Medical Certificate Attestation
A medical certificate is an official document issued by a qualified medical professional, confirming that a patient has undergone a specific medical test or examination. This certificate serves various purposes, such as validating a person’s health status for employment, insurance claims, or travel requirements. In certain regions, it may also be referred to as a sick report.
If you have taken a medical test outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it is crucial to have your medical certificate attested in the UAE. Medical Certificate Attestation is a process that ensures the authenticity of the document, making it legally valid within the country.
The attestation process involves verification by several authorities, including the original issuing institution and relevant government bodies. Each of these entities provides stamps or seals on the document, confirming its legitimacy. This multi-step verification is essential for ensuring that your medical certificate is accepted by employers, schools, or any other institutions in the UAE.
What are the Causes of Medical Certificate Attestation?
Employment Abroad:
Some countries require attested medical certificates to confirm the individual is medically fit to work.
Visa Applications:
When applying for work, dependent, or residency visas, authorities may ask for attested medical certificates to verify your health status.
Insurance Claims:
Attested medical certificates are often necessary for processing international health insurance claims.
Educational Purposes:
For students studying abroad, some institutions require attested medical certificates to ensure health compliance.
Legal and Court Proceedings:
Medical certificates may need to be attested for use in legal disputes or court cases, such as proving fitness or incapacity.
Travel and Immigration:
Certain countries ask for attested medical certificates to ensure public health safety or confirm specific medical requirements for immigration.
Sponsorship for Dependents:
When sponsoring family members, an attested medical certificate may be required to meet health regulations.
Which Authorities will Attest Medical Certificate?
Notary Public or Local Certification Authority:
The process starts in the country where the medical certificate is issued. The local notary public or certification office verifies the certificate’s authenticity. This step ensures that the document was legally issued and has not been altered.
State-Level Attestation (If Required):
In some countries, particularly those with decentralized administrative systems (e.g., India), the certificate may need to be authenticated by a regional or state authority, such as the State Home Department. This ensures compliance with local regulations.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA – Issuing Country):
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the issuing country validates the document for international use. This is an essential national-level verification step.
UAE Embassy or Consulate (Issuing Country):
The UAE Embassy or Consulate located in the issuing country attests the medical certificate. This step ensures the document complies with UAE standards and is acceptable to UAE authorities.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC – UAE):
After the document reaches the UAE, it is submitted to MOFAIC for the final attestation. MOFAIC’s stamp verifies the document’s authenticity and makes it legally valid in the UAE.
Additional UAE Government Departments (If Needed):
For specific purposes, like employment in regulated sectors (e.g., healthcare), additional UAE authorities, such as health departments or regulatory bodies, may need to review or approve the document.