New health rules in Dubai: Medical tests now required for visas, jobs, and driving licences
TL;DR
Starting end of July 2025, medical tests are mandatory for visa, work, and licence applications in Dubai.
Tests must be done through approved health centers and focus on infectious diseases like HIV and TB.
Dubai Health Authority
(DHA) will manage the system and enforce penalties for those who don't comply.
From the end of July 2025, you'll need to pass a medical test before you can get or renew a visa, apply for a job, or hold a driving licence in Dubai. The new rule applies to most adults, whether you're moving to the city for work or already living here.
This is part of a broader health law signed off by Dubai's leadership. It gives more control to the Dubai Health Authority to oversee these medical checks and manage the city's public health efforts. The focus is early detection, safer workplaces, and reducing the spread of diseases.
These changes will affect a lot of people, expats, workers, families, professional drivers, and companies hiring talent from abroad.
The tests aren't optional. And skipping them comes with heavy fines.
What You'll Need to Do
1. Take a Medical Fitness Test
Before applying or renewing any of the following, you'll need to take a medical test:
Residence visa
Work permit
Driving licence (new or renewal)
Professional drivers and delivery workers are also included.
2. Go Through DHA-Approved Clinics
You can't just go to any clinic. The tests have to be done at medical centers approved by the Dubai Health Authority. These centers will follow strict procedures to make sure results are reliable.
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3. Tests Will Screen for Specific Conditions
Right now, the key focus is on:
Infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis
Other conditions may be added later, depending on public health needs
This is all aimed at keeping high-risk illnesses under control.
What the DHA Will Now Oversee
The Dubai Health Authority will take on more responsibility and have greater control under the new law.
1. Setting the Rules:
They'll decide the testing standards, the medical protocols, and which clinics qualify.
2. Raising Awareness:
Expect to see more health campaigns about:
Mental health
Drug and alcohol prevention
Health checks for youth, elderly, and pregnant women
3. Community Care Programs:
The law also covers longer-term care:
Prenatal and postnatal support
Vaccinations for kids
Annual screenings for adults
So while the medical test rule is the headline, the law has a bigger goal: long-term prevention.
What Happens If You Don't Follow the Rules
There are real penalties. Here's what we know so far:
Fines start at AED 500
Can go up to AED 1 million, depending on the case
Repeat the offense within 12 months? The fine could double, up to AED 2 million
The Executive Council is expected to publish more detailed guidelines on enforcement soon.
What It Means for You
This isn't just bureaucracy. It's about creating a baseline of health safety across the city. It's also a reminder that the days of skipping regular health checks are over, especially if you live and work in Dubai.
Employers will need to update HR processes. Workers will need to plan for medical appointments as part of visa renewals.
Families and long-term residents will see more structured health care, especially for children and the elderly.
It's not meant to complicate things, it's meant to protect everyone.
FAQs
1. Who needs to take the medical test?
Anyone applying for or renewing a residence visa, work permit, or driving licence in Dubai. This includes professional drivers and service workers.
2. What diseases will they test for?
The main focus is on infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV. Other conditions could be added depending on public health needs.
3. What happens if I skip the test or go to a non-approved clinic?
You could face a fine starting at AED 500. In serious or repeated cases, fines can reach AED 2 million.
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