The cost to take the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam from India in 2025 depends on a few parts, not just the test itself, but also verification, application, and licensing. Here’s a breakdown in simple terms, and an estimate of how much you might need to budget.
What Is the DHA Exam & Why the Cost Exists
- The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam is part of the licensing process if you’re a healthcare professional from India (or elsewhere) and want to work in Dubai.
- Costs are not just for the exam — you also pay for:
- Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow (they verify your certificates, experience, good standing, etc.)
- DHA application / registration (via the “Sheryan” portal)
- Prometric exam fee — that’s the actual test.
- License activation once you pass, which depends on profession (doctors, nurses, etc.)
- (Sometimes) Oral assessments or evaluation, if needed.
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Breakdown of the Costs (2025 Estimate)
Here is a detailed breakdown of the likely costs for someone in India in 2025, based on recent data:
What’s the Total Estimated Cost (2025)
Putting all of the above together, for a doctor (full-time license), you’d likely pay:
- DataFlow: ~ AED 1,200–1,500
- Registration: ~ AED 200–300
- Prometric exam: ~ USD 220–280 (~AED ~810–1,000)
- License activation: AED 3,000
Total (in AED): ~ AED 5,200–5,800 (or more, if you add oral assessment or have to retake)
Converted to INR, this is roughly ₹1.2 lakh to ₹1.38 lakh based on current conversion estimates.
Special Case: Nurses
If you’re a nurse, the costs are a bit different:
- Prometric exam for an RN is about USD 240–280.
- DataFlow verification remains AED 1,000–1,500 for 3–5 documents.
- Registration: AED ~200.
- License activation: for nurses, ~ AED 600–700 for a 1-year license. (Montgo Health gives this range.)
- Total estimated cost for RN: AED 3,400–5,100.
Other Possible Expenses to Think About
- Document Translation: If your certificates are not in English, you might need to pay for translation.
- Attestation: Some documents may need attestation which can add extra fees.
- Retake / Rescheduling: If you fail or want to reschedule, that costs you the exam fee again.
- Courier / License Delivery: If you want your DHA license sent to you, there may be some minor courier costs.
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Pro Tips to Manage / Reduce Cost
- Plan Documents Carefully
- Know exactly which and how many documents DataFlow needs. More documents = higher PSV cost.
- Organize them in advance to avoid extra resubmissions.
- Prepare Well for the Exam
- If you pass on the first try, you save the cost of a retake.
- Choose License Duration Wisely
- A multi-year license (if offered) could give you better value per year.
- Talk to Employers
- Sometimes your employer (in Dubai) may cover activation or exam cost.
- Keep an Eye on Currency Rate
- Since many payments are in AED or USD, the INR equivalent depends a lot on the exchange rate when you pay.
- Since many payments are in AED or USD, the INR equivalent depends a lot on the exchange rate when you pay.
Conclusion
- The DHA licensing journey from India in 2025 isn’t cheap but it’s very doable if you plan well.
- For a doctor, you should budget around AED 5,200–5,800 (≈ ₹1.2–1.38 lakh) for the full process (verification, exam, license).
- For nurses or allied health professionals, the cost is lower, but still significant. Good preparation, neat documentation, and talking to your employer can help make it more manageable. Contact Us
Frequently Ask Questions
1. What is the DHA exam?
The DHA exam is a licensing test conducted by the Dubai Health Authority for healthcare professionals seeking to practice in Dubai.
2. How much does the DHA exam cost in India?
The cost typically ranges between AED 1,050–1,500 (approximately INR 22,000–33,000), depending on the specialty and exam type.
3. Are there additional fees besides the exam cost?
Yes, candidates may need to pay application fees, exam booking fees, and charges for study materials or mock tests.
4. How can I pay for the DHA exam in India?
Payments are usually made online via the DHA portal using credit/debit cards or other approved payment methods.
5. Is the exam fee refundable if I don’t appear?
No, the DHA exam fee is generally non-refundable once the exam is scheduled.
6. Does the fee differ for different specialties?
Yes, the exam fee may vary slightly depending on the medical specialty or type of licensing exam being taken.
