If you’re an Indian dentist planning to work in Dubai, one of the most important things you need to know is how much the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam and licensing process will cost. Let’s break it down step by step so you get the full picture in simple language.
Why This Exam Matters
Before you can practise as a dentist in Dubai, you must:
- Get your documents verified (experience certificates, degree, transcripts etc.)
- Pass the DHA licensing exam
- Activate your professional license
This is true whether you apply from India or anywhere else in the world.
Typical Fee Breakdown (Approximate)
All fees are usually paid in UAE Dirhams (AED). I’ll also give approximate Indian Rupee estimates so you can easily plan your budget.
Here are the key cost components:
1. Application Fee
This is the cost to submit your licence application.
- Usually about AED 1,000 – AED 1,100
- In Indian Rupees (INR), roughly ₹24,000 – ₹26,000 (approx)
2. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Before you can sit for the exam, DHA asks a verification company (DataFlow) to check that your degree, licence, experience and other documents are real.
- Typically around AED 980 – AED 1,300
- In INR, approx ₹23,000 – ₹32,000
This is a mandatory step for everyone; you can’t move forward without it.
3. DHA Exam Fee
This is what you pay to actually take the licensing test (computer‑based test).
- Around USD 220 – USD 280 or about AED ~1,000 – AED 1,200
- That’s roughly ₹23,000 – ₹28,000
Important: If the exam requires an oral assessment (rare), that costs extra usually a few hundred AED more.
4. License Activation Fee
After you pass the exam, you must activate your professional licence so you can legally work.
- For dentists, this is typically around AED 1,000 – AED 1,100
- In INR, approx ₹24,000 – ₹26,000
Total Estimated Cost
Once you add everything together (application + PSV + exam + licence), here’s what it might look like:
| Cost Category | Approx. Fee in AED | Approx. Fee in INR |
| Application | 1,000–1,100 | ₹24,000–₹26,000 |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) | ~980–1,300 | ₹23,000–₹32,000 |
| DHA Exam | ~1,000–1,200 | ₹23,000–₹28,000 |
| Licence Activation | 1,000–1,100 | ₹24,000–₹26,000 |
| Estimated Total | ~3,200–3,400 AED | ~₹76,000–₹82,000 |
These figures are estimates based on the 2025 DHA fee structure; actual costs can vary slightly depending on the exchange rate and the number of documents you submit.
A Few Important Tips
- DataFlow verification is mandatory, don’t skip this, or your application won’t be accepted.
- Plan for extra costs, like document attestation, translation, and courier charges these aren’t included above.
- If you have specialist dental training, the exam fee might be slightly higher than for a general dentist.
- After passing the DHA exam, most dentists look for jobs in Dubai. Sometimes clinics handle the licence activation cost for you once you’re hired.
Conclusion
The DHA exam and licensing process is an important step if you want to practise dentistry in Dubai. Yes, it takes time and money but if your goal is to work in one of the Gulf’s busiest healthcare markets, it’s worth knowing the fees ahead of time so you can prepare financially and avoid surprises. Contact Us
Frequently Ask Questions
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What is the DHA exam fee for dentists?
The DHA exam fee for dentists is usually around AED 1,200. -
Are there additional fees besides the exam fee?
Yes, application, DataFlow verification, and license fees are charged separately. -
Does the exam fee vary by specialty?
For dentists, the fee is generally the same across most dental specialties. -
Is the DHA exam fee refundable?
No, the exam fee is non-refundable even if the candidate does not pass. -
Do I need to pay the fee again if I retake the exam?
Yes, the full exam fee must be paid for each attempt. -
How can I pay the DHA exam fee?
Payment is made online through the DHA Sheryan portal during exam booking.
