Medical Certificate Attestation UAE — DHA, DOH & MOHAP Guide (2026)
Medical certificate attestation in the UAE is an important process for individuals who need to authenticate medical reports, sick leave certificates, or other eligible healthcare documents for official use. Whether you are submitting a medical certificate for employment, insurance, legal purposes, or use abroad, understanding the correct attestation procedure can help avoid delays and rejected documents.
In the UAE, medical certificate authentication may involve the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH), Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), depending on where the document was issued and why it is required.
At Quick Attestation, we help individuals and businesses understand document attestation requirements in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE.
This 2026 guide explains the medical certificate attestation process, required documents, government fees, processing times, and differences between DHA, DOH, MOHAP, and MoFA attestation.
What Is Medical Certificate Attestation in UAE?
Medical certificate attestation in UAE is the process of verifying or officially authenticating an eligible medical document issued by a recognised healthcare facility or medical professional.
The purpose is to establish that the document has been issued through an authorised source and meets the requirements of the organisation or government authority requesting it.
Depending on the intended use, medical documents may require verification by the relevant UAE health authority, attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or both.
Which Medical Documents May Require Attestation?
Common examples include:
- Sick leave certificates
- Medical fitness certificates
- Medical reports issued by hospitals or clinics
- Medical leave extension reports
- Medical reports supporting employment or legal applications
- Medical certificates intended for international use
- Companion or escort leave certificates
Not all these documents follow the same attestation procedure. Some require a dedicated health-authority verification process, while others may require additional authentication before being accepted internationally.
Why Is Medical Certificate Attestation Required in UAE?
Medical certificate attestation helps employers, institutions, and government authorities verify that submitted healthcare documents are authentic.
1. Employment and Sick Leave Verification
Employees may need attested medical leave certificates to support absences from work. Employers can request valid documentation issued by authorised healthcare facilities.
2. Medical Reports for Official Applications
Certain administrative or legal procedures may require authenticated medical reports to establish that a document has been issued by a recognised medical institution.
3. International Document Use
Medical reports issued in the UAE may require MoFA attestation and additional legalisation or apostille procedures, where applicable, before acceptance in another country.
4. Insurance and Medical Claims
Insurers may request medical reports or supporting healthcare documents. However, insurer verification requirements are separate from government attestation, and not every claim requires a formally attested medical certificate.
5. Overseas Employment and Immigration
Medical documentation may be required for overseas employment, residency, or immigration applications. The exact attestation requirements depend on the destination country’s regulations.
DHA, DOH and MOHAP Medical Certificate Attestation – What Is the Difference?
The UAE has different healthcare regulatory authorities responsible for medical services and related documentation.
| Authority | Main Jurisdiction | Medical Document Authentication |
|---|---|---|
| DHA – Dubai Health Authority | Dubai | Relevant medical leave and report authentication in Dubai |
| DOH – Department of Health | Abu Dhabi | Medical document verification and attestation within its jurisdiction |
| MOHAP – Ministry of Health and Prevention | Federal health services and relevant emirates | Attestation of eligible medical leaves and reports |
| MoFA – Ministry of Foreign Affairs | UAE-wide and international document authentication | Attestation of eligible documents for official or international use |
Important: MOHAP states that medical leave certificates and reports already attested by an authorised health authority, including DHA or DOH, do not require repeat MOHAP attestation.
DHA Medical Certificate Attestation in Dubai
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is responsible for regulating healthcare services in Dubai and provides relevant services for medical document authentication.
If you receive a medical certificate or sick leave document from a healthcare facility in Dubai, the applicable verification process may involve DHA or the issuing healthcare institution.
How to Get a Medical Certificate Attested in Dubai
Step 1: Obtain the Medical Certificate
Request the medical certificate or report from the healthcare facility where the consultation or treatment was provided.
Step 2: Verify the Issuing Facility
Ensure that the document was issued by an appropriately licensed healthcare facility and contains the necessary patient and medical information.
Step 3: Check DHA Requirements
Determine whether the document has already been authenticated electronically or requires a separate DHA verification procedure.
Step 4: Complete the Applicable Attestation Process
Follow the relevant DHA service instructions and provide any requested supporting documents.
Step 5: Obtain the Verified Document
Once approved, the authenticated medical certificate can be submitted to the requesting organisation.
For documents intended for use outside the UAE, additional MoFA attestation may be required.
DOH Medical Certificate Attestation in Abu Dhabi
The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) regulates healthcare services in Abu Dhabi and is one of the recognised authorities for authenticating relevant medical leave certificates and reports.
Individuals who obtain medical documentation from Abu Dhabi healthcare facilities should verify whether their certificates have already been authenticated through the appropriate system.
DOH Medical Certificate Attestation Process
The general process involves:
- Obtaining the medical certificate from an authorised healthcare facility.
- Checking that the document contains accurate patient information.
- Confirming whether the certificate is already electronically verified.
- Completing any additional DOH authentication requirements.
- Submitting the authenticated document to the relevant employer or institution.
Medical documents already attested by DOH generally do not need repeat MOHAP attestation.
If the document is intended for use outside the UAE, separate Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation may still be necessary.
MOHAP Medical Certificate Attestation UAE
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) provides an official service called Attestation of Medical Leaves and Reports.
This service supports the authentication of eligible sick leave certificates and medical reports issued by government or private healthcare facilities.
MOHAP’s requirements vary depending on the type and duration of medical leave.
MOHAP Attestation for Sick Leave of 5 Days or Less
Eligible sick leave certificates of five days or less can be attested instantly through the applicable electronic system.
Medical certificates issued through MOHAP’s authorised sick leave system may already be certified and may not require another attestation.
MOHAP Attestation for Sick Leave Exceeding 5 Days
For sick leave exceeding five days and extending up to one month, the certificate requires electronic attestation and approval by the relevant medical sub-committee.
Applicants may need to provide both the sick leave certificate and its supporting medical report.
MOHAP Attestation for Sick Leave Exceeding One Month
Medical leave exceeding one month requires electronic attestation and review by MOHAP’s Higher Medical Committee.
Approval is subject to the relevant medical documentation and committee assessment.
Important MOHAP Requirements
MOHAP specifies that:
- Private healthcare facilities issuing eligible sick leave certificates must be licensed.
- Handwritten sick leave certificates are not accepted.
- Applications must generally be submitted within one month of the medical leave issuance date.
- Medical reports issued outside the UAE may require MoFA certification and MOHAP review.
- Medical prescriptions, invoices, laboratory results, and radiology images are not covered by this particular MOHAP attestation service.
Medical Certificate Attestation UAE – Required Documents
The documents required for medical certificate attestation depend on the issuing authority and intended use.
Commonly requested information may include:
- Original medical certificate or digitally verifiable certificate
- Medical report supporting the certificate, where required
- Emirates ID or passport details, where requested
- Healthcare facility information
- Patient identification details
- Relevant supporting medical documentation
- Proof of relationship for eligible companion or escort leave applications
For MOHAP sick leave exceeding five days, the sick leave certificate and related medical report are specifically required.
Applicants should verify the exact requirements with the relevant authority before submitting their documents.
Step-by-Step Medical Certificate Attestation Process in UAE
Understanding the correct procedure can help prevent unnecessary applications and additional costs.
Step 1: Identify the Medical Document
Determine whether your document is a sick leave certificate, medical report, medical fitness certificate, or another type of healthcare record.
Step 2: Identify the Issuing Authority
Check whether the medical certificate was issued in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, another UAE emirate, or outside the UAE.
This helps identify whether DHA, DOH, MOHAP, or another authority is responsible for the initial verification.
Step 3: Confirm Whether Attestation Is Already Completed
Some electronic medical leave certificates are authenticated when issued through an authorised healthcare system.
In such cases, a second health-authority attestation may not be necessary.
Step 4: Submit the Required Documents
If additional authentication is required, submit the medical certificate and supporting documentation through the appropriate government service.
Step 5: Complete Any Additional MoFA Attestation
If the medical document is intended for international use, check whether MoFA attestation is required after the appropriate health-authority authentication.
Step 6: Receive and Verify the Attested Certificate
Once the process is completed, verify the attestation details and ensure the document meets the receiving organisation’s requirements.
Medical Certificate Attestation Fees in UAE (2026)
The cost of medical certificate attestation depends on the authority and type of service.
| Attestation Service | Government Fee |
|---|---|
| MOHAP medical leave and report attestation | Free |
| DHA medical certificate verification | Depends on the applicable service |
| DOH medical certificate verification | Depends on the applicable service |
| MoFA personal document attestation | AED 150 per document |
| Third-party document attestation assistance | Depends on the service provider |
The MOHAP attestation service is free, while MoFA lists AED 150 for personal-status document attestation, a category that includes medical reports.
Fees may change, and some documents may require additional processing or verification.
How Long Does Medical Certificate Attestation Take in UAE?
Processing times depend on the document and government authority.
For MOHAP medical leave attestation:
- Five days or less: Eligible applications are processed instantly.
- More than five days: Medical committee review generally requires one working day for a decision.
DHA, DOH, and MoFA processing times may differ depending on the specific service and verification requirements.
Applicants should allow additional time when documents require international legalisation or supplementary authentication.
Medical Certificate Attestation for Documents Issued Outside UAE
Medical certificates issued outside the UAE may require a different authentication process.
For foreign medical reports or sick leave submitted for MOHAP recognition, the Ministry states that the documents must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MOHAP, with relevant medical committee review where applicable.
Depending on the document’s country of origin, authentication may involve the issuing institution, competent authorities in the issuing country, and relevant diplomatic authorities.
The exact process should be confirmed before submitting foreign-issued medical documents.
Difference Between Medical Certificate Attestation and Medical Degree Attestation
Medical certificate attestation and medical degree attestation are different services.
Medical certificate attestation generally relates to medical reports, sick leave certificates, and healthcare documentation.
Medical degree attestation relates to educational qualifications such as MBBS, MD, nursing degrees, pharmacy qualifications, and other professional education certificates.
Healthcare professionals applying for DHA, DOH, or MOHAP professional licensing may need educational document verification and professional credential checks. This is separate from attesting a patient’s medical certificate.
For medical degree attestation, applicants should follow the relevant educational document authentication and healthcare professional licensing requirements.
Common Reasons for Medical Certificate Attestation Delays
Medical certificate attestation applications may be delayed when documents are incomplete, incorrectly issued, or submitted through the wrong authority.
Common problems include:
- Incorrect patient information
- Missing supporting medical reports
- Certificates issued by unlicensed facilities
- Handwritten sick leave certificates
- Missing digital verification details
- Applications submitted outside permitted time limits
- Confusion between health-authority attestation and MoFA legalisation
Reviewing the requirements before submission can help reduce unnecessary delays.
Medical Certificate Attestation Assistance in UAE – Quick Attestation
Quick Attestation provides document attestation assistance for individuals and businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE.
If you need guidance on medical certificate attestation UAE, our team can help you understand which authority may be responsible for your document and whether additional authentication is required.
Why Choose Quick Attestation?
- Guidance on UAE medical document attestation requirements
- Assistance with understanding DHA, DOH, and MOHAP procedures
- Support with MoFA document attestation requirements
- Guidance for documents intended for international use
- Document preparation and application assistance where applicable
Quick Attestation is an independent document attestation assistance provider and is not a government authority. Final verification, approval, and attestation are carried out by the relevant authorised authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Certificate Attestation UAE
1. What is medical certificate attestation in UAE?
Medical certificate attestation is the official authentication of eligible healthcare documents, such as medical reports and sick leave certificates, by the appropriate authority.
2. Is medical certificate attestation mandatory in Dubai?
It depends on the document and the organisation requesting it. Some employers and government processes require authenticated medical certificates, while certain electronic certificates may already be verified.
3. How can I attest a DHA medical certificate?
Check whether the certificate issued by your Dubai healthcare facility is already authenticated. If additional verification is required, follow the applicable DHA procedure.
4. Is MOHAP attestation free in UAE?
Yes. MOHAP currently lists its Attestation of Medical Leaves and Reports service as free.
5. Do I need MOHAP attestation after DHA attestation?
Generally, no. MOHAP states that medical leaves and reports already attested by an authorised health authority such as DHA or DOH do not require repeat MOHAP attestation.
6. How much is medical certificate attestation in UAE?
MOHAP medical leave and report attestation is free. MoFA personal document attestation is generally AED 150 per document. Other service fees depend on the authority and procedure.
7. Can I attest a medical certificate online in UAE?
Yes. Eligible medical leave certificates and reports can be authenticated through the relevant electronic government services, depending on the issuing authority.
8. Is MoFA attestation required for medical certificates?
Not always. MoFA attestation may be required when medical documents are intended for use abroad or when the receiving authority specifically requests it.
9. Can Quick Attestation help with medical certificate attestation in Dubai?
Quick Attestation can provide guidance on medical document authentication requirements and assist with applicable document attestation procedures. Government approval remains subject to the relevant authority.
10. Can I attest a medical certificate issued outside the UAE?
Foreign-issued medical certificates may be eligible for authentication, but the requirements depend on the country of origin, intended use, and receiving authority.
Conclusion
Medical certificate attestation in UAE is an important process for verifying eligible healthcare documents used for employment, official applications, and international purposes.
Understanding the differences between DHA medical certificate attestation, DOH attestation in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP medical report attestation, and MoFA document legalisation helps applicants choose the correct procedure.
Some medical certificates are authenticated electronically when issued, while others require additional documentation or approval.
If you need assistance understanding the medical certificate attestation process in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, Quick Attestation can help you identify the appropriate requirements and prepare for the next steps.
Contact Quick Attestation today for guidance on medical certificate attestation requirements in the UAE.
