What Is the Cost of DHA Exam for Applicants from India?

Preparing for a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is a big step toward a healthcare career in Dubai. The exam itself is only one part of the cost. When you apply from India, there are a few key fees to plan for.

In 2025, while exact charges can shift with exchange rates and DHA updates, most Indian applicants budget for the following major components:

1. DataFlow Primary Source Verification
Before you can even book your exam, DHA requires that your educational certificates, license, work experience, and good‑standing documents are verified with the issuing authorities through DataFlow. This is called Primary Source Verification (PSV).

• Typical cost: $220–$270 (about ₹18,000–₹22,000).

2. DHA Exam (Prometric) Fee
This is the actual fee you pay to sit the DHA Prometric exam, which you can take at authorised centres in India.

• Typical cost: $90–$120 (around ₹7,500–₹10,000).

3. DHA Registration/Application Fee
This is charged when you complete your application on the DHA Sheryan portal and proceed with eligibility processing.

• Typical cost: $50–$70 (about ₹4,000–₹6,000).

Estimated Total Cost: Around $360–$460 or roughly ₹30,000–₹38,000 for the full exam and eligibility steps from India.

Keep in mind these figures are approximate. Currency exchange rates and profession category (nurse, doctor, pharmacist, allied health, etc.) can influence the final amounts.

Additional Costs to Consider

Even though the core fees cover the essential licensing steps, there are other optional and incidental expenses you may want to budget for:

Document Attestation and Translation
Your certificates may need attestation from the UAE Embassy and/or translation into English if not already. These services usually cost between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000.

Travel Costs
If your nearest Prometric test centre is not in your city, factor in travel or lodging expenses.

Preparation Resources
Many candidates invest in study guides, mock tests, and coaching. This isn’t mandatory, but can range from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000 depending on the resources you choose.

License Activation Fees
Once you pass, there’s a separate fee for activating your DHA license when you join a Dubai employer. The cost varies widely by profession and is typically paid once you have a job offer.

Why Planning Your Budget Matters

One of the biggest reasons Indian applicants feel overwhelmed is that costs come at different stages. You don’t pay one lump sum at the start. Instead, fees are staggered through:

• Document verification

• Exam scheduling

• License processing

This means you need to plan ahead so that you don’t run into delays later on.

How Montgo Health Can Help You Navigate the Costs

Understanding all these costs and what they cover can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time applying for an overseas professional license. Here’s where Montgo Health comes in.

Montgo Health provides support services that help you:

• Review and organise your documents so they’re ready for DataFlow verification without costly rejections or re‑submissions.

• Guide you on the exact fees you’ll pay at each stage, reducing the chance of hidden or unexpected charges.

• Assist with application submission on the DHA Sheryan portal, ensuring all payments are made correctly.

• Provide DHA‑focused study material and mock tests, helping you prepare efficiently and avoid costly repeat exam attempts.

• Offer personalised advice on managing travel, test bookings, and licence activation in the most cost‑effective way.

In short, Montgo Health helps you understand not just how much it costs, but how to control those costs and avoid unnecessary spending.

Tips to Keep Your Costs Manageable

Here are a few practical tips that many Indian candidates find useful:

Start Early
Begin the documentation and verification process before you feel fully ready. Late applications sometimes incur extra fees or rush charges.

Prepare Well Before Booking the Exam
Since you have up to three attempts within your eligibility window, being well‑prepared can save money you’d otherwise spend rebooking later.

Bundle Your Services
Some candidates find that working with a support partner like Montgo Health helps cut down on mistakes that can cost time and money.

Check Prometric Centres Locally
Booking early at a nearby centre can save you travel and lodging costs.

Final Thoughts

The DHA exam cost for applicants from India in 2025 typically runs between ₹30,000 and ₹38,000 for core fees like verification, exam sitting, and registration. Additional expenses like document attestation, travel, preparation resources, and licence activation can add up.

Breaking these into clear steps makes planning easier and reduces surprises down the line. Working with an experienced partner like Montgo Health can make the journey smoother, more transparent, and potentially more affordable, by helping you avoid common setbacks and unnecessary costs.

Faqs

• What is the DHA Exam?
  A licensing test by Dubai Health Authority for healthcare professionals to practice legally in Dubai.

• Can Indian applicants take the DHA Exam?
  Yes, Indian healthcare professionals with valid qualifications and experience can apply and take the exam in India.

• What is the total cost for Indian applicants?
  Typically ₹30,000–₹38,000, including DataFlow verification, exam fee, and DHA registration.

• Are there additional costs?
  Yes, attestation, translation, preparation materials, travel, and license activation may add extra expenses.

• How is the payment made?
  Payments are made online via the DHA Sheryan portal and Prometric when submitting documents and booking the exam.

• How can Montgo Health help?
  Montgo Health guides you on fee planning, document verification, exam preparation, mock tests, and license activation.