DHA Exam Fees: Complete Guide for Doctors and Nurses

If you’re an Indian doctor or nurse who wants to work in Dubai (UAE), one of the key steps is passing the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam and getting your professional DHA license. This blog post breaks down all the costs you’ll likely face explained in easy everyday words. 

What is the DHA Exam?

The DHA Exam is a test conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to make sure overseas doctors and nurses meet the medical standards required to practice in Dubai. Passing this exam is mandatory before you can legally work in clinics or hospitals there. 

Main Fee Components

The total cost is not just the exam fee. You’ll pay several charges from document checks to license activation. Let’s look at them one by one:

1. Primary Source Verification (PSV) – DataFlow

Before you sit for the exam, DHA needs to check your certificates (degree, experience, etc.) with the issuing authorities. This is done through a company called DataFlow.

• Cost: ~AED 1,200 – 1,500 (approx ₹26,000 – ₹33,000)

• This is one of the biggest fees you’ll pay early in the process.
  

2. DHA Exam Fee (Prometric Test)

This is the actual test fee for your profession doctor or nurse.

Doctors

• Exam fee: ~AED 1,100 – 1,500

• Depends on speciality and type of test

• If there’s an oral assessment, some specialties may pay extra. 

Nurses

• Exam fee: ~AED 800 – 1,000

• This covers the main written exam.
  

All these fees are usually paid in UAE Dirhams (AED) on the DHA portal while registering or booking your exam slot.

3. Application / Registration Fee

This is a smaller fee you pay when applying.

• Typically around AED 200 – 300 (₹5,000 – ₹7,000)

• This fee is usually the first one you pay online.
  

4. License Activation Fee

Once you pass the exam and everything is verified, you’ll activate your DHA license.

• Doctors: ~AED 2,500 – 3,000 (₹55,000 – ₹70,000)

• Nurses: ~AED 1,500 – 1,800 (₹33,000 – ₹42,000)

• This allows you to actually practice legally in Dubai. 

Approx Total Cost for Indian Applicants

Here’s a rough idea of how much it can cost from start to finish: 

Doctors (General Practitioner):

• DataFlow Verification: AED ~1,200 – 1,500

• Exam Fee: AED ~1,100 – 1,500

• Registration & Other: AED ~200

• License Activation: AED ~2,500 – 3,000
  Approx Total: ~~AED 5,000 – 6,000**
  In Indian Rupees: ~₹1,30,000 – ₹1,55,000 (conversion may vary)
  

Nurses:

• DataFlow Verification: AED ~1,200

• Exam Fee: AED ~800 – 1,000

• Registration & Other: AED ~200

• License Activation: AED ~1,500
  Approx Total: ~~AED 3,000 – 3,500**
  In Indian Rupees: ~₹80,000 – ₹95,000
  

Quick Tips to Save Money:

• Plan ahead: Prepare documents carefully so you don’t pay for extra corrections or repeat verification.

• Check exchange rates: AED to INR rate changes daily, which can impact your total cost.

• Employer support: Some Dubai hospitals cover the license activation fee and always ask your potential employer first.

Conclusion

Getting your DHA license is a big step toward an international medical career. Yes, the fees can feel high, but when broken down step by step, it becomes clear what you’re paying for verification, assessment, and legal permission to practice in one among the most developed healthcare systems globally. Contact Us

Faqs

• What is the DHA exam fee?
  The DHA exam fee usually ranges from AED 700 to AED 1,200, depending on the profession.

• Does the fee vary by healthcare category?
  Yes, doctors, dentists, nurses, and allied professionals may have different exam fees.

• Are there other fees besides the exam fee?
  Yes, application, DataFlow verification, and license issuance fees are charged separately.

• Is the DHA exam fee refundable?
  No, the exam fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

• Do I have to pay again if I fail the exam?
  Yes, the full exam fee must be paid for each reattempt.

• How is the DHA exam fee paid?
  Fees are paid online through the DHA Sheryan portal during exam scheduling.