Planning to practice medicine in Dubai?
The DHA license is your legal permit to work in the Emirate as a General Practitioner, Specialist, or Consultant. This 2025 guide will walk you through the entire DHA licensing process—from eligibility and documents to exam booking, final approval, and common pitfalls to avoid.
🏥 What is the DHA License?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) requires all healthcare professionals to obtain a license before working in hospitals, clinics, or private practices in Dubai. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, dentist, or allied health professional, you must go through the DHA’s structured licensing system via the Sheryan Portal.
✅ Who Needs a DHA License?
You need a DHA license if you plan to work in Dubai as:
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General Practitioner (GP)
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Medical Specialist or Consultant
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Dentist
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Nurse or Midwife
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Pharmacist
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Physiotherapist, Radiographer, or Lab Technician
Even if you’re licensed in another Gulf country, you must undergo the DHA process to work in Dubai.
📋 Step-by-Step DHA License Application Process (2025)
🔹 Step 1: Create a Sheryan Account
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Go to sheryan.dha.gov.ae
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Create your profile and choose your profession
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Fill in your qualifications, experience, and upload your photo
🔹 Step 2: Complete Dataflow Verification
🔹 Step 3: Submit Eligibility Application
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Once your Dataflow is cleared, apply for eligibility assessment
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DHA will evaluate your documents, experience, and qualifications
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Result: Eligible, Conditionally Eligible, or Rejected
🔹 Step 4: Book the DHA Prometric Exam
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Via Prometric's DHA Portal
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Choose test center, date, and pay exam fees
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Format: 150 MCQs, 150 minutes
🔹 Step 5: Receive Exam Results
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Results released within 5–10 business days
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If passed → move to licensing
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If failed → eligible for retake (max 3/year)
🔹 Step 6: Apply for Professional License
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Upload job offer letter from DHA-approved facility
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Submit Emirates ID, residency, and health insurance details
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Pay licensing fee online
🔹 Step 7: Collect License & Start Work
📁 Documents Required for DHA Licensing
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|
| Passport copy | ✅ | Valid and clear |
| Recent photo | ✅ | White background |
| Educational certificates | ✅ | Degree + transcripts |
| Internship certificate | ✅ | Essential for GPs |
| Work experience letters | ✅ | 2+ years minimum |
| Professional license | ✅ | From current/prior country |
| Good standing certificate | ✅ | Issued in last 6 months |
| Offer letter (for license) | ✅ | From DHA-approved employer |
📝 All documents must be in English or Arabic (official translations required).
💰 DHA Licensing Fees (2025)
| Step | Fee Range |
|---|
| Dataflow PSV | $150–$300 |
| Prometric Exam | $110–$150 |
| Eligibility Application | ~AED 200 |
| Licensing Application | AED 2,000–3,000 |
| Re-verification (if needed) | $50–$75 per document |
📌 Prices may vary slightly depending on your profession and document volume.
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
| Stage | Approx. Duration |
|---|
| Sheryan Registration | 1–2 days |
| Dataflow Verification | 30–45 days |
| Eligibility Review | 10–15 business days |
| Prometric Exam Scheduling | As early as 1 week |
| License Issuance | 5–10 business days after job offer
|
🔁 Entire process takes 6–12 weeks on average.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Submitting low-quality or unclear scans
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❌ Inconsistent dates in documents
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❌ Missing internship certificate
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❌ Applying before receiving Dataflow approval
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❌ Not choosing a DHA-approved employer
✅ Pro Tip: Double-check your documents before applying. Use our checklist to avoid rejections.
📊 DHA License vs. Other UAE Licenses
| Authority | Region | Exam | Transferable? |
|---|
| DHA | Dubai | Yes (Prometric) | Yes (with re-verification) |
| DOH (HAAD) | Abu Dhabi | Yes | Yes |
| MOH | Sharjah, Ajman, etc. | Yes | Yes |
| DHCC | Dubai Healthcare City | Yes (Pearson VUE) | Limited |
🙋♀️ FAQs – DHA Licensing
Q: Can I apply for DHA without a job offer?
A: Yes. You can complete all steps up to licensing. But to issue your license, you must have an offer from a DHA-approved facility.
Q: Is the license valid in all Emirates?
A: No. DHA license is only valid in Dubai. You need separate processes for Abu Dhabi (DOH) or other Emirates (MOH).
Q: What if I fail the DHA exam?
A: You can retake the exam up to 3 times per year. Make sure you review weak areas using MCQs.
🎓 Why ExamCure Helps You Succeed
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✅ 4,000+ updated DHA-style MCQs
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✅ Notes, blueprint, and study tracker
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✅ Course extensions until you pass
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✅ WhatsApp support & expert tips
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✅ Affordable pricing and free trials
👉 Join the DHA GP Exam Course Now – Try for Free
