DHA License in Dubai | Steps, Costs and Eligibility Explained

Securing a DHA license in Dubai is the key that unlocks your healthcare career in the Emirates. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, allied professional or specialist, if you know the rules you can jump through the hoops and the timeline can make or break your move. You’ll learn here eligibility, requirements, process & how our team at Arnifi can help you cross the finish line.

1. Introduction

DHA license in Dubai isn’t just a piece of paper, it’s your ticket into the healthcare system of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Here the thing is every healthcare professional who wants to work in Dubai (outside the free-zone of Dubai Healthcare City) must get licensed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The rules are strict for a reason the city recruits from around the world and wants to make sure you’re qualified, accountable and ready to deliver. In this article we’ll walk you through guidelines, eligibility, the process, costs & wrap up how Arnifi can steer you through.

2. Guidelines and Why They Matter

When you apply for your DHA license in Dubai, you’re not just paying fees and uploading scans. You’re entering a rigorous verification system. The DHA will check your identity, your qualifications, your professional history & your fitness to practice. A few guideline highlights:

• Your training programme must match the standards set out in the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) of the DHA
• You must undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV), which means your certificates, licensures & employment history are checked at the origin
• This depends on your profession (doctor, nurse & allied health), you may be required to pass an exam, either computer-based (CBT) or oral
• The license is valid for one year and you’ll need to renew it (and keep your credentials up to date)

What this really means is you can prepare early, target accuracy & you shouldn’t underestimate the timeline.

3. Requirements and Eligibility

Here are the main eligibility criteria for getting a DHA license in Dubai. These vary slightly by profession, but the core remains the same.

Eligibility Criteria:

• You must hold a recognised healthcare qualification that matches the PQR for Dubai
  
• You must have a valid license/registration in your home country or previous country of practice and be in good standing & with no major disciplinary issues
  
• You must have the required professional experience, which is often 2+ years after qualification for many roles
  
• If you are older e.g., 65+ or in a specialty that demands it, you may be asked for a medical fitness test
  
• All your documents, like your degree, experience, etc. must be verifiable via PSV.
  

Documents You’ll Need:

• Passport copy & a recent passport-sized photograph
  
• Educational certificate(s) & other transcripts of records
  
• Experience letters like employment history
  
• Good Standing Certificate from your licensing body
  
• For surgical specialties, a logbook covering the last 2 years, with a hospital stamp/signature

4. Process to Obtain Your DHA License in Dubai

Let’s map out the steps you’ll follow to get your DHA license in Dubai right-

Steps

• Initial Application & Eligibility Check
  
  • Create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal.
    
  • Complete the online form with your personal & other professional details.
    
  • Use the self-assessment tool (optional) to check if you meet eligibility.
    
• Upload Documents and Initiate Verification
  
  • Upload the required documents like passport copy, photograph & certificates, etc.
    
  • Pay the fee for document processing & processing of this stage typically takes about 2 weeks, but it can extend if extra documents are requested
    
• Primary Source Verification (PSV)
  
  • The DHA uses a third-party, such as the DataFlow Group, to verify credentials
    
  • The timeframe for PSV is commonly 6-8 weeks, though it can vary.
    
  • Once you get the positive PSV report, you link it to your Sheryan application.
    
• Verification Examinations 
  • If your training country is not among those automatically recognized by DHA (Australia, UK & USA, etc.), you may need to take a CBT exam (computer-based test) of approximately 100 questions & the passing marks are 60%. Or an oral examination in Dubai with a panel of senior consultants
    
  • You are allowed up to three attempts & if you fail beyond that you may need to re-apply
    
• Registration Request & Job Offer
  
  • Submit your application for registration once you’ve done PSV and (if required) passed the exam.
    
  • DHA typically responds within 1-2 weeks to issue your eligibility letter.
    
  • Secure a job offer from a DHA-licensed facility. Once you have employment, your employer helps activate your license.
    
• Licence Activation
  
  • Your employer submits additional documents like job offer letter, malpractice insurance, etc.
    
  • Pay the license activation fee, which varies by profession
    
  • The license is usually issued within 2 working days after activation
    

Estimated Timeline

• Document upload to PSV completion takes 6-8 weeks, typically.
  
• Exam stage (if required), it depends on scheduling & availability & it could extend.
  
• Once everything is set, you’ll get a registration letter within 1-2 weeks, and activation soon after the job offer.
  
• For many candidates 3-6 months from start to license; for those with non-recognized training programmes & this requires exams from up to 9-12 months.

5. Cost of Getting a DHA License in Dubai

Here’s a practical look at the estimated spending involved, especially if you’re heading toward a pharmacy setup where DHA approval plays a key role.

Costs can vary based on profession, facility sponsor, exemptions & bundled services. Planning ahead keeps your wallet from surprises

6. Conclusion

Securing your DHA license in Dubai takes patience, precision & proper support. From verifying qualifications to acing exams and getting approval from DHA, every step proves that you’re ready to deliver care in one of the most respected healthcare markets in the world. The smartest move is to start your registration early so employers know you’re already eligible to work here. Documents must be accurate, timelines should be expected & fees should be clearly planned out. 

If you want an easy, mistake-free journey through DHA licensing, pharmacy licensing, business setup or visas, Arnifi team are here to guide you from day one so you can focus on what matters most for your medical career in Dubai. Let’s get your DHA license activated and your healthcare future launched.