Medical Letters Legalization for the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
A medical letter is an official document issued by a licensed healthcare provider or medical institution to confirm or explain specific medical information about a patient.
For use in the UAE, medical letters must undergo authentication and embassy legalization to be recognized by government authorities, employers, or educational institutions.
Types of Medical Letters
Medical letters serve various purposes and are commonly required for both medical and administrative matters:
Medical Records Release Letter: Authorizes the sharing of a patient’s medical records with other healthcare providers, insurers, or legal representatives.
Medical Certification Letter: Confirms an individual’s medical condition, treatment, or physical fitness for employment, travel, or visa purposes.
Referral Letter: Issued by a physician to refer a patient to another specialist or medical facility.
Treatment Summary Letter: Provides an overview of a patient’s medical history, diagnosis, ongoing treatment, and prescribed medications.
Importance of Medical Letters Legalization
Legalized medical letters are essential for:
Employment and Visa Applications: UAE employers or government authorities may require certified medical letters to verify health conditions.
Insurance Claims: Insurers may request official documentation to process claims or reimbursements.
Legal and Immigration Processes: Serve as official proof of medical status for legal or residency purposes.
Patient Care Coordination: Facilitate information sharing among healthcare providers for effective treatment management.
How to Obtain a Medical Letter
Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Request the required letter directly from your doctor, hospital, or clinic.
Specify the Purpose: Clearly state why the letter is needed (e.g., visa, employment, travel).
Provide Identification and Consent: Complete any authorization or release forms if required.
Receive the Letter: Depending on your provider’s policy, you may receive it in person, by mail, or electronically.
Personal Document Legalization Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $100 | - |
| U.S. Department of State fee | $20 | 9 |
| Embassy of UAE fee | $140 | 8 |
| Total | $260 | 17 business days |
Legalization Process for Use in the UAE
Notarization: Verification by a U.S. notary public to confirm authenticity.
State Authentication: Certification by the Secretary of State where the document was issued.
U.S. Department of State Certification: Confirms the document’s origin for international use.
UAE Embassy Legalization: The embassy affixes its official seal, making the medical letter valid for official purposes.
Translation (if required): Some letters may need certified Arabic translation for submission to UAE authorities.
Conclusion
Legalizing your medical letter for use in the UAE ensures that it is officially recognized by employers, government offices, and healthcare institutions. Following the proper notarization, authentication, and embassy legalization procedures guarantees smooth acceptance for employment, residency, visa, or insurance purposes.