Planning to work as a doctor, nurse, or allied health professional in Dubai? Securing your DHA license is the essential first step for every healthcare career in the UAE. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is a mandatory certification for all international and local medical professionals. Governed through the Sheryan portal, the licensing process integrates digital efficiency with stringent compliance checks.
A DHA license is an official permit issued by the Dubai Health Authority that allows healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals) to legally practice in Dubai. It certifies that a professional has met all the required qualifications and passed necessary assessments to ensure they can provide safe, quality healthcare services to patients in Dubai.
Whether you’re from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, or any other country, getting DHA certified is your gateway to a rewarding healthcare career in one of the world’s fastest-growing medical hubs.
The DHA license serves as proof of a healthcare professional’s competence and is mandatory for anyone wishing to work in healthcare facilities within Dubai. This licensing system helps maintain high standards of healthcare delivery and ensures patient safety throughout the emirate.
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.
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.
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.
To be eligible for a DHA license, you must meet the following requirements:
Different healthcare professions have specific Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) set by the DHA. Always check the latest requirements for your specific profession on the DHA website or Sheryan portal, as these may be updated periodically.
Prepare the following documents before starting your application process:
All documents in languages other than English or Arabic must be legally translated. Keep digital copies of all documents in PDF format (less than 500KB each) for online submission.
Key Point: Create a document checklist and organize your files in advance to avoid delays. Consider having extra copies of all documents for any unforeseen requirements.
The Sheryan portal is the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) official digital platform for healthcare professional and facility licensing, registration, and compliance in Dubai. “Sheryan” means “artery” in Arabic, reflecting its role as the main channel for healthcare regulation.
Here’s how the DHA licensing process works through the Sheryan portal:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The DHA license application process consists of six main steps. Follow this comprehensive guide to navigate through each phase successfully:
The journey begins with creating an account and completing a self-assessment on the DHA’s Sheryan portal.
During self-assessment, you’ll answer questions about your qualifications, experience, and professional background. The system will evaluate if you meet the minimum requirements for your chosen profession. If successful, you’ll proceed to the next step.
Important: Be completely honest in your self-assessment. Any discrepancies discovered later can lead to rejection or license revocation.
Primary Source Verification (PSV), often referred to as “DataFlow” (the company that conducts the verification), is a critical step that validates the authenticity of your credentials.
DataFlow will contact your universities, employers, and licensing bodies directly to verify your credentials. This process typically takes 15-30 days, though it may take longer in some cases.
Pro Tip: Inform your previous employers and educational institutions that they may be contacted by DataFlow to expedite the verification process.
Once your documents are verified, you’ll need to pass the relevant licensing examination.
The examination tests your knowledge and competence in your specific healthcare field. Different professions have different exam formats and passing scores.
Some professionals, particularly specialists and consultants, may need to undergo an oral assessment.
The oral assessment evaluates your clinical decision-making, professional judgment, and communication skills. It’s usually conducted by senior professionals in your specialty.
After passing all required assessments:
Being registered in the Dubai Medical Registry means you’re officially recognized by the DHA as a qualified healthcare professional. However, you still need one more step before you can practice.
The final step is activating your license by linking it to an employer:
Your license will specify your allowed scope of practice, licensed facility/facilities, license validity period, and any practice restrictions (if applicable).
Note: You cannot practice in Dubai until your license is fully activated. Working without an active license is illegal and carries severe penalties.
| License Type | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Full-time License (1 Year) | AED 1000 |
| Full-time License (2 Years) | AED 1500 |
| Full-time License (3 Years) | AED 2500 |
| Part-time License | AED 1000 |
| Trainee License | AED 1000 |
| Convert to Full-time | AED 200 |
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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.
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:
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.
| 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. | ||
Securing your DHA license in Dubai is much easier with the right professional support. At GloboPrime, we handle every step—from document verification to final approval—so you can focus on your healthcare career.
Primary Source Verification (PSV) is mandatory for DHA applicants. We manage the entire DataFlow verification process, ensuring your qualifications, experience certificates, and registrations are authenticated quickly and accurately to avoid rejections or delays.
Whether you need degree, diploma, birth, marriage, or medical report attestation, our certificate attestation experts in Dubai streamline the attestation process for all documents required by the DHA.
Foreign degrees often need a UAE equivalency certificate for professional licensing. We guide you step-by-step, from submission to approval, saving you time and minimizing errors.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA attestation) is a compulsory legalization step. We ensure your documents are authenticated by MOFA without delays an essential for final DHA approval.
All documents for DHA must be in English or Arabic. Our legal translation experts provide certified translations accepted by all UAE government authorities.
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