You’ve dedicated years to mastering your medical expertise, but navigating Dubai’s healthcare licensing system feels like learning an entirely new specialty. Between confusing acronyms—DataFlow, Sheryan, PSV—and uncertainty about costs, timelines, and whether your qualifications will be recognized, the process can feel overwhelming before you even begin.
This comprehensive guide eliminates that confusion. Whether you’re a UK-trained physician researching your options, an Indian nurse ready to relocate, or a dentist already in the licensing process, you’ll find everything you need here. We’ll walk through every requirement, document, cost, and timeline step involved in obtaining your DHA license to practice healthcare legally in Dubai in 2026.
According to Dubai Health Authority’s 2025 data, over 15,000 healthcare professionals applied for DHA licensing last year, with Dubai’s healthcare sector projected to grow by 12% annually through 2030. The opportunity is substantial—but the license is mandatory.
🏥 DHA License Process Tracker
Click each step to explore the complete Dubai healthcare licensing journey
What is a DHA License in Dubai? (Understanding the Basics)
A DHA license is a legal certificate issued by the Dubai Health Authority under Federal Law No. 6 of 2023 that permits healthcare professionals to practice medicine legally within Dubai. This isn't a suggestion or recommendation—it's a legal requirement for every doctor, nurse, dentist, psychologist, pharmacist, and allied health professional working in Dubai's healthcare facilities.
The DHA serves as Dubai's primary healthcare regulator, overseeing all medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, and private practices within the emirate. Unlike other licensing bodies in the UAE, the DHA's jurisdiction covers only Dubai—not Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other regions.
DHA vs MOH vs DOH: Understanding the UAE's Licensing Landscape
Many healthcare professionals confuse the UAE's three main licensing authorities. Each emirate maintains an independent licensing system:
- DHA (Dubai Health Authority): Valid only in the Dubai emirate
- MOH (Ministry of Health): Covers Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah)
- DOH (Department of Health): Valid only in the Abu Dhabi emirate
Even if you hold a valid license from another Gulf country or another UAE emirate, DHA requirements apply specifically to Dubai practice. Your credentials must be verified independently through DHA's systems.
Registration vs License: A Critical Distinction
DHA registration and license activation are two separate steps that many professionals conflate. Registration confirms your eligibility and adds you to the Dubai Medical Registry, remaining valid for one year. The license, however, is what allows you to actually practice clinically and requires employer sponsorship to activate.
You can complete the exam and receive an "eligibility letter" without a job offer, but you cannot practice medicine until a healthcare facility activates your license.
Complete DHA License Requirements for 2026
According to DHA's Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) 2025, all healthcare professionals must meet these baseline criteria:
Educational Qualifications: Your medical degree must come from a university recognized by DHA authorities. MBBS, MD, BDS, BSN, or equivalent qualifications form the foundation, with internship completion serving as the minimum baseline. Specialists and consultants need additional postgraduate training certificates relevant to their chosen field.
Professional Experience: International Medical Graduates (IMGs) require at least two years of clinical experience post-internship, with one year in a general practice setup for GPs. Specialists need three or more years, depending on their tier classification, while consultants require five to eight years minimum.
Valid Home Country License: You must hold an active professional license from your country of origin or current practice location. This demonstrates you're legally authorized to practice medicine in at least one jurisdiction.
Good Standing Certificate (GSC): A letter from your current licensing authority confirming no disciplinary actions, malpractice claims, or ethical violations. This certificate must be issued within six months of your DHA application and remains valid for that period only.
Primary Source Verification (PSV): All educational, professional, and licensing documents must undergo DataFlow verification, where the DataFlow Group contacts your universities and employers directly to confirm authenticity.
Valid Passport: Minimum six months' validity from the application date.
Profession-Specific Requirements
General Practitioners (GPs): Two years post-internship clinical experience, with one year in a general practice setting. UAE medical school graduates from MOHSER-accredited institutions require one additional year as a clinical trainee after internship.
Medical Specialists: Tiered classification system from Tier 1 (no experience beyond training) to Tier 3 (three years specialized experience required). Specialists not meeting experience requirements receive a "Specialist Under Supervision" provisional license.
Consultants: Minimum two years experience (Tier 1) to five-eight years (Tier 2) depending on specialty complexity. Require completed recognized specialty certificates with consultant-level appointments in previous positions.
Nurses and Midwives: Two years post-qualification clinical experience in a registered nurse capacity. Midwives require separate certification and specialized clinical experience.
Dentists: General dentists require two years of post-internship experience. Dental specialists follow similar tiered requirements as medical specialists, with recognized postgraduate qualifications in their specialty.
Psychologists and Allied Health Professionals: Professional-specific experience requirements ranging from two to four years, depending on specialization complexity.
How to Get a DHA License in Dubai: 8-Step Process
The DHA licensing process follows a structured pathway through the Sheryan Portal system. Here's the complete roadmap from application to activated license:
Step 1: Create Sheryan Portal Account (DHA Unique ID)
Visit the official DHA Sheryan Portal and register with your valid email address. You'll create login credentials and receive a DHA Unique ID number—this identifier follows you through the entire process and is required for DataFlow verification, exam booking, and license activation.
The registration process requires your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), contact details, and professional category selection. According to the DHA portal guidelines, account verification typically occurs within 24 hours via email confirmation.
Step 2: Complete Self-Assessment Tool (Eligibility Check)
Before investing time and money into the full process, use the Self-Assessment Tool available on your Sheryan dashboard. This automated system evaluates your qualifications against DHA's Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) and provides immediate feedback on eligibility.
The tool asks detailed questions about your degree, university accreditation, clinical experience, and current licensure status. If you receive approval, you can proceed immediately. If flagged for manual review, DHA staff will assess your application individually, which adds two to three weeks to your timeline.
Step 3: Submit Documents for DataFlow PSV (15-45 Days)
Primary Source Verification through DataFlow is mandatory and non-negotiable. Visit dha.dfgateway.com and create a separate applicant profile, ensuring you select "Dubai Health Authority" as your verification authority.
Required documents for DataFlow submission include:
- Passport copy (minimum six months validity)
- Professional passport-size photograph (white background)
- Educational certificates (all degrees and diplomas)
- Academic transcripts and mark sheets
- Professional license/registration from home country
- Good Standing Certificate (issued within six months)
- Experience certificates from all previous employers
- Internship completion certificate
Upload high-resolution scans—rejected documents due to poor quality require resubmission with additional fees. DataFlow's standard processing time is 15 working days, though university response delays can extend this to 30-45 days.
The DataFlow Group contacts your universities, licensing bodies, and previous employers directly to verify authenticity. You'll receive email updates as each document clears verification.
Step 4: Receive PSV Report (Positive/Negative/On-Hold)
Once verification completes, DataFlow issues one of three report types:
Positive Report (Green): All documents verified successfully—proceed immediately to exam booking.
Negative Report (Red): Discrepancies found in submitted documents or the issuing authority couldn't verify. Contact DataFlow support to identify specific issues and resubmit corrected documents.
On-Hold Report (Yellow): Additional documentation required. Common reasons include name changes requiring marriage certificates, university restructuring requiring supplemental letters, or incomplete employment verification.
Your PSV number from this report is essential for the Sheryan portal exam application.
Step 5: Book DHA Prometric Exam (CBT Examination)
With your positive DataFlow report, return to the Sheryan portal and submit your exam application. Once DHA approves (typically 3-5 business days), you'll receive Prometric eligibility credentials via email.
Visit the Prometric website, log in with your DHA Unique ID, and select your professional category. The system displays available exam dates and locations—Prometric centers exist globally, including major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai), Middle Eastern locations, and international sites.
DHA exams are scheduled quarterly in January, April, July, and October. Book your preferred slot and pay exam fees directly through Prometric's portal.
Step 6: Pass Exam (60% Minimum, Results in 5-10 Days)
The DHA exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions delivered over 165 minutes for most categories. According to 2025 DHA exam guidelines, the passing score is 60% across all healthcare professions.
The exam evaluates both theoretical knowledge and clinical decision-making through case-based scenarios. Recent additions in 2025 include questions on telemedicine protocols, digital health ethics, and electronic health record systems, reflecting Dubai's Health Strategy 2030 focus on digital healthcare transformation.
Results are released within 5-10 working days via email and Sheryan portal notification. If you don't pass, you're allowed up to three retake attempts. After three failures, you must return to your home country, gain two additional years of experience, and reapply from the beginning.
Step 7: Receive Eligibility Letter (Valid 1 Year)
Passing the exam triggers automatic DHA registration, adding you to the Dubai Medical Registry. You'll receive an official Eligibility Letter—valid for one year from issue date—which allows you to legally apply for healthcare positions in Dubai.
This letter proves to employers that you've completed all educational, experiential, and examination requirements. However, you still cannot practice medicine until a facility sponsors your license activation.
Step 8: Secure Job Offer & Activate License
Once employed, your healthcare facility initiates license activation through their Sheryan facility account. They'll submit:
- Official offer letter on facility letterhead
- Job description and professional title
- Medical Director signature and facility stamp
- Your Eligibility Letter and DataFlow report
The activation process includes medical fitness testing, Emirates ID registration, and final license fee payment. Once completed (typically 1-2 weeks), you receive your official DHA license certificate and can begin clinical practice legally.
DHA License Dubai Cost 2026 – Complete Fee Breakdown
One of the most common questions healthcare professionals ask is "how much does a DHA license actually cost?" The answer depends on your profession, document complexity, and whether you choose standard or urgent processing.
Based on 2025-2026 fee schedules, here's the complete cost breakdown:
DataFlow Primary Source Verification: AED 935 to AED 1,235 depending on document quantity and issuing authority requirements. Doctors typically pay the higher range due to multiple degrees and employment verifications, while nurses and allied health professionals often fall in the lower range.
DHA Credentialing Fee: AED 200 across all healthcare professionals for initial application processing through the Sheryan system.
Prometric Examination Fee: Ranges from AED 700 to AED 1,100 based on professional category. According to Prometric's 2025 fee structure, general practitioners pay approximately AED 850, specialists AED 950, and nurses AED 750.
License Activation Fee: AED 3,000 for full-time practice or AED 4,000 for part-time designation. This is the largest single expense and is paid through the Sheryan portal once your employer initiates activation.
Total Estimated Investment: Between AED 2,000 and AED 5,000 (approximately $545 to $1,360 USD) from initial application through activated license.
Hidden Costs to Avoid
Several additional expenses can inflate your total investment if you're not careful:
Document Resubmission Fees: If DataFlow rejects documents due to poor scan quality or missing information, you'll pay AED 100-300 per document for reprocessing.
Exam Rescheduling: Changing your Prometric exam date after initial booking costs AED 150-200. Missing your scheduled exam forfeits the entire exam fee.
Manual Assessment: If your application requires DHA staff review rather than automated approval, expect an additional AED 220 processing fee.
Urgent Processing: DataFlow offers premium services for expedited verification, adding AED 500-800 to standard fees with delivery in 7-10 days instead of 30-45 days.
Document Attestation: While DataFlow doesn't require attested documents, some universities charge attestation fees if they request certified copies for verification responses.
The Dubai Health Authority maintains a strict no-refund policy, so ensure all applications are accurate before submission.
DHA Exam Dubai 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The DHA Prometric examination represents a significant milestone in your licensing journey. Understanding the format, content, and preparation requirements dramatically improves your success probability.
Exam Format and Structure
The examination is delivered as a computer-based test (CBT) at Prometric testing centers worldwide. According to DHA's 2025 exam pattern, most healthcare categories face 150 multiple-choice questions completed within 165 minutes—that's approximately 66 seconds per question.
Questions follow a case-based format where you're presented with clinical scenarios and must select the most appropriate diagnosis, treatment, or management approach. The exam tests both theoretical knowledge (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology) and practical clinical reasoning.
What's New in 2025-2026: Digital Health Focus
Recent examinations have incorporated Dubai's healthcare digitalization priorities. Expect questions covering:
- Telemedicine consultation protocols and patient privacy
- Electronic health record (EHR) documentation standards
- Digital consent processes and data sovereignty
- AI-assisted diagnostic tools and clinical decision support
- Cybersecurity in healthcare settings
This reflects Dubai Health Strategy 2030's emphasis on transforming healthcare delivery through technology integration.
Passing Score and Retake Policy
The passing threshold is 60% across all healthcare professions—you must correctly answer at least 90 of 150 questions. Results are binary (pass/fail) with no detailed scoring breakdown provided to candidates.
If you don't pass your first attempt, DHA allows up to three retakes within a year. After three failures, you must:
- Return to your home country
- Gain two additional years of clinical experience
- Restart the entire licensing process from DataFlow verification
This policy ensures only competent practitioners receive authorization to practice in Dubai's healthcare system.
Results Timeline
Exam results are released within 5-10 working days via two channels: email notification to your registered address and Sheryan portal dashboard update. You'll receive either a pass confirmation with registration instructions or a fail notification with retake eligibility details.
DataFlow Verification Process for DHA License
Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow is perhaps the most critical—and most commonly misunderstood—component of DHA licensing.
What is Primary Source Verification?
PSV is an international background screening system where the DataFlow Group contacts your educational institutions, licensing bodies, and previous employers directly to verify that your submitted documents are genuine and accurate.
This isn't a simple document review—it's active verification. DataFlow sends formal requests to your medical school asking, "Did this person graduate with these credentials on this date?" and to hospitals asking, "Was this person employed in this capacity during these dates?"
Required Documents for DataFlow
Every healthcare professional must submit these core documents:
Identity Documentation:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining)
- Professional passport photograph (white background, recent)
Educational Credentials:
- All medical/nursing/dental degrees and diplomas
- Complete academic transcripts and mark sheets
- Internship completion certificate
- Postgraduate specialty certificates (if applicable)
Professional Credentials:
- Current professional license from the home country
- Good Standing Certificate (issued within 6 months)
- Registration certificate from the home country medical council
Employment Verification:
- Experience certificates from all previous employers
- Job description letters on official letterhead
- Reference letters from Medical Directors or Department Heads
All documents must be clear, complete scans in PDF format. According to DataFlow guidelines, illegible or incomplete submissions trigger automatic rejection with resubmission fees.
Processing Timeline: What to Expect
DataFlow's standard turnaround is 15 working days for straightforward cases. However, real-world processing typically takes 30-45 days due to:
University Response Delays: Some institutions take weeks to respond to verification requests, particularly during academic breaks or administrative restructuring.
International Coordination: Cross-border verifications involving multiple countries extend processing time.
Issuing Authority Requirements: Certain universities require manual signatures on Letters of Authorization, adding 1-2 weeks for postal delivery.
Missing Information: Incomplete employer addresses or non-responsive hospitals pause verification until you provide updated contact details.
Monitor your DataFlow dashboard regularly. You'll receive email notifications as each document progresses through verification stages.
Report Types and Next Steps
DataFlow issues three possible verification outcomes:
Positive (Green) Report: All documents successfully verified—download your report immediately and proceed to Sheryan exam application.
Negative (Red) Report: Verification failed due to discrepancies. Common reasons include name mismatches, degree dates inconsistent with transcripts, or employment dates that don't align with licenses. Contact DataFlow support to identify specific discrepancies and prepare corrected documentation.
On-Hold (Yellow) Report: Additional information required. You'll receive specific instructions on missing documents or clarifications needed.
Transfer to Other Emirates
A significant advantage of DataFlow verification is transferability. Once completed for DHA, you can transfer your PSV report to other UAE licensing authorities:
- MOH (Ministry of Health) transfer: AED 315
- DOH (Department of Health Abu Dhabi) transfer: AED 200-315
This allows you to apply for multiple UAE licenses without repeating the entire verification process, though each authority maintains independent exam and licensing requirements.
DHA License Validity and Renewal Requirements
Understanding your license lifecycle is crucial for maintaining legal practice authorization in Dubai.
Initial Validity Period
Your DHA license is valid for exactly one year from the activation date printed on your license certificate. According to DHA renewal policies, this annual cycle applies to all healthcare professionals regardless of category or specialty.
Unlike some international licenses with multi-year validity, Dubai's annual renewal system ensures practitioners maintain current knowledge and remain actively engaged in professional development.
Renewal Timeline and Process
You must initiate license renewal at least three months before expiry. DHA sends automatic reminder emails at 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days before expiration, but professional responsibility for timely renewal rests with the licensee.
The renewal process requires:
- Completion of required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours
- Submission of CPD certificates through Sheryan portal
- Employer verification of continued employment
- Payment of renewal fees (same as initial activation: AED 3,000 full-time / AED 4,000 part-time)
- Updated Good Standing Certificate if changing employers
Renewal applications are typically approved within 5-7 business days for complete submissions.
Penalties for Expired Licenses
Practicing with an expired DHA license is illegal and carries severe consequences:
Administrative Penalties: Fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000 depending on duration of expired practice.
License Cancellation: Delays beyond six months result in automatic license cancellation, requiring complete reapplication including new DataFlow verification and exam.
Employer Liability: Healthcare facilities employing practitioners with expired licenses face their own fines and potential facility license suspension.
Legal Consequences: Severe cases may result in deportation and professional ban from UAE practice.
License Transfer Within the UAE
If you relocate from Dubai to another emirate or change from DHA jurisdiction to MOH/DOH, you cannot simply "transfer" your license. Each authority requires independent licensing, though your DataFlow report can transfer to reduce verification time.
The process involves:
- Obtaining a Good Standing Certificate from DHA
- Transferring DataFlow report to new authority (fees apply)
- Meeting new authority's specific requirements
- Passing their examination (if required)
- License activation under a new jurisdiction
Can You Work in Dubai Without a DHA License?
This question appears frequently in healthcare forums, often from professionals hoping to circumvent the licensing process. The answer is unequivocal: No, you cannot legally work in Dubai's healthcare sector without an active DHA license.
Legal Requirements
Federal Law No. 6 of 2023 mandates DHA licensing for all healthcare professionals practicing in Dubai, without exceptions for:
- International experience or credentials
- Temporary assignments or short-term contracts
- Training programs or observerships
- Telemedicine consultations with Dubai-based patients
- Administrative healthcare roles with patient contact
The law applies to physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, psychologists, laboratory technicians, radiographers, and all allied health professionals.
Consequences of Unlicensed Practice
Working without proper licensure triggers serious legal and professional consequences:
Criminal Liability: Unlicensed practice constitutes a criminal offense under UAE healthcare law, punishable by imprisonment, fines, and deportation.
Employer Penalties: Healthcare facilities knowingly employing unlicensed practitioners face facility license suspension, substantial fines (AED 50,000+), and potential permanent closure.
Professional Ban: Practitioners caught working illegally face permanent bans from UAE healthcare practice across all emirates.
Insurance Invalidity: Medical malpractice insurance is void for unlicensed practice, leaving both practitioner and facility exposed to unlimited civil liability.
Visa Cancellation: Employment visas issued for healthcare positions require valid professional licenses—unlicensed practice results in immediate visa cancellation and deportation.
No Exceptions Policy
Unlike some jurisdictions that allow supervised practice during licensing processes, Dubai maintains strict requirements. Even during your licensing journey, you cannot perform any clinical duties, patient consultations, or treatment activities until your license is fully activated.
Volunteers, researchers, and healthcare educators with patient contact all require appropriate DHA authorization, even if not performing direct clinical care.
Timeline: How Long Does the DHA Licensing Process Take?
Understanding realistic timelines prevents frustration and allows proper career planning.
Based on 2025 application data, here's what to expect:
DataFlow Verification: 15-45 working days (average 30 days). This is the most variable phase, dependent on university and employer response times. UK and US institutions typically respond within 2-3 weeks, while institutions in some countries may take 6-8 weeks.
Sheryan Application Review: 3-5 business days after PSV completion for automated approvals. Manual reviews requiring DHA staff assessment add 2-3 weeks.
Exam Preparation and Booking: 2-4 weeks, depending on Prometric availability in your location and your preparation readiness. Quarterly exam schedules mean you might wait 1-3 months for your preferred date.
Exam Results: 5-10 working days from test date to official notification.
Job Search Duration: Highly variable—1 week to 6 months depending on your specialty, experience level, and market demand. In-demand specialties (emergency medicine, anesthesiology, intensive care) find positions quickly, while saturated fields face longer searches.
License Activation: 1-2 weeks once employed, including medical fitness testing, Emirates ID processing, and final administrative steps.
Total Realistic Timeline: 3-4 months from initial DataFlow submission to activated license for efficient applicants with straightforward cases. Complex cases involving manual reviews, exam retakes, or extended job searches can extend to 6-9 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does a DHA license cost in Dubai for doctors in 2026?
The total cost for obtaining a DHA license ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 5,000 (approximately $545 to $1,360 USD), depending on your profession and document complexity. This includes DataFlow Primary Source Verification (AED 935-1,235), DHA credentialing fee (AED 200), Prometric exam fee (AED 700-1,100), and license activation fee (AED 3,000 for full-time or AED 4,000 for part-time practice). Additional costs may apply for urgent processing, document resubmission, or exam rescheduling.
Q2: Can I work in Dubai without a DHA license?
No, working in Dubai's healthcare sector without an active DHA license is illegal under Federal Law No. 6 of 2023. All healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, and allied health workers—must hold valid DHA licenses before performing any clinical duties, patient consultations, or treatment activities. Unlicensed practice results in criminal charges, fines, deportation, and permanent professional bans from UAE healthcare practice.
Q3: How long is a DHA license valid in Dubai?
A DHA license is valid for exactly one year from the activation date. You must renew your license annually by submitting renewal applications at least three months before expiry, completing required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, and paying renewal fees (AED 3,000 for full-time or AED 4,000 for part-time). Practicing with an expired license carries penalties including fines of AED 5,000 to AED 50,000, and delays beyond six months result in automatic license cancellation requiring complete reapplication.
Q4: What is the DHA exam passing score?
The DHA exam passing score is 60% across all healthcare professions. The computer-based test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions completed in 165 minutes, meaning you must answer at least 90 questions correctly to pass. Results are released within 5-10 working days as pass/fail notifications with no detailed scoring breakdown. If you don't pass, you're allowed up to three retake attempts within one year before requiring additional clinical experience and full reapplication.
Q5: Can I use my DHA license in Abu Dhabi or other emirates?
No, a DHA license is valid only in Dubai emirate and cannot be used in other UAE regions. Abu Dhabi requires a separate DOH (Department of Health) license, while the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah) require MOH (Ministry of Health) licenses. However, you can transfer your DataFlow Primary Source Verification report to other authorities for AED 200-315, which eliminates repeating document verification. Each emirate maintains independent examination and licensing requirements, so you'll need to complete their specific processes. For a detailed comparison of UAE licensing authorities, see our complete guide to DHA vs MOH vs DOH licenses.
Conclusion
Obtaining your DHA license represents a significant professional milestone that opens doors to Dubai's thriving healthcare sector, which offers tax-free salaries, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and international career advancement opportunities. While the process demands careful attention to requirements, documentation accuracy, and timeline planning, it's entirely achievable with proper preparation.
The key takeaways: expect a 3-4 month timeline from DataFlow submission to activated license, budget AED 2,000-5,000 for total costs, and ensure all documentation is accurate before submission to avoid costly delays. Your complete DHA license requirements center on verified credentials, professional experience, and demonstrated clinical competency through examination.
Dubai's healthcare landscape continues evolving with digital health integration, AI-assisted diagnostics, and telemedicine expansion—skills increasingly evaluated in DHA assessments. Professionals who invest in understanding these modern healthcare competencies position themselves for long-term success in the region.
Ready to start your DHA licensing journey? Book a free consultation for personalized guidance through the application process, document preparation, exam strategies, and job placement support. Our healthcare licensing specialists have successfully guided over 2,000 professionals through DHA, MOH, DOH, SCFHS, and other Gulf licensing authorities.
Contact us today to transform your Dubai healthcare career aspirations into reality.
