DHA licensing for doctors in Dubai
A Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licence is what lets a doctor practise in the emirate of Dubai — obtained through the DHA’s Sheryan portal after an eligibility check, DataFlow verification and, where required, a Prometric assessment.
Last updated 2026-07-11 · figures are indicative snapshots — confirm current values with the source
How do I get a DHA licence to work as a doctor in Dubai?
You apply through the DHA Sheryan portal: confirm your qualification and experience against the Unified UAE requirements, get an eligibility decision, complete DataFlow PSV, sit the Prometric assessment if required, then receive your registration. The DHA credentialing step costs AED 200 and takes about 5 working days; a general practitioner typically needs an MBBS plus internship and around 2 years’ experience.
The Sheryan steps
DHA licensing runs through its Sheryan portal. You check your eligibility against the Unified UAE Professional Qualification Requirements, then submit an application, pay, and complete any required assessment before the licence is issued.
- Steps: confirm eligibility (Eligible / Conditionally Eligible / Not Eligible) → submit application and documents → pay fees → DataFlow PSV → Prometric CBT assessment if required → registration issued.
- DHA credentialing fee: AED 200 for the physician/dentist category, plus knowledge-and-innovation fees applied at checkout.
- Average credentialing time: about 5 working days (DataFlow and the exam run separately and take longer).
Qualification and experience
The experience you need is set by the Unified UAE PQR, which DHA shares with Abu Dhabi, the federal MOH and Sharjah. The exact tier depends on how your country of qualification is classified.
- General practitioner: MBBS/MBChB plus a completed internship and around 2 years’ clinical experience.(Unified UAE Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), April 2025)
- Specialist and consultant tiers vary from 0 to 5 years of post-qualification experience depending on the country-of-qualification tier.
Source: Unified UAE Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), April 2025
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a DHA licence cost?+
The DHA credentialing fee is AED 200 for the physician category, plus knowledge-and-innovation fees added at checkout. DataFlow verification and the Prometric exam carry their own separate costs. Confirm the current fees on the DHA Sheryan portal when you apply.
How long does DHA licensing take?+
The DHA credentialing step itself averages about 5 working days, but the full timeline is longer because DataFlow PSV (15–25 working days) and the Prometric exam run separately. Start DataFlow early to keep the overall process moving.
How much experience do I need for a DHA GP licence?+
Under the Unified UAE requirements, a general practitioner typically needs an MBBS plus a completed internship and around 2 years’ clinical experience. Specialist and consultant tiers require more, depending on how your country of qualification is classified.
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