Are you a healthcare professional in India dreaming of working in Dubai? You’re not alone. With its world-class hospitals, tax-free salary, and vibrant lifestyle, Dubai is a top destination for Indian doctors, nurses, dentists, and allied health professionals. But before you can practice in Dubai, you’ll need a DHA license—a mandatory permit issued by the Dubai Health Authority.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a DHA license from India in 2025. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced practitioner, this step-by-step blog will simplify the process and help you avoid common pitfalls.
What Is a DHA License?
The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license is a professional license required to work legally in any healthcare facility in Dubai. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, lab technician, or therapist, you must get this license to practice.
It ensures that healthcare providers meet Dubai’s professional standards, and it’s part of a larger system called Sheryan—the online licensing and registration portal of the Dubai Health Authority.
Who Needs a DHA License?
If you’re planning to work in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, pharmacies, or home healthcare services in Dubai, and belong to one of the following categories, you need a DHA license:
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Doctors (General practitioners, specialists, consultants)
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Dentists
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Nurses and Midwives
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Allied health professionals (Lab techs, physiotherapists, radiographers)
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Pharmacists
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a DHA License from India
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the experience and education requirements. Typically:
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Doctors and specialists need 2-3 years of experience post-internship.
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Nurses and allied health professionals must have at least 2 years of clinical experience.
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Your qualifications should be from a recognized medical institution.
Use the DHA Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) document to verify that your degree and experience align with their standards.
2. Create an Account on Sheryan Portal
Go to https://www.sheryan.dha.gov.ae and create an account. This is where your entire application journey will take place—from document uploads to booking exams.
Montgo Health, a reputed licensing support consultancy, recommends double-checking all documents before uploading to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Dataflow Primary Source Verification (PSV)
The Dataflow process is a background check to verify your educational, professional, and registration documents directly from the issuing authorities. Documents usually verified:
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Degree certificates
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Professional license (like MCI, NMC, PCI)
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Work experience certificates
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Passport and photographs
The process can take 4–8 weeks, so the sooner you start, the better. Dataflow fees typically range from AED 1,200–2,000, depending on your profession.
✅ Tip: Use a professional service like Montgo Health to handle your Dataflow submission accurately. A minor error can cost you time and money.
4. Schedule Your Prometric Exam
After Dataflow verification, you’ll be invited to take the DHA Prometric exam. It tests your clinical knowledge and decision-making abilities. Exam details:
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Conducted online at Prometric centers in India
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Computer-based, multiple-choice format
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Passing score: Usually 60–70% depending on your profession
Cost: Around $200 USD (₹16,000–₹18,000 INR)
📚 Tip: Practice with mock exams, question banks, and refresher courses. Montgo Health offers prep modules tailored for Indian professionals.
5. Get Your Eligibility Letter
Once you pass the Prometric exam and your Dataflow report is verified as “Positive,” DHA issues an Eligibility Letter. This is not a work license—it means you’re qualified and eligible to be hired by a Dubai healthcare facility.
The letter is valid for 1 year, during which you must find an employer to sponsor your actual DHA license.
6. Secure a Job and Activate Your License
Once you get a job offer from a DHA-approved hospital or clinic, the employer initiates the final licensing process.
They will:
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Upload your contract and documents
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Pay final DHA licensing fees
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Sponsor your residence visa and Emirates ID
Your official DHA license is then issued under that employer’s name, allowing you to legally practice in Dubai.
How Long Does It Take?
The full process—from creating a Sheryan profile to getting licensed—takes about 3 to 6 months. Here’s a rough timeline:
| Step | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Sheryan Registration | 1 day |
| Dataflow Verification | 4–8 weeks |
| Prometric Exam Prep | 2–4 weeks (varies) |
| DHA Prometric Exam | 1 day + 2–5 days result |
| Eligibility Letter | 1 week after exam |
| Employer Sponsorship | 2–4 weeks |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Incorrect document uploads: Can delay or reject your application.
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Fake experience certificates: Dataflow checks are strict—don’t risk blacklisting.
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Missing Prometric deadlines: Always schedule early to avoid exam backlogs.
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Ignoring updates on Sheryan: DHA communicates through the portal, so check regularly.
✅ Montgo Health has helped hundreds of Indian professionals navigate these hurdles with ease—reach out if you want expert support
How Montgo Health Can Help
Montgo Health is a trusted name for healthcare licensing support across the Middle East. They assist Indian professionals with:
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Dataflow document preparation
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Prometric exam coaching
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CV enhancement for Dubai employers
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One-on-one licensing consultations
They act as a bridge between your dream and Dubai’s reality—saving you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
Visit www.montgohealth.in to get a free eligibility assessment.
Getting a DHA license from India might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it’s a straightforward process. Whether you dream of working in a top Dubai hospital or setting up a private practice, your DHA license is the key to opening that door.
Prepare well, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to get help where needed. Your journey from India to Dubai starts with one application—and who knows, it might just change your life.
Frequently Ask Questions
1. How to get a DHA license in India?
To get a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license from India, follow these steps:
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Create a profile on the Sheryan DHA portal
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Undergo Dataflow verification of your documents
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Schedule and pass the Prometric DHA exam in India
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Receive your Eligibility Letter
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Secure a job offer from a Dubai healthcare facility
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Your employer will then activate your DHA license
This process usually takes 3–6 months.
2. Who is eligible for a DHA license in Dubai?
Healthcare professionals who meet the DHA’s educational and experience requirements are eligible. This includes:
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Doctors (general practitioners, specialists, consultants)
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Dentists
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Nurses and midwives
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Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, lab techs, radiographers, etc.)
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Pharmacists
Generally, a minimum of 2 years of post-qualification experience is required, depending on the role.
3. Can I give the DHA exam without experience in India?
Usually, no. Most healthcare roles require at least 2 years of clinical experience after graduation to be eligible for the DHA exam. However:
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Some exceptions may apply for fresh graduates from certain accredited institutions.
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Always refer to the DHA Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) to check your eligibility.
4. Who is eligible for DHA exam for nurses in India?
To take the DHA exam for nurses, Indian applicants must:
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Hold a recognized nursing degree or diploma (GNM or B.Sc Nursing)
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Have a valid nursing registration with the Indian Nursing Council or State Council
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Possess at least 2 years of recent clinical experience
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Submit documents for Dataflow verification and pass the Prometric DHA exam
5. How much is the nurse’s salary in Dubai?
Nurse salaries in Dubai vary based on experience, specialization, and employer. On average:
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Staff Nurses: AED 4,000 – 7,000/month
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ICU/Theatre Nurses: AED 6,000 – 9,000/month
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Senior or Head Nurses: AED 8,000 – 12,000/month
Many jobs also include housing, transport, and medical insurance benefits.
6. What is the passing score for DHA exam?
The passing score for the DHA Prometric exam varies by profession but is usually:
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Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health: 60–70%
You’ll receive a pass/fail result shortly after completing the exam. No percentile is disclosed.