Do I Need to Give A Medical Examination for the Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa program has attracted global attention for its promise of long-term residency, lifestyle benefits, and a pathway to economic stability. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in particular, has become a top choice for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals, and students seeking long-term opportunities in a thriving and safe environment.

However, one commonly asked question by applicants is, Do I need to give a medical examination for the Golden Visa in the UAE? The short answer is yes—but the details matter. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore what the UAE requires, what the medical test includes, why it’s necessary, and how to prepare.

Why Is a Medical Examination Required for the UAE Golden Visa?

The UAE government mandates a medical fitness test as part of the Golden Visa application process. This policy exists to protect public health and ensure that long-term residents do not carry contagious or high-risk illnesses that could burden the country’s healthcare system.

This health screening for visa purposes is standard practice, not just in the UAE but in many countries that offer long-term or permanent residency programs.

What Is the UAE Medical Fitness Test?

The UAE medical fitness test is a basic health screening designed to detect any serious communicable diseases. It’s a mandatory requirement for all long-term visa applicants, including those applying for the Golden Visa.

The test includes:

Blood Test: To check for HIV and Hepatitis B.
Chest X-Ray: To screen for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

Depending on your medical history or if your test results raise any red flags, you may be required to undergo additional investigations or treatment before your visa can be approved.

Who Must Take the Medical Exam?

If you’re applying for the UAE Golden Visa under any of the following categories, you are required to take the medical fitness test:

Investors
Entrepreneurs
Specialized talents (doctors, scientists, creatives)
Real estate investors
Executives or managers with exceptional skills

Even if you’re already living in the UAE and are adjusting your status to Golden Visa, you will still need to pass the medical exam again.

Is It Required for All Emirates? (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)

Yes. Whether you’re applying from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other Emirate, the medical examination is a national requirement. However, the medical fitness centers and their operational procedures may vary slightly depending on the emirate.

For example:

In Dubai, you must take the test at an approved Dubai Health Authority (DHA) center.
In Abu Dhabi, tests are conducted at centers authorized by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH).

When Do I Take the Medical Test?

You will take the medical exam after your initial visa application is accepted and you’ve been asked to proceed to the next steps. It’s typically one of the last steps before your residency visa is stamped in your passport or Emirates ID is issued.

Where Can I Take the Test?

The UAE has a wide network of approved medical fitness centers. You cannot simply go to a private clinic for this exam. It must be done at an approved government facility.

In Dubai, for example:

You can go to any DHA-approved facility like:

Al Muhaisnah Medical Fitness Center
Karama Medical Fitness Center
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) Medical Center

In Abu Dhabi, the DOH-approved centers include:

Disease Prevention & Screening Centers in Mussafah
Capital Health Screening Centre
SEHA facilities

Pro tip: Booking an appointment online in advance can save you time.

What Is the Cost of the Medical Examination?

The medical fitness test in the UAE is relatively affordable.

Approximate costs:

Standard service (24–48 hours): AED 300–400
Urgent service (4–6 hours): AED 600–700
VIP service (2–4 hours): AED 800–1000

The price can vary slightly based on the Emirate and the level of service you choose.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Results?

Most applicants receive their medical test results within 24 to 48 hours, although express options are available. Once your results are approved, the next steps in your residency stamping process or Emirates ID issuance can move forward.

What Happens If I Fail the Medical Test?

Failing the test doesn’t always mean rejection, but it depends on the condition detected.

Example Outcomes:

If HIV is detected: UAE law prohibits the issuance of a residency visa. The applicant will typically be asked to leave the country.
If active tuberculosis is found: You may be issued a conditional visa along with required treatment and follow-up. Inactive TB cases may be handled differently, with additional monitoring.

The UAE authorities take these matters seriously, and results are confidential but binding in the immigration process.

Do I Need a Medical Report If I’m Already a UAE Resident?

Yes. Even existing residents converting their standard residence visa into a Golden Visa must take a new medical fitness test. That’s because the Golden Visa is a long-term residency program (5 or 10 years), and the government needs updated health records.

Required Documents for the Medical Test:

Before heading to your medical fitness test appointment, be sure to bring:

Original passport
Copy of visa or entry permit
Recent passport-size photo
Emirates ID (if applicable)
Payment proof (if paid online)

What Happens After the Medical Exam?

Once you’ve passed your medical fitness test, the results are uploaded to the Ministry of Health’s database and shared with the relevant visa processing authorities.

After that, you’ll proceed to:

Biometrics capture (if required)
Emirates ID application
Residency stamping in your passport

Why Does This Step Matters?

Passing your medical examination isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal requirement and a reflection of your readiness to become a long-term resident of the UAE. It also ensures that the country maintains a safe and healthy population.

For most applicants, it’s a straightforward and stress-free process, provided you’re aware of the expectations and take care to complete it through official channels.

FAQs:

1. Can I take the UAE Golden Visa medical test outside the UAE?

No. You must take the test inside the UAE at an approved medical fitness center. This ensures standardized testing and alignment with UAE health regulations.

2. Is the test painful or complicated?

Not at all. It includes a simple blood draw and a chest X-ray, both of which are quick and non-invasive. The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes and is handled by trained professionals.

3. Do children need to take the medical fitness test?

Children under 18 years old are typically exempt from the test, but always confirm based on the specific visa guidelines. However, in rare cases, children with certain medical histories may still be assessed.

4. Is the medical test covered by health insurance?

No. The medical test for residency is considered a separate administrative process and is not covered under regular health insurance plans. You will need to pay for it out of pocket during the visa application process.

5. What happens if I’m diagnosed with inactive TB?

You may be issued a conditional one-year visa and required to undergo treatment and regular check-ups. Once cleared medically, you can often renew your visa without additional restrictions.

6. Can I appeal if I fail the medical test?

In some cases, yes. Especially if it involves documentation errors or false positives. You can apply for a review or retest, but appeals are subject to strict review. It’s best to consult legal or immigration experts before initiating the appeal process.

Final Thoughts:

If you’re considering applying for the UAE Golden Visa, don’t be intimidated by the medical examination requirement. It’s a routine health check that takes only a few hours and helps the UAE maintain public health standards.

Be honest in your medical history, go to an approved center, and keep your documents ready. With proper preparation, this step will be quick and painless—just one part of your exciting new journey toward long-term life in the Emirates.