Welcome back to Lawgical, where we untangle the legal knots so that you don’t have to. I’m Ludmila Yamalova, a US-qualified lawyer based in Dubai, and in each episode, we decode the laws that shape everyday life in the UAE.
Today, we’re talking about a step that every expat must go through, but that’s often underestimated or misunderstood: the mandatory medical examination as part of the UAE’s residency visa process.
In the UAE, obtaining a residence visa is not just about filling out forms. It also involves a set of legal and procedural requirements, one of which is proving that you are medically fit in accordance with UAE law. Importantly, the residency process is Emirate-specific. This means your residency application is filed in the Emirate where you intend to live or work, and in practice, some of the medical requirements may be applied slightly differently from one Emirate to another.
The requirements discussed today apply only to those seeking UAE residency—not to tourists. Some countries require medical tests even for tourist visas, but here, we’re focused solely on residents and those seeking long-term stays.
Legal Framework
The legal requirement for expatriates to undergo a medical exam as part of their visa application was first set out in Cabinet Resolution No. 7 of 2008 concerning the medical examination system for expats coming to the UAE for work or residency. This law is still valid, though it has been amended over time. The amendments are incorporated into the current framework, and no new law has replaced it.
So, whether you’re applying as an employee, a dependent, a Golden Visa applicant, or another category—every residence visa application requires a medical fitness test.
Thanks to the UAE’s smart government initiatives, the systems are integrated. Once you take your medical test at an approved facility, the results are electronically communicated to immigration. You no longer need to print and carry your results between departments.
Types of Tests Involved
The type of tests you’ll undergo depends on the visa category and job type. However, a blood test is mandatory across all cases. For some categories, chest X-rays and urine tests are also required.
Generally, three main medical conditions can disqualify someone from obtaining a UAE residence visa:
- HIV/AIDS
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hepatitis B and C (depending on job category)
- Leprosy
- Syphilis
- Pregnancy (for certain domestic roles)
HIV/AIDS
This is an absolute bar to residency. If you test positive, you are disqualified from proceeding with your residency application. There’s no appeal process or exemption for treatment within the UAE. This applies not only to first-time applicants but also to long-term residents renewing their visas.
We had a case where a long-term resident, with family and assets in the UAE, tested positive during renewal. They received a call—not a certificate—and were given 30 days to leave the country. Their biometrics (facial and eye scans) were taken, resulting in a permanent ban from entering the UAE, even as a tourist.
Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is treated differently. As per Article 2.3, if you test positive for old or active TB, you’re initially deemed unfit. However, if you agree to supervised treatment under the government’s DOTS program, you may receive a one-year visa with the note “subject to treatment” on your medical certificate.
Failure to attend three consecutive follow-ups results in a declaration of medical unfitness and non-renewal of the visa.
Some individuals are exempt from TB screening altogether:
- Diplomats (upon recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Immediate family of UAE residents (spouses, children, parents)
- Major investors (subject to Emirate-level approval)
- Others designated by the Joint Committee under the Ministry of Health
Even exempt individuals must undergo mandatory monitoring if they test positive.
Hepatitis B and C
These are job-dependent screenings. As per Article 2.2(a), the following professions require hepatitis B and C testing:
- Babysitters and domestic workers
- Nursery/kindergarten staff
- Salon and health club workers
- Healthcare professionals
In practice, some Emirates test all applicants regardless of job. We had an investor client, not applying for any of these roles, who was still tested for hepatitis during his residency process.
There are Emirate-specific differences. Some apply broader tests; others only test those in designated roles. This inconsistency means applicants—regardless of their intended work—should be prepared to undergo hepatitis testing.
If you’re found positive but not working in a controlled profession, you may still be granted residency. However, you must not take up work in restricted roles. If you’re switching jobs, you must change your job category within 30 days to keep your residency valid.
In cases of previous infection or ongoing vaccination, authorities may require proof of immunization or re-vaccination at renewal.
Leprosy and Syphilis
Leprosy results in automatic denial for all applicants, with no exceptions.
Syphilis testing is limited to the same job categories listed under hepatitis screening. If you’re applying for one of these roles and test positive, your application will be rejected.
Pregnancy Screening
Pregnancy testing applies only to domestic workers (nannies, cleaners, drivers, live-in help). Testing is required during application or renewal, but pregnancy itself is not a disqualifier.
The sponsor (employer or family) decides whether to proceed with the application. This is especially relevant when a long-term nanny becomes pregnant and the employer must choose whether to continue or end her employment.
Testing Facilities and Administration
All medical exams must be conducted at government-approved preventive medicine centers. Results from private or foreign facilities are not accepted. While the federal law sets the baseline, each Emirate may enforce it slightly differently.
Some Emirates are stricter on vaccine compliance and follow-ups. Integration with immigration systems ensures results are smoothly shared. There are VIP centers that offer faster results for an additional fee.
Medical certificates are valid for three months. You may obtain your test early if you expect delays in applying or renewing your visa.
Centralized Registry
All results are logged in a centralized national database. If you’re disqualified in one Emirate, it applies across all Emirates. Authorities maintain statistics on disqualified applicants by disease, age, gender, and nationality.
Final Thoughts
Residency in the UAE is not just a legal formality. It is a detailed process involving mandatory medical requirements under Cabinet Resolution No. 7 of 2008. The required medical screening varies by profession, nationality, and Emirate.
Some conditions, like HIV, result in automatic rejection. Others, such as TB or hepatitis, may allow for treatment and conditional approval. Understanding the law—and how it’s applied in your Emirate—is key to navigating this process effectively.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Lawgical. For more insights, visit www.lylawyers.com. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or watch us on YouTube.
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