UAE Healthcare Licensing – DHA, MOH, DOH Medical Licenses
Expert guidance for DHA, MOH, and DOH medical licensing in the United Arab Emirates
DHA Dubai
MOH UAE
DOH Abu Dhabi
30% Faster
100+ Licensed 2024
Understanding UAE’s Three Licensing Authorities
The UAE has three main healthcare regulatory bodies. Choose the right authority based on where you plan to practice.
DHA
Dubai Health Authority
The primary healthcare regulator for Dubai. DHA licenses are required to practice in Dubai’s government and private healthcare facilities.
✔ Covers all Dubai healthcare facilities
✔ Most internationally recognized UAE license
✔ Fastest processing time (4-8 weeks)
✔ Online application system
✔ DHA exam required for most professions
MOH
Ministry of Health UAE
Streamlined licensing process for registered nurses and nursing specialists.
✔ Valid in 5 Northern Emirates
✔ More affordable licensing fees
✔ Good for multi-emirate practice
✔ Processing time: 6-10 weeks
✔ Recognition from DHA/DOH
DOH
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
Healthcare regulator for Abu Dhabi emirate. Previously known as HAAD. Required for all healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi.
✔ Covers Abu Dhabi emirate
✔ High standards and requirements
✔ Premium healthcare facilities
✔ Processing time: 6-12 weeks
✔ DOH exam required
Our UAE Licensing Success
Trusted by healthcare professionals worldwide
100+
Doctors Licensed in 2024
30%
Faster Approval Times
500+
Faster Approval Times
98%
Success Rate
Professions We License in UAE
Comprehensive licensing support for all healthcare professionals
Medical Doctors
General Practitioners, Specialists, Consultants, Surgeons
Nurses
RNs, Specialist Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, ICU/ER Nurses
Pharmacists
Community, Clinical, Hospital Pharmacists
Allied Health
Physiotherapists, Radiographers, Lab Technicians, Therapists
UAE Medical Licensing Process & Requirements
Step-by-step journey from application to practicing in the UAE
1. Initial Consultation & Assessment
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 Days
We evaluate your qualifications, experience, and career goals to determine the best licensing pathway for you.
2. Document Collection & Verification
⏱️ Duration: 1-2 Weeks
We guide you through gathering and authenticating all required documents including degree certificates, experience letters, and credentials.
3. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
⏱️ Duration: 2-4 Weeks
Your credentials are verified directly with issuing institutions through DataFlow or Prometric, ensuring authenticity.
4. License Application Submission
⏱️ Duration: 3-5 Days
We prepare and submit your complete application to the relevant authority (DHA/MOH/DOH) with all supporting documents.
5. Licensing Exam Preparation (If Required)
⏱️ Duration: 2-8 Weeks
For professions requiring exams, we provide comprehensive preparation materials and training.
6. License Approval & Issuance
⏱️ Duration: 2-4 Weeks
After successful review and exam (if applicable), your license is issued and you’re ready to practice!
7. Job Placement & Onboarding
⏱️ Duration: 1-4 Weeks
We connect you with top healthcare facilities and assist with employment contracts and onboarding.
General Requirements for UAE Licensing
Essential documents and qualifications needed for healthcare licensing
📜 Educational Requirements
💼 Professional Experience
🆔 Personal Documents
✅ Verification Requirements
📝 Exams & Assessments
💰 Financial Requirements
📋 Note on Requirements
Requirements may vary based on your profession, country of qualification, and chosen licensing authority. Contact us for a personalized assessment of your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE healthcare licensing
The typical timeline is 2-4 months from start to finish. This includes document collection (1-2 weeks), verification (2-4 weeks), application submission (3-5 days), exam preparation if needed (2-8 weeks), and final approval (2-4 weeks). With our expedited service, we’ve reduced approval times by 30%, helping professionals get licensed faster than the industry average.
Choose based on where you plan to work: DHA for Dubai, DOH for Abu Dhabi, and MOH for the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah). DHA is the most popular as Dubai has the most healthcare facilities. Many professionals start with one license and later obtain equivalency for other emirates.
It depends on your profession and authority. DHA and DOH require exams for most professions including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. MOH may exempt experienced professionals from certain countries. UK CCST/CESR holders often get exam exemptions. We provide comprehensive exam preparation for all required tests.
Generally, no. Each emirate (or group of emirates) requires its own license. However, there are equivalency pathways: if you have a DHA license, you can apply for DOH or MOH equivalency with reduced documentation. This allows you to practice in multiple locations without repeating the full licensing process.
DataFlow (or Prometric for some countries) is a Primary Source Verification (PSV) service that verifies your credentials directly with the institutions that issued them. UAE authorities require this to ensure the authenticity of your qualifications. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks and we handle the entire submission and follow-up process for you.
Total costs vary by profession and authority but typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 10,000. This includes application fees, exam fees (if applicable), verification costs, attestation expenses, and license issuance. We provide a detailed cost breakdown during your initial consultation and help you understand all expenses upfront.
Yes! We have partnerships with over 500 healthcare facilities across the UAE. Once you’re licensed, we connect you with suitable opportunities based on your specialty, experience, and preferences. Our placement success rate is 95%, and most candidates receive multiple offers. We also assist with interview preparation and contract negotiation.
With our expert guidance, rejection is rare (we have a 98% success rate). If issues arise, we work with you to address any concerns raised by the licensing authority. This may involve providing additional documentation, clarifying qualifications, or appealing decisions. We stay with you throughout the process until your license is approved.
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Latest guides and updates for UAE licensing
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