Health is unpredictable, and when you fall sick in the UAE, you need proper documentation to justify your absence from work. Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai is an essential legal process that verifies your medical certificate, ensuring that your sick leave is recognized by employers, health authorities, and government departments. Without proper Sick Leave Attestation, your leave might not be accepted, and you could face salary deductions or administrative issues.

This article explains everything you need to know about Sick Leave Attestation, including its process, importance, required documents, and how to get it done efficiently in Dubai.

What is Sick Leave Attestation?

Sick Leave Attestation is the process of validating a medical certificate issued by a licensed healthcare facility. This attestation ensures that your medical certificate is genuine, issued by an authorized medical professional, and approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The attestation is mandatory for anyone who takes more than two consecutive days off work due to illness. Once attested, your sick leave certificate can be submitted to your employer as official proof of your medical condition.

Why Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai is Important

In Dubai, Sick Leave Attestation is not just a formality—it’s a legal requirement. The UAE Labour Law mandates that employees must provide an attested medical certificate for extended sick leaves. Without this verification, your employer is not obligated to approve or pay for the leave period.

Key Reasons for Sick Leave Attestation:

• Official Validation: Confirms that your illness claim is legitimate.

• Employer Acceptance: Ensures your HR department acknowledges your medical leave.

• Legal Requirement: Protects both employees and employers under UAE Labour Law.

• Avoids Salary Deductions: Prevents financial penalties for unapproved absences.

• Supports Health Insurance Claims: Many insurance companies require attested certificates.

Having your Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai done ensures transparency and compliance with the country’s employment regulations.

Authorities Involved in Sick Leave Attestation

To complete the Sick Leave Attestation, your medical certificate must go through several official verifications:

1. Dubai Health Authority (DHA):
   Verifies that the certificate was issued by a licensed healthcare provider in Dubai.

2. Ministry of Health (MOH):
   Attests certificates issued outside of Dubai but within the UAE.

3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA):
   Required if the document will be used abroad or for international procedures.

4. Employer or HR Department:
   The final receiver of the attested certificate for payroll and attendance processing.

Each of these authorities plays a role in confirming the authenticity of your Sick Leave Attestation.

Step-by-Step Process for Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Sick Leave Attestation procedure in Dubai:

1. Obtain a Medical Certificate:
   Visit a licensed hospital or clinic recognized by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

2. Doctor’s Approval and Hospital Stamp:
   Ensure your certificate includes the doctor’s signature and the facility’s official seal.

3. Submit to DHA Online Portal:
   Access the DHA Smart Services portal to submit your certificate for attestation.

4. Pay the Required Fees:
   The DHA attestation fee typically ranges from AED 50 to AED 100.

5. Verification and Approval:
   The DHA reviews the authenticity of the certificate and verifies the medical details.

6. Receive Attested Certificate:
   Once approved, you’ll receive your attested sick leave certificate digitally or physically.

7. Submit to Employer:
   Forward the attested certificate to your HR department for leave approval and payroll adjustments.

This efficient process ensures that your Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai is completed without unnecessary delays.

Documents Required for Sick Leave Attestation

Before submitting your attestation request, make sure you have all necessary documents ready:

• Original medical certificate from a licensed clinic or hospital.

• Copy of your passport and Emirates ID.

• Valid UAE residence visa (for expats).

• Employer letter or request form (optional in some cases).

• DHA/MOH attestation application form.

Providing complete documents ensures faster processing and reduces the chances of rejection.

Fees for Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai

The cost for Sick Leave Attestation depends on the certifying authority and urgency.

Always verify the latest fees on the official DHA or MOH websites before submission.

Online Sick Leave Attestation Services

Thanks to Dubai’s advanced e-governance system, the Sick Leave Attestation process can now be completed online.

How to Apply Online:

1. Visit the DHA Smart Services Portal.

2. Log in with your UAE Pass or Emirates ID.

3. Upload your medical certificate and necessary documents.

4. Pay the attestation fee online.

5. Track your application status in real-time.

6. Download or collect your attested certificate upon approval.

This online system saves time and makes Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai convenient for both residents and professionals.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Your Sick Leave Attestation application may be rejected if:

• The medical facility is not DHA/MOH licensed.

• Missing doctor’s signature or hospital stamp.

• Incorrect or mismatched patient details.

• Submitting an expired or fake certificate.

To avoid rejection, always verify that your medical provider is officially approved by the Dubai Health Authority before obtaining your certificate.

How Long Does Sick Leave Attestation Take?

The average processing time for Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai is between 1 to 3 working days, depending on the submission channel.

• Online applications are usually processed within 24–48 hours.

• In-person submissions may take slightly longer.

For urgent needs, you can opt for express attestation services, which complete the process within a few hours for an additional fee.

Professional Assistance for Sick Leave Attestation

If you prefer a hassle-free experience, several attestation agencies in Dubai provide professional support. They handle the process from document collection to delivery, ensuring fast and accurate results.

Benefits of Using Professional Services:

• Doorstep pickup and delivery.

• Real-time tracking of your document.

• Avoid errors and delays.

• Expert guidance on MOFA/DHA procedures.

This option is ideal for busy professionals or companies managing multiple employee attestations.

Conclusion

Sick Leave Attestation in Dubai is a vital process that confirms the authenticity of your medical certificate and ensures compliance with UAE laws. It safeguards employees’ rights while helping employers verify genuine sick leaves.

By following the DHA or MOH procedures correctly, you can easily obtain an attested sick leave certificate recognized by all relevant authorities. For quick and reliable service, consider using professional attestation agencies that handle everything efficiently on your behalf.

Whether for official, employment, or insurance purposes, completing your Sick Leave Attestation on time guarantees a smooth and legitimate record of your medical absence in Dubai.