eligible to live, work, or study in the UAE
- Unfit means the individual has a medical condition, often a contagious disease, that disqualifies them from obtaining or renewing a UAE visa.
What Medical Conditions Can Lead to an ‘Unfit’ Status?
Medical conditions that can lead to an ‘Unfit’ status on a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate include tuberculosis (active cases), HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C (for high-risk jobs), syphilis, and leprosy. These diseases are considered contagious and pose a risk to public health, which makes applicants medically ineligible for a UAE residence or employment visa.
What are the Approved DHA Medical Fitness Centers?
DHA has approved Medical Fitness Centres across Dubai, where residents and expatriates undergo health screening, blood tests, and X-rays for visa and employment certification. Below we have provided a list of 21 DHA-approved medical fitness centres.
- Al Garhoud Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Lusaily Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Muhaisnah Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Nahda Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Quoz Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Rashidiya Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Yalayis Medical Fitness Centre
- AXS Medical Fitness Centre
- Bur Dubai Medical Fitness Centre
- Dubai Airport Free Zone Medical Fitness Centre
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Medical Fitness Centre
- Dubai Land Department Medical Fitness Centre
- Emirates Airline Medical Fitness Centre
- Emirates Medical Fitness Centre (Dubai Healthcare City)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) Medical Fitness Centre
- Smart Salem Centre – City Walk
- Smart Salem Centre – Index Tower
- Smart Salem Centre – Dubai Knowledge Park
- Zabeel Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Karama Medical Fitness Centre
- Al Quoz Mall Medical Fitness Centre
What are the Common Mistakes to avoid while applying for a Medical Fitness Certificate in Dubai?
Applying for a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate requires attention to detail. Even small mistakes can cause delays or rejection. Understanding common errors helps applicants complete the process smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications during medical testing and document verification for visa or employment purposes.
- Submitting incomplete or unclear documents.
- Using a non-approved DHA medical fitness center.
- Entering incorrect passport or visa details in the online form.
- Missing scheduled appointments or arriving late for tests.
- Ignoring occupation-specific test or vaccination requirements.
- Uploading low-quality or unreadable scanned documents.
- Not checking application status or updates on the DHA portal.
- Visiting the center while sick may affect test results.
- Forgetting to carry the original passport and Emirates ID.
- Paying fees through unverified or unofficial links.
What Should You Do If You Face Problems or Delays?
If you face problems or delays in your DHA Medical Fitness process, don’t panic. Most issues are easy to fix. From technical errors to delayed reports, understanding the right steps and contacting DHA support helps resolve matters quickly and ensures your certificate is issued without extra delays.
What should I do to have a Smooth DHA Medical Fitness Process?
To have a smooth DHA Medical Fitness process, starts with proper preparation and organization. Booking early, keeping documents ready, and using official DHA platforms can save time, reduce stress, and help you complete your medical tests and certificate collection without unnecessary delays or confusion.
- Book your appointment early
- Verify documents before submission
- Keep digital copies ready
- Choose a nearby approved centre
- Use the Smart App for faster tracking
Sample of DHA Medical Fitness Certificate
FAQs About the DHA Medical Fitness Certificate
Yes, most residency, employment, and family visas in the UAE require a medical fitness certificate. It confirms that the applicant is free from infectious diseases and medically fit to live and work in the country.
The DHA will mark you as “unfit,” and your visa will get rejected if you fail. However, you can appeal or retake the test if there was an error or after completing treatment.
The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If you don’t complete your visa process within this period, you’ll need to undergo testing again.
No, the DHA certificate is valid only for use in Dubai. Other emirates, such as Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, require medical fitness certificates issued by their respective health authorities, like DOH or EHS.
You can reschedule your test or request data correction through the DHA Smart App or website. Always verify your details before submission to avoid delays or processing errors.
Yes, someone can collect it on your behalf, but they must carry an authorization letter, a copy of your Emirates ID, and their own valid identification for verification at the DHA center.
Renew your passport before applying if it is close to expiring. The DHA system requires valid passport details for issuing certificates and linking your records with immigration authorities.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement during examination and X-rays. Avoid accessories or tight garments that might interfere with medical imaging procedures.
Yes, all DHA medical fitness centers are equipped with ramps, accessible counters, and priority services to assist people of determination during registration, testing, and document collection.
Yes. You need a valid medical fitness certificate to get a DHA license in Dubai. It confirms that you are physically and mentally fit to practice in the healthcare field.
