How Can You Apply for a DHA Professional License in Dubai?

If you are a healthcare professional looking to work in Dubai, one of the most important steps is obtaining your DHA (Dubai Health Authority) professional license. The DHA license is mandatory for all medical professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health staff who wish to practice legally within Dubai’s healthcare sector. While the process may seem complex at first, it becomes manageable when broken into clear steps. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a DHA license, eligibility requirements, documents needed, and helpful tips for success.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, you must ensure that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria set by the DHA. These prerequisites differ based on your line of work, but often consist of:

• Relevant academic credentials from an accredited school
• A current professional license from your nation of residence or practice
• A minimum of years of clinical practice, typically two or more years
• A good standing certification from your former organization or agency of government
• No criminal record or malpractice history
  

You can use the Sheryan Portal, DHA’s official licensing platform, to check your eligibility and get updates on the process.

Step 2: Register for a DHA Sheryan Portal account.

All license applications are submitted online through the DHA’s Sheryan system. To get started:

1. Go to the DHA Sheryan Portal (https://services.dha.gov.ae/)

2. Complete your professional profile and register for a new account.

3. Upload the required documents, including:
   • Passport copy

   • Recent passport-sized photo

   • Educational certificates (attested)

   • Work experience letters

   • Valid professional license

   • Good standing certificate (not older than 6 months)

   • Updated CV
     

Make sure all documents are in PDF or JPEG format and translated into English (if applicable).

Step 3: Use DataFlow to submit an application for Primary Source Verification (PSV).

Once your documents are uploaded, the next step is Primary Source Verification (PSV) conducted by DataFlow, an international verification agency. They will check the authenticity of your educational and professional documents by contacting the issuing institutions directly.

This step usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your country of origin. It is a critical part of the process, and no application will proceed without a positive PSV report.

Step 4: Set up and complete the DHA test

You might be required to take a Prometric DHA Exam, depending on your line of work. That is an online multiple-preference test designed to assess your medical understanding and abilities. Some professions also require an oral assessment or a clinical exam.

To register for the exam:

• Log in to the Prometric website

• Choose your preferred date and testing center

• Pay the exam fee (usually ranges from AED 900 to AED 1300)

• Use the DHA exam guidelines and practice resources to get ready.

A passing score is typically 60-70%, but this varies by specialty.

Step 5: Get Professional Classification and Eligibility Letter

After passing the DHA exam and receiving a positive PSV report, the DHA will classify you based on your qualifications (e.g., General Practitioner, Specialist, Consultant). An eligibility letter that is good for a year will then be given to you. You can use this letter to apply for jobs at establishments that have been approved by DHA.

Step 6: Get Employment and Submit an Application to Activate Your License

Once you get a job offer from a healthcare facility in Dubai, your employer will initiate the license activation process on your behalf. At this stage, you’ll undergo:

• Medical fitness test

• Emirates ID registration

• Malpractice insurance documentation
  

After successful submission, your DHA license will be issued and you can officially start practicing in Dubai.

Final Tips for Applicants

• Double-check all your documents for accuracy and completeness.

• Follow up with DataFlow regularly for PSV updates.

• Practice for the DHA exam using mock tests.

• Stay updated with any changes on the official DHA website.
  

Conclusion

Applying for a DHA professional license in Dubai may seem overwhelming, but breaking it into these manageable steps helps reduce stress and increase your chances of success. Once licensed, you join a growing community of healthcare professionals in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Contact Montgo Health

Frequently Ask Questions

1. How to get a DHA license from India?

You can apply for a DHA license from India by:

• Creating an account on the DHA Sheryan portal

• Submitting your documents for Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

• Booking and passing the DHA exam (usually via Prometric centers in India)

• Completing the final licensing steps once you’re ready to work in Dubai

2. Can I get a DHA license outside the UAE?

Yes, you can begin the entire DHA licensing process, including document verification and scheduling the exam, from outside the UAE. The exam can be taken at approved Prometric centers worldwide.

3. How much does the DHA exam cost in India?

The cost of the DHA exam in India is similar to Dubai, depending on your profession and Prometric testing fees. Visit the Prometric website for up-to-date pricing in your region.

4. What is the age limit for DHA?

There is no officially stated maximum age limit for taking the DHA exam. However, job offers may be influenced by the hiring facility’s internal age policies.

5. Can I write the DHA exam without experience in India?

No, clinical experience is a requirement for DHA exam eligibility. The number of years required depends on your profession, usually ranging from 1 to 3 years of recent relevant experience.

6. What is the passing score for the DHA exam?

The typical passing score is between 60% and 70%, depending on the category of healthcare professional. DHA sets the benchmark for each profession individually.