Obtaining a GP license in Dubai is a crucial step for doctors seeking to work in one of the world’s fastest-growing healthcare sectors. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) sets clear guidelines to ensure that only qualified doctors can practice safely. Knowing the right steps early will help you save time and avoid costly mistakes.
With strong demand, modern hospitals, and tax-free income, it’s an attractive place to build your career. This guide explains everything you need to know, from eligibility and exams to costs and the full application process.
What is a DHA License?
A DHA license is a professional permit issued by the Dubai Health Authority that allows healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, to legally work in Dubai. It confirms that the person meets the DHA’s standards for education, training, and experience to provide safe and effective care.
For general practitioners (GPs), having a DHA license is mandatory before you can work in any clinic or hospital in Dubai. It serves as proof of your medical qualifications and ethical standing. Without this license, even a highly trained doctor cannot practice medicine in the emirate. The DHA license also helps maintain high-quality healthcare by ensuring that all medical professionals follow Dubai’s medical laws and patient safety regulations.
Who Needs a DHA Medical License in Dubai, UAE?
You need a DHA license if you plan to work in the medical field in Dubai. It is required for:
- General Practitioners (GPs): Doctors who provide basic and primary healthcare services.
- Specialist Doctors: Professionals with advanced training in a specific medical field.
- Consultants: Senior doctors with high-level expertise and years of experience.
- Dentists: Anyone providing dental care or surgery.
- Nurses and Midwives: Those working in hospitals, clinics, or home care.
- Pharmacists: Professionals who prepare or dispense medicines.
- Allied Health Professionals: Such as physiotherapists, lab technicians, radiographers, and optometrists.
- Traditional or Alternative Medicine Practitioners: If offering medical treatments under DHA supervision.
In short, anyone providing healthcare services in Dubai must have a valid DHA license before starting work.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for GP License
Before you apply for a GP license, you must meet the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) eligibility standards. Below are the key requirements you need to meet before submitting your application.
1. Educational Qualification
You must hold a medical degree (MBBS, MD, or equivalent) from a recognized and accredited university. Your school should appear in directories approved by the DHA, such as WHO, FAIMER, or Avicenna. The program must include full clinical training — distance learning or honorary degrees are not accepted.
2. Internship or House Job Completion
After earning your degree, you must complete a one-year medical internship in a hospital or healthcare facility. This hands-on experience is essential to show that you are ready for clinical practice. If your internship was shorter or missing, the DHA may ask for extra work experience to make up for it.
3. Post-Internship Clinical Experience
You need at least two years of full-time clinical experience after completing your internship. This experience must be recent, relevant to general medicine, and obtained from a licensed healthcare facility. It should also match the scope of work for a General Practitioner.
4. Valid Medical License or Registration
You must hold a valid medical license or registration from your home country or the last place where you practiced medicine. This license should cover the same period as your claimed work experience. Expired or inactive licenses will not be accepted.
5. Good Standing Certificate (GSC)
The DHA requires a Good Standing Certificate from your medical council or licensing body. This confirms that you have no disciplinary issues, malpractice history, or license suspensions. The certificate must be recent — usually issued within the last six months.
6. Clinical Practice Gap
You should not have a clinical practice gap longer than two years. If you’ve been out of practice for a long time, DHA may ask you to complete additional training or a supervised period of practice before approval.
7. Health Fitness & Life Support Certification
All applicants must be medically fit to work. Those aged 65 or older may need to provide a detailed health report. You’ll also need a Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or equivalent training, depending on your clinical role.
DHA Licensing Process – Step by Step
Below is a simple and clear breakdown of how to apply for your GP license through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Following these steps in order will make the process smoother and faster.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Start by visiting the DHA portal and using the self-assessment tool to check if you meet all eligibility requirements. This includes your qualifications, clinical experience, and valid license. Completing this step ensures you don’t waste time applying if you’re not yet eligible.
Step 2: Sheryan Registration
Create an account on the Sheryan Portal, DHA’s official licensing system. Fill in your personal and professional details accurately. This portal will be your dashboard for tracking progress, submitting documents, and paying fees.
Step 3: Pay Fees and PSV
Once registered, you’ll pay the registration and Primary Source Verification (PSV) fees. The registration fee is around AED 200, and the PSV fee varies based on your documents but usually ranges from AED 850 to AED 1,200. PSV checks the authenticity of your degrees, licenses, and experience.
Step 4: Document Submission
Upload all required documents to the Sheryan portal, including your verified qualifications, experience letters, passport copy, and Good Standing Certificate. After submission, DHA reviews them before moving to the next stage.
Step 5: Licensing Exam
If required, schedule and take the DHA GP licensing exam. The test is computer-based and usually includes multiple-choice questions on general medicine. Some applicants with recognized international licenses (like USMLE or PLAB) may be exempt.
Step 6: Employment Offer
Once you pass the exam and your documents are approved, you’ll need an employment offer or job contract from a DHA-approved medical facility. This is often necessary before your license can be activated.
Step 7: License Activation
After your employer uploads your job details to the DHA portal, your license will be activated. You’ll then receive your official DHA license number, allowing you to legally practice in Dubai.
Step 8: Visa and Start Practice
If you are relocating, apply for your residence visa under your employer’s sponsorship. Once approved, you can begin your medical practice in Dubai as a licensed GP.
Timeline
The full process typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on document verification, PSV turnaround time, and exam scheduling. Preparing all documents early and ensuring they’re correctly attested can speed up approval.
Documents Required for Healthcare Professionals
Before you apply for your GP license, you must prepare and submit the following documents through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Sheryan Portal:
List of Required Documents
- Passport Copy: A clear copy of your passport, valid for at least six months.
- Passport-Size Photo: A recent photo with a white background.
- Medical Degree Certificate: Your MBBS, MD, or equivalent degree, issued by a recognized medical university.
- Academic Transcript: A detailed transcript showing all subjects and marks from your medical studies.
- Internship Certificate: Proof that you completed at least one year of hospital-based internship after graduation.
- Experience Certificates: Letters from hospitals or clinics showing two years of post-internship clinical experience in general practice.
- Professional License: A valid medical license or registration from your home country or the last place you practiced medicine.
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC): Issued by your current medical council or licensing authority, confirming no disciplinary issues. It must be issued within the last six months.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate: A valid BLS or equivalent life support training certificate, depending on your clinical role.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: Required if you are 65 years or older, to confirm you are fit to work in healthcare.
Document Attestation Requirements
If your documents were issued outside the UAE, they must be attested and verified before submission. This process usually involves:
- Notarization in your home country.
- Verification by your Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- UAE Embassy attestation in your country.
- Final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) once you’re in Dubai.
- All documents not in English or Arabic must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Tips for a Smooth Verification Process
- Upload clear, color-scanned copies of all documents in PDF format.
- Make sure each file is properly labeled (e.g., “MedicalDegree_JohnDoe.pdf”).
- Start the Primary Source Verification (PSV) early through DataFlow, as it can take 2–6 weeks.
- Double-check expiration dates on your certificates to avoid rejections or delays.
Exam & Exemptions to Get a DHA License
The DHA exam is a mandatory step for most doctors applying for a medical license. It tests your medical knowledge, clinical judgment, and readiness to practice in Dubai as a qualified healthcare professional. The exam is computer-based, with multiple-choice questions focused on general medicine. You can take it at approved testing centers in the UAE or abroad.
Some applicants may be exempt from the exam if they already hold approved international qualifications such as USMLE, PLAB, AMC, or GMC registration. Exemptions are granted based on the Dubai Health Authority’s current policy, so always check the latest list on the DHA website before applying.
If you’re required to take the exam, prepare well using DHA-approved materials and previous question samples. Passing it brings you one step closer to your DHA license activation and starting your medical career in Dubai.
Costs Involved for DHA License
When you apply to obtain a DHA GP license, it’s important to budget for several key fees. These fees cover steps from document verification to the actual license acquisition. Here’s the list:
- Self-Assessment / Eligibility Check Fee: Around AED 200.
- Primary Source Verification (PSV) Fees: Typically AED 1,235-1,300 for doctors.
- Exam Fee: For doctors applying to a GP license, expect around AED 500-1,000 (or USD 220-280) depending on profession and test type.
- License Activation Fee / Issuing Fee: For a full-time doctor’s license, often around AED 3,000-4,000 for the first year.
Total estimated cost: For general practitioners, the total cost of the licensing process (application, verification, exam, activation) ranges roughly AED 3,000-5,000, and may be AED 6,000-10,000 or more for specialists.
Note: These costs cover only the DHA licensing process. Additional expenses may include document attestation, translations, travel for exam or verification, and any preparatory courses you choose to take.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Getting a DHA license to work in Dubai is an exciting step, but the licensing process can be tricky. Many medical professionals face similar problems while trying to obtain a license or activate their license. Here are the most common challenges and how to solve them.
1. Confusing Eligibility Rules
Some applicants don’t fully understand the professional qualification requirements. This often leads to rejection.
Tip: Always check the DHA website before you start. Use the self-assessment tool to confirm your eligibility for a medical license.
2. Problems with DHA Registration
Mistakes in the DHA registration form or missing details can delay your license.
Tip: Double-check your data before submitting. Make sure your name, degree, and experience match exactly on all documents.
3. Document Verification Delays
The licensing process includes Primary Source Verification (PSV), which can take several weeks.
Tip: Begin the verification early. Upload clear, attested documents to speed up your DHA license application.
4. Difficulty with the Exam
Some doctors struggle to pass the DHA GP licensing exam on their first try.
Tip: Study using DHA-approved materials. Review the exam guide shared on the DHA website and practice sample questions before your test date.
5. Missing the Medical Fitness Test
Applicants sometimes forget that a medical fitness test is required to obtain a DHA license.
Tip: Complete your test at a DHA-approved center before final submission to avoid delays in your license activation.
6. Finding a Job to Activate Your License
After approval, you need an employer to activate your license and start work.
Tip: Apply early to hospitals and clinics in Dubai. Your professional license becomes valid only after you get an offer from a DHA-approved facility.
7. Difficulty Tracking the Process
The process for licensing involves multiple steps that can be hard to follow.
Tip: Log in often to your Sheryan account through the DHA website to track updates and messages about your license to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I apply for a DHA license in the UAE?
You can apply for a DHA license through the DHA Sheryan Portal by registering, uploading your documents, and following the step-by-step DHA license application process outlined on the DHA portal.
2. Who needs a DHA permit to practice in the Emirate of Dubai?
All healthcare professionals in Dubai, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, require a DHA license to legally work within the healthcare sector of Dubai.
3. What is the DHA Sheryan Portal?
The DHA Sheryan Portal is the official online platform where you manage your DHA license in the UAE, from applying to tracking and activating your professional license to practice.
4. How can I activate my DHA license after approval?
Once you receive a job offer from a DHA-approved facility, your employer will activate your DHA license through the portal so you can begin work legally.
5. How do I qualify for a DHA license?
To qualify for a DHA license, you must meet the unified healthcare professional qualification requirements set by the licensing authorities in the UAE, including valid education, experience, and registration.
6. Is there a guide to UAE medical licensing for doctors?
Yes, the DHA provides a guide to UAE medical licensing explaining how licensing for doctors and other professionals works across the licensing authorities in the UAE, including DHA and MOHAP.
7. Can international doctors move to the UAE and get a DHA license?
Yes, international doctors can move to the UAE, apply through the DHA portal, and get a DHA license if they meet all eligibility and verification requirements.
8. Do I need to pass the DHA exam to get licensed?
Most applicants must pass the DHA exam to prove their competence, though some with internationally recognized qualifications may be exempt.
9. How long is the DHA license valid for?
A DHA license to practice is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually through the DHA Health Regulation Department.
10. Can DHA help me find a job in Dubai after licensing?
While an active license allows you to work in the Emirate of Dubai, it doesn’t guarantee employment. However, hundreds of doctors have successfully obtained their DHA license and secured jobs in Dubai healthcare and Dubai Healthcare City hospitals.
