How to Become a Licensed Health Professional in Dubai?

One of the Middle East’s fastest-growing centers for medical professionals is Dubai, the vibrant center of the United Arab Emirates. With its advanced healthcare infrastructure, international patient flow, and high standard of living, it attracts doctors, nurses, dentists, and other health specialists from across the globe. However, before you can practice in this vibrant city, you must first become a licensed health professional. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps to get licensed and start your medical career in Dubai.

Step 1: Understand the Licensing Authorities

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees the regulation of medical practitioners in Dubai. If you wish to work in other emirates like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, the relevant bodies are HAAD (now DOH – Department of Health Abu Dhabi) and MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) respectively. However, since we are focusing on Dubai, you’ll be applying through DHA.

Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Making sure you fulfill the DHA’s requirements for experience and qualifications is the first step.These typically include:

• A degree or credential that is accepted in your field (pharmacy, nursing, medical, etc.)
• Work experience (2-3 years for most roles)
• Evidence of your native country’s professional license or registration
• Strong English language skills (IELTS or TOEFL may be necessary in some situations)

The DHA provides an online tool called the “Self-Assessment Tool” where you can check whether your credentials meet the requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Once eligible, you will need to gather and scan clear copies of the following documents:

• Passport copy
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Academic certificates
• Professional license
• Experience certificates
• A certificate of good standing from the licensing authority in your nation
• English proficiency test results (if required)
  

All documents must be translated into English or Arabic and attested by the UAE embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if necessary.

Step 4: Create a Sheryan Account

For all licensing services, DHA employs an internet portal called Sheryan. You’ll need to:

1. Create an account at https://www.dha.gov.ae
2. Complete your professional profile
   
3. Upload all required documents
   
4. Pay the application and dataflow fees 

The DataFlow Group conducts a Primary Source Verification (PSV) of your documents, so accuracy is essential. This process typically takes 30–45 working days.

Step 5: Pass the DHA Exam

Most healthcare roles require candidates to pass the DHA Prometric Exam, which assesses your professional knowledge and competence.

• The exam is computer-based
  
• You can take it in various testing centers around the world
  
• The DHA and Prometric websites offer study guides and sample questions.

Certain professions may also require an oral assessment or interview after the exam.

Step 6: Obtain Eligibility Letter

An Eligibility Letter will be sent to you after your documents are checked and you pass the test. You can use this letter to apply for positions at Dubai’s medical institutions. It is not, however, a work visa; in order to proceed, you must obtain a job offer.

Step 7: Find Employment and Obtain Your License

After getting a job offer, your employer will assist you in:

• Applying for a professional license
  
• Obtaining a labor card and residency visa
  
• Completing medical fitness tests
  

Once this is done, you will officially be a licensed health professional in Dubai, ready to practice.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed health professional in Dubai requires patience, preparation, and perseverance. The entire process can take 3–6 months, depending on how quickly you gather documents and pass the required exams. However, the rewards—professional growth, international exposure, and a tax-free income—make the journey well worth it.

If you dream of practicing healthcare in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, take the first step today. Dubai is waiting for you!

Frequently Ask Questions

Q1: How do I obtain a UAE medical license?

To obtain a UAE medical license, you must meet qualification and experience criteria, pass the relevant licensing exam (such as DHA, HAAD, or MOH exams), and complete the registration process through the UAE’s health regulatory authorities.

Q2: How can I get a MOH license in the UAE?

First, verify your credentials on the Ministry of Health (MOH) portal, then submit your application with the required documents. You will need to pass the MOH licensing exam and complete any additional requirements like dataflow verification and experience verification.

Q3: Who is eligible for DHA?

Doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals with recognized qualifications and relevant experience are eligible to apply for a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license, provided they pass the DHA assessment.

Q4: How to get a health certificate in the UAE?

Visit an authorized medical center in your emirate for a medical fitness test, which typically includes blood tests and a chest X-ray. If cleared, you will receive a health certificate needed for visa or employment purposes.

Q5: How do I apply for a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license?

Register on the DHA Sheryan portal, upload your documents, complete dataflow verification, and book your exam. If you pass the DHA Prometric test and meet eligibility criteria, you can obtain your license to practice in Dubai.

Q6: What is the easiest health certificate to get?

A basic medical fitness certificate for residency or work visas is usually the simplest and quickest to obtain. You just need to pass standard medical screening at an authorized center.