All you need to know about DHA License in Dubai

Dubai, which is considered to be a city with an extensively developed system of medical service, strictly demands from all foreign doctors and assistants the DHA license to work in the Emirate. Regardless of a physician, dentist, nurse, or any other allied healthcare professional, it is mandatory and vital to get a DHA license as the first step to work in the glamorous city of Dubai.

The New DHA License in Dubai

All you need to know about DHA License in Dubai

Dubai’s healthcare city free zone has boosted the development of this particular sector. The new DHA Facility license allows for providing a new license or revival of a health facility after ensuring the suitabilities of the operational health facility with the Health Authority of Dubai requirements & norms.

The eligibility criteria include the investor/s, whether having a medical or non-medical background and must be over 21 years old and looking forward to establishing a health facility in the Emirate of Dubai but exclude the DHCC.

Who Can Get a DHA License in Dubai?

Employees in the health sector such as Doctors, Surgeons among them can qualify to hold a DHA license. The authority that has been provided below has an eligibility list of the workforce applicable to a DHA license in Dubai.

  1. Medical doctors
  1. Surgical specialists and surgeons
  1. Dental surgeons and dentists
  1. Specialists from allied health services
  1. Traditional medicine experts
  1. Alternative medicine specialists

Minimum Education Details and Requirements

Another requirement is the medical degree which must be obtained from a recognized institution to qualify for the DHA license in Dubai. They must also have finished doing any internship or residency that may be needed. Also, the DHA aspirant is supposed to complete a screening test as prescribed by the DHA.

This test in English consists of multiple-choice questions that are provided in the fields of medical ethics, infection control, and management of emergencies. In it, one usually needs to score at least 70% to pass the test.

They must also have experience in the field they are applying for the license in and must abide by certain requisites based on the classification of the license that they are applying for.

How can I get a DHA license in Dubai?

Documents required for individuals

Before you apply for a DHA license in Dubai, you have to keep some of these documents handy:

  • Passport-size photograph
  • Copy of passport
  • Educational Qualification
  • Experience certificates
  • Practice license or registration
  • Good Standing Certificate
  • Surgical trainees on the other hand need to write a two-year surgical logbook for the surgeons.

When you complete the application, you, in addition, need to attach your offer letter and malpractice insurance from the company that is offering you the job.

Procedure to Get a DHA License in Dubai

All you need to know about DHA License in Dubai

The DHA has developed simple procedures for DHA licensing. The clearly defined steps include the self-evaluation and the processes that follow. This blog elaborates on the step-by-step process for obtaining a DHA license in Dubai.

#1. Assess Your Eligibility

To determine your likelihood of obtaining a DHA license in Dubai, you should go to Sheryan which is the online platform for the Health Regulation Department in Dubai for the full license application. For the self-assessment, you need to:

  • Go to the Sheryan website, the self-assessment tab
  • Input the information regarding qualifications and working experience
  • They include the selection of the right keywords, the use of the right headers and fonts, the writing of the description, and the last step which is the clicking of the submit button.
  • Anyway, you will get a reply whether you are qualified for the program or not, according to the result of the system evaluation of the information you provided
  • If the system has upheld your eligibility then one can proceed to the next step.
  • Even if you are not approved by the system. If any of this does not apply to you, then you can apply for a manual check of your eligibility. The time may take up to one week for the manual review.

#2. Account Creation for DHA License

Cyberspace is identified with the SHERYAN which is the online portal for the licensing of DHA formalities. Before duplicating this discussion forum for another course where you will continue the process, you have to make an account in Sherman. The simple ID creation process involves:

  • Open the DHA portal
  • In the list of options click the button “Register New Account”.
  • Enter the info asked
  • Register

#3. Primary Source Verification (PSV) and Computer-based Testing (CBT).

After that, having accumulated the final result which shows the eligibility to obtain a DHA license in Dubai, the actions included are PSV and CBT. After getting a PSV done they should take a CBT assessment. However, CBT assessment is not mandatory for everyone.

  • PSV analyses quality and standard education qualifications, experience, and many other aspects as contained in the curriculum vitae. The credibility of the applicant is checked thoroughly so that uncreditworthy persons do not get the DHA license.
  • The CBT assessment is thus required much more, particularly for doctors, dentists as well as nurses. Thus, the knowledge, skills, as well as academic knowledge would be tested through this testing. Taking the final step regarding the CBT you can go on to the next step; which is obtaining a DHA license.

#4. Register for a DHA License

The application for the DHA License in Dubai is processed through the Sheryan portal and therefore, you must register.

  • After this contact the web portal and locate the “Register a Professional” button.
  • Enter the required info
  • Upload the documents sought
  • Henceforth, one has to pay a registration fee to the DHA and get registered.
  • Depending on what the PSV and CBT verifications would show, the application can be accepted, rejected, or returned with a request for further clarification.

#5. Oral Assessment

The authorities abide by all necessary measures to eliminate the chances of the wrong person being issued with a DHA license in Dubai. That is the reason for these steps for licensing. The next step that is then performed in the procedure is the oral examination of the applicant. One can schedule the assessment from the available dates on the portal at the date of the person’s preference. This would mean that before the license is issued, you are subjected to an assessment test that you must take.

#6. DHA Professional License

All you need to know about DHA License in Dubai

The final step before getting a DHA license in Dubai is the qualification of the previous step, namely the oral assessment When you make it past the OA you will be on the medical board as a licensed medical person. Now you have to do something to activate the DHA license for pursuing the medical practice.

  • Fill out the documents you require for the activation of the DHA license.
  • The offer letter must be in the pro forma prescribed herein.
  • Send the malpractice insurance certificate
  • They are required to pay the license fee from time to time, although the current fee depends on the type of professed profession (contact for the updated fee).


At the end of the above-mentioned steps, DHA receives a temporary license. It can be used until the original license is issued Depending on the country each of the aforementioned types of licenses takes a different time.

Language Requirements and Assessments of Proficiency

English language proficiency is required, and the DHA will only accept test results from authorized providers administered in secure facilities. You have to show proof that, within the previous three years, you were able to obtain the required scores on an authorized language exam.

For example, it’s common to need a minimum score of 7 on each test component. It’s critical to understand the validity of particular tests; for instance, TOEFL iBT results from particular periods might not be accepted. Furthermore, as of a certain date, only paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test scores will be taken into account.

Before this date, the C1 Advanced test results from both computer- and paper-based versions are still valid. Completing these linguistic prerequisites is an essential part of the licensing procedure.

The Validity of Renewal of DHA Licence in Dubai

All you need to know about DHA License in Dubai
  • Your DHA license in Dubai is generally valid for one year and you are advised to begin the renewal process three months before the end of the current license. It normally takes about five working days in the renewal process depending on the time of the year. The period for renewal of full-time licenses for legal practice is provided with a grace period of up to six months after the license has expired.
  • Do not delay your renewal of the license as there is a provision for fines against expired licenses. If the membership was renewed late, the fees range from $165 (AED 600) per month for physicians and dentists to $54. The standard rate costs US$ 50 (AED 200) per month for other healthcare providers.
  • To renew your license, the following conditions should be met, medical malpractice insurance and Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as required in PQR. For registration, some documents such as proof of prior experience and current license have to be provided and undergo scrutiny.
  • The registration makes one be within the Dubai Medical Registry if one’s practice is not to cease, then one has to ensure the registration is up-to-date.
  • DHA licenses may be categorized based on the profession they cover and the type of license which can be described as the price depending on the profession a person is in and the type of license that one needs. There may also be other charges kindly find below the Credentialing Fee and Knowledge and Innovation Fees. It is, however, necessary to point out that, to retain the approved position, healthcare professionals need to include themselves in the register and actively practice. This is required without re-assessment where there is no break on the practice being done by the companies. It also provides the assurance of their listing in the Dubai Medical Registry.

How can Bizdaddy Help?

Even though the criteria for a DHA license may appear overwhelming, they are completely manageable with the right direction and methodical planning. Recall that obtaining a DHA license is evidence of your dedication to providing high-quality healthcare and professional growth, not just a legal requirement.

By carefully following the instructions, from gaining your credentials to renewing your license, you’re laying the groundwork for a fulfilling career in the fast-paced healthcare industry in Dubai. Bizdaddy consultants not only guide you throughout the process but help you get the license and further start your own healthcare business in Dubai.

FAQ

What are the eligibility criteria to obtain the DHA facility license?

The Program requires that an investor (/s) either medical or non-medical, and above the age of 21 years, be willing to establish a health facility within the Emirate of Dubai excluding DHCC.


When the facility setup and installation are complete, how can I apply for the final approval of the DHA facility license?

Submit the final approval once the installation is complete (Attach a Trade License from the DED or free zone, and NOC signed by the medical director with the name of all the partners or the authorized representative with relevant documents).

Are we supposed to have an approval letter to get a DHA license initially?

Yes, normally the initial approval letter with DHA stands for six months for general clinics/specialized clinics, polyclinic/pharmacies, optics centers/rehabilitation, and physiotherapy centers. In the same regard, for the day surgery centers and hospitals, it is valid for one year.

Is it mandatory to appoint a medical director in the facility due to the acquisition of the DHA license?

Yes.