The DHA Licence in Dubai is a mandatory requirement for healthcare professionals who wish to work legally in the emirate. Issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), this licence applies to doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health professionals. It ensures that only qualified and competent individuals provide medical services, maintaining the high standards of healthcare that Dubai is known for.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a DHA licence, including eligibility criteria, documents required, costs, timelines, and renewal procedures. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced medical professional, understanding the DHA licensing process is the first step toward building a successful healthcare career in Dubai.
What is a DHA Licence?
The DHA Licence is an official certification issued by the Dubai Health Authority to healthcare professionals who meet the required qualifications, pass verification checks, and clear competency exams. It validates that the professional is competent to practice within the emirate.
Eligibility for Different Healthcare Roles
- Doctors & Dentists: Require recognized medical degrees, internship completion, and specialist training (if applicable).
- Nurses: Must hold a diploma or degree in nursing and relevant clinical experience.
- Pharmacists: Need a pharmacy degree and internship experience.
- Allied Health Professionals: Categories like physiotherapists, lab technicians, and radiographers require role-specific qualifications.
Importance for International Professionals
Healthcare professionals from countries like India, the Philippines, the UK, and other regions often move to Dubai for career growth. The DHA licence acts as a bridge for them to transition into the UAE healthcare system legally and seamlessly.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a DHA Licence in Dubai
Applying for a DHA licence involves several stages. Each step ensures that professionals meet the required standards before they begin practicing.
Step 1: Self-Assessment through Sheryan Portal
Applicants must begin with an online self-assessment on the Sheryan Portal, DHA’s official licensing platform. This determines eligibility based on qualifications and work experience.
Step 2: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
DHA mandates a Primary Source Verification (PSV) by DataFlow to ensure the authenticity of educational degrees, work experience certificates, and professional registrations. This process typically takes 15–25 working days.
Step 3: Prometric Exam
Most applicants must pass the Prometric Exam, which assesses clinical knowledge and competency. Candidates get three attempts to clear the exam. Passing marks and exam formats vary by specialty.
Step 4: Eligibility Letter
Once PSV and exam requirements are met, professionals receive an Eligibility Letter, which is valid for one year. This letter allows them to apply for jobs in Dubai.
Step 5: Licence Activation
After securing employment, the healthcare facility activates the DHA licence under the professional’s name. This completes the process, and the professional can begin practice legally in Dubai.
Required Documents for DHA Licence Application
To apply for a DHA licence, professionals must provide essential paperwork, including passport copies, recent photographs, and academic qualifications. Supporting documents such as professional registration, experience certificates, and a Good Standing Certificate are also needed. Corporate or foreign documents should be attested to ensure acceptance during the verification stage.
For Doctors
- Passport copy (valid for six months)
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent)
- Internship completion certificate
- Professional license/registration from home country
- Experience certificates (if required)
For Nurses
- Nursing degree or diploma
- Internship or experience certificates
- Passport and photographs
- Home country nursing registration
For Pharmacists
- Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy
- Proof of internship
- Valid passport and ID copies
For Allied Health Professionals
- Relevant degree or diploma
- Home country license
- Clinical experience documents
Cost of DHA Licence in Dubai
The cost of obtaining a DHA licence includes several components. While costs vary depending on profession and application route, a general breakdown is as follows:
PSV Fee Breakdown
The Primary Source Verification costs between AED 900–AED 1,200 depending on the number of documents.
Exam Fee
The Prometric exam fee ranges from AED 900–AED 1,100 per attempt.
Licence Application Fee
The DHA licence fee itself is approximately AED 2,000–AED 3,000, depending on the profession.
Renewal Costs
The licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal costs average around AED 2,000, excluding CPD requirements.
Timelines and Processing Periods
The DHA licence process can take anywhere from 30–45 working days depending on document readiness and PSV clearance.
- PSV Verification: 15–25 working days
- Prometric Exam Scheduling and Results: 7–10 days
- Eligibility Letter Issuance: 5–7 days
- Total Timeline: Around 4–6 weeks
Renewal and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Healthcare professionals must renew their DHA licence annually. Renewal requires proof of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points to ensure that the professional remains updated with global medical practices.
- Doctors: 40 CPD points annually
- Nurses: 20 CPD points annually
- Allied health professionals: Role-based CPD requirements
Failure to renew the licence on time may lead to penalties and suspension from practice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
Many applicants delay their DHA licence approval because of avoidable errors. Submitting incomplete or improperly attested documents is the most common mistake. Others fail due to poor Prometric exam preparation, missing renewal deadlines, or not following CPD requirements. Careful planning and accurate submissions ensure a smooth licensing journey.
Document Errors
Submitting unverified or incomplete documents is one of the most common reasons for delays. Always ensure degrees and certificates are attested.
Exam Preparation Issues
Many applicants fail the Prometric exam due to lack of preparation. Using official DHA resources and mock exams is highly recommended.
Renewal Delays
Ignoring renewal timelines can lead to penalties and additional costs. Professionals should track expiry dates carefully.
Benefits of Having a DHA Licence
Obtaining a DHA licence is not just a legal requirement but also a professional advantage. It opens up opportunities for healthcare professionals to practice in Dubai, ensures compliance with high medical standards, and provides career mobility both within the UAE and abroad. Below are the key benefits explained in detail.
Legal Authorization
The DHA licence grants official authorization to work in hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities in Dubai. Without this licence, healthcare professionals cannot legally practice, making it essential for anyone seeking employment in the emirate’s medical sector.
Career Growth
Dubai’s healthcare industry offers excellent opportunities for professional development. With a DHA licence, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers gain access to competitive salaries, advanced training programs, and leadership roles in one of the fastest-growing medical hubs in the world.
Mobility
One of the major advantages of a DHA licence is its flexibility. Professionals can often transfer their DHA credentials to other authorities such as HAAD (Abu Dhabi) or MOHAP (Northern Emirates), expanding their career options across the UAE without starting the licensing process from scratch.
International Recognition
The DHA licence is widely respected internationally. Holding this licence demonstrates that a professional has met rigorous healthcare standards, enhancing credibility when applying for jobs abroad. Many employers in the Middle East and beyond view the DHA licence as a mark of trust and professional competence.
Conclusion
The DHA licence in Dubai is an essential credential for any healthcare professional aiming to practice in the emirate. The process involves self-assessment, PSV verification, exams, and licence activation, but once complete, it opens doors to a rewarding career in one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare hubs. With proper guidance, document readiness, and preparation, professionals can obtain their licence within 4–6 weeks and begin their career in Dubai’s medical sector.
FAQs
What is the DHA licence?
It is a professional licence issued by the Dubai Health Authority that allows doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals to work legally in Dubai.
How can I get a DHA licence in Dubai?
To obtain a DHA licence in Dubai, you must apply through the Sheryan Portal managed by the Dubai Health Authority. Start by completing the self-assessment and uploading your documents, such as academic qualifications, experience certificates, and a Good Standing Certificate. Next, undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV) to validate your credentials.
How much does a DHA licence cost in Dubai?
The cost ranges from AED 7,000–AED 10,000, including PSV, exam, application, and renewal fees.
How long does it take to get a DHA licence?
On average, it takes 30–45 working days from application to issuance, depending on PSV and exam clearance.
How to renew a DHA licence?
Renewal is done through the Sheryan portal by submitting CPD certificates and paying the renewal fee.
Can I transfer a DHA licence to another emirate?
Yes, DHA licences can often be converted to HAAD (Abu Dhabi) or MOH (Northern Emirates) licences through the Unified Healthcare Licensing system.
What happens if I fail the Prometric exam?
Applicants have up to three attempts to clear the exam. Failing all attempts requires reapplying after a cooling period.
