Health-related license

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is a verified and reliable approval issued to any health practitioner who wants to reside and work in Dubai. This license is not limited to expats — any healthcare practitioner must get it. The Health Regulation Department, which is managed by the DHA, oversees everything that has to do with the DHA license.

Once a DHA license is obtained, you are eligible to work or start your own medical practice in the mainland or UAE free zones. The company running a clinic or practice also needs its own professional license; beauty and aesthetics businesses follow a separate track — see the beauty salon license.

Who can apply for the DHA license?

There are specified categories of health experts who are basically eligible for the DHA license. However, it doesn’t just end at being qualified to get the license — there are key requirements to also meet up to finally be recognised as a DHA-licensed medical expert.

Different categories of health practitioners who can get the DHA license include:

• Medical doctors and surgeons
• Nurses and midwives
• Dentists
• Allied healthcare givers
• Traditional, complementary and alternative medicine specialists

DHA license Dubai requirements

• A valid passport copy and resident visa copy
• Passport size photographs
• A logbook for surgeons that proves a surgeon has been licensed in an outpatient facility service for more than 2 years
• Medical fitness test results for professionals of 65 years and above (for full time license only)
• Certificate of good standing
• Medical practice license
• Educational qualification
• Certificate of experience

How to get a DHA license

Here is all the necessary information you need to get started with getting your DHA license.

Step 1: Complete the self-assessment tool service

This requires you to visit the DHA online portal called Sheryan. It is managed by the DHA, and this is where you carry out most of the assessment protocols and some other processes involved in getting the DHA license.

Automatic assessment guide:

1. Click here to start the self-assessment.
2. Enter the category you are applying for in the box provided.
3. From there you keep providing the required information and submit when you are done.
4. The system will automatically show if you are eligible for the chosen role or not.

If you are eligible, there will be a review of your profile and some background checks. This is to verify your eligibility to be added to the DHA registry for health experts.

After verification, you will be notified, hence taking the next step. If you are not found eligible, you may need to go for the manual checks, but with this you may need to pay some fees.

Manual assessment guide:

• Click here to make the manual application.
• Under “Regulatory Services” scroll down and click on “Self Assessment Tool”.
• It takes you to a review page, then click on “Access this Service”.
• You will then have to login or register a new account.
• Provide the necessary documents.
• Be sure to enter the appropriate details and submit.
• Make the payment of AED 200.
• Wait for the response. It takes up to 7 working days to get the feedback.

Step 2: Create a DHA Sheryan account

• Click here to register and get a DHA single sign-on account.
• Create an account.
• You may need to confirm the account creation through an email.

Step 3: Complete the PCV and CBT (if required)

The PCV stands for primary source verification. The Health Authority department in charge runs complete background checks to ensure your educational background and other information provided are genuine. They carry this out through an approved dataflow website.

On the other hand, the computer based test (CBT) may be written by some applicants if required at all. These tests are conducted by Prometric, which is an approved education test platform.

If you succeed in both the checks and examination, then you can go ahead and register with DHA.

To start with this, you need to link your PCV and CBT results, then submit an online application to get the service. To do this, do the following:

• Click here to get started.
• Click on “Get Registered”.
• Click on “Start Service”.
• Click on the “Link” sign to upload the required documents.
• This will take you to a page where you will have to fill forms to complete the process.
• Submit and make the necessary payment of AED 200.

After all this, the DHA reviews your documents and application, then subsequently gives you feedback. Your application may be accepted, refused or rejected. Either way, aside from being accepted, they will give a reason for that. You will then have to make any possible modification if required.

Step 4: Get an oral assessment

Depending on your medical category and position, you may be required to take an oral assessment exam. Once you pass the oral exam, the registration license will be issued, and you will automatically have your name in the Dubai medical registry.

Step 5: Get your DHA license activated

• Click here to get started.
• Under the service catalogue, click on “Activate Professional License”.
• Click on “Access the Service”.
• Log in to proceed with the service.
• Provide the right information and documents (e.g. Offer Letter and Malpractice Insurance Document).
• Make the required payment then submit.

The activation process is instant and can be ready within 1 working day. In the meantime, you may be provided with a temporary or interim license to keep until the main license is offered to you.

Some service limitations:

• Applicant must not be shortlisted.
• The applicant must pass the required tests and assessments within 3 attempts.

DHA license Dubai cost

Below are the license categories and associated costs:

License category	License fees
Full time license	AED 1,000
Part time license	AED 4,000
Trainee license	AED 1,000
Conversion to full time license	AED 200

How to renew your DHA license

The DHA license certificate is renewed annually. Follow a few simple steps below to get your license renewed. Renewal is done online.

Below are the steps to renew the Dubai DHA license:

• Click here to visit the DHA portal.
• Select “Renew Professional Certificates”.
• Click on “Access this Service”.
• Login to your Sheryan account.
• Provide the relevant documents and information.
• Make the payment and submit.
• Then your professional certificate is renewed.

Required documents for the renewal of the DHA professional license

• Valid Emirates ID
• Valid passport copy
• Valid medical fitness certificate for practitioners of 65 years and above
• Valid medical malpractice insurance certificates

Approximate DHA license renewal fees for each category

DHA health category	Full time license renewal fee	Part time license renewal fee	Trainee fee	Penalty fee for late renewal
Nurse / Allied Health	AED 1,000	AED 4,000	AED 1,000	AED 200/month
Physician / Dentist	AED 3,000	AED 4,000	AED 3,000	AED 600/month

Aside from the price chart above, there will be a knowledge and application fee at checkout. To know more about the service limitations to renewing your medical professional certificates, click here.

DHA address in Dubai: Al Maktoum Bridge Street, Bur Dubai Area 4545, UAE. Office hours: 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday). Contact number: 800342.