How Can I Get a DHA License in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

To get a DHA license in Dubai you must complete a primary source verification (PSV), pass the DHA Prometric exam (or get an exemption), submit documents via the Sheryan portal, and pay the license and activation fees. Most healthcare professionals finish the process in 4–8 weeks if their documents are complete.

Who needs a DHA license?

Any doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physiotherapist, or allied-health professional who wants to work in Dubai must hold a valid DHA professional license. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the sole licensing body for all clinical roles inside the emirate. Working without one is illegal and can lead to fines or deportation.

Step-by-step: how can I get a DHA license in Dubai?

1. Confirm your profession is regulated

Open the official DHA Sheryan portal and search the “Unified Healthcare Professional Qualifications Requirements” list. If your title appears, you need a DHA license; if it does not, you may need a Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) license instead.

2. Create a Sheryan account

Go to sheryan.dha.gov.ae, click “Register as Healthcare Professional,” and verify your email. You will receive a unique reference number that you must use for all future submissions.

3. Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV)

DHA requires every certificate to be verified directly with the issuing university, licensing authority, or employer. Use DataFlow Group—the DHA’s exclusive PSV partner. Fees start at AED 1,250 for a basic report and can reach AED 2,800 for specialists with multiple employers. Processing takes 2–6 weeks.

4. Pass (or get exemption from) the DHA Prometric exam

Book the exam via prometric.com. The fee is AED 1,040. Passing scores vary by profession: 60 % for nurses, 70 % for physicians. Some nationalities and specialties may apply for exam exemption if they hold an active license from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, or USA and have two years of recent experience.

5. Upload documents and pay license fees

Log back into Sheryan and upload: passport copy, photo, PSV report, Prometric result, attested degree, experience certificates, and Good Standing Certificate. Pay the license issuance fee—currently AED 1,500 for most categories—plus AED 500 for the activation card. Verify current fee with DHA before payment.

6. Receive and activate your card

Once approved (usually 5–10 working days), download the soft copy from Sheryan and collect the plastic card from any DHA Customer Happiness Center. You must activate the card within 30 days by signing an employment contract with a DHA-licensed facility; otherwise the license is suspended.

Common mistakes expats make

• Skipping DataFlow PSV and using older “attestation only” documents.
• Choosing the wrong Prometric category (e.g., “General Practitioner” instead of “Specialist”).
• Letting the Good Standing Certificate expire before submission—it is valid only three months.
• Forgetting to link the license to a facility within the 30-day activation window.

Document checklist (2026)

1. Valid passport (minimum six months validity).
2. Recent passport-size photo with white background.
3. Educational certificates (degree + transcript) attested by MOFA.
4. Experience certificates on company letterhead.
5. Valid Good Standing Certificate from home licensing authority.
6. DataFlow PSV report.
7. Prometric exam result or exemption letter.
8. Emirates ID (if already a resident).

Costs at a glance

All fees are subject to change; verify current fee with DHA or your employer.

Tips to speed up approval

• Book the Prometric exam while DataFlow is processing so both finish around the same time.
• Use the “Fast Track” PSV add-on (extra AED 600) if your start date is fixed.
• Keep scanned PDFs under 2 MB and named exactly as requested (e.g., “Passport_JohnDoe.pdf”).
• Choose a DHA-licensed recruitment agency that pre-screens documents; many hospitals reimburse the full cost once you join.

DHA vs MOHAP vs DOH: quick comparison

If you plan to work only in Dubai mainland or free zones such as DMCC or JLT, DHA is mandatory. MOHAP covers Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. DOH is required for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Holding one license does not automatically allow you to work in another emirate; you need a separate license or a short-term permit.

Renewing your DHA license

Licenses are valid for one to five years depending on nationality and facility grade. Renewal requires 20–40 CPD points, fresh medical fitness test, and payment of AED 1,000–1,500. Apply at least 30 days before expiry via Sheryan to avoid late fees of AED 300 per month.

Key takeaway

Start with DataFlow PSV and the Prometric exam—the two longest steps. Once those are complete, uploading documents and paying fees on Sheryan is straightforward. Keep digital copies of every receipt and certificate; DHA officers often ask for them during inspection visits at your clinic or hospital.