How to Get a DHA License in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide for Expat Healthcare 

If you’re a medical professional looking to practice in Dubai, obtaining a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is one of the most important and often complex steps. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health professional, this guide will walk you through the entire DHA licensing process, requirements, costs, and common pitfalls. At Dr Expat, we aim to make your transition into the UAE healthcare system seamless and stress-free.

Why You Need a DHA License

1. Legal Requirement: To practice medicine or any healthcare profession in Dubai, a valid DHA license is mandatory.

2. Professional Credibility: A DHA license shows that you meet Dubai’s high standards for healthcare, increasing your employability. 

3. Career Opportunities: Licensed professionals can work at top-tier hospitals, clinics, or even set up their own practice (if they meet facility licensing requirements).

4. Patient Trust: Patients in Dubai rely on licensed practitioners, and having a DHA license gives them confidence in your credentials.
   
   

Eligibility Requirements

Before diving into the process, make sure you meet DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). According to their licensing manual: 

• Education & Professional Qualification: You need a recognized medical degree (MBBS, MD, etc.) for doctors, or equivalent credentials for other professions.
  
  

• Valid License from Home Country: DHA often requires your existing professional license/registration from your country of practice.
  
  

• Clinical Experience: Depending on the role, this can vary. For general practitioners, 2+ years of clinical experience is commonly required.
  
  

• Good Standing Certificate: A certificate (typically not older than 6 months) from the licensing athority in your previous country.
  
  

• Medical Fitness: If you're 65+ or have specific health conditions, a recent medical fitness certificate may be require.
  
  

• Life-Support Certification: For some professions (e.g., anaesthetists), Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is mandatory.
  
  

• English Proficiency (if required): Some professions require evidence of English test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, OET) unless exempt under certain conditions. 

Step-by-Step DHA Licensing Process

Here’s a breakdown of how to get your DHA license from start to finish:

Step 1: Self-Assessment & Sheryan Registration

• Go to the DHA Sheryan portal and create your professional account.

• Complete the self-assessment: provide your qualifications, experience, and upload your basic documents.

• Pay the initial application/eligibility fee (commonly around AED 200).

Step 2: Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow

• Submit your academic and professional documents to DataFlow Group for PSV.

• This step ensures authenticity of your qualifications and can take multiple weeks.

Step 3: Assessment / Exams

• Depending on your profession and PQR, you may need to sit:

• Computer-Based Test (CBT) — run by Prometric. 

• Oral Assessment — required for some healthcare roles. 

• If you pass, you receive an Eligibility Letter. 

Step 4: Apply for Professional Registration

• Log in to Sheryan → “Register a Professional” → fill in all required info, upload verified documents, and pay registration fees.

• DHA reviews your application (including PSV and exam results) to decide on acceptance.

Step 5: Activate Your License

• Once DHA approves, your employer (a DHA-licensed health facility) usually helps activate your license.

• Pay license activation fee: AED 1,000–4,000, depending on your license type.

• If applicable, submit your Malpractice Insurance details.

Step 6: Start Practicing

• After license activation, your professional registration becomes active, and you can legally practice in Dubai under DHA.

• Keep your license details updated in Sheryan, and be aware of renewal obligations.

4. Costs Involved

Here’s a breakdown (approximate) of the costs associated with the DHA licensing journey (these vary by profession):

            Item                                                    Estimated Cost / Notes

Sheryan Registration                          ~ AED 200 for eligibility application 

PSV (DataFlow)                                      Depends on number of documents; varies by profession 

Prometric (CBT) Exam                           Varies by profession, usually a few hundred AED / equivalent depending on currency

Oral Assessment                                 ~ AED 250 (standard) or up to AED 2,000 (urgent) for some roles 

License Activation                               ~ AED 1,000–4,000 based on license type.

5. Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

• Sheryan Registration & Self-Assessment: 1–2 days (if documents ready)

• PSV via DataFlow: ~ 30–45 days on average (depends on issuing institutions)

• DHA Exam Scheduling: Depends on Prometric availability; usually a few weeks

• DHA Review & License Activation: 1–2 weeks after employer submits activation request (varies)

• Overall: The full process typically takes 6–12 weeks, but complexity can vary by case. 

6. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

• Clinical Gap: If you have a gap of 2+ years in clinical practice, DHA may ask for more proof (like CME credits) or equivalency programs

• Document Verification Delays: Institutions may take time to verify transcripts. Start early and follow up with DataFlow.

• Exam Anxiety: The Prometric exam is challenging. Use study materials, take mock tests, and consider coaching if needed.

• Employer Licensing: Not all facilities are DHA-licensed. Make sure your prospective employer is approved by DHA before accepting a job.

• Renewal Planning: DHA licenses expire (typically annually), so plan ahead to renew on time.

7. Why Choose Dr Expat to Help You

At Dr Expat, we specialize in helping expat healthcare professionals:

• Navigate the entire DHA licensing journey from document verification to activation

• Prepare for exams (CBT and oral) with tailored resources and guidance

• Identify and connect with DHA-approved employers

• Streamline administrative tasks so you can focus on your career, not on paperwork

8. Final Thoughts

Getting a DHA license in Dubai is a significant but manageable hurdle especially if you’re well-prepared. With the right strategy, documentation, and support, you can fast-track your way to practicing legally and confidently in Dubai.

If you’re ready to begin, Dr Expat is here to guide you at every step. Let’s make your licensing journey smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free consultation. https://drexpat.com/