UAE Residence Visa Medical Test in Sharjah: EHS Fitness Certificate, Documents & Results (2026)

Original passport—valid for at least 6 months, plus a copy of the bio-data page

UAE Entry Permit—for new visa applicants (the permit issued before entry or on-arrival in the UAE)

Emirates ID card—for existing residents coming for visa renewal or re-examination

Passport-sized photographs—recent, white background (bring 2–3 copies to avoid delays)

Medical application form—available at the centre; can be typed at Sahara centre on arrival to save time

Payment—fees are set by Cabinet Resolution and are payable at the centre; confirm the current fee for your visa category when you call ahead

Blood Test Panel

Screens for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. A blood sample is taken at the center during the same visit. Results are processed and submitted directly to EHS electronically—no manual paperwork is required from the applicant.

Chest X-Ray

Tuberculosis (TB) screening is mandatory under a Cabinet Resolution for all residents. The X-ray is taken on-site. Those found with active or drug-resistant TB receive a conditional fitness certificate and are placed on a one-year treatment program under UAE public health protocols.

Additional Tests by Occupation

Food handlers, healthcare workers, teachers, and workers in close-contact roles may require additional screening or an Occupational Health Certificate (OHC) alongside the standard fitness test. Confirm requirements with your employer before your visit.

Arrive at Sahara Centre, Sharjah—Sahara Visa Medical Centre is located inside Sahara Centre. Walk-ins are accepted during opening hours. Check hours before traveling on a Friday or Sunday, as timings differ.

Type your medical application form—if you have not pre-typed your application, the medical application typing service is available at the center. This is a mandatory step before the medical test can be processed.

Blood sample collection and chest X-ray—both are performed on-site. The physical process takes approximately 20–30 minutes for most applicants. No fasting is required for the standard visa medical blood panel.

Results submitted to EHS—results are sent electronically to the Emirates Health Services system within 24 hours. You do not need to hand-carry results to any government office; the system update happens automatically.

Complete Emirates ID typing on the same visit—if you are at the same stage as your Emirates ID application, the Emirates ID typing service is available in the same centre, saving a second visit to a separate typing office.

Certificate issued—once your results clear (typically within 24 hours), your medical fitness certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Your visa stamping and Emirates ID registration must be completed within this window.

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Food Handlers

Chefs, waiters, cafeteria staff, food prep workers

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Healthcare Workers

Nurses, technicians, clinic and hospital staff

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Commercial Drivers

Logistics, delivery, and heavy vehicle operators

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Personal Services

Barbers, salon staff, spa and beauty therapists

Emirates ID Typing

ICP-registered typing service for new Emirates ID applications and renewals. Typing is done on-site while you wait—no separate AMER center trip required.

Visa Typing for All Emirates

Visa application typing for residency, employment, family, and dependent visa categories across all seven emirates. Accurate typing reduces rejection risk from form errors.

Change of Visa Status

Processing for status change applications within the UAE—tourist to residence, visit visa to employment visa, and related transitions handled without leaving Sharjah.

Golden Visa Processing

Medical fitness testing and application support for UAE Golden Visa applicants. The long-term residence visa (5 or 10 years) requires the same medical fitness clearance as standard residency.

Vaccination Services

Hepatitis B, flu, and other required or recommended vaccinations are available at the center. Particularly useful for healthcare workers and food handlers who need vaccination records as part of their OHC application.

Home Visit Service

Medical examination conducted at the applicant's location—available for individuals with mobility constraints, domestic workers, or household sponsors coordinating multiple applications at once.

What happens if my medical test result is unsatisfactory?

An unsatisfactory result does not automatically mean your visa is refused. The outcome depends on the specific condition found. For TB cases, a conditional fitness certificate is issued alongside a one-year residence permit during which treatment is completed under UAE health authority supervision. For HIV and certain other conditions, the result is reviewed by EHS, and a decision is made based on current public health policy. The center team can guide you through the process for your specific situation—speaking to staff before your appointment is strongly recommended.

How long does the EHS medical test take in Sharjah?

The physical examination—blood test and chest X-ray—takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes for most applicants at the center. Results are processed and submitted to EHS within 24 hours. If you are completing your medical application typing and Emirates ID typing on the same visit, allow 60 to 90 minutes total. Arriving early on a weekday minimizes any queue wait time.

Can I do the EHS medical test in Sharjah if my employer is based in Dubai?

Yes. A medical fitness certificate issued through an EHS-accredited center in Sharjah is recognized across the UAE for residency and employment visa processing. The certificate feeds into the federal ICP system regardless of which emirate your employer is based in. However, if your company specifically holds a Dubai trade license and your visa is processed through DHA-affiliated channels, confirm with your PRO whether a DHA-specific certificate is required before proceeding.

Do I need to fast before the EHS medical blood test?

No fasting is required for the standard visa medical fitness blood panel, which screens for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. These are communicable disease markers—not cholesterol or glucose readings—and do not require fasting preparation. Arrive hydrated, particularly if you are nervous about blood collection, as it makes the process faster.

What is the difference between an EHS medical test and a DHA medical test?

EHS (Emirates Health Services) governs medical fitness examinations in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. DHA (Dubai Health Authority, now operating under Dubai Health) governs the same process in Dubai. The tests screened for are equivalent—a blood panel and chest X-ray—but the issuing authority differs. A certificate from an EHS-accredited centre like Sahara Visa Medical Centre is not interchangeable with a DHA certificate for Dubai-specific visa processing, and vice versa. Your PRO or employer will confirm which authority your visa requires.

How long is the medical fitness certificate valid for?

The medical fitness certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Your visa stamping and Emirates ID registration must be completed within this 90-day window. If your visa processing is delayed beyond this period, you will need to undergo the medical test again. For long-term visa categories such as the UAE Golden Visa, the certificate accompanies the 5 or 10-year visa once issued and does not require separate renewal until the visa itself comes up for renewal.

Does changing jobs in the UAE require a new medical fitness test?

In most cases, yes. Transferring to a new employer involves a new employment visa application, which requires a new medical fitness certificate regardless of whether your previous certificate is still within its 90-day validity. If you are also changing occupational categories—for example, moving into food handling or healthcare from a non-regulated role—additional tests or an Occupational Health Certificate may apply. Confirm the exact requirement with your new employer's PRO before scheduling your test.