How to Get a DHA License in Dubai in 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
If you are a health professional in any field, such as a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, dentist, or any other, and you want to work in Dubai or any part of the UAE, you need to have a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license. It is mandatory for healthcare professionals to obtain a DHA-approved license before they can begin working in Dubai or the UAE. Here is your complete guide on how to get a DHA license in Dubai in 2025.
A DHA license is a sign of surety and approval from the government. It ensures that healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other staff meet the requirements of the UAE's medical practice standards. In this guide, we will cover everything about the DHA license, including the application process, fees, renewal, required documents, and more.
Table of Contents
What is a DHA License in UAE?
A DHA license is an official permit issued by the UAE government that legally allows you to practice in the healthcare field. The Dubai Health Authority issues licenses to healthcare professionals who meet their standards and criteria. This allows individuals like doctors, nurses, paramedics, dentists, physiotherapists, and others to work legally as long as they adhere to the Dubai Health Authority standards.
For more related information, check out our guide on the MOHAP License to work in other emirates.
Step-by-step Process to Get a DHA License in Dubai
Whether you are a complete beginner or already live in Dubai or the UAE, follow this step-by-step guide to apply for a DHA license. This guide includes everything you need to know.
Step 01: Check Eligibility
Before applying, always check if you are eligible. If you meet the required standards set by the DHA, you can proceed. Key requirements include:
- Educational Qualification: From a recognized medical institution like a college or university.
- Work Experience: A minimum of two years of experience is required for all healthcare categories.
- Valid Professional License: From your home country.
- Good Standing Certificate: Obtain a certificate from the medical authority in your country.
Step 02: Create a Sheryan Account
The DHA application process is completed through the official government portal called the Sheryan Portal. To create an account:
- Visit the DHA Sheryan Portal.
- Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Enter your username, password, email address, first name, last name, mobile number, and nationality.
- You can also register with your "UAE PASS" account.
Step 03: Submit Documents
Once you have created your Sheryan Account, the next step is to log in and submit your documents.
Step 04: DHA Exams Registration
After your documents are verified by the DHA, the next step is to register for the Prometric exams. This computer-based exam is required to test your knowledge and clinical skills. It consists of multiple-choice questions and is conducted worldwide.
Step 05: Obtain DHA Eligibility Letter
If you pass the DHA exams, you will be issued an Eligibility Letter, which is valid for one year. This letter allows you to search and apply for healthcare jobs in Dubai and the UAE.
Step 06: How to Activate DHA License in Dubai?
This is a crucial and mandatory step that is handled by your employer. Once you secure a healthcare job, your employer will assist in converting your Eligibility Letter into a full DHA License.
Documents Required to Apply for a DHA License in Dubai
The required documents for a DHA license in Dubai include:
- Passport Copy
- Attested Educational Certificates
- Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
- Experience Certificates
- Good Standing Certificate (not older than six months)
- Updated resume/CV
DHA License Costs in Dubai 2025 Updated
DHA license costs depend on the specific license category you are applying for. Below is a detailed breakdown for different categories with their prices.
| Category | Fees (AED) |
|---|---|
| DHA Application Fee | 220-250 |
| Primary Source Verification | 935-1,020 |
| DHA Exam Fee (Prometric) | 260-400 |
| DHA License Activation | 3,000-5,000 |
For example, if you are a nurse, the total cost for a DHA license will be around AED 4,500 to AED 6,000.
Can we convert a DHA license to DOH?
Yes, healthcare professionals in the UAE can convert their Dubai Healthcare Authority license to DOH (Abu Dhabi) or transfer it through MOH (Ministry of Health) via a license conversion process.
DHA License for Nurses in Dubai
If you are a nurse from any country and want to explore healthcare jobs in the UAE, you must first get a DHA license. Here are the license requirements for nurses:
License Requirements
- Education: Diploma or Bachelor's degree in nursing.
- Work Experience: A minimum of two years of experience in a hospital or any institution.
- Good Standing Certificate: A certificate not less than six months old is mandatory.
- Exams: You must pass the Prometric DHA computer exam to get the license.
Also Read: Explore the latest Medical Jobs in Dubai & UAE.
DHA Exams Syllabus Overview
Here are the syllabus guidelines for the Dubai Health Authority Exams:
- Doctors: Clinical knowledge, diagnostics, and treatment protocols.
- Nurses: Fundamentals of nursing, patient care, and infection control techniques.
- Pharmacists: Drug inspection and interactions, medicine prescription, and pharmacology.
- Allied Health: This is domain-specific and depends on related field knowledge like laboratory, radiology, and many other fields.
Conclusion
Getting a DHA license in Dubai is a structured process that requires qualification verification, exam clearance, and job placement. Although many people find the process lengthy and tiring, obtaining a DHA license opens the door to exciting healthcare career opportunities in Dubai. Always be well-prepared for the DHA exams, submit accurate and original documents, and understand the license requirements. By following the procedure carefully, you can easily get a DHA license and start your medical career in the UAE.
FAQs about DHA License
A DHA license is an official permit from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) that allows healthcare professionals to legally work in Dubai and the UAE. It ensures that medical staff meet the required standards.
The DHA exam, also known as the Prometric exam, is a computer-based test with multiple-choice questions. It is required to assess the clinical knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals before they can be licensed.
The required documents include a passport copy, attested educational certificates, recent passport-sized photographs, experience certificates, a Good Standing Certificate (less than six months old), and an updated resume/CV.
The DHA Eligibility Letter is valid for one year. It allows you to search for and apply for healthcare jobs in Dubai and the UAE.
You can get the DHA Eligibility Letter without an employer. However, the final activation of the DHA license from the Eligibility Letter is a crucial step that is done with the help of your employer once you secure a job.
