How to Apply for a DHA Licence in Dubai: For Healthcare Professionals

Obtaining a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licence is a mandatory step for any healthcare professional planning to practise in Dubai. This formal certification ensures you meet Dubai’s stringent healthcare standards and are legally authorised to work in the emirate. This one-stop guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the DHA licensing process – who requires one and why, how to apply, required documents, fees, exams, renewal, licence transfer and more – so you can navigate the process confidently from start to finish.

What is a DHA Licence?

A DHA licence is an official permit issued by the Dubai Health Authority that certifies a healthcare professional’s qualifications and eligibility to practise in Dubai. In essence, it is a regulatory endorsement that you have met the training, education, and experience standards set by the DHA for your profession.

Who Needs a DHA Licence?

All healthcare professionals who intend to work in Dubai must obtain a DHA licence before practising. This requirement applies to a broad range of roles, including:

• Doctors and Dentists: Physicians (general practitioners, specialists, consultants) and dentists of all specialities.

• Nurses and Midwives: Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives, and related nursing professionals.

• Allied Health Professionals: Pharmacists, physiotherapists, lab technicians, radiographers, and other allied health roles.

• Traditional/Complementary Medicine Practitioners: Professionals in approved alternative medicine fields.

In short, anyone who will provide clinical or allied health services in Dubai – whether in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, or other healthcare facilities – is required by law to hold an active DHA licence. Practising without a valid DHA licence is illegal and can lead to penalties, so ensuring you are licensed is crucial for your career in Dubai.

Why Do Healthcare Professionals Require a DHA Licence?

Dubai’s healthcare system maintains high standards to protect patients and uphold the quality of care. By mandating licensure, the DHA ensures that only competent and verified professionals treat patients. The licensing process involves checks like credential verification and exams, which help safeguard patient safety and trust. The DHA licence is therefore both a legal requirement and a quality control measure – it confirms to employers and patients alike that you are qualified, up-to-date in your field, and fit to practise in the emirate’s healthcare sector.

Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications for a DHA Licence

Before diving into the application process, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria set by DHA. The DHA uses a unified Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) framework to define the minimum qualifications and experience for each category of healthcare professional. Before applying for your DHA licence, ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualifications

You must hold a recognised medical or health-related degree or diploma relevant to your profession from an accredited institution. Examples include:

• Doctors: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), or an equivalent medical qualification.

• Nurses: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing or an equivalent qualification.

• Dentists: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

• Pharmacists: Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), or an equivalent degree.

• Allied Health Professionals: Relevant accredited diplomas or bachelor’s degrees pertinent to their field of practice.

Specific educational criteria are detailed explicitly in the DHA Professional Qualification Requirements framework.

Professional Experience

Generally, a minimum of two years of relevant clinical experience is required for licensure in Dubai. Certain categories may require more; for instance, general physicians need at least 2 years post-internship, and specialists at least 3 years in their speciality. (Some high-level consultants or those with advanced qualifications might have different requirements per the PQR.)

Existing Licence/Registration

If you have been practising elsewhere, you should hold a current licence or registration in that jurisdiction (e.g. your home country licence) and be in good standing with no disciplinary issues.

Good Standing Certificate (GSC)

A Good Standing Certificate from your current or most recent licensing authority is typically required to prove you have a clean practice record. The GSC usually must be recent (often not older than 6 months) at the time of application.

Language Proficiency

While not an explicit DHA requirement in all cases, proficiency in English (and/or Arabic) is important for communication and some licensing exams. Some categories may accept English language test scores or evidence of education in English.

Health and Fitness

Applicants 65 years or older may need to undergo a medical fitness test in Dubai. Additionally, having up-to-date Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is recommended and sometimes required, depending on your role

How to Check Your Eligibility

DHA provides a Self-Assessment Tool on the Sheryan portal where you input your qualifications and experience to see if you meet the requirements for your desired position. This tool instantly tells you if you’re likely eligible. If it indicates “not eligible,” you may request a manual review of your credentials or work towards fulfilling the missing requirements.

Ensuring you meet these criteria is essential before you proceed, as the application will require evidence for all qualifications and experience claims. Only those who satisfy DHA’s professional requirements can successfully get licensed – this maintains the high standards of healthcare practice in the UAE.

How to Apply for Your DHA Licence

Obtaining your DHA licence involves several stages, from initial registration to final licence activation. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the application process and where each step is completed:

1. Self-Assessment and Eligibility Check

• Visit the DHA Sheryan portal and use the Self-Assessment Tool.

• Select your profession, input your education and experience details, and the system checks these against DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements.

• If eligible, you can proceed. If not, DHA may allow a manual review of your credentials.

2. Create a Sheryan Account

• Register as a new user on the DHA Sheryan portal.

• Provide personal details and contact information to create your account. This account is your dashboard for the entire process.

3. Submit Documents & Initiate Primary Source Verification

• Start a “Get Registered” application on Sheryan.

• Upload required documents (educational certificates, experience letters, licences).

• Initiate Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow Group, which verifies your documents directly with issuing institutions.

• PSV typically takes 3–4 weeks. You can complete PSV while preparing for your exam.

4. Take the DHA Prometric Exam (If Required)

• Most healthcare roles require passing the DHA Prometric exam, a computer-based multiple-choice test.

• Schedule your exam via the DHA or Prometric website.

• Exams can be taken in Dubai or internationally at Prometric centres.

• Some specialities might require an additional oral assessment (interview). DHA will inform you if needed.

• You must pass the DHA licensing exam within 3 attempts across all UAE health authorities (DHA, DOH, MOHAP combined).

• Ensure your documents have cleared Primary Source Verification (PSV) before attempting the exam.

5. DHA Review and Initial Registration

• After completing PSV and passing the exam, submit your final application via Sheryan.

• Attach your PSV report, exam results, and pay the DHA credentialing fee (approximately AED 200).

• DHA reviews your application, usually within 5 working days.

DHA decision outcomes:

• Approved: You receive a “DHA Eligibility Letter”, valid for one year, confirming you meet licensing requirements. At this point, you are officially registered and your details appear in the Dubai Medical Registry.

• Rejected or Returned: DHA will specify reasons (e.g., incomplete documentation). You may resubmit after addressing the issues.

6. Secure Employment & Activate the Licence

• Your active licence requires sponsorship by a DHA-licensed healthcare facility.

• After obtaining your eligibility letter, secure employment at a healthcare facility.

• The facility initiates the licence activation, submitting documents such as an employment offer and malpractice insurance.

• Pay the licence issuance fee (AED 1,000–4,000, varies by profession).

• Upon completion, your DHA status changes to “licensed”, and you receive an electronic licence certificate.

In the next sections, we’ll detail the key components of this process, such as the documents needed, the exam, the fees, and what to expect in terms of the timeline.

About the DHA Prometric Exam

The DHA Prometric exam is a mandatory computer-based test assessing clinical knowledge and professional competency. Key points include:

• Format: Multiple-choice questions, typically around 70–150 items, depending on the profession.

• Duration: Usually 2–3 hours.

• Scoring: Pass/fail system with immediate results.

• Preparation: Review DHA-provided exam content outlines, reference textbooks, and consider reputable online courses or practice exams.

Ensure you’re thoroughly prepared before scheduling the exam, as you have a maximum of three attempts across all UAE health authorities (DHA, DOH, MOHAP combined).

Documents Required for DHA Licensing

During your DHA licence application, you must submit clear, scanned copies of specific documents proving your identity, qualifications, and professional experience. Prepare these in advance to streamline your application process.

Personal Identification

• Passport copy (valid, clear scan of the photo page).

• Passport-sized photograph (recent colour photo with a white background).

• Emirates ID (if you already hold UAE residency; otherwise, obtained later).

Educational Credentials

• Degree certificates (attested as required).

• Academic transcripts or mark sheets.

• Specialisation or postgraduate certificates (for specialists or advanced qualifications).

Professional Experience Documents

• Experience letters or certificates clearly stating your role, employment dates, and responsibilities, on official employer letterhead.

• Logbook or procedure list (required for surgical or procedural specialities).

Professional Licences and Registrations

• Current professional licence from your home country or jurisdiction(s) of recent practice.

• Previous UAE licences or eligibility letters (from DHA, DOH, MOHAP), if applicable.

• Good Standing Certificate.

Primary Source Verification

• DataFlow receipt/case number (obtained when you start Primary Source Verification).

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Medical fitness test report (applicants aged 65+).

• Official name-change document (e.g., marriage certificate), if relevant.

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current UAE employer (if transferring from another emirate or changing roles).

Ensure all documents are clear, legible, scanned in colour at high resolution, and officially translated if not originally in English or Arabic. Accurate and authentic documentation is essential to avoid delays or rejections.

Licensing Fees and Costs 

Below are the key fees associated with obtaining your DHA licence, so you can budget accordingly:

How Long Does the DHA Licensing Process Take?

Here’s an approximate timeline of each stage and the total expected duration:

• Self-Assessment: Instant result online.

• DataFlow Verification: 3–6 weeks (average 3–4 weeks).

• Exam Scheduling and Completion: 1–4 weeks (depending on your preparation).

• DHA Application Review: 5–10 working days.

• Total Time to Receive Eligibility Letter: Typically 2–3 months.

• Job Search (facility sponsorship): Varies; can begin during the licensing process.

• Licence Activation: 1–2 weeks after employment is secured.

Overall: Expect roughly 8–12 weeks from starting your application to holding an active DHA licence.

How to Transfer a Licence from Another Emirate to DHA

If you currently hold a healthcare licence from another UAE authority, such as the Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi (formerly known as the HAAD licence) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), you may transfer it to a DHA licence without repeating the full process. Here’s how:

Mutual Recognition (Exam Exemption)

DHA recognises valid licences from other UAE authorities, including:

• DOH Licence (formerly HAAD Licence) for practising in Abu Dhabi.
• MOHAP Licence, issued by the Ministry of Health and Prevention for healthcare practice in the northern emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain).

If you hold one of these licences, DHA typically waives the requirement for retaking exams. However, you must still meet DHA’s eligibility criteria and submit a transfer application.

Basic Requirements for Transfer

• Valid Licence: Current, active licence from DOH or MOHAP, usually active for at least 6 months.

• Good Standing Certificate: Issued by the licensing authority (DOH/MOHAP), verifying no disciplinary issues.

• Experience: Typically at least 6 months of experience practising under your current UAE licence.

• DataFlow PSV: Transfer existing Primary Source Verification (PSV) report directly to DHA through DataFlow (small transfer fee may apply).

Application Process (Transfer Steps)

1. Create a DHA Sheryan Account: Complete the self-assessment tool to confirm eligibility.

2. Submit your DHA Registration Application: Clearly indicate your current UAE licence status, and upload:

• Current UAE licence (DOH or MOHAP).
• Experience certificates from your UAE practice.
• Good Standing Certificate.
• DataFlow PSV report reference.

3. Exam Exemption: Explicitly request exemption due to holding a valid UAE licence.

4. DHA Review: DHA reviews your application and issues an eligibility letter upon approval.

5. Licence Activation: Once approved, your new Dubai employer activates your DHA licence. You have the option to either retain or cancel your other emirate licence.

Important Considerations

• If you previously failed the DHA exam, you cannot use a subsequent DOH/MOHAP licence to bypass retaking it.

• Newly issued licences typically must be at least 3 months old before transfer eligibility.

• Licence transfers do not automatically cancel your previous licence; explicitly cancel if leaving that emirate.

• Standard DHA fees still apply (application, activation), but exam fees are avoided.

Licence transfers provide a streamlined route to practising in Dubai, saving time and costs associated with re-examination and verification. Ensure all documents (licence, experience, Good Standing, PSV) are ready, enabling a smooth transition to your DHA licence.

Renewing Your DHA Licence

Your DHA licence must be renewed regularly. Below are key points to ensure a smooth renewal:

Licence Validity and Timing

• Typically valid for one year; expiry date shown on the licence.

• Renewal applications are accepted up to 90 days before expiry.

• Renew early to avoid lapses; expired licences may require re-examination if not renewed within 6 months.

Who Handles the Renewal?

• Usually managed by your healthcare facility (employer).

• As a professional, you must supply the necessary documentation.

Renewal Requirements

• Continuing Medical Education (CME/CPD): Complete annual credits (typically 20–40 hours, depending on your profession).

• Good Standing: Maintain a clear practice record without disciplinary issues.

• Medical Fitness Test: Required annually if aged 65+.

• Malpractice Insurance: Current coverage (provided by employer or yourself).

• Outstanding Fines: Ensure all penalties (if any) are paid.

Documents for Renewal

• Updated passport copy and Emirates ID (if details have changed).

• Proof of CME credits.

• Valid malpractice insurance certificate.

• Updated Good Standing Certificate (if applicable, e.g., practising outside Dubai).

Renewal Process

• The facility’s HR/licensing representative submits a renewal application via the DHA Sheryan portal.

• You may initiate renewal directly if practising independently.

• Pay renewal fee (~AED 200).

• DHA typically processes renewals within 1 working day.

Important: Expired Licences

• Licences expired for over 6 months might require re-registration and possibly re-examination.

• DHA typically sends renewal reminders—ensure you respond promptly.

Maintaining an active DHA licence is straightforward if you keep track of CME, fees, and documentation, enabling uninterrupted professional practice in Dubai.

If you are having trouble applying for your DHA licence, please refer to this guide written by the DHA for more information.

Start Your DHA Licensing Now

Navigating the DHA licensing process can initially seem complex, but with clear steps, careful preparation, and the information provided in this guide, obtaining your licence can be straightforward and stress-free. Remember to start early, gather your documents, meet all eligibility criteria, and utilise the official Sheryan portal. With your DHA licence secured, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue your healthcare career confidently and legally in Dubai.

How Long is a DHA Licence Valid, and How Often Do I Have to Renew it?

A DHA licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. You can renew up to 90 days before expiry. If it expires, you can’t practise until renewed. Renewal involves fulfilling CME requirements, submitting via the Sheryan portal (usually by your employer), and paying a fee (approx. AED 200).

Can I Work in Other Emirates with a DHA Licence?

A DHA licence only allows practice in Dubai. To work in another emirate, you must obtain a licence from that emirate’s authority (DOH licence for Abu Dhabi, MOHAP licence for Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain). You can often transfer your DHA licence to another emirate without re-taking exams.

Can I Apply for a DHA Licence as a Fresh Graduate with No Experience?

Generally, no. DHA typically requires 2 years of clinical experience post-graduation. Fresh graduates usually must first complete internships or a residency. Check DHA’s exact requirements in the PQR for your profession.

Do I Have to be Physically Present in Dubai to Complete the Licensing Process?

No. Most steps (document submission, DataFlow verification, Prometric exam) can be done remotely. Physical presence is required only if an in-person oral assessment is necessary, or upon arrival for your employment and licence activation.

What’s the Difference Between a DHA Eligibility Letter and an Active Licence?

The eligibility letter confirms you’ve met all DHA criteria, but it isn’t an active licence itself. It’s valid for one year, allowing you to find employment. The employer then activates this into a full DHA licence, enabling clinical practice.

What Happens if I Don’t Renew My Licence on Time or Take a Break From Practice?

Late renewal may incur fines or cause temporary suspension. Expiry beyond 6 months could require re-registration or re-examination. Maintain continuous renewal or inform DHA in advance if you anticipate a lapse.

Does a DHA Licence Help Guarantee Employment in Dubai?

No, but it significantly improves your employability. Most employers prefer candidates already holding DHA eligibility/licences because it reduces hiring delays.

Where Can I Get Help with DHA Licensing Questions?

• Official DHA channels: info@dha.gov.ae, phone, or DHA Sheryan portal support.

• Official DHA user guides and FAQs on their website.

• Reputable UAE licensing consultancies (for document assistance only).

With these resources, you’ll have a clear path to your DHA licence and healthcare career in Dubai.