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A DHA Sick Leave Certificate is an officially recognized medical document issued by a licensed physician or dentist through a DHA-approved health facility following the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations under the UAE Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law). It certifies that an employee or resident is unfit for work due to illness. This certificate is submitted through the Sheryan system, which records the diagnosis, ICD-10 code, and recommended rest days, maintaining workplace health standards.
The sick leave certificate serves as formal proof that an individual requires medical attention and rest, as well as helps prevent the spread of contagious diseases in professional and public environments. It is important to protect both the employee and employer by verifying the case is genuine, avoiding any unnecessary vacations through expired or illegally edited certificates.
Obtaining a sick leave certificate follows a clear and standardized process with options to apply online via the DHA portal or app, or in person at DHA-approved medical centers where a licensed physician evaluates the patient’s health, diagnoses the illness, and determines the recommended duration of rest. This process ensures that sick leave is medically justified, fair, and documented in accordance with UAE labor laws.
DHA sets clear limits on how much sick leave each professional can authorize. General practitioners and dentists can approve up to 5 days, specialists up to 14 days, and consultants up to 30 days as per The DHA Sick Leave Policy and the DHA circular (23 Oct 2024). Telehealth consultations are allowed but only for short illnesses, and the leave granted through telehealth cannot exceed 1 day, following the same policy. In short, the certificate specifies the number of sick leave days without losing pay, the doctor’s recommendation, and its validity period, ensuring clarity and compliance for employers and employees alike.
Our Experts have covered everything you need to know about the DHA Sick Leave Certificate, including the application process, requirements, costs, download methods, validity period, and tips to avoid rejection, providing a complete resource for residents and workers in Dubai. But if you are still having any confusion, feel free to avail our free consultation services.
What is a DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
A DHA Sick Leave Certificate is an official document issued by licensed physicians that confirms an employee’s illness or is unfit to work, as per the DHA regulation. It specifies the medical condition, duration, and treatment, complying with UAE labor laws (UAE Federal Law No. 33 of 2021). Employers must accept and verify certificates, as issuing a wrong or fraudulent DHA sick leave certificate can lead to fines, license suspension or revocation, and legal action.
What is the Purpose of the DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
The Purpose of the DHA Sick Leave Certificate includes establishing a healthy work environment, caring for patients’ health, and preventing the spread of contagious illnesses. It ensures employees receive lawful sick leave with pay, provides documented proof for HR and labor compliance, and supports employers in managing absenteeism while maintaining productivity and adherence to UAE labor laws. The 3 main purposes are:
- Ensuring Public Health Safety
- Employee and Employer Protection
- Supporting Workplace Productivity
Who Requires a DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
A DHA Sick Leave Certificate is required by employees across all sectors who need formal documentation for their sick leave, especially when it exceeds self-certified days as per the DHA Sick Leave Policy. Healthcare professionals, food industry workers, domestic staff, teachers, and hospitality employees must obtain it to comply with workplace regulations. It is also necessary for individuals applying for work permits, visa-related processes, or submitting proof of illness for HR or insurance purposes.
- Employees in Dubai
- Employers Requesting Medical Clearance
- High-Risk Occupation Workers
What are the Requirements for Obtaining a DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
The Requirements for obtaining a DHA Sick Leave Certificate include a copy of the passport, Emirates ID, relevant medical reports or doctor’s notes, and a completed application form with the required fee. These requirements ensure proper verification and compliance with DHA regulations.
- Valid Passport Copy
- Emirates ID
- Medical Reports / Doctor’s Notes
- Application Form and Fee Payment
How to get a sick leave certificate from DHA in Dubai?
A DHA Sick Leave Certificate is required by employees across all sectors who need formal documentation for their sick leave, especially when it exceeds self-certified days. Healthcare professionals, food industry workers, domestic staff, teachers, and hospitality employees must obtain it to comply with workplace regulations. It is also necessary for individuals applying for work permits, visa-related processes, or submitting proof of illness for HR or insurance purposes.
Main Steps to Issue a Sick Leave Certificate:
- Access the Dubai Health Authority’s portal and log in.
- Enter the patient’s details, the professional’s name, the requested sick leave days, and other necessary information.
- Acknowledge the terms and conditions regarding the accuracy of information and potential rejections.
- Please review the information and submit your application for approval.
- Check the Audit Trail to track the status (e.g., “Issued”) and view details of the application.
- Once issued, you can view and download the certificate.
- Use the Verify Document service on the Sheryan portal with the barcode and pin to confirm the certificate’s authenticity.
What is the cost of a DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
The DHA Sick Leave Certificate in Dubai costs AED 70 for an attested version on the official website of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) . A standard, non-attested certificate is free, allowing employees to legally justify sick leave under UAE labor law. However, the cost varies by clinic, hospital, and service type, including in-person or online.
How much Time is required to obtain a DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
The time required to obtain a DHA Sick Leave Certificate ranges from the same day to a few days. It must be issued on the day of the patient’s visit, according to DHA policy.
What is the Validity Period of the DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
The DHA Sick Leave Certificate is valid only for the duration specified by the attending physician. Typically, it covers the exact number of days the patient is medically advised to rest, and it must be submitted to the employer or relevant authority within this period to be recognized. Certificates exceeding the prescribed period require a new medical evaluation.
What are the Uses of the DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
The DHA Sick Leave Certificate serves as an official document confirming an employee’s medical condition. It helps manage absenteeism, ensures compliance with labor laws, and provides proof of illness for employers or any official process requiring medical verification.
- Employee Leave Management
- Medical Record Keeping
- Workplace Dispute Prevention
- High-Risk Job Clearance
What are the Common Challenges in Obtaining a DHA Sick Leave Certificate?
Common challenges in obtaining a DHA Sick Leave Certificate include missing or incomplete medical documents, providing incorrect personal details, and using clinics or providers not approved by the DHA, which can delay approval or result in rejection of the certificate.
Tips for Obtaining a DHA Sick Leave Certificate Without Rejection
- Submit Complete and Accurate Documents
- Use DHA-Approved Clinics
- Verify Eligibility and Required Medical Tests
- Stay Updated with DHA Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions about DHA Sick Leave Certificate
DHA-approved physicians at licensed medical centers issue sick leave certificates in Dubai. Only certified doctors can provide legally recognized certificates for employment and visa purposes.
Check your status through the DHA app or portal by logging in with your Emirates ID or UAE Pass. Your certificate status will display as issued, pending, or invalid.
Certificates can be downloaded from the DHA online portal or app after issuance. Log in, select “Sick Leave Certificate,” and save or print the PDF for submission.
Employees in Dubai can take up to two consecutive days of sick leave without a medical certificate. Any additional leave requires a DHA-approved sick leave certificate to avoid penalties.
Misuse can lead to fines, legal action, employment termination, or other consequences under UAE labor law and DHA regulations, depending on the severity and intent of the misuse.
DHA reviews disputes by investigating the claim, verifying documents, consulting the issuing doctor, and issuing a resolution based on official policies and regulatory compliance.
