If you work, or are planning to work, in certain industries in Dubai, you may be required to hold a valid occupational health card before you can legally start your role. It is a step many people only hear about once they have accepted a job offer, which can feel confusing at first.
In simple terms, an occupational health card is an official document issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) that certifies a worker has passed a health screening and is medically fit to perform their role safely. It is most closely associated with jobs in food handling, healthcare, education, beauty, and other sectors where a worker's health can directly affect public safety and hygiene. Crucially, it is a mandatory legal requirement for these roles rather than an optional check, which is why many people need to arrange one as soon as they accept a job offer.
This guide explains what an occupational health card is, who needs one in Dubai, the requirements to apply, how to get your card, how to check your occupational health card status online, and how Smart Salem can help you complete the process quickly and with confidence.
What Is an Occupational Health Card?
An occupational health card (OHC) is a government-issued certificate confirming that a worker has undergone the required health assessment and has been deemed fit to work in their specific role or industry. Rather than being a general health check, it is tied to the nature of the job and the public-health requirements that come with it.
In Dubai, the occupational health card is issued by the DHA and is a legal requirement for workers in a defined list of professions, particularly those involving direct contact with food, people, or vulnerable groups. The wider medical fitness and screening system in Dubai is administered by Dubai Health (the Dubai Health Authority) under Cabinet Resolution No. 75 of 2022, with applications processed through the government's Salem medical fitness platform [1].
It is easy to confuse the card with a standard visa medical. The visa medical fitness test is required for residency and confirms that an applicant is free from communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis [2], whereas the occupational health card is a separate, role-specific certification focused on fitness to do a particular job. Some workers need both.
Across the wider UAE, this kind of worker health screening is overseen by the relevant health authority in each emirate, with Dubai Health (DHA) handling it in Dubai and Emirates Health Services (EHS) in several other emirates [3]. The card is typically renewed each year, and working without a valid card in a regulated sector can lead to penalties for both the employer and the employee.
Why Is an Occupational Health Card Required, and Is It Mandatory?
Yes. For the roles it applies to, an occupational health card is a mandatory legal requirement rather than an optional extra. It is set out under Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations, and you are generally expected to hold a valid card before you begin working in a regulated role. If your employer has asked you to arrange one, or you have seen it listed as a condition of a job offer, this is the reason why.
The requirement exists to protect public health. In sectors such as food handling, healthcare, childcare, and beauty, a worker's health can have a direct impact on the customers, patients, and colleagues they come into contact with every day. Screening helps confirm that someone is fit to carry out their role safely and is not carrying a communicable illness that could put others at risk. In this sense, the card protects both the worker and the wider public. [4]
Because it is a legal obligation, it is best treated as an early priority rather than an afterthought. Workers are typically expected to obtain their card within around 30 days of starting a role or changing their visa status, and working in a regulated sector without a valid card can lead to penalties for both the employee and the employer. Arranging the screening promptly helps you stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays in starting work.
Who Needs an Occupational Health Card in Dubai?
DHA regulations require occupational health cards for workers in sectors where health status has a direct bearing on public safety or hygiene. For several of these roles, including food handlers, salon and beauty workers, nursery staff and domestic workers, additional screening for communicable diseases such as hepatitis B and syphilis is required as part of the process [2].
The main categories of workers typically required to hold a card include:
• Food handlers: anyone involved in the preparation, handling, storage, or serving of food, including restaurant staff, kitchen workers, catering teams, and food production workers.
• Healthcare workers: clinical and non-clinical staff in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and care facilities.
• Beauty and personal care workers: hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, spa therapists, and nail technicians.
• Education sector workers: teaching staff and others working in close contact with children.
• Domestic workers: in some circumstances, depending on the employer's requirements.
The common thread across these roles is close contact with the public or with vulnerable groups, often combined with work that involves food, personal care, or hygiene. This is why these particular industries are singled out for screening: the health of a single worker can affect many other people. The exact checks can differ from one job category to another because the risks are not identical.
Employers are responsible for ensuring their staff hold valid cards, and exact requirements can vary depending on the specific activity licence held by the business. It is also worth noting that Smart Salem currently offers occupational health card testing for the beautician’s category only.
Occupational Health Card Requirements
The requirements for obtaining an occupational health card in Dubai are fairly straightforward, but it helps to have everything prepared before your appointment to avoid delays. In most cases, you will need:
• A valid Emirates ID (or passport, if you are still in the residency visa process)
• A valid UAE residence visa, or evidence that the visa is in process
• A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background
• Employer details or trade licence information, in some cases
The health assessment itself usually involves a review of your current health status and screening for communicable diseases relevant to your role. For the regulated categories above, this typically includes a blood test and a chest X-ray, with additional screening (such as hepatitis B and syphilis) and, in some cases, hepatitis B vaccination required for certain worker groups [1][2]. A physical examination may also form part of the assessment depending on the role.
If the screening identifies a condition that would prevent the card from being issued, the applicant is usually referred for treatment or further assessment before the process can be completed.
How to Get an Occupational Health Card in Dubai
The process for getting an occupational health card in Dubai involves a health screening at a DHA-approved medical centre, followed by card issuance once your results are confirmed. If you are wondering how to apply for an occupational health card in Dubai, the steps below walk you through it.
• Step 1 – Book your health screening: visit a DHA-approved occupational health testing centre. You can attend Smart Salem directly; because a doctor's assessment forms part of the process, you will need to book in advance. Smart Salem's occupational health card testing (for the beautician’s category) is available at its Dubai Knowledge Park centre.
• Step 2 – Complete the health assessment: the assessment itself is quick and usually takes less than 30 minutes, covering the screening tests required for your job category. Results are typically ready within three to five working days.
• Step 3 – Await your results: your results are processed and submitted directly to the DHA system. Smart Salem's direct DHA integration means this happens without additional steps on your part.
• Step 4 – Receive your card: once your results are confirmed as satisfactory, your occupational health card is issued through the DHA system and can be accessed digitally.
For most applicants this is a routine process, and you can find more detail through Smart Salem's employment and occupational health services.
How to Check Your Occupational Health Card Status Online
Once your occupational health assessment has been completed and submitted, you can check your occupational health card status online through the official DHA channels rather than waiting for confirmation by phone or email.
To check your DHA occupational health card status:
• Visit the official DHA (Dubai Health) portal or download the Dubai Health app [1].
• Navigate to the medical fitness or occupational health section.
• Enter your Emirates ID number, or the other details requested.
• Your current status will be displayed, for example whether it is active, pending, or due for renewal.
Employers can also check the status of their employees' cards through the relevant DHA employer portal, which is particularly useful for companies managing large teams. If a status shows as pending for an extended period, it is worth contacting the testing centre directly to confirm that your results were submitted correctly, and Smart Salem's team can help with this.
How to Renew Your Occupational Health Card
Occupational health cards in Dubai are typically valid for one year and must be renewed before they expire to remain compliant. The renewal process follows the same steps as the initial application, namely a health screening at a DHA-approved centre, results submission, and card reissuance, and there is usually no additional paperwork beyond what is needed for a first-time application.[5]
It is best to book your renewal appointment before your current card expires, as working with an expired card carries the same penalties as working without one. Smart Salem offers renewal testing for existing cardholders (in the beautician’s category) with the same process and turnaround as first-time applications.
To make renewal as smooth as possible, it helps to set a reminder a few weeks before your card's expiry date so you have time to book and complete your screening without a gap in validity. In most cases you will need the same documents as your original application, such as your Emirates ID, your visa or job details, and a recent passport-style photograph. Once you have passed the renewal screening, the updated card is reissued digitally, in the same way as a first-time card. If you are unsure when your current card expires, you can check its status and validity online through the official Dubai Health (DHA) channels before booking.
How Smart Salem Supports Occupational Health Card Testing
Smart Salem is a DHA-approved medical centre with direct integration into the DHA and GDRFA systems, which means results are submitted directly to the relevant authority without unnecessary steps or delays. For occupational health card testing, Smart Salem currently supports the beautician’s category.
Key advantages of completing your occupational health card testing with Smart Salem include:
• A doctor-led assessment at its Dubai Knowledge Park centre, booked in advance
• A quick screening that usually takes under 30 minutes, with results typically ready within three to five working days
• Direct DHA integration, so your results are submitted straight to the relevant authority
• On-site support to resolve most issues, helping you avoid repeat visits
• Corporate accounts for employers managing testing across a team
This makes Smart Salem a practical, efficient choice for both individuals and businesses that need to meet occupational health card requirements with confidence. If you need an occupational health card for a beautician role, or you are an employer arranging testing for your team, you can explore Smart Salem's occupational health card testing and occupational health strategy and services, or browse the full range of employment and occupational health services to get started.
Occupational Health Card FAQs
Is an occupational health card the same as a visa medical?
No. The two are related but serve different purposes. The visa medical fitness test confirms you are free from communicable diseases for residency purposes, while the occupational health card focuses on whether you are medically fit to work in a specific role or industry. Some workers need both.
Can I work in Dubai while my occupational health card application is being processed?
Requirements can vary by employer and sector, so it is best to confirm with your employer before starting work. As a general rule, regulated roles expect a valid card to be in place, and working without one can carry penalties, so booking your screening early helps avoid any gaps.
Does my occupational health card cover all jobs, or is it specific to one employer?
The card is tied to the type of work and the health requirements of that role, rather than acting as a general permit for any job. If your role or sector changes, you may need a new assessment, so it is worth checking what your specific position requires.
What happens to my occupational health card if I change jobs?
If you move to a different role or employer, you may need to complete a new occupational health assessment, particularly if the new role falls under a different category or set of requirements. Confirming this with your new employer early means any testing can be arranged in good time.
Can an occupational health card application be rejected?
An application may not be approved straight away if the health screening identifies a condition that needs further assessment or treatment. In many cases, the applicant is referred for treatment or follow-up before the card can be issued.
Does the occupational health card requirement apply to UAE nationals as well as expats?
The requirement is generally based on the type of work rather than nationality, so it can apply to anyone working in a regulated role where health status affects public safety. If you are unsure, your employer or the DHA can confirm what applies to your situation.
Are there any medical conditions that would prevent someone from obtaining an occupational health card?
Screening focuses on communicable diseases that could affect public health, such as tuberculosis and certain blood-borne conditions like hepatitis B [2]. A finding does not always mean automatic refusal; in some cases, the applicant is referred for treatment before a card is issued, and a clinician at the testing centre can explain what any result means.
If I already have a DHA-issued card from a previous employer, do I need a new one?
Possibly. Cards are typically valid for a limited period and may be linked to a specific role, so a new assessment can be required when you change employer or when your card is close to expiry. Checking your occupational health card status online and confirming with your new employer is the best way to know where you stand.
How much does an occupational health card cost in Dubai?
Costs can vary depending on your job category, the centre you use, and whether you are applying for the first time or renewing, so there is no single fixed price for everyone. As a general guide, fees typically fall somewhere in the region of AED 170 to AED 600, and in many cases the employer covers or contributes to the cost as part of onboarding. Because prices are subject to change and differ between providers, it is best to confirm the current fee directly with your chosen testing centre before booking.
How long does it take to get an occupational health card?
The health screening itself is usually quick and can often be completed in under 30 minutes, depending on how busy the centre is. Results are typically processed within a few working days, and many applicants receive their card within around a week of their appointment. As the card is issued digitally, there is usually no need to wait for a physical copy to be printed or posted. Timings can still vary by centre and by how quickly any follow-up tests are completed, so it is sensible to allow a little extra time if you are working to a deadline.
Sources
1. Dubai Health –https://dubaihealth.ae/service/medical-fitness-exam
2. The Official Portal of the UAE Government –https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/health-and-fitness/health-conditions-for-uae-residence-visa
3. Emirates Health Services –https://www.ehs.gov.ae/en/services/services-directory/examination-of-medical-fitness-for-residency-visa
4. Occupational Health card -https://www.occupationalhealthcard.com/post/health-card-vs-occupational-health-card-in-dubai-understanding-the-differences
5. Occupational Health card -https://www.occupationalhealthcard.com/post/how-to-renew-your-occupational-health-card-in-dubai-2025-guide