Dubai’s healthcare sector is rapidly growing, creating exciting opportunities for medical professionals from around the world. To practice legally in the emirate, healthcare practitioners are required to obtain a DHA license—a mandatory certification issued by the Dubai Health Authority.
This comprehensive guide from CSP Group covers everything you need to know about the DHA license, including:
- What is a DHA license
- Full form of DHA license
- DHA license requirements and eligibility
- Step-by-step DHA license application process
- How to apply for a DHA license
- DHA license fees and validity
- DHA license renewal procedure
Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health professional, this guide will help you navigate the DHA licensing process and take the first step toward building your career in Dubai’s thriving healthcare industry.
What is a DHA License?
The DHA license, which stands for Dubai Health Authority license, is a mandatory regulatory certification issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)—the official body responsible for overseeing the healthcare system in Dubai.
This license ensures that healthcare professionals meet rigorous standards in education, clinical experience, and ethical practice, qualifying them to work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices across the emirate. The DHA license is required for a wide range of professionals, including physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health practitioners, and plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and safety of healthcare services in Dubai.
DHA License Eligibility
Understanding DHA license eligibility is the first step in the DHA license process. To apply for a DHA license, candidates must meet specific criteria set by the DHA, which vary by profession. General DHA license eligibility requirements include:
- Educational Qualifications: A valid degree or diploma from a recognized institution accredited by the DHA. For example, doctors need a medical degree, while nurses require a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or a diploma with a minimum 18-month duration.
- Professional Experience: At least 2 years for nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals; 3 years for general practitioners; and 3 years of post-graduate experience for specialists.
- Valid License: A current, active medical license from the applicant’s home country or country of last employment.
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC): Issued within the last six months, verifying no disciplinary issues.
- Basic Life Support (BLS): Or equivalent certification, depending on the profession.
- Medical Fitness Test: Required for applicants aged 65 or older, conducted at DHA-approved visa medical centers.
Certain professionals, such as USRNs or ASCPi holders with active licenses, may be exempt from the DHA exam. Always check the DHA’s Professional Qualifications Requirements (PQR) for your specific role to confirm DHA license eligibility.
DHA License Requirements
The DHA license requirements ensure only qualified professionals practice in Dubai. Key documents needed for the DHA license application include:
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Valid passport copy
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC), not older than six months
- Educational certificates (degree/diploma) verified via Primary Source Verification (PSV)
- Work experience certificates (minimum 2–3 years, depending on profession)
- Logbook for surgical specialties (last two years, if applicable)
- Malpractice insurance certificate (for license activation)
- CBT assessment results (if required)
- Medical fitness certificate (for applicants aged 65+)
These DHA license requirements are submitted through the DHA’s Sheryan portal, the online platform for licensing processes. Verification through DataFlow, a third-party service, is mandatory to authenticate credentials, ensuring compliance with DHA license requirements.
How to Get a DHA License: Step-by-Step Process
The DHA license process is structured to ensure compliance with Dubai’s healthcare standards. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a DHA license:
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Begin by accessing the Sheryan portal on the DHA website to complete the self-assessment tool. Enter your qualifications and experience to determine DHA license eligibility. If eligible, proceed; if not, request a manual review (AED 200, up to 10 days).
Step 2: Create a Sheryan Account
Register on the Sheryan portal with your email and personal details. After email verification, log in to start the DHA license application. This account will manage all steps to apply for a DHA license.
Step 3: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Submit educational and professional credentials for verification via DataFlow. This process, costing AED 935–1,235 depending on profession, takes 15–24 working days and validates documents like degrees, licenses, and experience. A DataFlow report is critical for the DHA license process.
Step 4: Schedule and Pass the DHA Exam
If required, book a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) exam via Prometric (fees: USD 220–280). The exam, in English, consists of 100–150 MCQs over 2–3 hours, with passing scores of 60–70% depending on the specialty. Some professions require an oral assessment (AED 250–500). Prepare using DHA-approved study materials and past papers.
Step 5: Submit DHA License Application
Log in to Sheryan, select “Register a Professional,” and upload required documents. Pay the DHA license fees (AED 200 for credentialing, AED 1,000–4,000 for activation, depending on profession). Submit the DHA license application for DHA review, which takes about 5 working days.
Step 6: Activate the License
Upon approval, candidates receive a DHA eligibility letter, valid for one year. To proceed, you must secure employment with a DHA-licensed healthcare facility, which will initiate the license activation by submitting your offer letter and malpractice insurance certificate to the DHA.
You’ll then be required to pay the DHA license activation fees, ranging from AED 1,000 to AED 4,000, depending on the professional category. Once submitted, the DHA license is activated instantly, allowing you to legally practice in Dubai.
Step 7: Receive Your DHA License
Once activated, your DHA license is delivered via courier, and you’re added to the Dubai Medical Registry, enabling legal practice in Dubai.
CSP Group simplifies how to get a DHA license, offering expert assistance with document preparation, PSV, and exam scheduling. Contact us at cspgroupme.com.
DHA License Fees
The DHA license fees vary by profession and stage of the DHA license process. Typical costs include:
- Self-Assessment: Free
- Manual Review: AED 200
- PSV (DataFlow): AED 935 (nurses/allied health), AED 1,235 (doctors)
- CBT Exam (Prometric): USD 220–280
- Oral Assessment: AED 250–500
- Credentialing Fee: AED 200
- License Activation: AED 1,000–4,000
- Total Estimated Cost: AED 3,000–7,500, depending on profession
Additional costs may include medical fitness tests or translations. CSP Group provides transparent DHA license fees estimates to help you budget effectively.
DHA License Validity
The DHA license validity is one year from issuance, requiring annual renewal to maintain active status. The DHA license validity period starts once the license is activated by a DHA-licensed employer. Renewal must be initiated within three months before expiry to avoid penalties (AED 200/month) or cancellation (after 6 months). Keeping your license active ensures inclusion in the Dubai Medical Registry without re-assessment, provided there’s no clinical gap exceeding two years.
DHA License Renewal
DHA license renewal is critical to continue practicing in Dubai. The process involves:
- Log into Sheryan: Access the “License Renewal” section on the Sheryan portal.
- Submit Documents: Upload a valid passport copy, updated PSV results (good standing, license validity, experience), renewed malpractice insurance, and a logbook for surgical specialties (if clinical gap exceeds 2 years).
- Complete CPD Requirements: Accumulate required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points (e.g., 20 for nurses annually).
- Pay Renewal Fees: Typically AED 1,000–3,000, depending on profession.
- Await Approval: DHA reviews the application within 5 working days, and the renewed license is delivered via courier.
Late renewals incur fines, and licenses expired beyond 6 months may require re-registration or re-examination. CSP Group offers reminders and support for seamless DHA license renewal.
Benefits of a DHA License
Obtaining a DHA license offers numerous advantages:
- Legal Practice: Work in Dubai’s prestigious healthcare sector.
- Career Opportunities: Access to high-demand roles with competitive salaries.
- Professional Credibility: Enhances your reputation with DHA’s rigorous standards.
- Global Recognition: Practice in a leading healthcare destination.
The DHA license process ensures only qualified professionals contribute to Dubai’s healthcare ecosystem, valued at USD 34 billion in 2024 with an 8% growth rate.
Read Also – Benefits of Outsourcing PRO Services
Why Choose CSP Group?
Navigating DHA license requirements, DHA license eligibility, and the DHA license application can be complex. CSP Group simplifies how to get a DHA license with:
- Expert Guidance: Assistance with eligibility checks, PSV, and exam preparation.
- Transparent Costs: Clear breakdowns of DHA license fees.
- Fast-Track Solutions: Streamlined DHA license application and activation.
- Renewal Support: Timely reminders for DHA license renewal and compliance.
- Comprehensive Services: Support for job placement and license transfers.
Contact CSP Group for personalized assistance to apply for a DHA license.
Conclusion
Securing a DHA license is your gateway to a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai. Understanding what is a DHA license, DHA license full form, DHA license eligibility, DHA license requirements, and DHA license fees is essential for a smooth DHA license process. By following the steps to apply for a DHA license, passing required exams, and ensuring timely DHA license renewal, you can maintain DHA license validity and practice legally. With CSP Group’s expert support, how to get a DHA license becomes straightforward, allowing you to focus on your professional goals. Start your journey today at cspgroupme.com and thrive in Dubai’s vibrant healthcare sector!
Disclaimer: Information may vary based on profession and DHA updates. Contact CSP Group for tailored guidance.