DHA Licensing UAE

Securing a DHA license is essential for all healthcare professionals aiming to work in Dubai. From self-assessment to document submission, exams, registration, and activation, each step must be meticulously followed.

What is a DHA License?

A DHA (Dubai Health Authority) DHA license is the official authorization issued by the Dubai Health Authority that permits medical professionals, clinicians, and allied health practitioners to legally practice healthcare—including in‑person care and telehealth services—within the Emirate of Dubai. It is a mandatory requirement for anyone involved in patient‑facing activities. Healthcare professionals must activate their DHA license on the Sheryan portal before commencing any clinical practice.

Traditional, Complementary & Alternative Medicine (T&CM) Practitioners

Practitioners in disciplines such as Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Chinese Medicine, etc., require a DHA license tailored to their practice area.

Specific Requirements and Qualifications by Category

Across all categories:

  • Educational qualifications from accredited institutions.
  • Relevant work experience (2–5+ years depending on profession).
  • Valid license to practice from the home country.
  • Certificate of Good Standing (GSC) from the original licensing authority.
  • English language proficiency is usually required.

Profession-Specific Requirements

  • Physicians/Dentists: Board certifications, surgical logbooks for surgeons.
  • Nurses/Midwives: Varying educational levels and roles.
  • Allied Health Professionals: Specific degrees and experiential background per specialization.
  • T&CM Practitioners: Requirements based on modality.

Unified Healthcare Professional Requirements (PQR)

The Unified Healthcare Professional Requirements (PQR) is the authoritative document outlining all eligibility criteria per category.

Here are some key points to keep in mind when applying for a in DHA license UAE are:

  • Eligibility

    To be eligible for a DHA license, you must have a valid medical degree from a recognized institution and pass the DHA screening test. Additionally, you must meet the specific requirements for the type of license you are applying for, such as having relevant experience or passing a certain exam.

  • Application process
    • The first step in the application process is to register on the DHA website and submit the required documents. This includes your medical degreepassport, and CV. Once your documents are verified, you will be required to take the DHA screening test.Once your application is approved, you will receive your DHA license.DHA screening test: The DHA screening test is a multiple-choice exam that assesses your knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system in Dubai. The test is conducted in English and covers topics such as medical ethics, infection control, and emergency management. You must pass the test with a minimum score of 70% to be eligible for a DHA license.
  • Dataflow verification

    After passing the DHA screening test, you will need to submit your documents to Dataflow, a third-party company that verifies the authenticity of your qualifications and work experience.

  • Interview
    • Once your documents are verified by Dataflow, you will be called for an interview with the DHA licensing department. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your qualifications, work experience, and knowledge of healthcare in Dubai.
  • Issuance of license

    After passing the interview, your DHA license will be issued. The process usually takes around 4-6 weeks from the time of your application.

  • Your DHA license needs to be renewed every two years.

    To renew your license, you will need to submit a renewal application along with submitting updated documents and paying a renewal fee.

    You will also need to attend an interview and pass a medical examination.

Categories of Healthcare Professionals Requiring a DHA License

The DHA licensing framework encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare professions to ensure comprehensive regulation of the healthcare sector in Dubai. These categories are designed to classify healthcare professionals based on their qualifications, roles, and specializations.

Physicians

This category includes a diverse range of medical practitioners, spanning various levels of specialization. It encompasses Specialist Physicians who have undergone advanced training in specific medical fields, General Practitioners who provide primary healthcare services, and Consultants who are highly experienced specialists offering expert advice and treatment. The licensing process for physicians takes into account their specific area of expertise to ensure they meet the required standards for their respective fields.

Dentists

Similar to physicians, the category of dentists includes professionals specializing in various aspects of dental care. This ranges from General Dentists who provide routine dental services to specialists in fields such as Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Implantology, Prosthodontics, and Restorative Dentistry. Each dental specialty has its own set of licensing requirements to guarantee the provision of high-quality dental care.

Nurses and Midwives

This category comprises nursing professionals with different levels of training and responsibilities. It includes Registered Nurses who provide comprehensive nursing care, Assistant Nurses who support registered nurses in their duties, Registered Midwives who specialize in maternal and newborn care, and Assistant Midwives who assist in the birthing process. The DHA ensures that nurses and midwives are licensed according to their qualifications and scope of practice.

Allied Health Professionals

This is a broad category that encompasses a wide array of healthcare roles essential to the delivery of comprehensive patient care. These professions include, but are not limited to, Physiotherapists, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Pharmacists, Nutritionists, Audiologists, Radiographers, and many others. The Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCR) also licenses additional allied health professions such as Molecular Biology Technologists, Medical Laboratory Assistants, Phlebotomists, Laser Therapists, Lactation Consultants, Medical Physicists, MRI Technologists, Neurodiagnostic Technologists, and Clinical Dietitians.

Traditional & Complementary & Alternative Medicine (T&CM) Practitioners

This category includes professionals who practice various forms of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine. The specific licensing requirements for T&CM practitioners are tailored to the particular modality they practice, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards of competence and safety.

The specific titles and specialties within these broad categories are extensive, reflecting the highly specialized nature of modern healthcare. For instance, under the category of Physicians, there are numerous specialist titles such as Anatomic Pathology, Anesthesia, Cardiology, and many more, each with its own specific qualifications and requirements.

how to get DHA eligibility letter?

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the DHA Eligibility Letter


Step 1: Self-Assessment of Eligibility

Before starting the application, ensure you meet the DHA’s minimum qualification and experience requirements for your profession. You can perform a self-assessment on the DHA Sheryan Portal.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Personal Documents:

  • Valid Passport: Copy with at least six months’ validity.
  • Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: Colored, with a white background.

Educational Certificates:

  • Degree Certificates: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degrees.
  • Transcript of Records: Detailing courses and grades.
  • Equivalency Certificate: If required, from the UAE Ministry of Education.

Professional Certificates:

  • Valid Professional License: From your home country or country of last employment.
  • Experience Letters: Proof of relevant work experience (minimum of two years for most professions).
  • Good Standing Certificate: From the licensing authority where you last practiced.

Additional Documents:

  • BLS Certification: Basic Life Support certificate (for certain professions).
  • Medical Fitness Test: May be required during the final registration.
Note: All documents must be in English or Arabic. Documents in other languages should be translated by a certified translator.

Step 3: Create a DHA Sheryan Account

  • Visit: DHA Sheryan Portal
  • Register: Provide your email address and create a password.
  • Verify Email: Confirm your account through the verification link sent to your email.

Step 4: Initiate the Application Process

  • Login: Access your Sheryan account.
  • Select ‘New Professional’: Begin a new professional registration.
  • Complete the Application Form: Provide personal details, education, and professional experience.
  • Upload Documents: Attach all the required documents in the specified formats.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fees

  • Initial Application Fee: Approximately AED 220 – AED 520 (fees vary by profession).
  • Payment Method: Credit or debit card via secure online portal.

Step 6: Primary Source Verification (PSV) by DataFlow Group

Purpose: To authenticate your educational and professional credentials.
  • DataFlow Link: You will receive a notification to proceed with PSV.
  • Submit Documents: Upload necessary documents for verification.
  • Pay PSV Fees: Varies based on the number of documents (typically around AED 935).
  • Timeline: Verification can take 2 to 6 weeks.

Step 7: Schedule the Prometric Exam (If Applicable)

  • Who Needs to Take the Exam: Most professionals, except certain exempt categories.
  • Registration: Visit www.prometric.com
  • Schedule Exam: Choose a suitable date and testing center.
  • Exam Fee: Approximately USD 240.
  • Exam Preparation: Review the DHA exam syllabus relevant to your profession.

Step 8: Receive the Eligibility Letter

  • Notification: You’ll receive an email once your application is approved.
  • Access Letter: Download the DHA Eligibility Letter from your Sheryan account.
  • Validity: The letter is valid for one year from the date of issue.

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FAQs

The processing time for a DHA license can vary, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks.

The cost of a DHA license varies depending on the type of license and the profession. You can find more information on the DHA website.

Yes, foreign nationals can apply for a DHA license as long as they meet the requirements and have the necessary documents.

  • A DHA license allows healthcare professionals to practice in Dubai, which is a growing market with a high demand for healthcare services.
  • A DHA license also enhances your credibility and reputation as a healthcare professional.
  • A DHA license will also help you to be eligible for higher salaries and better job opportunities in Dubai.

To activate your MOH license in the UAE, you must have an active MOH evaluation letter and a valid UAE visa. Unlike DHA or DOH activation, a UAE visa (usually sponsored by your employer) is mandatory before the MOH license can be activated. Your employing healthcare facility typically manages the final activation process via the MOH portal.

In most cases of attestation services, we ALWAYS require the original certificate. For some countries the UAE embassy attestation is done on a notarised copy and NOT the original.

In some cases the attestation will be done on the original degree certificate.

Have more questions? Mail us on info@globoprime.com or call on 056-4625222.

Whether you can get a DHA license without experience depends on your profession. While some entry-level or trainee roles might have pathways for fresh graduates, most licensed clinical positions (like doctors, specialists, nurses) require a minimum number of years of post-qualification experience as specified in the DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).

In Dubai, healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities require a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license to practice. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Doctors (including specialists and general practitioners)
  • Nurses and midwives
  • Dentists
  • Pharmacists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Radiographers
  • Laboratory technicians
  • Medical equipment technicians
  • Optometrists and opticians
  • Speech therapists
  • Dietitians and nutritionists

Additionally, all healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and laboratories operating in Dubai are required to have a DHA license.

To activate your Ministry of Health (MOH) license in the UAE, a variety of documents are required to ensure the compliance and validation of your professional qualifications. Below is a comprehensive list of the essential documents needed:

1. Valid Assessment Certificate: Your MOH evaluation certificate, confirming your professional qualifications, is mandatory for license activation.

2. Certificates of Recent Experience: Provide letters from your previous employers detailing your professional experience in the healthcare sector.

3. Certificate of Good Conduct: A document attesting to your professional standing and ethical behavior.

4. Letter of Authorization from the Facility: This formal request from your employer authorizes the activation of your license.

5. Job Offer Letter: The official employment offer from the healthcare facility in the UAE.

6. List of Licensed Professionals in the Facility: A current list of all licensed professionals (doctors and technicians) working at the facility.

7. Copy of Valid Passport: Provide a clear copy of your passport as proof of identity.

8. Recent Passport-Sized Photograph: A recent photo with a white background is required for your license application.

9. Copy of Valid Residence Visa: Your UAE residency visa is essential for the process.

10. Copy of Valid Emirates ID: Provide a copy of your Emirates ID as proof of legal residence in the UAE.

11. Employment Contract: The signed agreement between you and your employer regarding your employment in the healthcare facility.

12. Business Card: A copy of your professional business card.

13. Insurance Against Medical Errors: Proof of malpractice insurance coverage to safeguard against potential medical errors.

14. Labor Card: This is applicable for certain professionals depending on their specific employment type and role.

Ensure that all these documents are gathered and prepared for submission to the Ministry of Health for the successful activation of your professional license.

Fees Associated with DHA License Application and Renewal

Fee Type Nurse/Midwife/Allied Health/T&CM (AED) Physician/Dentist (AED)
Credentialing 200 200
Full-time License (1 Year) 1000 3000
Full-time License (2 Years) 1500 5000
Full-time License (3 Years) 2500 7500
Part-time License 1000 3000
Trainee License 1000 3000
Convert to Full-time 200 200
Registration Renewal 200 200
Good Standing Certificate 500 500
License Card Update 50 50
Fees for CBT and PSV are additional and vary.

Step by step guide for documents attestation in UAE

In UAE We are providing our attestation Service in all the emirates including Dubai ,Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain ,Fujairah. Internationally With Service Partner Across 120 countries GloboPrime is the best attestation company in Dubai – UAE

We are a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality of service.

Document Attestation in UAE with GloboPrime 

  • Contact GloboPrime: Send us a scan of your certificate (marriage certificate, birth certificate, degree, etc.).
  • Personalized Proposal: We Will Send you a detailed service proposal outlining the exact steps, timeline, and associated costs. Our team confirms its validity for UAE attestation and answers any questions.
  • Convenient & Secure Collection: We offer free and secure document pickup within Dubai at your chosen location.
  • Expert Handling & Processing: Our Expert team manages all necessary certifications, notarizations, and embassy approvals efficiently. We handle the entire Attestation Process Up to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation (MOFA) attestation in Dubai.
  • Updates & Support: Stay informed throughout the process with regular updates on the status of your document attestation.
  • Secure Delivery of Your Documents: Get your fully attested documents delivered securely back to your preferred location in Dubai or Anywhere in UAE.

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