How Much Are DHA License Fees?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is a critical requirement for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Dubai’s growing medical sector. Whether you are a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or other medical professional, the process of obtaining a DHA license involves several steps, each with its associated costs. Understanding these fees helps candidates budget and prepare for the licensing process effectively.

In this blog, we will cover each fee in detail to give you a comprehensive understanding of the DHA license fees and what you can expect.

Preliminary Exam Fees:

The first step in acquiring a DHA license is passing the preliminary exam. This exam is an essential gateway for proving your competence and readiness to work in the healthcare industry in Dubai. The exam evaluates your knowledge in your specific field, covering topics related to patient care, medical practices, and ethics.

The fees for the DHA preliminary exam can vary based on the healthcare profession. Below is a general estimate:

• For nurses, the fee is approximately AED 270 to AED 300.
• For doctors, the fee typically ranges from AED 510 to AED 520.
• Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can expect fees in the range of AED 300 to AED 500.

It’s important to note that these fees may be subject to change, and candidates are advised to check the DHA website for the latest fee structure before applying for the exam.

Primary Source Verification (PSV):

The next step in the DHA licensing process involves Primary Source Verification (PSV), a critical phase that ensures the authenticity of your credentials. The DHA conducts this verification through a third-party agency, DataFlow, to confirm your educational background, work experience, and professional certifications.

The fees for PSV are generally based on the number of documents that need to be verified. On average:

• PSV for a single document (such as a degree or license) costs around AED 300 to AED 500 per document.
• For professionals submitting multiple documents (e.g., degrees, licenses, experience letters), the cost can increase proportionally. For example, verifying 3-5 documents may cost approximately AED 1,000 to AED 1,500.

PSV is a one-time fee during the licensing process, but it is essential to get the verification done accurately, as any discrepancies could delay or deny your application.

Evaluation Charges:

After completing the exam and PSV, healthcare professionals must go through the evaluation phase, where the DHA assesses whether the candidate meets the necessary criteria to practice in Dubai. This process evaluates the candidate’s qualifications, professional experience, and credentials.

The evaluation fee is generally:

• AED 200 to AED 300 for nurses and allied healthcare professionals.
• AED 500 to AED 600 for doctors and specialists.

This fee covers the assessment and processing of your documents and qualifications, ensuring they align with the DHA’s standards for healthcare professionals.

License Charges:

Once your evaluation is complete and successful, you can proceed to apply for your DHA license. The license charges are one of the most crucial costs to consider, as this is the final step that officially grants you permission to practice in Dubai.

License fees depend on the profession, and there are often different tiers based on whether you are a general practitioner, specialist, or consultant.

• For general practitioners and nurses, the license fee is typically around AED 3,000 to AED 5,000.
• For specialists and consultants, the cost can range from AED 6,000 to AED 10,000.

It’s also important to note that the DHA license is valid for one year, and you will need to renew it annually by paying a renewal fee, which is usually similar to the initial licensing cost.

Home Delivery Charge:

In many cases, once you have successfully obtained your DHA license, you can opt for home delivery of your license. The DHA offers this service for added convenience, so professionals do not need to visit the DHA offices in person to collect their license.

The home delivery charge is typically around:

• AED 30 to AED 50 depending on your location within the UAE.

This optional service is a small additional cost but can save you time and effort, especially if you are busy or working when your license is issued.

DHA License Fees Process:

Understanding the entire DHA license fees process is important to ensure that you budget appropriately for each step. Below is an outline of the process and when you will need to make payments:

1. Preliminary Exam Fees: Pay when registering for the DHA exam.
2. Primary Source Verification (PSV): Pay when submitting documents for verification through the DataFlow platform.
3. Evaluation Fees: Pay after your PSV is complete and before your documents are evaluated.
4. License Charges: Pay after your evaluation is successful and you are ready to apply for the DHA license.
5. Home Delivery Charge: Pay if you opt to have your DHA license delivered to your home.

Each of these payments is mandatory at specific stages of the licensing process, and missing any fee or failing to complete a step could delay your application.

Detailed Breakdown of Normal Prices (Approximate):

To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here’s a detailed breakdown of the approximate costs associated with the DHA license process for various healthcare professionals:

1. Preliminary Exam Fees:
   • Nurses: AED 270 to AED 300
   • Doctors: AED 510 to AED 520
   • Pharmacists and others: AED 300 to AED 500
2. Primary Source Verification (PSV):
   • Single document: AED 300 to AED 500
   • Multiple documents: AED 1,000 to AED 1,500
3. Evaluation Charges:
   • Nurses/allied healthcare professionals: AED 200 to AED 300
   • Doctors/specialists: AED 500 to AED 600
4. License Charges:
   • Nurses/general practitioners: AED 3,000 to AED 5,000
   • Specialists/consultants: AED 6,000 to AED 10,000
5. Home Delivery Charge:
   • AED 30 to AED 50

Conclusion

Navigating the DHA license fees process can seem daunting at first, but having a clear understanding of the costs involved will make it much more manageable. The total expenses will depend on your profession and the number of documents you need to verify. For most professionals, the cumulative cost of obtaining a DHA license—including the exam, PSV, evaluation, and license charges—will range from approximately AED 4,000 to AED 12,000, depending on your role and expertise level.

By planning your finances and staying aware of each step’s associated costs, you can avoid unexpected delays and ensure a smooth path toward obtaining your DHA license and launching your healthcare career in Dubai. Partnering with Montgo Health can further streamline this process, offering guidance and resources tailored to help healthcare professionals successfully navigate the DHA licensing journey. Montgo Health provides valuable insights and support, ensuring you stay on track with both the requirements and associated fees, giving you confidence as you pursue your healthcare career in Dubai.