If you are working or residing in the UAE, getting your sick leave attestation in Dubai is essential whenever you take medical leave for more than two days. The UAE government requires that every medical certificate issued by a hospital or clinic be officially attested to confirm its authenticity. This helps prevent misuse of medical documents and ensures that employers and immigration departments recognize your leave legally.
This guide explains everything you need to know about sick leave attestation, including its importance, detailed steps, and how to get it done quickly and correctly in Dubai.
What Is Sick Leave Attestation?
Sick leave attestation is the official verification of your medical certificate by authorized UAE departments, such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). It proves that your medical report or sick leave document is genuine, issued by a licensed medical professional, and approved by the health authorities in Dubai.
This attestation process is mandatory for:
Government and private sector employees
Visa processing and renewal
Insurance claims
Official record keeping
Without sick leave attestation, your medical certificate may not be accepted by your employer or government offices.
Why Is Sick Leave Attestation Important in Dubai?
The UAE has strict regulations regarding employee leaves. A simple doctor’s note is not enough to justify absences from work beyond a certain duration. Proper sick leave attestation in Dubai ensures:
Your medical certificate is legally valid.
Employers recognize your medical leave.
You comply with UAE Labour Law requirements.
It protects you from penalties or unpaid leave deductions.
It supports insurance claims or visa extensions (if applicable).
In short, attestation makes your medical leave official and verifiable.
When Do You Need Sick Leave Attestation?
You are required to get sick leave attestation in Dubai in the following situations:
If your medical leave exceeds two consecutive days.
When submitting a medical certificate to your employer for payroll or HR purposes.
During work visa renewal or extension.
To claim medical reimbursement or health insurance.
When required by immigration or government authorities.
Failure to submit attested medical certificates can result in salary deductions or disciplinary actions under UAE employment laws.
Step-by-Step Process for Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai
The process for sick leave attestation in Dubai is straightforward but must be completed correctly. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Get a Medical Certificate
Visit a licensed hospital or clinic in Dubai. After your medical consultation, the doctor will issue a medical certificate stating your diagnosis and number of sick leave days.
Step 2: MOHAP Online Submission
If the clinic is not directly connected to the MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) system, you need to submit your medical certificate online for approval.
You can do this through the MOHAP website or via their smart app.
Step 3: MOHAP Attestation
Once submitted, MOHAP verifies the medical certificate to confirm it was issued by an authorized doctor or medical facility. Upon approval, your certificate will receive an official MOHAP attestation stamp.
Step 4: MOFA Attestation (If Required)
For official or government use—such as visa processing, embassy verification, or company records—you may also need to get your document attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Step 5: Submit to Employer or Authorities
After MOHAP and MOFA attestation, you can present your verified medical certificate to your employer, HR department, or concerned authority for official recognition of your sick leave.
Documents Required for Sick Leave Attestation
To complete the sick leave attestation in Dubai, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Original medical certificate from a licensed UAE hospital or clinic
Copy of your passport
Emirates ID
Visa page copy (for expats)
Authorization letter (if applying through an agent)
If your medical certificate was issued outside the UAE, it must first be attested by the Ministry of Health and the UAE Embassy in that country before final attestation by MOFA Dubai.
Processing Time for Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai
The processing time for sick leave attestation usually depends on how and where you apply:
Online through MOHAP: 1–2 working days
Manual submission: 2–5 working days
Urgent service: Same-day or next-day attestation available (extra fee applies)
For international medical certificates, the process may take 7–10 working days, as it involves embassy and foreign ministry steps.
Cost of Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai
The cost of sick leave attestation varies depending on the authority and urgency level:
MOHAP attestation fee: Around AED 50–100
MOFA attestation fee: AED 150 per document
Urgent attestation service: Additional AED 50–100
These fees can change, so it’s best to verify the current rates on the MOHAP or MOFA UAE website before applying.
Where to Get Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai
You can get sick leave attestation at:
MOHAP offices and service centers
MOFA attestation centers
Typing centers or attestation service providers authorized by UAE authorities
For convenience, many medical facilities in Dubai automatically upload and attest medical certificates through the MOHAP electronic system, saving you time and effort.
Benefits of Sick Leave Attestation
Attesting your medical certificate in Dubai ensures smooth and transparent communication with employers and authorities. Key benefits include:
✅ Legal proof of medical absence
✅ Compliance with UAE Labour Law
✅ Acceptance by all employers and government bodies
✅ Eligibility for paid sick leave
✅ Avoidance of fines or deductions
✅ Support for insurance and visa-related claims
Tips for Hassle-Free Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai
Always visit licensed healthcare facilities registered with MOHAP.
Apply for attestation within one week of receiving the medical certificate.
Keep digital and physical copies of your attested documents.
Use authorized attestation agents if you are short on time.
Check for MOHAP approval before submitting to your employer.
Conclusion
Getting your sick leave attestation in Dubai is a simple yet crucial step for ensuring that your medical leave is officially recognized. Whether for employment records, insurance claims, or visa procedures, attestation by MOHAP and MOFA validates your medical certificate and keeps you compliant with UAE regulations.
Always choose licensed medical centers and follow the official attestation process to avoid any issues with your employer or government documentation.
With proper sick leave attestation, you can rest assured that your medical leave is legally accepted and your employment rights remain protected in Dubai.
