Medical Test

Any expat over the age of 18 must pass a medical test in order to get any type of residence visa. You will need to take a medical test every two or three years depending on when you need to renew your residence visa; domestic workers must take the test annually in line with their visa.

Taking the test

You will be tested for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV, and you will also need to have a chest x-ray to test for TB. If your tests are positive you will be deported to your home country.

If you are sponsored by your employer, your PRO will arrange for you to take the medical test. Otherwise, it’s up to you to get yourself to a government health authority medical fitness centre for the test. Once you have the results you will be able to proceed with the residence visa application or renewal.

Some centres offer complete medical tests for all applicants, others are dedicated to female, executive employees or domestic workers. They also offer varying services: normal, 24 or 48 hours, and VIP. Free zones often have their own medical centres, as does Emirates airline. In Abu Dhabi and Dubai, you can complete the necessary paperwork, submit required documents and pay the fees online on the health authority website.

All female domestic workers must also take a pregnancy test as part of the medical exam. Those working at nurseries, salons and health clubs, must also complete a course of Hepatitis B vaccinations, which costs Dhs.50; this is then valid for 10 years, so keep the certificate as proof.