How to get DHA license in Dubai:
All Your Questions Answered
The DHA license exam is one of the most popular exams taken by healthcare professionals who wish to start a career in Dubai, one of the fastest-growing cities for healthcare and medical tourism. To practice as a doctor, nurse or any other profession in healthcare in Dubai, you need to be licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
If you are planning to take the DHA exam soon, you may have many questions regarding the exam. In this post, I want to answer some commonly asked questions about the DHA exam.
1. What is the DHA exam and how is it important?
The DHA exam is a mandatory license examination for healthcare professionals to work in the UAE. It evaluates your clinical knowledge and professional competency to ensure you meet the necessary healthcare standards set by DHA. Obtaining a DHA license allows professionals to practice in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare institutions in Dubai.
2. How to get DHA license in Dubai?
To obtain a DHA license, follow these steps:
- Self-Assessment – Check your eligibility through the Sheryan portal on the DHA website.
- Dataflow Verification (PSV) – Submit your educational and professional documents for Primary Source Verification (PSV).
- DHA Exam – Schedule and pass the DHA licensing exam (Prometric test).
- Professional Registration – After passing the exam, apply for DHA registration.
- Job Offer & License Activation – Secure a job in Dubai and link your DHA eligibility letter to an employer to activate your license.
3. Is DHA exam easy?
The DHA exam, like all other medical licensing examinations tests you extensively on theoretical as well as practical knowledge. It also tests how well you know common medical practices and rules followed in Dubai. My advice to anyone preparing for the DHA is to not underestimate the exam. Thoroughly understand the syllabus and follow DHA-specific study materials. If you work hard enough, you can crack the DHA exam on the first attempt.
4. What is the cost of getting DHA license in Dubai?
The total cost of obtaining the DHA license largely depends on the profession you are in. It can range anywhere between AED 4000 and AED 8000. To get an exact breakdown of the fees, it is recommended you contact a professional consultancy with your documents.
5. Can I write DHA from anywhere?
Of course. The DHA exam is conducted by Prometric. Prometric has exam centres all over the world, making it easy for professionals to get their DHA license without having to travel to Dubai.
6. Is it possible to work anywhere in the UAE with a DHA license?
No. You can work only in Dubai with a DHA license. However, you can transfer your DHA license to other medical licenses in the UAE and vice versa. To transfer licenses, you need to work at least 6 months in the emirate where your license is issued. So for example, if you want to change your license from DoH to DHA, you need to have at least 6 months of experience in Abu Dhabi before you can change to DHA license.
7. Do I need work experience to apply for DHA license?
For nurses, it is NOT mandatory to have work experience in their home country to apply for DHA license. For RN, you need to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing. For AN, you need to have a diploma degree that has a duration of at least 18 months.
For doctors, you need to have at least 2 years of experience in your home country before you apply for DHA license.
8. I have a gap in my work experience. Can I still apply for DHA?
You should not have more than a 2-year gap in your total work experience. In case you have such a gap, you can still apply for DHA. But you will need to complete equivalency training at an extra cost. Consult a professional firm to learn more about what you can do if you have a gap in work experience.