Dubai Health Authority License Requirements

If you’re planning to work as a healthcare professional or operate a medical facility in Dubai, obtaining a license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is a mandatory step. The DHA ensures that all medical practitioners and facilities meet the highest standards of care, safety, and ethics before serving patients.

In this article, we’ll walk through the essentials of DHA licensing, the eligibility criteria for professionals and facilities, the application process, required documents, common mistakes that cause delays, and how to renew and maintain your license. We’ll also highlight how Montgo Health supports healthcare organizations and professionals through every stage of the licensing process.

Overview of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Licensing System

The Dubai Health Authority regulates healthcare activities across the Emirate, ensuring that both individuals and facilities operate within approved standards. Its licensing system covers:

• Healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health specialists.

• Healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, pharmacies, and rehabilitation centers.

The DHA licensing system ensures every healthcare provider in Dubai has verified qualifications, is medically fit, and operates in an approved, compliant environment. It’s a key part of Dubai’s goal to maintain international standards in healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Working with experts such as Montgo Health helps simplify this process by ensuring that applications meet all DHA requirements the first time, reducing the risk of rejection or delay.

Eligibility Criteria for Healthcare Professionals and Facilities

For Healthcare Professionals

To qualify for a DHA license, healthcare professionals must meet the following key criteria:

1. Recognized qualifications – Your degree, diploma, or certification must come from an accredited institution and align with the DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).

2. Valid experience – Most categories require a minimum period of hands-on professional experience relevant to your specialty.

3. Good Standing Certificate – You must provide evidence that you are in good professional standing, free from disciplinary action or malpractice cases.

4. Primary Source Verification (PSV) – Your credentials must be verified directly from the issuing institution through an authorized verification system.

5. Assessment or Exam – Depending on your role, you may need to pass a DHA licensing exam or assessment.

6. Medical fitness – You must be medically fit and meet all health screening requirements.

For Healthcare Facilities

If you’re establishing or managing a healthcare facility, the DHA requires:

• A valid trade license covering the scope of healthcare services you intend to offer.

• A qualified medical director and licensed staff.

• Compliance with Health Facility Guidelines (HFG) on design, safety, accessibility, and infection control.

• A complete list of medical equipment and technologies to be used.

• Approval from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, and other authorities, depending on your facility type.

Montgo Health assists healthcare investors and operators in ensuring all eligibility and design criteria are met before submitting the license application, saving time and avoiding costly revisions later.

Step-by-Step DHA Licensing Process in Dubai

The DHA licensing process may vary slightly depending on whether it’s for a healthcare professional or facility. However, both follow structured and transparent steps.

For Healthcare Professionals

1. Create a Sheryan Account
   Start by creating a profile on the DHA’s Sheryan portal. This online platform handles all licensing applications.

2. Self-Assessment
   Review your credentials against the DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). This helps confirm eligibility before applying.

3. Submit Required Documents
   Upload your academic certificates, Good Standing Certificate, experience letters, and other supporting documents.

4. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
   DHA verifies your credentials directly from the issuing authorities to confirm authenticity.

5. Pass the DHA Assessment or Exam
   Depending on your role, you may need to pass a written or computer-based exam.

6. Receive Eligibility Letter
   Once you meet all requirements, the DHA issues an eligibility letter valid for one year.

7. Activate License
   After securing employment with a DHA-approved facility, your employer activates your license, allowing you to begin practice.

For Healthcare Facilities

1. Obtain a Trade License
   Register your company with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a Free Zone authority, depending on your business setup.

2. Prepare the Facility Design
   Ensure your facility’s architectural plans comply with DHA Health Facility Guidelines.

3. Submit the Facility Application
   Apply for facility licensing through the DHA portal, attaching architectural layouts, staffing details, and required approvals.

4. Inspection and Evaluation
   DHA inspectors assess your facility for safety, hygiene, accessibility, and compliance.

5. Approval and Activation
   Once the inspection is cleared, you receive a license to operate your healthcare facility legally in Dubai.

Montgo Health supports both individuals and organizations through this process, from document preparation to final inspection readiness.

Required Documents for DHA License Application

While the specific documents can vary based on profession or facility type, the following are commonly required:

For Professionals

• Valid passport copy and recent photo

• Academic and professional certificates

• Professional license from the country of origin

• Good Standing Certificate (issued within the last six months)

• Experience certificates (covering the required years of practice)

• Primary Source Verification (PSV) reports

• Prometric exam results (if applicable)

• Medical fitness certificate

• Malpractice insurance policy

For Facilities

• Trade license copy

• Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate

• Approved layout and design drawings

• Equipment list and maintenance contracts

• List of licensed staff members and their DHA credentials

• Municipality and Civil Defense approvals

• Waste management contract and infection control plan

Montgo Health provides tailored document checklists for both facility and professional applicants, ensuring submissions are complete and compliant.

Common Reasons for DHA License Rejection and How to Avoid Them

The DHA’s review process is strict, and applications can be delayed or rejected if details don’t meet the required standards. Below are the most common issues and how to avoid them:

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Missing or incomplete documents

• Inaccurate or unverified certificates

• Applying for an incorrect title or specialty

• Poorly translated or unattested documents

• Incomplete Primary Source Verification (PSV)

• Non-compliance with facility design or staffing guidelines

How to Avoid These Issues

• Double-check all forms and attachments before submission.

• Start PSV early—it often takes several weeks.

• Ensure your job title aligns with your qualifications and experience.

• Translate all documents into English or Arabic as required.

• Conduct a pre-licensing facility audit using DHA Health Facility Guidelines.

• Work with a consultant like Montgo Health to pre-review all materials before submission.

Montgo Health emphasizes that most delays occur due to document errors or missing verifications. Their team helps clients prepare complete, DHA-ready applications to prevent setbacks.

Renewing and Maintaining a DHA License

Getting your license is only part of the process. Renewal and compliance are just as important to keep your practice or facility legally operational.

For Healthcare Professionals

• License validity: DHA licenses are generally valid for one year.

• Renewal period: Start the renewal process at least 90 days before expiration.

• CPD requirements: You must complete a specific number of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours each year.

• Malpractice insurance: Maintain an active insurance policy throughout your practice.

• Good standing: Continue meeting ethical and professional standards.

Late renewals can lead to penalties or temporary suspension. Montgo Health assists professionals by tracking renewal deadlines and compiling the required documents to ensure timely submission.

For Healthcare Facilities

• Facility license validity: Typically one to three years, depending on facility type.

• Renewal requirements: Updated staffing lists, equipment calibration records, safety inspections, and payment of renewal fees.

• Compliance audits: DHA may conduct periodic or surprise inspections to confirm ongoing compliance.

Montgo Health offers post-licensing support for facilities, including renewal management, staff licensing coordination, and compliance audits to help maintain smooth operations.

Obtaining a DHA license—whether for an individual professional or a healthcare facility—is essential to practicing or operating legally in Dubai. The process is thorough for good reason: it protects patients, ensures safety, and maintains Dubai’s reputation as a regional leader in quality healthcare.

However, the steps can be time-consuming and complex if you’re unfamiliar with the process. That’s where expert support makes all the difference.

Montgo Health helps healthcare professionals, investors, and operators across the UAE navigate every stage of the DHA licensing process—from eligibility checks and document preparation to inspection readiness and renewals. With their guidance, applicants avoid common pitfalls, shorten approval timelines, and ensure full compliance with DHA regulations.

If you’re planning to open a healthcare facility or apply for a DHA professional license, preparation and professional support are key. With the right approach and a trusted partner like Montgo Health, you can move confidently through the licensing process and focus on delivering the best patient care in Dubai.

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Frequently Ask Questions

1. What is a DHA license?

A DHA license is an official permit issued by the Dubai Health Authority that allows healthcare professionals and facilities to operate legally within Dubai’s healthcare system.

2. Who needs a DHA license?

All healthcare professionals—including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and technicians—as well as healthcare facilities like clinics and hospitals, must obtain a DHA license before providing services in Dubai.

3. What are the main requirements for a DHA license?

Applicants must hold recognized qualifications, provide verified experience, obtain a Good Standing Certificate, complete Primary Source Verification (PSV), and, in some cases, pass a DHA assessment or exam.

4. How long does the DHA licensing process take?

The process usually takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on how quickly applicants complete their documentation and verifications. Montgo Health can help streamline the process and avoid delays.

5. Why are DHA license applications sometimes rejected?

Common reasons include incomplete documents, unverified credentials, missing attestations, or applying for an incorrect title. Montgo Health helps applicants identify and correct these issues early.

6. How do I renew my DHA license?

DHA licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal requires proof of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, valid malpractice insurance, and updated documentation.