How Can You Obtain a DHA Licensing for Healthcare Practice?

If you’re a healthcare professional in India and dreaming of working in Dubai, one of the first steps is getting a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license. This license allows doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals to legally practice in Dubai’s healthcare sector. The process may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the steps, it becomes much easier. Let’s break it down in simple words.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you fulfill the prerequisites before applying. DHA has specific rules based on your qualification and work experience. For example:

• Doctors need an MBBS plus post-graduation (like MD/MS) and relevant years of experience. 
• Nurses need a diploma/degree in nursing and valid experience. 
• Pharmacists, lab technicians, and other professionals also have set criteria. 

So, the first step is to carefully check if your education and experience match DHA’s eligibility list.

Step 2: Create a Sheryan Account

All DHA license applications are done online through a system called Sheryan (DHA’s online portal). You’ll need to create an account, fill in your personal details, and start uploading your documents.

Step 3: Prepare and Upload Your Documents

Here are the main documents you usually need:

• Passport copy
• Recent passport-size photo
• Educational certificates (degree/diploma)
• Professional license from India (State/National Medical Council, Nursing Council, etc.)
• Good Standing Certificate (issued by your council, showing no disciplinary action)
• Work experience letters
  

Make sure your documents are attested (verified), as DHA requires authenticated papers.

Step 4: Primary Source Verification (PSV)

DHA doesn’t just take documents at face value. They use a system called DataFlow Group to verify your certificates directly from the issuing authorities. This step ensures there’s no fake documentation. You’ll need to pay a fee for PSV, and it may take a few weeks.

Step 5: Schedule and Pass the DHA Exam

Most healthcare professionals need to clear a DHA Prometric Exam. This is a computer-based test that checks your knowledge in your field. For some roles (like nurses or pharmacists), there may also be an oral assessment. Preparing well for this exam is crucial because passing it is mandatory for your license.

Step 6: Receive Eligibility Letter

If you clear the exam and your documents are approved, you’ll get an Eligibility Letter. This is not the final license, but it allows you to start searching for jobs in Dubai.

Step 7: Get Hired and Activate Your License

Once you get a job offer from a Dubai-based healthcare facility, your employer will help you activate the DHA license. That’s when you officially become licensed to practice in Dubai.

How long does it take to get a DHA license?

The time it takes to get a DHA license usually depends on how quickly you complete each step of the process. On average, it can take anywhere between 3 to 6 months. This includes creating your Sheryan account, submitting and verifying your documents through the DataFlow (Primary Source Verification), and scheduling and passing the DHA Prometric exam. Delays often happen if documents are incomplete or if verification takes longer. Once you pass the exam and receive your eligibility letter, you will still need a job offer in Dubai to activate your license. So, the faster you prepare your documents and clear the exam, the sooner you can get your DHA license.

Conclusion

Getting a DHA license might look lengthy, but thousands of Indian healthcare professionals successfully do it every year. The key is to stay organized, keep your documents ready, and prepare well for the exam. Once you have the license, you open the door to excellent career opportunities, higher salaries, and global exposure in Dubai’s healthcare industry. Contact Us 

Frequently Ask Questions

• What is DHA licensing?
  It is the official process to obtain a license to practice healthcare in Dubai.

• Who needs a DHA license?
  All healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and allied health practitioners, must be licensed.

• How do I apply for a DHA license?
  You submit an online application, provide your credentials, pass exams if required, and pay the fees.

• What documents are required?
  Typically, a valid passport, qualifications, experience letters, and good standing certificates are needed.

• How long does it take to get licensed?
  Processing usually takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on profession and verification requirements.

• Is the DHA license renewable?
  Yes, licenses must be renewed periodically, usually every 1–2 years, with updated documents and fees.