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DHA License for Doctors: Overview

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates all healthcare professionals and facilities in the Emirate of Dubai. Applications run through the Sheryan portal, and a DHA license for doctors is valid only within Dubai.

If you are a doctor planning to work in Dubai, this guide covers exactly what a DHA license requires — from eligibility and documents through DataFlow, the exam, and activation. For the broader process, see our DHA license guide.

We license & place doctors across the UAE
Health Bridge handles DHA licensing end-to-end and, unlike licensing-only consultancies, we also place you in a role through our recruitment arm. Check your eligibility for a free assessment.

DHA License Requirements for Doctors

To obtain a DHA license, doctors generally need:

  • a recognized primary medical degree (MBBS/MD) plus a postgraduate qualification for specialists (MD, MS, or fellowship)
  • a minimum of 2 years post-internship experience for GPs, with 2+ years post-specialty for specialists and 5+ years for consultants
  • a valid medical registration from your home country and a Certificate of Good Standing dated within 6 months
  • DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV) of all credentials
  • The DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams)

Indian medical graduate? Our DHA guide for Indian doctors covers NMC registration, the verification of MBBS/MD degrees, and booking the Prometric exam in India.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step DHA Process

Step 1: Eligibility check & documents (1–2 weeks)

Confirm you meet DHA requirements and gather your degree, postgraduate certificates, experience letters, good standing certificate and passport. We review your profile free of charge.

Step 2: Portal application (1–3 days)

Register and submit through Sheryan (sheryan.dha.gov.ae), uploading documents in the required formats and paying the application fee.

Step 3: DataFlow Primary Source Verification (3–6 weeks)

DHA requires DataFlow PSV to verify your credentials. This is usually the longest step. Our DataFlow guide explains how to check your DataFlow status and prevent the rejections that cost weeks.

Step 4: DHA Prometric exam (2–4 weeks, prep + exam)

Book and sit the DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams). You can prepare while DataFlow runs in parallel.

Step 5: Review & license activation (2–4 weeks)

DHA reviews your complete file. On approval, your license is issued through Sheryan and activated once you are assigned to a licensed facility in Dubai.

DataFlow for Doctors

Every DHA application requires DataFlow PSV, which verifies your credentials directly with the issuing institutions. The most common cause of delay is a mismatch between your passport name and your certificates — resolve any name differences before you submit. Our DataFlow Verification Guide walks through the full document list and country-specific timelines.

The DHA Exam for Doctors

The DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams) covers specialty-specific clinical knowledge for your applied title (GP, specialist, or consultant). Exam exemptions follow the UAE unified PQR rules; holders of certain US board certifications, UK CCTs or Australian/NZ fellowships may qualify on a case-by-case basis — see our DHA exam exemptions guide.

DHA Fees for Doctors

DHA application and license fees vary by profession and are paid through the Sheryan portal; confirm current figures there before applying. Budget separately for DataFlow PSV (commonly around AED 1,000–2,000 depending on documents). For a full breakdown across all UAE authorities, see our cost & fees guide.

Doctor Jobs & Salary in Dubai

Once you hold a DHA license, you can take up doctor jobs in Dubai across hospitals, clinics, and group practices. Physicians in the UAE typically earn AED 20,000–35,000/month for GPs, AED 35,000–60,000 for specialists, and AED 60,000–100,000+ for consultants, tax-free. Packages usually add housing or a housing allowance, annual flights home, and health insurance. We place licensed doctors into roles directly — browse current doctor jobs in Dubai, and see our UAE healthcare salary guide for full ranges by emirate and seniority.

Doctors: Other UAE Authorities

DHA covers the Emirate of Dubai. Compare all four side by side in our UAE physician license hub. If you are open to other emirates, doctors can also license with:

Health Bridge handles DHA licensing across every professional category:

Ready to start your DHA license as a doctor? Reach out to our team for a free eligibility assessment. We handle the licensing and connect you with the role.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for quick answers? Browse below or explore our Knowledge Hub FAQ and Industry Glossary.

Doctors applying for a DHA license need a recognized primary medical degree (MBBS/MD) plus a postgraduate qualification for specialists (MD, MS, or fellowship), a minimum of 2 years post-internship experience for GPs, with 2+ years post-specialty for specialists and 5+ years for consultants, a valid medical registration from your home country and a Certificate of Good Standing dated within 6 months, DataFlow Primary Source Verification, and the DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams).
Typically 8–16 weeks. DataFlow PSV is usually the longest step (commonly 3–6 weeks). Running DataFlow and exam preparation in parallel shortens the overall timeline.
DHA application and license fees vary by profession and are paid through the Sheryan portal; confirm current figures there before applying.
Most doctors take the DHA-specific Prometric computer-based test (separate from the DOH and MOHAP exams). Exam exemptions follow the UAE unified PQR rules; holders of certain US board certifications, UK CCTs or Australian/NZ fellowships may qualify on a case-by-case basis.
You apply separately to each authority, but your DataFlow PSV results carry over between DHA, DOH, MOHAP and SHA — saving the verification fee and several weeks when you add or transfer a license.