How License Transfers Work
Each UAE healthcare authority — DHA, DOH, and MOHAP — issues its own license. A DHA license does not allow you to practice in Abu Dhabi, and a DOH license does not cover Dubai. If you want to move between emirates, you need a license from the receiving authority.
The good news is that this is not the same as applying fresh. When you already hold an active UAE medical license, the receiving authority recognizes that you have already been vetted. The most time-consuming and expensive step — DataFlow Primary Source Verification — does not need to be repeated. Your existing PSV results transfer between authorities.
What does NOT automatically transfer is your professional classification. Each authority evaluates credentials independently, which means a "Consultant" under DHA might be classified as a "Specialist" under DOH if their criteria differ. In practice, most classifications are maintained, but it is worth checking before you commit.
Common Transfer Paths
DHA to DOH (Dubai to Abu Dhabi)
This is the most common transfer direction we handle. Candidates typically move from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for a specific hospital opportunity or because they prefer Abu Dhabi's lifestyle and cost structure. The process involves submitting a new application through DOH's portal with your existing DHA license details. DOH may require an oral assessment for specialists that DHA did not require.
DOH to DHA (Abu Dhabi to Dubai)
Moving to Dubai usually means higher salary but higher cost of living. The DHA application is submitted through the Sheryan portal with your DOH license as supporting documentation. If your DOH license was issued based on an oral assessment, DHA may still require you to sit the Prometric exam. This is the main friction point in DOH-to-DHA transfers.
MOHAP to DHA or DOH
Transferring from a Northern Emirates license to DHA or DOH is common as professionals seek higher-paying positions in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The process is similar — your DataFlow results transfer, but you may need to meet additional exam or assessment requirements.
DHA or DOH to MOHAP
Less common but it happens. Some candidates move to the Northern Emirates for specific roles. MOHAP generally accepts DHA and DOH credentials without additional assessments, making this the smoothest transfer direction.
What Transfers and What Doesn't
| Element | Transfers? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DataFlow PSV results | Yes | Saves 20-30 days and AED 935-1,235+ |
| Professional classification | Usually | Receiving authority may reclassify |
| Exam results | Sometimes | DOH oral assessment may not satisfy DHA Prometric |
| License number | No | New authority issues new license number |
| Good Standing record | Yes | Clean record supports application |
| Continuing education credits | Varies | Check with receiving authority |
Transfer Timeline
Because DataFlow verification is already done, transfers are significantly faster than fresh licensing:
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Application preparation | 3–5 days |
| Authority review | 5–15 business days |
| Additional assessment (if required) | 2–4 weeks |
| License issuance | 5–10 business days |
Total: four to eight weeks in most cases. If no additional assessment is needed, some transfers complete in under three weeks.
Transfer Costs
You avoid the DataFlow fee but still pay the receiving authority's application and issuance fees:
| Fee | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 200–500 |
| Additional assessment (if required) | 400–1,000 |
| License issuance | 800–2,000 |
Total transfer cost is typically AED 1,400 to AED 3,500 — roughly half the cost of a fresh application.
Holding Multiple Licenses
You do not have to give up your existing license when you get a new one. There is no rule preventing you from holding DHA, DOH, and MOHAP licenses simultaneously. Some professionals who consult across emirates maintain two or three active licenses.
The main consideration is renewal. Each license has its own renewal cycle and fees. Maintaining three active licenses means paying three sets of renewal fees.
Common Transfer Mistakes
- Assuming your classification will automatically transfer — check with the receiving authority first
- Not checking exam requirements — a DOH oral assessment does not always satisfy DHA's Prometric requirement
- Letting your original license lapse before the transfer completes — keep it active until the new one is issued
- Not asking your new employer to cover transfer costs — many facilities pay for this as part of onboarding
Need help with a license transfer? Chat with our team — we manage transfers across all three authorities and can tell you exactly what your specific transfer involves.