Table of Contents
- Why Medical Testing Matters for Domestic Workers
- Legal Requirements in Dubai
- What Tests Are Required?
- Standard Blood Screening
- Chest X-Ray
- Additional Tests for Female Workers
- Physical Examination
- The Medical Testing Process: Step-by-Step
- Costs and Processing Times
- Medical Test Fees
- Who Pays?
- Processing Timeframes
- Before Hiring: Pre-Employment Considerations
- Discuss Health Requirements Upfront
- Choose Reputable Recruitment Channels
- Budget for All Medical Costs
- Verify Agency Claims
- After Hiring: Ongoing Health Responsibilities
- Visa Renewal Requirements
- Health Insurance Considerations
- Monitoring for Communicable Diseases
- Creating a Healthy Work Environment
- Common Issues and How to Handle Them
- Failed Medical Test - What Now?
- Pregnancy Discovery
- Inconclusive or Borderline Results
- Lost or Delayed Certificates
- Approved Medical Centers in Dubai
- Smart Salem Centers
- EGSH Medical Centers
- Government Health Centers
- Verification Before Booking
- Employer Responsibilities and Legal Compliance
- Mandatory Obligations
- Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Documentation to Keep
- Worker Rights
- Key Takeaways for Dubai Employers
- Working with Imdad Center for Hassle-Free Hiring
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Hire Your Domestic Worker the Right Way?
Blog|26 Jan 2026
Medical Tests for Maids & Domestic Workers in Dubai: What You Must Know
Why Medical Testing Matters for Domestic Workers
If you're planning to hire a maid, nanny, driver, or any domestic helper in Dubai, medical fitness testing isn't optional—it's a legal requirement that protects both you and your employee. The UAE takes public health seriously, and these screenings are designed to ensure that everyone living and working in the country maintains minimum health standards.Beyond legal compliance, understanding the medical testing process helps you plan your hiring timeline, budget accurately, and avoid visa processing delays. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from the first medical check to renewal requirements years down the line.
What you'll learn in this article: The specific tests required, exact costs, where to get tested, what happens if results come back positive, and your ongoing responsibilities as an employer. Whether you're hiring your first domestic worker or renewing an existing visa, this information will save you time, money, and potential legal headaches.
Legal Requirements in Dubai
According to the UAE Cabinet Resolution on Medical Examinations, all expatriates over 18 years old must undergo mandatory medical screening to obtain or renew their residence visa. This applies universally to domestic workers, including housemaids, nannies, private drivers, and household supervisors.The law is straightforward: no valid medical fitness certificate means no residence visa. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Abu Dhabi Department of Health oversee these screenings to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and ensure public safety.
For domestic workers specifically, classified as "Category B" in the medical testing system, the requirements include additional screenings beyond what other visa categories need. Female domestic workers face extra requirements, including mandatory pregnancy testing, which we'll cover in detail below.
Important timing note: Medical fitness certificates must be obtained within the UAE after your domestic worker arrives on their entry permit. Tests conducted abroad are not accepted for residence visa processing.
What Tests Are Required?
The medical fitness examination for domestic workers consists of several components designed to screen for communicable diseases. Here's exactly what your employee will undergo:Standard Blood Screening
Every domestic worker must have blood tests to check for:- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) - A positive result leads to visa denial and deportation under UAE law
- Hepatitis B - Tests for active infection that could be transmitted through blood contact
- Hepatitis C - Similar screening to detect viral liver infection
- Syphilis - Mandatory for all domestic workers, regardless of role
Chest X-Ray
A chest radiograph screen for active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Given that domestic workers often live in close quarters with families, TB screening is non-negotiable. The X-ray must be performed at a DHA-approved facility with digital imaging capabilities.Additional Tests for Female Workers
Female domestic workers, including maids and nannies, must undergo:- Pregnancy test - Female workers testing positive for pregnancy will have their results reported to the employer/sponsor. The sponsoring employer may then choose to proceed with the visa application or withdraw it. The decision rests with the sponsor, not an automatic policy denial.
Physical Examination
A licensed physician will conduct a brief physical assessment to check for obvious health conditions that could affect the worker's ability to perform their duties or pose health risks to the household.The Medical Testing Process: Step-by-Step
Understanding the process helps you guide your domestic worker through it smoothly and avoid delays. Here's what happens from start to finish:Step 1: Entry Permit Arrival
Your domestic worker arrives in the UAE on an entry permit (also called a work permit). Medical testing cannot begin until they're physically present in the country.
Step 2: Choose an Approved Center
Book an appointment at a DHA-approved medical center. In Dubai, Smart Salem centers are the most common choice, offering streamlined processing. You can also visit EGSH or other authorized facilities listed by the health authority.
Step 3: Documentation Required
Bring these documents to the medical center:
- Valid passport with entry stamp
- Entry permit printout
- Passport-sized photographs (some centers require these)
- Payment (cash or card accepted at most facilities)
The actual medical examination takes approximately 30 minutes. Your worker will give blood samples, have a chest X-ray taken, and undergo a brief physical check. The entire process happens in one visit.
Step 5: Results and Certificate
Processing times vary based on the service level you choose. Standard processing takes 24-48 hours, while express services deliver results the same day. Once cleared, the medical fitness certificate is uploaded directly to the immigration system.
Step 6: Visa Processing Continues
With a "fit" medical result, you can proceed with Emirates ID application and residence visa stamping. If there's an issue with the results, you'll be notified immediately.
Costs and Processing Times
Budget planning is important when hiring domestic help. Here's what you can expect to pay for medical fitness testing in Dubai as of 2026:Medical Test Fees
According to DHA-approved centers, the official fee structure is:- Standard Service (24-48 hours): AED 250 - AED 320
- Fast Track Service (24 hours): AED 450 - AED 550
- Express/VIP Service (same day): AED 700 - AED 1000
- Category B Specific Fee: AED 360 + service center administrative fees
Who Pays?
By law and standard employment practice in the UAE, employers bear the cost of medical fitness testing for their domestic workers. This is considered part of your hiring expenses, similar to visa fees and Emirates ID costs.Processing Timeframes
- Standard: 24-48 hours for results
- Express: Same day or within 12 hours
- Overall visa impact: Add 2-5 business days to your total residence visa timeline
Before Hiring: Pre-Employment Considerations
Smart employers think about medical testing before they even select a candidate. Here's how to protect yourself and ensure smooth hiring:Discuss Health Requirements Upfront
When interviewing potential domestic workers, be transparent about the medical testing requirements. While you cannot ask detailed personal health questions (this would be discriminatory), you should inform candidates that:- Medical fitness testing is mandatory
- Certain health conditions result in automatic visa denial
- Pregnancy related legal conditions
Choose Reputable Recruitment Channels
Working with licensed recruitment agencies like Imdad HR ensures that candidates are pre-screened and aware of medical requirements. Reputable agencies often conduct preliminary health checks in the worker's home country, though these don't replace UAE medical testing.Budget for All Medical Costs
Beyond the initial fitness test, budget for:- Annual medical check-ups (good practice, though not legally required)
- Emergency medical situations
- Health insurance (increasingly required for domestic workers)
Verify Agency Claims
If an agency claims a worker has "passed" medical tests abroad, remember that only UAE-conducted tests count for visa purposes. Don't let overseas medical certificates create false confidence about the process.After Hiring: Ongoing Health Responsibilities
Your health-related responsibilities don't end once the visa is stamped. Here's what you need to know about ongoing compliance and care:Visa Renewal Requirements
Domestic worker visas are typically issued for two years. When renewal time comes, your employee must undergo the complete medical fitness test again. The process and requirements are identical to the initial screening, and current fees apply.Start the renewal process 60-90 days before visa expiry to avoid gaps in legal status. A lapsed visa can result in fines of AED 25-100 per day and potential deportation.
Health Insurance Considerations
While historically not required for domestic workers, health insurance regulations are tightening across the UAE. Abu Dhabi already requires valid health insurance for visa screening, and Dubai is expected to follow suit.Providing basic health insurance protects both you and your employee. It covers routine medical care, emergency treatment, and reduces your out-of-pocket liability if your worker becomes seriously ill.
Monitoring for Communicable Diseases
Though not a legal requirement, responsible employers stay alert to signs of contagious illness. If your domestic worker shows symptoms of tuberculosis (persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats) or other serious conditions, seek medical evaluation promptly.Early detection protects your household and gets your employee the treatment they need. Dubai offers free TB treatment at government facilities, removing financial barriers to care.
Creating a Healthy Work Environment
Prevention is better than treatment. Ensure your domestic worker has:- Adequate rest time and proper sleeping arrangements
- Nutritious meals
- Access to medical care when needed
- Regular days off to reduce stress and burnout
Common Issues and How to Handle Them
Not every medical test goes smoothly. Here's how to handle the most common problems employers face:Failed Medical Test - What Now?
If your domestic worker tests positive for HIV, active tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C, the visa application will be rejected. UAE law is absolute on this point—there are no exceptions or appeals for these conditions.Your options:
- The worker must return to their home country
- You'll need to restart the hiring process with a new candidate
- Some costs (recruitment fees, airfare) may be reimbursed depending on your agency contract
Pregnancy Discovery
Female domestic workers are one of the few categories required by law to undergo a pregnancy test during their medical fitness examination for both new residence visas and visa renewals.If a domestic worker tests positive for pregnancy, the visa is not automatically denied by the government in all cases, but it depends heavily on the employer (sponsor).
Prevention tip: Reputable agencies conduct preliminary pregnancy screenings before workers travel to the UAE, minimizing this risk.
Inconclusive or Borderline Results
Occasionally, test results are unclear or show borderline values. The medical center may request:- Repeat testing (usually at no extra charge)
- Additional specialized tests
- Consultation with a specialist physician
Lost or Delayed Certificates
Medical certificates are uploaded electronically to the immigration system. If there's a technical glitch or administrative delay:- Contact the medical center's customer service immediately
- Request manual upload or certificate reissuance
- Keep all receipt documentation to prove the test was completed
Approved Medical Centers in Dubai
Only DHA-approved facilities can conduct valid medical fitness tests. Using unauthorized centers will result in rejected results and wasted money. Here are the main options in Dubai:Smart Salem Centers
The most common choice for residence visa medical testing. Smart Salem has multiple locations across Dubai and offers:- Fast processing times (30-minute appointments)
- Digital certificate upload to immigration systems
- Multiple service tiers (standard to VIP)
- Online booking systems
EGSH Medical Centers
Another popular DHA-approved provider offering:- Competitive pricing
- Fast-track options
- Convenient locations in major Dubai areas
- Good customer service reputation
Government Health Centers
Some government facilities in Dubai conduct medical fitness tests at lower costs, though:- Wait times may be longer
- Fewer appointment slots available
- Processing may take 3-5 days versus private center speed
Verification Before Booking
Always verify that a medical center is currently DHA-approved before booking. Check the official Dubai Health authority website or call their helpline at 800-342 to confirm authorization status. Red flags to avoid:- Unusually low prices (below AED 200)
- Centers offering to "guarantee" results
- Facilities that don't require in-person visits
- Any center promising overseas medical certificates will be accepted
Employer Responsibilities and Legal Compliance
Understanding your legal obligations protects you from fines, visa cancellations, and potential criminal liability. Here's what the law requires from employers:Mandatory Obligations
As a domestic worker employer in Dubai, you must:- Ensure timely medical testing - Complete all required health screenings before residence visa application
- Cover all costs - Medical tests, visa fees, and Emirates ID expenses are employer responsibilities
- Maintain valid immigration status - Keep track of visa expiry dates and initiate renewals on time
- Provide safe working conditions - This includes health and safety standards within your home
- Report serious health issues - If a domestic worker develops a communicable disease, notify health authorities
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to meet these obligations can result in:- Visa application rejection
- Fines ranging from AED 1,000 to AED 50,000
- Temporary or permanent ban on hiring domestic workers
- Legal liability if an unscreened worker transmits disease
Documentation to Keep
Maintain copies of:- Medical fitness certificates (digital and physical)
- Payment receipts from medical centers
- Visa documents and Emirates ID cards
- Employment contract with health clause
Worker Rights
Remember that domestic workers have rights too. They're entitled to:- Dignified treatment during medical examinations
- Privacy regarding their health information (you'll know only pass/fail for visa purposes)
- Medical care if they become ill during employment
- Fair treatment if health conditions develop that weren't present during initial screening
Key Takeaways for Dubai Employers
Hiring domestic help in Dubai involves navigating medical testing requirements that directly impact your ability to bring workers into your home. Here's what matters most:Medical fitness testing is mandatory and non-negotiable for all domestic workers. Tests screen for HIV, tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, with female workers also requiring pregnancy tests. Budget between AED 250-700 depending on processing speed, and expect 24-48 hours for standard results.
Plan your hiring timeline around medical testing—it adds approximately one week to visa processing when you factor in appointments, results, and document submission. Work with approved medical centers only, as unauthorized facilities produce invalid certificates that immigration won't accept.
Failed medical tests mean starting over with a new candidate, so choose reputable recruitment agencies that pre-screen workers and offer replacement guarantees. Keep documentation of all medical certificates, as you'll need them for visa renewals every two years.
Most importantly, understand that medical testing protects everyone—your family's health, your employee's wellbeing, and public health in Dubai. It's not bureaucratic red tape; it's responsible employment practice that creates safer households and communities.
Working with Imdad Center for Hassle-Free Hiring
Navigating medical testing requirements, visa applications, and domestic worker recruitment can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time employers. That's where professional recruitment services make the difference.Imdad HR specializes in domestic worker placement throughout Dubai and the UAE, handling every step of the process including:
- Pre-screening candidates for medical fitness before they travel
- Coordinating medical appointments at approved centers
- Managing visa applications and Emirates ID processing
- Providing replacement guarantees if medical tests fail
- Offering ongoing support throughout the employment period
The real value? Peace of mind. You can focus on welcoming your new domestic worker into your home while experts handle the paperwork, appointments, and compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. UAE residence visa medical tests must be conducted within the country at DHA-approved facilities. Tests from home countries aren't accepted.
The visa application is automatically rejected, and the worker must return to their home country. You'll need to hire a new candidate. Work with agencies offering replacement policies to minimize financial loss.
The certificate is valid for the duration of the residence visa (typically two years). Workers must undergo complete testing again at renewal time.
No. Positive results for HIV, active TB or Hepatitis B/C result in automatic visa denial with no appeals process under UAE law.
While not universally required in Dubai yet, health insurance is increasingly becoming standard practice and is already mandatory in Abu Dhabi. It's highly recommended for both legal protection and worker welfare.
Smart Salem centers typically offer the quickest service, with same-day express options available. Standard processing at any DHA-approved facility takes 24-48 hours.
You're responsible for providing access to medical care. Serious communicable diseases must be reported to health authorities. For routine illnesses, ensure your worker can visit clinics or hospitals as needed.
Ready to Hire Your Domestic Worker the Right Way?
Medical testing is just one piece of the domestic worker hiring puzzle, but it's a piece you can't afford to get wrong. Understanding the requirements, costs, and processes ensures you stay compliant with UAE law while protecting your household's health and wellbeing.Don't navigate this complex process alone. Whether you're hiring your first maid, nanny, or driver, or renewing an existing domestic worker's visa, having expert guidance saves time, money, and stress.
Contact the Imdad Center today to discuss your domestic worker needs. Our team handles everything from candidate selection and medical testing coordination to full visa processing and ongoing employment support. Let us manage the paperwork while you prepare to welcome reliable, fully-screened domestic help into your home.
