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The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is the mandatory documentary approval for starting any medical practice in Dubai. Any person, be it a UAE national or an expatriate, must obtain a DHA license to commence healthcare services.

Once you have received the license, you can begin medical consultation after obtaining all other necessary operational approvals. The Health Regulation Department, which operates under the DHA, carefully peruses all applications and is the sole issuer of these crucial licenses.

This rigorous system is a key reason why Dubai has rapidly evolved from a city known for its malls and beaches into a leading global medical destination. With state-of-the-art hospitals, specialized hubs like Dubai Healthcare City, and a pioneering push toward AI-driven preventive healthcare, the emirate now attracts patients and top-tier healthcare experts from every corner of the world.

At the heart of this transformation is the DHA’s commitment to quality and safety. The license serves as proof that a professional’s education, experience, and skills have been carefully reviewed and approved. It is the cornerstone that protects patients, ensures high standards, and gives medical professionals the credibility to build and grow their careers in Dubai.

Without a valid DHA license, individuals cannot practice, and facilities cannot operate legally. So, if you’re wondering how to join this dynamic healthcare sector, here is a comprehensive guide on how to get your DHA license in Dubai.

What is a DHA License?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the main government body that looks after healthcare in Dubai. Its job is to make sure that the medical services provided in the emirate are safe, reliable, and up to international standards. To do this, the DHA issues licenses to both healthcare professionals (like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) and facilities (like clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies).

A DHA license is basically your official permission to work in the healthcare sector in Dubai. Without it, you can’t legally treat patients or run a medical facility. It’s the DHA’s way of making sure that only qualified people and properly equipped centres are allowed to operate.

Now, here’s where many people get confused, there are different medical licenses in the UAE:

• DHA (Dubai Health Authority) License: This license is only valid for practising in the Emirate of Dubai.
• DOH (Department of Health) License: Formerly known as HAAD, this license is required to work in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its region, Al Ain.
• MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention) License: This license covers the “Northern Emirates,” including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

So, if you’re planning to practice in Dubai, you specifically need the DHA license. 

Who Needs a DHA License?

The DHA license is required by both individuals and healthcare facilities that want to operate in Dubai. If you’re a medical professional or planning to set up a clinic, you’ll need to get licensed before you can legally start working.

1. Healthcare Professionals (Individuals):

If you’re a medical professional, you must apply for a DHA license to practice in Dubai. This includes:

• Doctors (general practitioners, specialists, and consultants)
• Dentists
• Nurses and midwives
• Pharmacists
• Allied health professionals (like physiotherapists, radiographers, and lab technicians)
• Alternative medicine practitioners (such as Ayurveda or homoeopathy doctors)

2. Healthcare Facilities:

It’s not just individuals, medical facilities also need DHA approval before they can open their doors to patients. This applies to:

• Hospitals
• Clinics (general or speciality)
• Pharmacies
• Diagnostic centres (labs, radiology centres, etc.)
• Rehabilitation and wellness centres

Read also: How to Set up a Clinic in Dubai

What are DHA License Requirements?

The DHA license requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying as a healthcare professional or setting up a facility.

For Healthcare Professionals (Individuals):

• Relevant degree and certificates
• Work experience (usually 2+ years)
• Good Standing Certificate from your medical authority
• Dataflow/PSV verification of qualifications
• Passport copy & photo
• Passing the DHA exam (for most roles)

For Healthcare Facilities:

If you want to open a clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or diagnostic centre in Dubai, you’ll need:

• Trade license from DED or a free zone
• Approved premises & floor plan that meet DHA standards
• A licensed medical director
• Licensed staff with valid DHA approvals
• Compliance with DHA health & safety rules

How to Get a DHA License in Dubai?

Getting a DHA license may feel complicated at first, but if you follow the process step by step, it becomes much easier. Here’s how to do it: 

A. For Individuals:

1. Check your eligibility

Make sure your profession is licensed by DHA and that your degree, internship, and experience meet DHA’s standards for your category (GP, specialist, consultant, etc.).

If you’ve had a long break from practice, be ready to show recent CPD/CME or refresher work.

2. Create a Sheryan (DHA) account and complete your profile.

Register on DHA’s single-sign-on / Sheryan portal, create your professional profile, enter qualifications and experience, and upload a passport photo. This is the portal you’ll use for the whole licensing flow.

3. Do Primary-Source Verification (PSV)

Upload degree certificates, transcripts, licenses and experience letters (into specified PSV service). The PSV report must be linked to your Sheryan profile before DHA will complete eligibility assessment. PSV commonly takes several weeks.

4. Submit an eligibility application in Sheryan and pay fees

Once your PSV is cleared, submit the eligibility application, pay the required fees and wait for DHA’s assessment. DHA may approve, return for more info, or request an oral/clinical assessment depending on the specialty.

5. Book and pass the DHA exam (if required)

Schedule the computer-based test via Sheryan’s testing partner. Review the exam blueprint for your specialty; there are limited attempts (commonly up to 3).

Exam Type: For most healthcare professionals, this is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). The exam is in English and consists of multiple-choice questions tailored to your specific profession.

A passing score on the exam is mandatory to proceed with your license application.

6. Secure an offer from a DHA-approved employer

To convert eligibility into an active professional license you normally need a job offer from a DHA-approved facility (for full-time licenses). Employers often submit part of the licensing/HR information on your behalf.

7. Apply for the professional license

Submit the final license application in Sheryan with the required documents, upload the employer offer/contract (if required), pay licensing fees and wait for DHA approval. DHA will publish the license to your Sheryan profile once approved.

Once the DHA license is active in your profile, your employer will typically proceed with the UAE work visa, Emirates ID and medical-fitness steps so you can start work in Dubai.

B. For Facilities

Healthcare facilities like clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centres, and pharmacies also need approval from the Dubai Health Authority before starting operations.

1. Choose your facility type

Decide whether you want to set up a clinic, hospital, day-care centre, dental centre, pharmacy, or any other medical facility. The requirements will vary depending on the type.

2. Reserve your trade name and obtain initial approval

Apply through Dubai Economic Development (DED) or the free zone authority (if applicable) for trade name reservation and initial business approval. This must align with DHA’s healthcare activity codes.

3. Apply for facility licensing via the DHA Sheryan system

Create a facility account in the Sheryan portal, submit the application, and upload required documents such as layout plans, tenancy contracts, and details of the medical director.

4. Meet infrastructure and safety requirements

Ensure the facility design and layout meet DHA’s healthcare engineering standards and safety regulations. You may need prior approvals from Dubai Municipality, Civil Defence, and other authorities depending on your facility.

5. Submit documents and pay fees

Provide documents including trade license (from DED/free zone), tenancy contract, Ejari, layout drawings, and NOC if required. Pay the DHA facility licensing fees.

6. DHA inspection and review

Once your application is submitted, DHA inspectors will visit your facility to check compliance with health, safety, and infrastructure standards.

7. Receive the facility license

After a successful inspection and approval, DHA will issue your healthcare facility license, allowing you to operate legally in Dubai.

Read also: How to Get a DHA Medical Fitness Certificate Online

DHA License Renewal

The DHA license is not permanent; it is typically valid for one year from the date of issuance. It is the responsibility of the healthcare professional to initiate the renewal process well before the expiration date, ideally at least 3 months in advance.

Renewing your DHA license involves verifying your continued good standing, updating your professional credentials, and fulfilling any Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. The process is conducted entirely online through the DHA’s Sheryan portal.

Documents Required for DHA License Renewal

Having your documents prepared and digitally ready (in PDF format, within the specified size limit) is the most critical step for a smooth renewal. The exact list can vary slightly by profession, but the core requirements are:

1. Current DHA License: A clear copy of your existing license.
2. Passport Copy: A clear copy of your passport with the personal information page and UAE visa page (if applicable).
3. Emirates ID Copy: Front and back copy of your valid Emirates ID.
4. Recent Photograph: A passport-sized photograph with a white background.
5. CPD/CME Certificates: This is crucial. You must provide certificates and proof of completion for all Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours required for your profession for the past licensing cycle. The number of required hours is defined by your scope of practice (e.g., doctors, dentists, nurses have different requirements).
6. Current Good Standing Certificate (if applicable): Some professions may require a Certificate of Good Standing from your current employer in Dubai or from the relevant authority in your home country.
7. Professional Experience Certificate: A letter from your current employer in Dubai confirming your employment and experience during the licensure period.
8. CV/Resume: An updated copy of your curriculum vitae.

Pro Tip: Always check the Sheryan portal for the most up-to-date and personalized checklist, as requirements can change.

DHA License in Dubai: Renewal Process Step-by-Step

The renewal process is streamlined through the DHA’s Sheryan portal. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to the Sheryan Portal

• Visit the DHA Sheryan website: https://services.dha.gov.ae/services
• Log in using your existing credentials (Username and Password).

Step 2: Initiate the Renewal Application

• Once logged in, navigate to your dashboard and find the option for “License Renewal” or “Apply for Renewal.”
• Select the license you wish to renew.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

• Carefully fill out the online renewal application form. You will need to update any personal or professional information that has changed (e.g., new contact details, new qualifications).

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

• Attach your PSV report, malpractice insurance, CME/CPD certificates, passport copy, and Emirates ID (if required). If you’re 65+, add a medical fitness certificate.

Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fees

• DHA license renewal fees are usually between AED 1,000–3,000, depending on your profession. Payment can be done online through the portal.

Step 6: Application Screening & Evaluation

• After submission, the DHA’s licensing department will screen your application and documents.
• The status in your Sheryan portal will change to reflect this (e.g., “Under Review”). This stage can take several weeks.

Step 7: Receive Approval and New License

• Once approved, you’ll receive a digital copy on your Sheryan account. A physical copy may also be delivered by courier.
• The new validity period will be one year from the expiry date of your previous license.

What Happens If My License Expires?

It is illegal to practice with an expired DHA license. If your license expires:

• Within 30 days of expiry: You can still renew through the standard Sheryan process, but you may be subject to a late fee.
• More than 30 days after expiry: The renewal application may be rejected, and you might be required to apply for a new license from the beginning, which is a much longer and more complex process.

What is the DHA License Fees in Dubai?

The DHA license fees depend on whether you’re applying as a healthcare professional or setting up a facility. Fees vary by profession, specialty, and type of facility. For healthcare professionals, the main expenses include application fees (AED 200 – 250), PSV verification (AED 800 – 1,200 per document), the DHA exam (AED 800 – 1,100), and license issuance (around AED 1,000). In total, most individuals spend AED 3,000 – 5,000.

Note: These figures are approximate. Actual costs may differ based on your profession, the number of documents, and the type of healthcare facility.

How Shuraa Can Help You Get a DHA License

Getting a DHA license is a must if you want to work in Dubai’s healthcare field. It’s what makes your practice legal and trust. We know the process can feel confusing with so many forms, approvals, and checks. That’s where Shuraa Business Setup steps in. From handling paperwork and verifications to getting approvals for your facility, we take care of it all so you can focus on your career or business.

If you want a smooth, stress-free way to get your DHA license in Dubai or set up your healthcare facility, reach out to Shuraa. We’ll guide you through every step and make sure you’re fully ready to start in Dubai’s growing healthcare sector.

Commonly Asked Questions