No. Children under 18 years old are exempt from health screening when applying for a UAE residency visa. Only adult applicants (18 and above) are required to complete the medical fitness examination.

The entire process — registration, doctor’s assessment, blood test, and chest X-ray — takes approximately 15 minutes. Wait times may vary during peak hours, so arriving early is recommended.

The blood test screens for communicable diseases including:

• Hepatitis B & C
• HIV/AIDS
• Leprosy
• Syphilis
• Tuberculosis (TB)

A pregnancy test is also available if required or requested.

Sahara Visa Medical Centre makes the registration process smooth — as long as you arrive with the right paperwork. Here is what to bring:

• Original passport — valid and unexpired
• Copy of your UAE entry or visit visa — the page showing your visa stamp or e-visa printout
• Recent passport-size photograph — white background preferred
• Sponsor or employer details — if your company is sponsoring your visa, bring the offer letter or trade license copy

If you are transferring sponsors, bring both your previous and new visa details. Missing documents can delay your registration, so double-check before you arrive.

The residency visa medical screening covers three main tests, all completed in one visit:

• Doctor’s assessment — a brief physical check-up where the doctor reviews your general health and medical history
• Blood test — a small blood sample is taken to screen for communicable diseases (see below for the full list)
• Chest X-ray — a standard X-ray to screen primarily for tuberculosis (TB) and other lung conditions

The entire process typically takes around 15 minutes from registration to completion. Results are processed by the lab, and your certificate is issued once ready—you will be notified by SMS and email.

Yes, you can visit—but you must inform our doctor before any tests begin. At Sahara Visa Medical Centre, pregnant applicants are automatically exempted from the chest X-ray, as radiation carries risk to the developing baby even at low doses.

If you are unsure whether you are pregnant, our doctor will conduct a pregnancy test first to confirm your status before proceeding. Your pregnancy status will appear on your medical report as required by UAE immigration.

Once confirmed, your application continues without the X-ray, and the doctor issues the appropriate exemption on your certificate. You may be asked to return after delivery to complete the full screening depending on your visa requirements.

Your medical fitness certificate issued at Sahara Visa Medical Centre is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You need to complete your UAE residency visa process within this window.

If your visa application is delayed and the certificate expires, you will need to undergo the screening again. To avoid unnecessary repeat visits, we recommend beginning your residency paperwork as soon as you receive your results.

For Golden Visa applicants or those renewing an existing residency, timelines may differ slightly. Contact our team at +971 6 537 4779 to confirm what applies to your specific case.

Sahara Visa Medical Centre notifies you through multiple channels once your certificate is ready.

• SMS — sent to your registered mobile number as soon as the certificate is issued
• Email — a digital copy is sent to your registered email address for your records
• GDRFA auto-transfer — results are electronically and automatically submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. You do not need to hand-deliver or submit anything yourself.

For standard screening, results are typically ready the same day or the next working day. If any follow-up is needed, our team will call you directly to explain the next steps.

Yes. Although we are based in Sharjah, our visa application typing service covers all seven Emirates:

• Dubai & Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah, Ajman & Umm Al Quwain
• Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah

Each emirate’s immigration authority has slightly different portals and submission requirements. Our typing team knows these differences and handles the correct format and submission for each—you simply bring your documents, and we manage the rest.

The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit valid for 5 or 10 years, self-renewable, that lets you live, work, and study in the UAE without needing an employer as a sponsor. Sahara Visa Medical Centre assists with the medical and application side of the Golden Visa process.

Those eligible include:

• Investors — AED 2 million or more in real estate or a UAE business
• Entrepreneurs — founders of approved UAE startups or businesses above the threshold
• Specialised talent — professionals in medicine, engineering, science, arts, culture, and sports
• Outstanding students — high-achieving graduates from UAE or top international universities
• Frontline heroes — medical and humanitarian workers recognised by UAE authorities
• Retired professionals — meeting specific financial and residency criteria

Golden Visa holders can also independently sponsor their spouse, children of any age, and domestic workers.

Learn about our Golden Visa service →

We handle the full Golden Visa journey so you do not have to navigate multiple offices or government portals on your own. Here is how we support you step by step:

• Step 1—Medical fitness examination—completed on-site at our Medical Examination Centre
• Step 2—Emirates ID typing—Our team prepares and submits your Emirates ID application accurately
• Step 3—Visa application typing—we type and submit your Golden Visa application to the relevant authority
• Step 4—Follow-up support—we track your application and keep you updated on status and any additional requirements

Having everything handled under one roof at Sahara Centre means fewer trips, fewer errors, and a faster overall process. Call us at +971 6 537 4779 or WhatsApp +971 56 811 2246 to get started.

Yes. Sahara Visa Medical Centre offers a complete Emirates ID typing and application service for both new applications and renewals. Our staff fills in your application accurately on the ICA portal and submits it on your behalf.

A common reason Emirates ID applications are rejected is errors in the form — incorrect passport numbers, spelling mistakes, or missing fields. Having our trained team handle the typing significantly reduces this risk.

After submission, you will receive a confirmation reference number and can track your card status via the ICA website or UAE PASS app. The physical card is typically delivered within 5 to 15 working days.

An Occupational Health Certificate (OHC) is an official medical document confirming that an employee is physically fit to carry out their job safely. It is a legal requirement in many UAE industries and is separate from the standard residency visa medical.

Sectors that commonly require an OHC include:

• Construction and engineering
• Food handling and hospitality
• Healthcare and medical services
• Education and childcare
• Security and law enforcement
• Manufacturing and industrial work

Sahara Visa Medical Centre issues OHCs through our dedicated Occupational Health Certificate service. Many employers request it before offering employment or at annual contract renewals.

Sahara Visa Medical Centre’s pre-employment medical exam is thorough and covers all standard UAE employment requirements. Tests typically include:

• General physical assessment — blood pressure, weight, height, and overall health review by the doctor
• Blood tests—communicable disease screening (Hepatitis B & C, HIV, syphilis, TB)
• Chest X-ray — to check for tuberculosis and lung conditions
• Urine analysis — screening for kidney function and certain infections
• Vision test — required for roles involving driving, machinery, or fine detail work
• Hearing test — for roles in high-noise industrial environments

Specific tests may vary based on your employer’s requirements or job type. Bring any instruction form or letter from your employer when you visit so our team can tailor the examination accordingly.

Yes. Our vaccination service includes travel consultations where our doctor recommends the right vaccines based on your destination, travel duration, and health history.

Timing matters more than most people realize:

• Some vaccines need 2 or 3 doses spaced weeks apart—for example, full Hepatitis B protection requires 3 doses over 6 months
• Single-dose vaccines still need a few days to build immunity before they are effective
• We recommend visiting at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure date

During your appointment, bring your old vaccination booklet or health records if available — this helps our doctor avoid repeating vaccines you have already received and identify any gaps in your protection.

Sahara Visa Medical Centre is open six days a week with extended weekday hours:

• Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, then 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday: Closed

We are located at Sahara Centre, Basement Floor (Bank Entrance), Al Nahda Street, Sharjah, UAE. The mall has ample paid parking and is well-connected by public transport.

Our team is available across multiple channels—use whichever is most convenient:

• Landline: +971 6 537 4779—general enquiries and appointment bookings
• WhatsApp: +971 56 811 2246 — quick questions, document checks, and same-day booking confirmations
• Email: sahara.mec@emitac.ae—detailed enquiries, corporate requests, and sending scanned documents
• Instagram: @ehsscreening — service updates and general messages

For urgent matters during operating hours, WhatsApp usually gets the fastest response. For corporate or bulk booking inquiries, email is preferred so we can prepare a detailed proposal.

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Yes, Sahara Visa Medical Centre provides a dedicated home visit service for patients who are unable to come to us—including elderly individuals, those recovering from surgery or illness, people with physical disabilities, or anyone with mobility challenges.

Our medical team travels to your home or residence within Sharjah, bringing the necessary equipment to conduct the following:

• General health assessments and consultations
• Blood sample collection for lab testing
• Basic diagnostic checks
• Vaccination services (subject to confirmation)

To book, call +971 56 402 8010 or WhatsApp +971 56 811 2246 and describe the services you need so our team can bring the right equipment.

We are a complete one-stop immigration and medical services centre — not just a clinic for the visa medical. Here is everything we offer under one roof at Sahara Centre, Sharjah:

• Medical fitness examination — for residency, employment, embassy, and Golden Visa
• Visa application typing — for all seven Emirates
• Change of UAE visa status — e.g. visit visa to residency
• Emirates ID typing and submission — new applications and renewals
• Golden Visa assistance — end-to-end support
• Occupational Health Certificate (OHC) — for employment requirements
• Pre-employment medical examination
• Vaccination programmes—routine, travel, and occupational
• Medical fitness for embassy—for immigration to UK, Canada, Schengen, and more
• Home visit service — for patients unable to travel

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Walk-in patients are welcome during all operating hours for most of our services — including the standard residency visa medical, OHC, Emirates ID typing, and vaccination. You do not need a prior appointment for routine visits.

That said, calling or WhatsApp messaging ahead is helpful in these situations:

• You need a specific vaccine and want to confirm it is in stock
• You are visiting for an embassy medical that may require prior preparation or specific forms
• You are bringing a group for pre-employment medicals and need to arrange scheduling
• You are visiting close to opening or closing time and want to guarantee you will be seen

For routine services during mid-day hours on weekdays, walk-ins are usually seen quickly with minimal waiting time. The last token is issued 30 minutes before closing — plan accordingly.