UAE Visa Typing & Medical Test Process: A Complete Checklist

Quick Overview

If you’re a new expat moving to the UAE or changing your visa status, you’ll need to go through a few mandatory steps — visa typing, medical fitness test, and Emirates ID registration. These are essential for securing legal residency in the country. In this blog, we walk you through the UAE visa typing and medical test process with a step-by-step checklist to make it smooth and stress-free.

Whether you’re an employee, investor, or dependent, this guide will help you understand what to expect during each stage.

Step 1: Visa Entry Permit or Sponsorship

Before you begin the medical and ID procedures, your visa sponsor (employer, spouse, or company) must apply for a visa entry permit. This allows you to enter the country or change your status if you’re already inside the UAE.

Documents usually required:

Passport copy (with 6+ months validity)
Passport-sized photo with white background
Entry permit or visa application form
Copy of sponsor’s Emirates ID (if applicable)

Once the visa is issued, you can proceed to the medical and Emirates ID steps.

Step 2: UAE Visa Typing – What Is It?

Visa typing refers to the data entry process where your details are officially entered into the UAE immigration system before processing your residency.

Where to do it:

Authorized Typing Centers across the UAE
Online via ICP Smart Services or GDRFA portals

What you’ll need:

Entry permit copy
Passport copy
Photograph
Sponsor’s documents
Medical test appointment (in some cases)

Fees may vary based on visa type and duration.

Pro tip: Use authorized typing centers like Us or Tasheel Center to avoid delays.

Step 3: Schedule Your Medical Fitness Test

Medical screening is mandatory for all new UAE residents aged 18 and above. It helps ensure public health and checks for communicable diseases.

What’s tested:

Blood test for HIV, Hepatitis B
Chest X-ray for tuberculosis

Common results:

Fit: You can continue with visa stamping.
Unfit: Visa is rejected, and in serious cases, deportation may be required.

Step 4: Where to Take the Medical Test

You must visit a Government-approved Preventive Medicine Center. These are available in all emirates.

Dubai:

Al Muhaisnah Medical Fitness Center
Al Safa Medical Center
Smart Salem Centers (VIP service)

Abu Dhabi:

Disease Prevention & Screening Centers (SEHA)

Sharjah & other emirates:

Visit MOHAP or local Department of Health centers

Documents required:

Original passport copy
Emirates ID application copy for renewals
One recent digital photo
Visa entry permit/residence copy

Processing time:

Regular: 24–48 hours
VIP/Fast Track: Same-day results (extra fee)

Step 5: Emirates ID Biometrics

After passing the medical test, head to an ICP-approved Emirates ID center for biometrics (fingerprints, photo, and signature). This is needed to activate your Emirates ID, which acts as your national identity card.

Step 6: Visa Stamping

Once medical and biometrics are completed, your visa will be stamped electronically, depending on your emirate and visa type.

Documents for stamping:

Passport with valid entry permit
Medical fitness report
Emirates ID application form
Insurance (depending on emirate)
Labor contract (if applicable)

UAE Visa Typing & Medical Checklist

✅ Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
✅ Passport-size photo (white background)
✅ Entry Permit / Visa Copy
✅ Sponsor’s documents (Emirates ID, passport)
✅ Medical fitness appointment receipt
✅ Emirates ID copy
✅ Blood test and X-ray results
✅ Insurance certificate (in most emirates)
✅ Stamped visa copy (after final approval)

Additional Tips for Expats

Always double-check the emirate-specific process (Dubai vs Abu Dhabi)
Use authorized centers to avoid fake or unverified results
Keep multiple copies of all documents
You can check visa and Emirates ID status via ICP or GDRFA

Final Thoughts

Understanding the UAE visa typing and medical test process is crucial for anyone starting a new life in the Emirates. The process may seem overwhelming at first, but once broken down into steps, it becomes quite manageable. If you’re unsure or don’t have the time to handle everything yourself, consider hiring a professional PRO service provider like Protypings.com to streamline everything for you.