DHA License Dubai —
Step-by-Step Guide
for Healthcare Professionals
Step-by-step guide to getting your DHA medical license in Dubai. Exam prep, DataFlow, portal submission and timeline — expert consultancy available for all healthcare professions.
What Is the DHA License?
Any healthcare professional working in a Dubai health facility — public or private — must hold a valid DHA license. It is issued by the Dubai Health Authority and is valid only within the emirate of Dubai.
The DHA license (Dubai Health Authority license) is the official authorization required for any healthcare professional to legally practice in any licensed healthcare facility within the emirate of Dubai — whether public or private, hospital or clinic.
The DHA operates the Sheryan portal (dhaportal.gov.ae) — Dubai’s integrated online platform for healthcare professional licensing. All applications, DataFlow linkage, exam booking, and license issuance happen through this system. Setting it up correctly from the start is critical — errors cause delays of weeks.
The DHA license is emirate-specific. It does not cover Abu Dhabi (DOH) or the Northern Emirates (MOH). If you plan to work across multiple UAE emirates, separate licensing applications are required for each authority.
DataFlow primary source verification is mandatory for all professions under DHA. Without a completed, verified DataFlow PSV report, your DHA application cannot proceed to the exam or final review stage.
DHA License Requirements by Profession
Each healthcare profession has specific DHA requirements for experience, qualifications, and documentation. Here are the key criteria for the most common professions.
- DegreeMBBS, MBBCh, MD or equivalent from a recognised institution
- ExperienceTypically 1–2 years post-graduation (GP); specialist roles require additional years in specialty
- ExamDHA exam — specialty-specific MCQs. 100–150 questions, ~60–65% pass mark
- DataFlowMandatory — degree, transcripts, internship, and all experience verified
- Good StandingCertificate from home country medical council — valid within 3–6 months
- DegreeBSN or equivalent nursing qualification from a recognised institution
- ExperienceMinimum 2 years post-qualification nursing experience required for full DHA registration
- ExamDHA nursing exam — clinical nursing MCQs covering medical-surgical, pediatric, maternity, and community nursing
- DataFlowMandatory — nursing degree, council registration, and experience letters all verified
- AdditionalBLS/ACLS certification required. Speciality nurses (ICU, OR, ER) may need additional documentation
- DegreeB.Pharm or PharmD from a recognised institution. Clinical pharmacy classified separately
- ExperiencePost-qualification pharmacy experience required — typically 1–2 years minimum
- ExamDHA pharmacy exam — specialty MCQs covering clinical pharmacology and dispensing practice
- DataFlowMandatory — pharmacy degree and Pharmacy Council registration verified directly
- Good StandingLetter from home country pharmacy council or regulatory body required
- DegreeBDS, DMD or equivalent dental degree from a recognised institution
- ExperienceMinimum 2 years post-qualification dental experience. Dental specialists need additional years in specialty
- ExamDHA dental exam — specialty-specific MCQs. Specialists (orthodontists, oral surgeons etc.) have separate exam content
- DataFlowMandatory — dental degree, internship, and all experience letters verified
- SpecialtiesOrthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics classified separately
- ProfessionsPhysiotherapists, radiographers, lab technicians, dietitians, speech therapists, occupational therapists and more
- DegreeRelevant allied health qualification from a recognised institution in your specific profession
- ExamDHA Prometric exam — profession-specific content covering clinical knowledge and practice
- DataFlowMandatory for all allied health professions — qualification and registration verified with issuing bodies
- ExperienceTypically 1–2 years post-qualification experience; varies by specific profession and specialty
- DHA requirementDHA typically requires 1–2 years post-graduation experience. Fresh graduates do not usually qualify for direct DHA registration
- MOH alternativeUAE MOH (Northern Emirates) accepts recent graduates with internship completion — a good entry point while building UAE experience
- After MOHMOH experience and an active UAE license strengthens a subsequent DHA application significantly
- Our adviceWe assess your specific qualifications and recommend the most realistic first-step UAE licensing route
DHA Exam Format & Preparation
The DHA exam requires a minimum passing score which varies by specialty but is generally around 60–65%. We provide specialty-specific practice tests to ensure you exceed this benchmark comfortably.
Thousands of MCQs organised by topic and difficulty, mirroring the DHA exam format. Updated based on candidate feedback and latest exam patterns.
Included in prep packageWe walk you through the official DHA content domains, topic weightings, and question style — so you study what’s tested, not entire textbooks.
Guided by DHA blueprintFull-length timed mock exams simulating real DHA test conditions, with performance breakdowns by topic and targeted revision for weak areas.
Multiple attemptsOne-to-one coaching covering high-yield topics, exam technique, and targeted revision based on your mock results — via WhatsApp or Zoom.
Via WhatsApp / ZoomHow to Apply on the DHA Portal
Visit dhaportal.gov.ae and create a Sheryan account. Upload your documents, complete DataFlow verification, pass the DHA exam, and submit for final approval. Errors at any step cause significant delays.
Visit dhaportal.gov.ae and register a new account. Your profession, specialty, and personal details must be entered exactly as they appear in your documents — any mismatch triggers delays at later stages.
dhaportal.gov.aeInitiate your DataFlow primary source verification through the portal. All credentials — degree, transcripts, internship, experience — are verified directly with issuing institutions. Typically takes 4–12 weeks.
4–12 weeks · MandatoryOnce DataFlow is in progress, book your DHA exam at a Prometric centre. Most candidates need 2–3 months of structured preparation. We recommend studying in parallel with your DataFlow to save time.
Book at prometric.comWith DataFlow complete and exam passed, upload your full document pack to Sheryan — attested degree, transcripts, experience letters, good standing certificate, passport copy, and professional photos.
Full attested document packComplete the application form on Sheryan, verify all entries, and submit with the required fee (AED 1,000–5,000 depending on profession and specialty). We double-check everything before submission.
AED 1,000–5,000 feeDHA reviews your application — typically 4–8 weeks. Once approved, your DHA license is issued via the Sheryan portal. We monitor status and notify you immediately on approval.
4–8 weeks review · We track itFor You
From account setup to license issued — we manage the full Sheryan portal process so errors don’t delay your application by weeks.
DHA License Timeline & Fees
The full DHA licensing process typically takes 4–6 months with complete documentation. Starting DataFlow and exam preparation simultaneously — rather than sequentially — is the single biggest time-saver.
Free eligibility check, document checklist, attestation coordination, and good standing certificate request — run in parallel from day one.
Weeks 1–4 (ongoing)Initiated immediately. Institutions verify your credentials directly. Fastest: 4 weeks; typical: 6–10 weeks; complex: up to 12 weeks.
4–12 weeksRun in parallel with DataFlow. 2–3 months structured study plan, practice exams, and exam booking at a Prometric centre globally.
8–12 weeks studyOnce DataFlow is complete and exam is passed, we submit your full application on Sheryan. DHA reviews and issues your license.
4–8 weeks reviewDHA License Questions Answered
— We Handle It All
Free eligibility assessment, DataFlow management, exam prep support, and full Sheryan portal submission — managed end-to-end until your DHA license is issued.
💬 Start My DHA ApplicationOther UAE Authorities & Services
Full UAE licensing guide — DHA, DOH and MOH compared with timelines and fees.
🌆Working in Abu Dhabi? The DOH license covers all healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi emirate.
🏛️MOH covers Sharjah, RAK, Ajman, Fujairah and UAQ — the most accessible UAE entry route.
📚Specialty-specific study plans, question banks, mock exams and coaching for the DHA exam.
🔍Mandatory for DHA — we manage the full PSV process, institution follow-up, and report delivery.
🌍Want to license in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or other Gulf countries too? We cover all 6.
Get Your DHA License —
Right First Time
Free assessment, DataFlow managed, exam prep included, and Sheryan portal submitted correctly — until your DHA license is issued and you’re ready to practise in Dubai.
Free assessment · All professions · Sheryan portal managed · DataFlow included