Your Complete Guide to Getting a DHA License to Practice in Dubai

 Dreaming of advancing your healthcare career in the vibrant, world-class medical sector of Dubai?                                                                                                                                                                      The first and most crucial step is obtaining your professional license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This license is your legal permit to work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices across the emirate.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the entire DHA licensing process, from initial eligibility to receiving your final permit, based on the latest official procedures.

Who Needs a DHA License?

The DHA license is mandatory for all healthcare professionals planning to practice in Dubai. This includes:

Physicians: General Practitioners, Specialists, and Consultants.

Dentists

Nurses and Midwives

Pharmacists

Allied Health Professionals: Physiotherapists, Radiologists, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Occupational Therapists, and more.

Step-by-Step DHA Licensing Process                                      Step 1: Self-Assessment                                                                                        Use the Self-Assessment Tool to check if you likely meet the requirements for your desired position (category, title, and specialty). The result will guide your next steps.

Step 2: Primary Source Verification (Dataflow)

This is a critical, non-negotiable step. You must submit your key documents to an approved agency (like Dataflow) for Primary Source Verification (PSV). The agency will contact the original issuing institutions (your university, previous employers, etc.) to verify the authenticity of your credentials.

• Documents for PSV typically include: Educational degrees and transcripts, professional licenses, and work experience certificates.
• Timeline: This process can take an average of 30 to 45 days.

Step 3: Computer-Based Test (CBT) / Prometric Exam

Most professionals are required to pass a Computer-Based Test (CBT). For many, this is the DHA Prometric exam.

• Content: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) focused on clinical knowledge .
• Process: Before or after PSV, you can schedule your exam via the Prometric website, choose a test center (available internationally), and pay the fee.
• Attempts: You are allowed a maximum of 3 attempts across the UAE health authorities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 For exam preparation best source available fill the form for any assistance                                                                                         https://medsolutionshub.com/                                                                                                                

Pro Tip: You can complete your PSV and CBT assessment in parallel to save time.

Step 4: Apply for DHA Registration

Once you have a positive PSV report and have passed the required assessment, you can formally apply for DHA Registration. Registration confirms you meet the professional requirements and adds you to the Dubai Medical Registry.

• Required Documents: Submit a recent photo, passport copy, valid Good Standing Certificate (not older than 6 months), and your PSV and CBT results.
• Outcome: DHA will review your application. For some specialties, an oral assessment may also be required. Upon approval, you receive a registration valid for one year. Note: Registration alone does not allow you to practice; it must be activated into a license by a healthcare facility.

Step 5: Secure a Job Offer & Activate Your License

To convert your registration into a full Professional License, you must have a job offer from a DHA-licensed healthcare facility in Dubai. Your employer will typically initiate the final licensing activation through the Sheryan portal. You will need to provide additional documents like your Emirates ID, residency visa, and health insurance. After paying the licensing fee, your official e-License will be issued.

Expected Timeline and Fees

The entire process from start to license issuance typically takes 6 to 12 weeks on average, depending on document verification and exam scheduling. Costs are spread across different stages.

Keeping Your License Active: Renewal

A DHA Professional License is typically valid for one year and must be renewed. The renewal can be initiated 90 days prior to the expiry date and is processed online by your employer.

• Key Renewal Requirements: Fulfilling annual Continuing Medical Education/Professional Development (CME/CPD) hour requirements, holding valid medical malpractice insurance, and having a clear record with no outstanding fines.
• Consequences: If a license is not renewed within 6 months of expiry, it may be canceled.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Incomplete or Poor-Quality Documents: Ensure all scans are clear and all required documents (like internship certificates) are included. Dates across your documents must be consistent.

Applying Out of Sequence: Do not apply for licensing before receiving your PSV report and exam results.

Ignoring Digital Health Topics: Modern DHA exams test knowledge of Dubai’s telehealth standards and data laws. Familiarize yourself with these protocols.

Letting Your License Lapse: Mark your calendar for renewal well in advance and complete your CME/CPD hours throughout the year.

Embarking on the DHA licensing journey requires patience and attention to detail, but it is a structured and clear process. By following these steps meticulously and preparing thoroughly—especially for the evolving, digitally-focused exam content—you will pave a smooth path to launching a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai.