UAE Residence Visa Medical Test: What to Expect, Costs, and Passing Requirements (2026)

Every person applying for a UAE residence visa must pass a medical fitness test. This is non-negotiable and applies regardless of your nationality, job title, or who is sponsoring you. The test is straightforward, but failing it means your visa application will be rejected and, depending on the disease detected, you may face deportation.

This guide covers exactly what the medical test involves, where to take it, how much it costs, and what happens if you do not pass.

Who Needs the Medical Test?

The medical fitness test is mandatory for:

• All new residence visa applicants aged 18 and above
• Renewal applicants who have been outside the UAE for more than six months and are returning to renew from within the country
• Domestic workers and housemaids, regardless of age in some emirates
• Food handlers, healthcare workers, and salon employees require additional screening

Children under 18 do not need a medical test to be sponsored. They are exempt.

If you are already in the UAE on an employment entry visa and your employer is processing your residence visa, you must complete the medical test before the visa stamp can be issued. Your medical results are linked directly to your visa file through the UAE ID system.

What Diseases Are Screened?

The UAE screens for specific infectious diseases that pose a public health risk. The standard panel includes:

HIV/AIDS

HIV testing is mandatory for all applicants. A positive result means automatic visa rejection. There is no appeal. The person is typically required to leave the UAE within 30 days. If the person is already employed, the employer must terminate the visa and the person must depart.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Active pulmonary tuberculosis is screened via chest X-ray. If active TB is detected, the person must undergo treatment before the visa can be processed. The UAE has treatment protocols in place, but the visa is put on hold until treatment is completed and a follow-up test confirms the person is no longer infectious. This process typically takes three to six months.

Latent TB (TB that is not active) does not disqualify you from getting a visa. Only active TB in the lungs causes a problem.

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis screening applies to specific professional categories:

• Healthcare workers and medical professionals
• Food handlers, cooks, and kitchen staff in restaurants and hotels
• Salon workers, beauticians, and barbers
• Domestic workers in some emirates

General office workers and non-client-facing employees are usually not tested for hepatitis unless the emirate requires it. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Ministry of Health both operate this screening.

Syphilis

Some occupational categories require syphilis screening, particularly healthcare workers and food handlers.

Where to Take the Medical Test

Medical tests are conducted at government-approved health centres, not at private hospitals. Each emirate operates its own centres:

Dubai

Dubai has several typing centres and health centres approved for medical testing:

• Al Ras Health Centre (Deira) : the largest and busiest centre
• Al Twar Health Centre
• Muhaisnah Health Centre
• Barsha Health Centre
• Various approved private medical centres

Book an appointment through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) app or website. Walk-in is accepted but expect significant queues, especially between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi uses the Department of Health (DOH) approved centres:

• SAHA Medical Centre (SEHA)
• Mediclinic centres (designated branches)
• Various private hospitals with approval

Book through the DOH app or the Tadweer service.

Sharjah

Sharjah medical testing is handled through:

• Sharjah Health Authority centres
• University City Health Centre
• Approved private clinics in Al Nahda and Al Majaz

Other Emirates

RAK, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain each have designated government health centres. Your PRO or employer typically arranges the appointment.

What Happens at the Medical Test?

The process is quick and straightforward. Expect to spend approximately 30 to 45 minutes at the centre, including waiting time.

Step 1: Registration

You need:

• Original passport
• Visa application entry permit or Emirates ID registration paper
• Passport-size photograph (usually taken at the centre)
• Your file number or application reference

You fill out a short registration form and pay the testing fee.

Step 2: Blood Test

A blood sample is drawn from your arm. The lab tests for:

• HIV antibodies
• Hepatitis B surface antigen (for occupational categories)
• Hepatitis C antibodies (for occupational categories)
• Syphilis (for specific categories)

The blood draw takes about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Chest X-ray

A digital chest X-ray is taken to screen for active pulmonary tuberculosis. The X-ray is approximately AED 100 if charged separately but is included in the standard test fee.

The entire X-ray process takes about 5 minutes. You stand against the machine, hold your breath for a few seconds, and it is over.

Step 4: Additional Tests (Occupational Categories Only)

Food handlers, healthcare workers, and salon staff may also need:

• Stool sample for intestinal parasites (healthcare and food workers)
• Skin swab testing (salon workers)

These are not required for general office or professional workers.

Medical Test Fees (2026)

Costs vary by service level and emirate:

Additional Costs

• Medical fitness certificate card (physical card): AED 20-40
• Re-test after TB treatment: AED 320 (same as initial test)
• Retest for failed applicants: Full fee applies again

Who Pays?

In employment situations, the employer typically covers the medical test cost as part of the visa processing expenses. If you are self-sponsoring (freelance visa, investor visa, or family sponsorship), you pay out of pocket.

How to Check Your Results

Most emirates now deliver results digitally:

• Dubai: Check through the DHA app or Dubai Now app. Results are sent as SMS notification with a link.
• Abu Dhabi: Check through the DOH app or TAMM platform.
• Sharjah: Contact the health centre directly or check through the Sharjah government app.

Results are sent to your registered phone number and email address. You do not need to return to the centre to collect results unless you specifically want a physical certificate.

The medical fitness certificate is also linked digitally to your Emirates ID application. The immigration authority can see your results directly.

What Happens If You Fail?

Consequences depend on which disease is detected:

HIV Positive

• Visa application is immediately rejected
• You are required to leave the UAE within 30 days
• If you are already employed, your employer must cancel your visa
• You are placed on an immigration blacklist and cannot re-enter the UAE
• No appeal process exists

Active Tuberculosis

• Visa is put on hold
• You are referred to a government TB treatment centre
• Treatment typically takes 3 to 6 months
• After completing treatment, you must re-test
• If the re-test is clear, your visa proceeds normally
• You are allowed to remain in the UAE during treatment

Hepatitis B or C (for occupational categories)

You may still get your visa if:

• You are not in a food handling, healthcare, or salon role
• You switch to a job category that does not require hepatitis screening
• Your hepatitis is well-managed and you are not in a high-risk occupation

For food handlers specifically: a positive hepatitis result means you cannot work in food preparation. Your employer may redeploy you to a different role.

Medical Test Validity

The medical fitness certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If your visa is not processed within 90 days, you must retake the test.

This matters most when:

• You entered the UAE on an employment visa and your employer is slow to process the residence visa
• You are switching employers and the new visa takes time
• You are applying for a family visa and there are delays

If your medical results expire before the visa is issued, you will need to pay the full test fee again.

Renewal Medical Tests

If your visa is being renewed and you have been continuously inside the UAE, you generally do not need to retake the medical test. It is required once per visa cycle (typically two or three years depending on your visa type).

However, you will need a new test if:

• You left the UAE for more than six months and are returning to renew
• You are applying for a visa type change (e.g., switching from employment visa to freelance visa)
• Your previous visa expired and has been cancelled

Golden visa holders and investor visa holders do not typically need renewal medical tests unless they are applying for a new category.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Book early in the morning: The centres are busiest between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Arriving right at opening (usually 7:00 AM) minimises your wait.
• Bring your original passport: Copies are not accepted for registration.
• Do not eat for 3 hours before: While the blood test is not a fasting test, some centres recommend avoiding heavy meals.
• Dress simply: The X-ray requires you to remove heavy outerwear, belts, and metal items. A loose t-shirt works best.
• Keep your receipt: You may need it for follow-up or to prove payment if results are delayed.

Common Questions

Can I take the medical test at a private hospital?

Only at approved centres. Private hospitals that are not government-approved for medical screening cannot issue valid medical fitness certificates for visa purposes.

Is the test the same in every emirate?

The diseases screened are the same across the UAE, but the centres, booking systems, and minor procedural details vary by emirate.

What if I am pregnant?

Chest X-rays are safe during pregnancy if the abdomen is shielded, but inform the medical staff. They will take additional precautions. The blood test is unaffected by pregnancy.

How long does the entire process take from start to finish?

Registration takes 10 minutes. The blood draw takes 2 minutes. The X-ray takes 5 minutes. Including waiting time, plan for a 30 to 45 minute visit. Results arrive within 2 to 4 working days by default.

Related Resources

If you are navigating the UAE visa process for the first time, these guides cover other essential steps:

• How to sponsor family in the UAE - family sponsorship visa requirements and costs
• UAE employment visa process explained - how employers process your work visa from start to finish
• UAE Golden Visa vs Investor Visa - compare long-term visa options