Is it required to take the medical test for UAE Residence Visa?

      Yes, it is mandatory for all the expatriates seeking to obtain work permits or residence visas in UAE to be certified as medically fit and free of contagious diseases. To ensure this, foreign nationals must provide proof in the form of medical reports from medical examination centers in the UAE.

      In order for the UAE to grant or renew a residence visa for all expatriates, males and females, have to undergo and pass medical fitness tests at government approved health centres in the UAE.

      If you are applying visit visa or tourist visa or in case if you want to renew the same , you would not need to get a medical test done.

      The standard medical Test involves screening for communicable diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, leprosy, syphilis, and tuberculosis to ensure the UAE community health.

The required Medical Test for UAE residence Visa and what happens during the medical test

HIV (by testing their blood) and;

Pulmonary tuberculosis (by taking an x-ray of their chest).

      Those found to be HIV positive or having tuberculosis will be considered medically unfit and therefore will not be granted a residence visa. They will be deported immediately by the UAE’s authorities back to their country of origin.

      Residents who are detected with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are also considered medically fit.

      In this case, they are granted a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence’ subject to treatment and follow-up by the Department of Preventive Medicine or equivalent government health authority.

      Hence, if you suspect to be suffering from a communicable disease it is advisable to get yourself tested in your home country first.

In addition, the following categories of workers should test negative for syphilis and Hepatitis B:

Workers in nurseries

Domestic workers including housemaids, nannies, and drivers

Food handlers and workers in restaurants and cafes

Workers in saloons and beauty centers

Workers in health clubs

Female domestic workers must test negative for pregnancy

     Those found with scars or active TB or found having drug-resistant TB will be issued a conditional fitness certificate and be issued residence visa for one year. They will then have to undergo treatment in the UAE.

     Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap)manages medical tests in Northern Emirates- Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaima, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.

     The cost for the test can vary depending on how quickly you would like to get the test done.

Documents Required to get the medical test done for UAE Residence Visa

You must submit the following documents to the medical fitness during your medical test procedure:

Valid Passport Copy.

Valid Residence Permit/Visa Copy.

2 Passport size photograph with white background.

Valid Emirates ID copy (only for renewal of residence visa)