How To Get DHA Medical Fitness Certificate Online In UAE?

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Are you applying for a UAE residency or work visa and unsure how to start the medical screening process? Understanding how to get a DHA medical fitness certificate online is essential for anyone planning to live or work in Dubai.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requires all residents, workers, and dependents to undergo a medical fitness test to ensure they do not pose any public health risk. This certificate is a critical part of the visa application and renewal process.

With advancements in digital services, DHA now allows you to apply for this certificate through an online portal or the DHA Smart App, simplifying what used to be a more complex and time-consuming process.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything from required documents and test centers to booking appointments and downloading your certificate—all without stepping into a typing center unless needed.

What Is A DHA Medical Fitness Certificate?

A DHA medical fitness certificate is an official document issued by the Dubai Health Authority. It confirms your health status after completing specific medical tests. The primary goal of this certificate is to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and ensure public safety.

You need this certificate to:

Apply for a new residency visa in Dubai
Renew an existing UAE visa
Switch employers or visa sponsors
Sponsor family members or dependents

Without this certificate, your visa application will be incomplete. It is particularly crucial for individuals working in sensitive job roles like healthcare, food services, education, and domestic work.

These roles often require additional tests and faster certification timelines due to public interaction. DHA’s online systems have made this process more accessible, allowing you to apply, track, and download your certificate from your home or office.

Who Must Apply For The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate In UAE?

The DHA medical fitness certificate is mandatory for various categories of residents and employees in Dubai.

You must apply for this certificate if you fall under any of the following groups:

First-time residency visa applicants
Individuals renewing their UAE residency visa
People changing their job or sponsor
Spouses, children, and other dependents under family sponsorship
Professionals working in high-risk sectors such as healthcare, food services, beauty and wellness, education, and domestic work.

If you are over 18 years old and applying for a visa or its renewal, this test is compulsory. Children under 18 are typically exempt unless otherwise specified by immigration or health regulations.

What Are The Types Of Medical Tests Included In The DHA Certificate?

The DHA medical fitness evaluation includes a series of medical tests designed to detect communicable diseases and confirm your general health. Depending on your visa category and profession, you may undergo different screenings.

The main tests include:

General medical examination to check overall fitness
Blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis
Chest X-ray to detect pulmonary tuberculosis
Leprosy screening for specific professions
Pregnancy test for female domestic workers and certain job roles
Vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis B for food handlers or caregivers)

The type and number of tests may vary depending on the nature of your employment or visa type.

How Can You Apply For The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate Online?

You can complete almost the entire DHA medical fitness application online through the DHA website or the DHA Smart App.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Register on the DHA Smart App or Portal: Create an account using your Emirates ID, passport number, or email address.
Select Medical Fitness Services: From the dashboard, choose the option to apply for the medical fitness certificate.
Enter Your Personal Information: Fill in your personal and contact details accurately.
Upload required documents: Valid passport, entry permit or residence visa, recent passport-size photograph, Emirates ID, and sponsor letter if applicable.
Book an Appointment: Choose a DHA-approved medical fitness center and select a convenient time and date.
Make Online Payment: Use a credit or debit card to complete the transaction.
Attend the Medical Test: Visit the selected center with original documents. The tests typically take 30 to 90 minutes.
Track Application Status and Download Certificate: Use the portal or app to check the status. Once approved, you can download the certificate directly.

What Documents Are Required To Apply For The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate?

Ensure that you have the following documents ready when applying online:

A clear scanned copy of your valid passport
Entry permit or current residence visa
Passport-size photograph (as per UAE standards)
Emirates ID (if already issued)
Letter from sponsor or employer (if applicable)

Submitting complete and correctly formatted documents helps prevent delays or rejection of your application.

What Are The DHA Medical Fitness Certificate Fees And Payment Methods?

The cost of obtaining your DHA medical certificate depends on how quickly you need the results. DHA offers multiple service levels to meet different urgency requirements.

DHA Medical Fitness Certificate Fees And Processing Time

Service Type	Fee (AED)	Result Time	Application Method
Standard Service	250	24-48 hours	DHA Portal/App
Express Service	700	6 hours	DHA Portal/App
VIP Service	1,020	2 hours	DHA Portal/App
Smart Salem Centre	700	30 minutes	Smart Salem Website/App

Accepted Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards via the DHA Smart App or website
Online payment gateways
Cash payments at typing centers or some DHA-approved centers

Always check which payment methods are accepted by the center you choose before your appointment.

Where Can You Take The DHA Medical Fitness Test In Dubai?

Dubai offers over 20 DHA-approved medical fitness centers, each designed to make your medical evaluation process smooth and efficient. You can select any center during the online appointment process.

What Are Some Notable Centers?

Medical Fitness Center	Location
Smart Salem Centre	City Walk
Bur Dubai Medical Fitness Centre	Bur Dubai
Al Karama Medical Fitness Centre	Al Karama
Al Quoz Medical Fitness Centre	Al Quoz
Al Muhaisnah Follow-Up Centre	Al Muhaisnah

Smart Salem Centres are popular for their fast turnaround time and digital facilities. These centers deliver results in as little as 30 minutes using paperless technology and AI-assisted diagnostics. Choose a location that is convenient and meets your timeline for receiving the certificate.

How Do You Track And Download Your DHA Medical Fitness Certificate?

Once you complete your medical examination, you can easily track the status and download the certificate:

Log into your DHA Smart App or web portal
Click on the “Medical Fitness” tab
Enter your reference number, Emirates ID, or passport details
View your current status In Process, Pending, Completed
Once completed, download the certificate in PDF format

The certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Make sure to use it within this window for your visa application or renewal.

What Are The Common Issues And How Can You Solve Them?

While the DHA process is generally efficient, you may encounter some occasional issues.

Here are common problems and their quick solutions:

Delayed Test Results: Ensure all documents were correctly submitted. Contact the medical center if no update is received within 48 hours.
Payment Not Processed: Check internet connection and retry. Alternatively, use a different card or method.
Incorrect Certificate Details: Report immediately through the DHA portal or visit a typing center with original documents for corrections.
Technical Errors on App: Restart the app or switch to the web portal. Use DHA’s customer support if the issue continues.
Missing Appointment Confirmation: Double-check your email and app notifications. If not received, contact your chosen center.

Addressing these promptly helps avoid visa processing delays.

When Should You Use A Typing Center Instead Of Applying Online?

Although online application is convenient, you may want to use a DHA-approved typing center in the following situations:

You do not have access to a smartphone or an internet connection
You need help understanding the application process
You’re unsure about document formatting or uploads
Language is a barrier for you in navigating English or Arabic apps

Typing centers are staffed with professionals who can manage your entire application process and provide printed receipts and status updates.

What Should You Know Before Booking The DHA Medical Fitness Test?

Before heading to your scheduled appointment, here are a few practical tips:

Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for X-rays and blood tests
Carry original versions of all submitted documents
Arrive at least 15 minutes early
Avoid heavy meals if you’re scheduled for blood tests
Women should be prepared for pregnancy screening if applicable to their job role

Being well-prepared can help you complete the medical exam faster and avoid the need for rescheduling.

Conclusion

Securing your DHA medical fitness certificate online is a vital step in completing your UAE residency or employment visa process. It ensures you meet Dubai’s public health standards and do not pose any health risks to the community.

Thanks to digital innovations like the DHA Smart App and online portal, the entire application can be managed from the comfort of your home, minimizing paperwork and delays.

By understanding the steps involved, gathering the necessary documents, and choosing the appropriate service level, you can obtain your certificate efficiently and on time.

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your visa, being well-prepared makes a big difference. Use this guide to simplify the process and get your DHA medical fitness certificate without hassle.