Updated August 2026 • DHA Primary Source Verification

DHA DataFlow Verification 2026: Documents, Application Steps, Timelines & Report Transfer

Primary Source Verification, commonly called PSV or DataFlow, is a major part of the Dubai Health Authority professional-registration process.

DataFlow verifies selected professional credentials directly with the organisations that issued them. DHA then uses those verification results, together with your qualifications, experience, assessment and other licensing requirements, when reviewing your professional application.

This guide explains what DHA DataFlow verifies, how to prepare your documents, how to submit a PSV application, the current DHA-specific processing times, report transfer, UTV and Discrepancy results, common causes of delay and what happens after verification.

15 working days DHA-published timeframe for a new PSV report
5 working days DHA-published timeframe for transfer of an existing report
No fixed expiry DHA states that PSV reports have no validity period
3 outcomes Positive, Unable to Verify or Discrepancy
DataFlow verifies credentials; DHA decides eligibility. A Positive PSV report does not by itself mean that you qualify as a DHA General Practitioner, that you passed the DHA assessment, or that you hold an active DHA licence.

What Is Primary Source Verification?

Primary Source Verification is the process of confirming a professional credential directly with its original issuing organisation.

For example:

  • A university may be contacted to confirm a medical degree.
  • An employer may be contacted to confirm an experience certificate.
  • A medical council may be contacted to confirm professional registration.
  • A licensing authority may be contacted regarding a Good Standing Certificate.

DHA delegates the verification of required professional documents to an authorised third-party verification agency. DataFlow is the verification provider used for the DHA pathway.

DataFlow Is Not the Same as DHA Eligibility

DataFlow / PSV

Determines whether selected credentials can be authenticated with their issuing organisations.

DHA

Determines whether your verified qualifications, experience, registration, Good Standing, assessment and professional history meet the requirements for the requested professional position.

A credential can be completely authentic and still not satisfy the Professional Qualification Requirements for the professional title you requested. Verification and eligibility are two separate questions.

Which Documents May Require DHA Primary Source Verification?

DHA's current licensing manual generally lists the following credential categories for verification:

Credential Category Typical GP Example Main Purpose
Qualification documents Primary medical qualification and relevant additional professional qualification Confirm the issuing institution and authenticity of the qualification.
Experience / employment Post-internship clinical employment certificates Confirm employer, role, employment period and authenticity.
Licence / registration Medical council or health-authority registration Confirm professional registration status and relevant details.
Good Standing Certificate Certificate from the relevant professional licensing authority Verify professional standing and relevant regulatory information.
Assessment-exemption evidence Qualification or registration relied upon for an exemption Confirm the supporting credential when an exemption is claimed.
Surgical logbook Normally not applicable to a standard GP application Required for applicable physician surgical specialties.
DHA may request additional verification for an individual application. Verify the credentials required for your actual professional position rather than purchasing unnecessary verification simply because another applicant submitted more documents.

What Does DataFlow Itself Ask Applicants to Prepare?

DataFlow's general verification guidance states that the exact requirements depend on the regulator and verification package.

Common items include:

  • Passport copy
  • Educational degrees
  • Professional qualifications
  • Academic transcript where required
  • Employment certificates
  • Professional health licences or registrations
  • Good Standing Certificate
  • Name-change evidence where a credential name differs from the passport

The actual list displayed in your DHA/DataFlow application is the list you should follow.

Do DataFlow Documents Need Embassy Attestation?

DataFlow's current general FAQ states that it does not require embassy attestation or apostille for PSV itself.

DataFlow's purpose is to contact the issuing organisation and verify the credential directly.

This does not mean that attestation can never be required for another government, employment, immigration or licensing purpose. Follow the separate requirements of DHA and any other organisation involved in your case.

Do DataFlow Documents Need Translation?

Another important distinction is that DataFlow's general FAQ states that DataFlow itself does not require translated copies for PSV.

However, DHA's professional-licensing requirements may separately require certified legal translation when regulatory documents are not in English or Arabic.

Therefore, do not confuse the document requirements of the verification company with the document requirements of the health regulator.

Before Starting Your DHA DataFlow Application

Complete several checks before paying for verification.

  • Complete the DHA Self-Assessment Tool for the correct professional position.
  • Review the current Professional Qualification Requirements for the title.
  • Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport.
  • Prepare legal name-change evidence where applicable.
  • Compare qualification, internship, employment and licence dates.
  • Check whether previous credentials have already been verified by DataFlow.
  • Determine whether an existing report can be transferred instead of ordering duplicate verification.
  • Ensure uploaded documents are complete and readable.
The most useful pre-submission check is consistency. Passport names, qualification dates, employment dates, professional titles and licence periods should describe one coherent professional history.

DHA DataFlow Application: Step by Step

Confirm Your DHA Professional Position

Complete the DHA Self-Assessment Tool before purchasing unnecessary verification for the wrong category, title or specialty.

Access the Authorised DHA DataFlow Route

Use the official DHA/DataFlow application route rather than an unofficial agent or typing-centre link.

Create or Access Your DataFlow Account

Use an email address and mobile number you actively monitor.

Enter Your Identity Details Carefully

Enter the legal name, passport and personal information exactly as required in the portal.

Select Dubai Health Authority

Select the correct regulator and the verification option appropriate to your professional application.

Add the Credentials to Be Verified

Enter the issuing institution, credential title, country, relevant dates and other requested information exactly as shown on the source document.

Upload Complete, Clear Documents

Use readable files and avoid cropping information required to identify or verify the credential.

Complete the Letter of Authorization

DataFlow requires applicant authorization allowing it to contact issuing organisations. The portal may use a digital authorization or request a manually signed form where required by an issuing authority.

Review the Package and Fees

Confirm the credentials included, additional-document charges, issuing-authority fees and optional services before payment.

Pay and Save Your Case Number

After successful submission and payment, retain the confirmation, receipt and DataFlow case number.

Track the Application

Monitor DataFlow's official status system, your email and any requests for additional information.

Review the Final PSV Outcome

Determine whether each required credential has received a Positive, UTV or Discrepancy outcome and take the appropriate next step.

The DataFlow Letter of Authorization

DataFlow needs permission to approach universities, employers, professional councils and other issuing organisations.

Its current FAQ describes the Letter of Authorization (LOA) or consent form as mandatory.

DataFlow usually allows this authorization to be signed digitally during the application. Some issuing organisations may require a manually signed authorization.

If the portal or DataFlow team requests a specific authorization format for an issuing institution, follow that request rather than uploading an unrelated generic letter.

How to Prepare Clear Credential Files

DataFlow advises applicants to provide clear, complete and readable scanned copies.

Before uploading, check that:

  • The document is complete.
  • The qualification or certificate title is readable.
  • The issuing institution name is visible.
  • Dates are visible.
  • Registration or licence numbers are visible where applicable.
  • Signatures, stamps or seals are not accidentally cropped.
  • All required pages are included.
  • The correct document is uploaded under the correct credential category.
Never digitally change a date, job title, employer name, licence number, university information, signature, seal or other substantive credential information. Submit authentic records and resolve genuine errors through the issuing institution.

Experience Certificates: Why They Need Special Attention

DHA considers professional experience separately from verification. Verification establishes whether the experience certificate is authentic; DHA then determines whether that experience satisfies the professional requirements.

As a practical pre-submission check, an employment certificate should make it possible to identify:

  • The healthcare professional
  • The employing organisation
  • The professional title
  • The employment period
  • The clinical nature of the employment where relevant
  • The authorised issuer of the certificate

Compare each claimed work period with the professional licence or registration applicable to that period.

A genuine employment certificate does not automatically mean the period will count toward DHA GP eligibility. DHA still applies the PQR definition of acceptable professional experience.

Professional Licence and Registration Verification

Professional licences or registrations may be included in PSV because DHA must evaluate the applicant's lawful professional practice history.

Before submitting, check that:

  • The licence or registration authority is correctly identified.
  • The professional title is readable.
  • The registration or licence number is correct.
  • The dates correspond to the professional history you declared.
  • Any relevant restriction or status is declared accurately.

Good Standing Certificate and DataFlow

DHA generally includes the Good Standing Certificate among credentials requiring verification.

For the current DHA Get Registered process, the Good Standing Certificate must be valid and not older than six months at the time of application.

Do not obtain a Good Standing Certificate unnecessarily early. DataFlow verification and the DHA registration application are separate stages, and the certificate still needs to satisfy DHA's validity requirement when you submit Get Registered.

How Long Does DHA DataFlow Take in 2026?

For DHA applicants, use DHA's own published PSV timeframe rather than the broader generic DataFlow estimate.

New DHA PSV Report

DHA currently states: 15 working days from the payment date.

Existing PSV Report Transfer

DHA currently states: 5 working days from the payment date.

DataFlow's general FAQ gives a broader standard verification estimate of 15–25 working days for its overall services. For a DHA-specific guide, DHA's published 15-working-day new-report timeframe is the more relevant figure.

Can Verification Still Take Longer?

Yes. A published processing timeframe should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every issuing institution will respond immediately.

Delays may occur when:

  • An issuing institution does not respond promptly.
  • The applicant has submitted incomplete information.
  • The credential file is unclear or incomplete.
  • Additional information is requested.
  • The issuing institution requires additional steps or fees.
  • An old institution has closed, merged or changed its records system.
  • There are unresolved inconsistencies in the submitted information.

How Do I Track a DHA DataFlow Application?

After successful submission, DataFlow provides a case number.

DataFlow's current guidance states that applicants can track verification through its official status-tracking system using the case number and passport information.

Keep the following in one secure folder:

  • DataFlow case number
  • Payment receipt
  • Uploaded credential copies
  • Authorization forms
  • Email correspondence
  • Any response received from the issuing institution
  • Final PSV report

How Much Does DHA DataFlow Cost?

There is no reliable single PSV price that applies to every DHA professional.

The cost can depend on:

  • The selected DHA verification package
  • The number of credentials requiring verification
  • Additional documents added to the application
  • Issuing-authority charges
  • Optional DataFlow services
  • Report transfer
  • Additional verification requested by DHA
Use the amount shown in the authorised DataFlow checkout for your actual application. Do not rely on an old screenshot, old blog fee, agent quotation or another doctor's package.

Can I Transfer an Existing DataFlow Report to DHA?

Yes, in many cases.

DHA's current licensing manual states that it accepts transferred PSV reports from other UAE regulatory authorities including:

  • Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH)
  • Sharjah Health Authority (SHA)
  • Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

DHA retains the right to request further or updated verification if the transferred report does not contain everything required for the position.

How long does transfer take?

DHA currently publishes a timeframe of 5 working days from payment for transfer of an existing PSV report.

How much is the transfer fee?

DHA's current FAQ lists a AED 300 report-transfer fee for reports issued under other authorities.

DHA also states that linking certain DHA reports issued after 2017 may be available without a transfer fee, while other cases may attract applicable transfer charges.

Before purchasing an entirely new DataFlow package, check whether your existing verified credentials can be transferred. This may reduce duplicate verification, cost and processing time.

Does a DataFlow Report Expire?

DHA's current FAQ states that PSV reports have no fixed validity period.

New credentials can be added to an existing verification record.

However, a previously verified document may require another verification when the information has changed. DHA gives updated experience duration as one example.

Therefore, “my DataFlow report is old” does not automatically mean you should buy an entirely new verification package. First determine whether the credentials themselves have changed or DHA has requested additional verification.

Understanding DHA DataFlow Results

DHA's current licensing manual defines three PSV outcomes:

Result Meaning What to Do
Positive The submitted credential has been successfully verified from the primary issuing source. Complete the remaining DHA requirements and ensure the verification is linked to the appropriate professional application.
Unable to Verify — UTV Verification could not be completed. DHA's definition includes incomplete credentials, lack of applicant response or issues involving the issuing body. Read the reason carefully, correct any genuine missing information and use the applicable re-verification process.
Discrepancy DHA defines this as negative feedback concerning the submitted credential. Review the report carefully. Use the permitted appeal route only where there is a genuine, supportable verification issue.

UTV Is Not the Same as Discrepancy

This distinction matters.

Unable to Verify means the verification process could not be completed.

A Discrepancy means the verification produced negative feedback concerning the credential.

Do not describe every unsuccessful PSV case as “DataFlow rejection.” Read the actual verification outcome first because UTV and Discrepancy are different regulatory situations.

Can You Appeal a DHA UTV or Discrepancy Result?

DHA's current licensing manual provides the following DHA-specific re-verification framework:

  • UTV: the same document may be submitted for re-verification/appeal up to two times.
  • Discrepancy: the same document may be submitted for re-verification/appeal once.

Follow the current DataFlow portal instructions for the actual appeal procedure, eligibility and any fee information.

Never attempt to resolve a UTV or Discrepancy by altering a certificate, changing dates, fabricating employment evidence or creating a replacement credential yourself. Negative PSV findings can have serious regulatory consequences.

Common Reasons DHA DataFlow Can Be Delayed

Problem Why It Causes Difficulty Practical Response
Name mismatch The issuing organisation cannot confidently connect the applicant to the credential. Provide legitimate name-change evidence and use consistent legal identity information.
Incomplete credential Required pages, dates or identifying information may not be available. Obtain a complete document from the issuing organisation.
Unreadable upload Important credential information cannot be reviewed. Upload a clear, complete copy.
Issuer does not respond DataFlow cannot complete primary-source confirmation. Where appropriate, contact the institution's official records, registrar, HR or regulatory office and ask it to respond through authorised channels.
Applicant does not respond Required information remains outstanding. Monitor registered email and the official case-status system.
Incorrect issuer details Verification may be directed to the wrong office. Provide the official issuing body rather than an unrelated agent or intermediary.
Altered document The document may produce a serious negative verification outcome. Submit only authentic, unaltered institutional records.

Can DataFlow and the DHA GP Exam Be Done at the Same Time?

Yes.

DHA's current licensing manual explicitly states that PSV and the required CBT may be completed simultaneously.

However, DHA cannot process the Get Registered application until the required PSV is complete and the CBT has been passed when the assessment is required.

This means you can use the DataFlow verification period productively by preparing for and completing the DHA GP assessment rather than assuming that the entire verification process must finish before you begin the exam pathway.

What Happens After a Positive DataFlow Report?

A Positive report completes the verification requirement for the relevant credential, but the DHA pathway is not finished.

The next steps may include:

  1. Complete any remaining PSV requirements.
  2. Complete the DHA CBT assessment if required.
  3. Ensure the PSV records are linked to the appropriate Sheryan application.
  4. Submit the DHA Get Registered application.
  5. Respond to any DHA comments or requests.
  6. Receive professional registration when approved.
  7. Have an eligible DHA-licensed facility activate that registration into a professional licence.

Read: DHA Licence Process for Doctors 2026 .

Also see: DHA Sheryan Registration Guide 2026 .

Use the Verification Period to Prepare for the DHA GP CBT

While your issuing organisations respond to DataFlow, you can work on the separate assessment requirement.

Continue Your DHA GP Preparation

Start free, build clinical question volume with the DHA GP MCQ Bank, use full-length mock tests for simulation, or choose the complete programme when you want the broader preparation pathway.

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DHA DataFlow FAQs

What is DHA DataFlow?

It is Primary Source Verification of professional credentials used in the DHA licensing pathway. DataFlow contacts issuing organisations to confirm selected credentials.

How long does a new DHA DataFlow report take?

DHA currently publishes 15 working days from the payment date for a new PSV report.

How long does a DataFlow report transfer to DHA take?

DHA currently publishes 5 working days from payment for transfer of an existing PSV report.

Does a DataFlow report expire?

DHA states that PSV reports have no fixed validity period. Updated credentials may nevertheless require additional verification.

Can I transfer a DOH or MOHAP DataFlow report to DHA?

Yes. DHA accepts transferred PSV reports from other UAE health authorities including DOH, SHA and MOHAP, although DHA may request additional or updated verification.

What is the current DHA DataFlow transfer fee?

DHA's current FAQ lists AED 300 for transfer of reports issued under other authorities. Different rules may apply when linking previous DHA reports, so check the current portal before payment.

Does DataFlow require embassy attestation?

DataFlow's general FAQ states that it does not require attestation or apostille for PSV itself. A regulator or another organisation may have separate document requirements.

Does DataFlow require translated documents?

DataFlow's general FAQ states that translated copies are not required for PSV itself. DHA may separately require certified legal translations for regulatory documentation that is not in English or Arabic.

What is a DataFlow UTV result?

UTV means Unable to Verify. DHA defines it as an incomplete verification process that may relate to missing credentials, lack of applicant response or issues involving the issuing body.

Is UTV the same as a Discrepancy result?

No. UTV means verification could not be completed. DHA defines a Discrepancy result as negative feedback concerning the submitted credential.

Can I appeal a DHA DataFlow UTV result?

DHA's current licensing manual allows re-verification of the same UTV document up to two times.

Can I appeal a DataFlow Discrepancy?

DHA's current licensing manual allows re-verification of the same Discrepancy document once.

Can DataFlow and the DHA GP exam be completed in parallel?

Yes. DHA explicitly allows PSV and CBT to be completed simultaneously. Both required prerequisites must be complete before DHA can process Get Registered.

Does a Positive DataFlow report guarantee DHA GP eligibility?

No. A Positive report verifies the relevant credential. DHA still determines whether the complete professional profile meets the PQR and licensing requirements for General Practitioner registration.

Official Sources

DHA Manual for Licensing Healthcare Professionals — Version 1.3
Used for PSV document categories, verification outcomes, appeal limits, transferred UAE reports and the DHA registration process.

View DHA Licensing Manual

DHA Professional Licensing FAQ
Used for DHA-specific PSV timelines, report transfer, report validity and transfer information.

View DHA Licensing FAQ

DHA Get Registered Service
Used for the current registration prerequisites, Good Standing requirement and required verification results.

View DHA Get Registered

DataFlow — Dubai Health Authority
Official DHA-specific DataFlow verification entry point and information.

View DHA DataFlow Page

DataFlow Verification FAQs
Used for application documents, Letter of Authorization, scanning, general processing, attestation, translation, tracking and report transfer information.

View DataFlow FAQs

Disclaimer: ExamCure is an independent educational provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by DHA or DataFlow. Verification packages, fees, document requirements, service processes and licensing rules may change. Candidates should follow the requirements displayed in their current DHA/Sheryan and DataFlow applications before submission or payment.

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