Every expat renewing a UAE residency visa must pass a medical fitness test administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Here is what the process looks like in 2026 — where to go, what is tested, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
Who Needs a Dubai Medical Fitness Test?
The medical fitness test is required for:
- New UAE residency visa applicants
- Residency visa renewals
- Domestic workers, nurses, teachers, and food handlers (additional tests may apply)
Children under 18 and UAE nationals are generally exempt. If you are unsure whether your category requires the test, check with your employer's PRO or HR department before booking — some visa categories have specific DHA requirements that differ from the standard process.
What Is DHA Medical Typing?
In Dubai, "medical typing" refers to the process of submitting — or "typing" — the medical fitness application through an authorised typing centre. The term dates from an earlier era when applicants had to visit a typing centre to have their application filled in and formally submitted on their behalf.
Since 2017, the DHA process moved entirely online — but the search term persists because many people still use it. Today, "DHA medical typing" and "booking a medical fitness test" are effectively the same thing: submitting your application for the medical fitness test, which you can now do yourself via the DHA website or the Dubai Now app without visiting any typing centre at all.
Some authorised typing centres still offer the service for a fee, but it is entirely optional. You are not required to go through a typing centre, and doing so adds no advantage to your application.
Where to Get Your Medical Fitness Test in Dubai
Medical fitness tests are conducted at DHA-approved centres across the city. You do not need to go through a typing centre — you can book directly online and attend your appointment.
DHA Medical Fitness Centres
- Al Muhaisnah Medical Fitness Centre — Al Muhaisnah 2 (near Mirdif)
- Al Quoz Medical Fitness Centre — Al Quoz Industrial Area
- Bur Dubai Medical Fitness Centre — Bur Dubai
- Al Twar Medical Fitness Centre — Al Twar, Deira
All DHA medical fitness centres now operate strictly on appointments — there are no walk-ins. You must book a slot in advance via the DHA portal or Dubai Now app before attending.
You can also get the test done at many private hospitals and clinics accredited by DHA. Private facilities are often significantly faster — both in terms of appointment availability and results turnaround — and are a good option if you are working to a tight visa deadline. The trade-off is a slightly higher fee.
One important tip before booking: many employers' PRO departments arrange the medical fitness test on behalf of new employees as part of the visa application process. Check with your HR or PRO team first — if they are handling it, you will not need to book independently.
How to Book a Medical Fitness Test in Dubai
- Go to the DHA website (dha.gov.ae) or the Dubai Now app
- Select "Medical Fitness" under Health Services
- Enter your Emirates ID or passport number and choose a centre and time slot
- Pay the fee online (AED 300–350 for standard fitness test)
- Attend your appointment and bring your original passport and Emirates ID
- Original passport
- Emirates ID (or copy if not yet issued)
- Booking confirmation
- Employer letter (if required by your category)
What Tests Are Done?
The standard medical fitness test includes:
- Chest X-ray — to screen for tuberculosis
- Blood test — to screen for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and leprosy
- Basic physical examination
Additional tests apply for specific professions: nurses require more detailed blood panels; food handlers require stool tests; domestic workers may require additional screening. If you are in a regulated profession, confirm the exact requirements with DHA or your employer's PRO before your appointment to avoid being turned away or having to return for supplementary tests.
How Much Does It Cost?
| Test type | Approx. cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Standard fitness test (DHA centre) | 300–350 |
| Standard fitness test (private clinic) | 350–500 |
| Additional profession-specific tests | 100–300 extra |
Fees are set by DHA and subject to change. Check dha.gov.ae for current rates.
How Long Does It Take?
At a DHA centre, the test itself takes 30–60 minutes. Results are typically available within 3–5 working days. You will not receive a paper certificate — results are delivered directly to your ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) account and are accessible via the UAEICP app or Dubai Now. Once results are processed, the system automatically updates your residency visa application status without any further action needed on your part.
If you book at a private clinic and need a faster turnaround, some offer results within 24 hours. This can be worth the slightly higher cost if your visa renewal is time-sensitive or if your employer needs confirmation quickly. Always confirm the turnaround time with the clinic when you book.
What If You Fail?
If your test reveals a condition such as tuberculosis or HIV, your visa application will be declined and you will be required to leave the UAE. You have the right to request a re-test within a specified period if you believe the result is incorrect. Contact DHA directly to initiate the appeals or re-test process — do not leave the country before doing so, as this complicates the appeals procedure.
For conditions that are treatable and not on the automatic exclusion list, DHA may issue a provisional clearance pending treatment. Speak to the DHA medical officer at the centre on the day if you have a known condition you are concerned about.
Do You Still Need a Typing Centre?
No. Since 2017, DHA medical fitness applications can be completed entirely online or at the DHA centre itself. Typing centres are no longer required for this process. Some authorised typing centres still offer the service as a convenience, but you will pay their service fee on top of the DHA fee — it adds no value for most applicants.
The Salama Digital Platform
In 2026, GDRFA launched Salama — an AI-powered platform that allows residents to complete many visa-related transactions digitally, including linking medical test results to visa renewal applications without visiting a service centre. If your employer's PRO is using Salama, your medical fitness clearance will automatically flow through to the renewal once results are available, with no manual submission required.
Ask your HR or PRO team whether they are registered on the Salama platform, as it significantly reduces overall processing time and eliminates several manual steps from the renewal workflow. For larger companies with dedicated PRO teams, Salama is quickly becoming the default way to handle visa renewals in Dubai.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
- Book the earliest available morning slot — DHA centres can get busy in the afternoon, and morning appointments tend to have shorter waiting times
- Bring original documents, not copies — a missing original causes same-day rejection and requires you to rebook
- Do not eat a heavy meal before your blood test — fasting is not always required, but a light stomach reduces the chance of complications with the draw
- Wear comfortable clothing — you will change into a gown for the chest X-ray, so avoid complicated layers or metal-heavy outfits
- If you have a pre-existing condition flagged in the blood test, bring supporting medical documentation from your home country — a doctor's letter explaining a known condition (and confirming it is managed) can prevent unnecessary delays and flag concerns before results are processed
