How to Apply for Medical Fitness Test in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

To apply for a medical fitness test in Dubai, book an appointment at an approved centre through the ICP or DHA portal, pay the fee, and attend with your Emirates ID or passport and two photos. Most results are ready within 24-48 hours.

Why the medical fitness test matters in 2026

Every new employment, residency, or family visa requires a medical fitness test. The test screens for infectious diseases and confirms you are fit to live and work in the UAE. Without it, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) and the Immigration, Citizenship & Ports Security (ICP) will not issue or renew your visa.

Where to take the test: approved centres in Dubai

Only centres authorised by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) can issue the fitness certificate. Popular locations include:

• Al Baraha Medical Fitness Centre
• Al Quoz Medical Fitness Centre
• Al Twar Medical Fitness Centre
• Jebel Ali Medical Fitness Centre
• International Modern Hospital, Bur Dubai

Check the DHA website or the ICP app for the latest list and opening hours, as new centres open each year.

Step-by-step: how to apply for the medical fitness test

1. Prepare your documents

Bring originals plus copies of your passport, Emirates ID (if you already have one), and two recent passport-size photos with white background. If you are applying for a family visa, each dependant needs their own set.

2. Book your appointment

Use the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) or the ICP Smart Services app. Select “Medical Fitness Test” → choose the centre and a time slot. Same-day appointments are often available, but mornings fill up quickly.

3. Pay the fee

Pay online when you book. The 2026 fee is AED 300 for adults and AED 200 for children under 15. Verify the current fee with DHA before you go, as prices can change.

4. Attend the appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early. The process takes 30–45 minutes: registration, photo, blood test, X-ray, and a quick physical check. You will receive a receipt with a tracking number.

5. Collect your results

Results are sent by SMS and email within 24–48 hours. If everything is clear, the fitness certificate is uploaded automatically to your ICP file and is valid for 90 days.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing an unapproved lab — results will be rejected by GDRFA.
• Forgetting to fast if required for certain blood tests.
• Applying under the wrong visa category (employment vs. family), which can cause delays.
• Not checking the ICP portal for real-time status — many people miss that their certificate is already issued.

Tips for a smooth experience

• Book the first slot of the day to avoid crowds.
• Wear a short-sleeve shirt for easy blood draw.
• Keep your ICP tracking number safe — you will need it for typing and Emirates ID renewal.
• If you are pregnant, inform the centre in advance; X-rays are not performed.

Medical fitness test vs. other health checks

The fitness test is different from the DHA COVID-19 PCR or the annual occupational health check required by some companies. It is specifically for visa issuance and is mandatory for every new or renewed residency visa.

What happens if you fail the test?

Failure is rare but usually relates to tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis B/C, or certain infectious diseases. You will be referred to a DHA-approved clinic for treatment or further testing. Your visa process is paused until you receive medical clearance or, in some cases, you must leave the country.

Key takeaway

Book your medical fitness test through the official ICP portal, use only DHA-approved centres, and keep your tracking number handy. The process is straightforward, inexpensive, and usually completed in two days, letting you move on to Emirates ID issuance and visa stamping without delay.