Yes, you can work as a US family medicine doctor in Dubai if you hold ABFM board certification, an active US state medical license, and a degree from a WHO-listed institution. You’ll need to apply through the Dubai Health Authority’s Sheryan portal, complete DataFlow primary source verification, and potentially pass the DHA Prometric exam. The licensing process typically takes 2-3 months. Below, you’ll find the complete document checklist and step-by-step application process.
Yes, US Family Medicine Doctors Can Work in Dubai
If you’re a US-trained family medicine physician, you can absolutely set up practice in Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority recognizes American medical credentials and actively welcomes board-certified doctors.
Your MD or DO degree from a World Directory-listed institution qualifies you for UAE licensure. DHA specifically accepts ABMS board certification in Family Medicine, positioning you for specialist-level roles. You’ll need a valid, unencumbered US state license and a Good Standing Certificate to meet licensing requirements.
The process involves registering through DHA’s Sheryan portal, completing Dataflow verification, and potentially sitting for the Prometric exam, though experienced ABMS-certified physicians often qualify for exemptions. You should also be prepared to demonstrate English fluency through TOEFL or IELTS if required during the application process. The full licensing process typically takes 2-3 months, depending on document verification and exam scheduling. Once you’ve secured a Dubai healthcare employer, you’ll undergo mandatory health screening procedures checking for communicable diseases before receiving your residency visa and activated license.
GP, Specialist, or Consultant: How DHA Classifies You
When you apply for DHA licensure, the authority assigns you one of three professional tiers, General Practitioner, Specialist, or Consultant, based strictly on its Professional Qualification Requirements, not your previous job title or employer designation abroad.
DHA classifies you as GP, Specialist, or Consultant based on its own criteria, not what your previous employer called you.
Your classification determines scope of practice, prescribing authority, salary scale, and supervision experience expectations within Dubai facilities. GPs hold basic medical degrees without recognized specialty residencies. Specialists must demonstrate completed, accredited residency training, typically three to four years, plus board certification and active licensure from their country of practice. General Practitioners need minimum two years of post-internship clinical experience to meet DHA requirements.
For US family physicians, ACGME-accredited residency completion combined with ABFM certification generally meets Specialist-level criteria. Consultant status requires additional years of post-specialist independent practice and often advanced fellowship credentials. Once DHA approves your tier classification, your registration remains valid for one year before requiring facility activation to obtain your full license.
If your documentation doesn’t support your requested tier, DHA downgrades your classification accordingly during assessment.
How to Get Your DHA License Step by Step
You’ll need to gather a specific set of documents before launching your DHA application, including your medical degree, ECFMG certificate, board certification, current state license, and Good Standing Certificates from every jurisdiction where you’ve practiced. Your credentials must pass DataFlow Primary Source Verification, which typically takes 4, 6 weeks, and you may need to sit for the DHA Prometric exam unless your USMLE qualifies as an accepted equivalent under current PQR standards. Both the PSV process and exam preparation can run concurrently, but DHA won’t finalize your registration until you’ve cleared each requirement. Be aware that any falsified documents result in permanent rejection from DHA licensing, making accuracy in your submissions critical. The credentialing fee for physicians is AED 200, with additional Knowledge and Innovation Fees applied at checkout.
Required Documents Checklist
Every document you submit to the Dubai Health Authority must align precisely with their Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) for Family Medicine, so gathering your credentials systematically prevents costly delays.
Essential Documents:
- Valid passport with clear copy
- Recent passport-size photograph meeting DHA specifications
- Primary medical degree (MD) certificate
- ABFM board certification or equivalent postgraduate qualification
- Current, unrestricted US medical license
- Good Standing Certificate issued within six months
- Structured CV matching your experience certificates
- Employment verification letters on official letterhead
Addressing Verification Challenges:
You’ll need certified translations for any non-English documents and DataFlow PSV reports for all credentials. The Primary Source Verification process typically requires 6-8 weeks to complete, so factor this timeline into your application planning. Understanding DHA licensing regulations helps you anticipate requests for gap explanation letters or disciplinary clearance documentation. Physicians over 65 must also submit medical fitness reports from approved facilities. The DHA exam itself consists of 150 multiple-choice questions administered through Prometric testing centers, so familiarity with this format helps you prepare effectively while completing your documentation.
Exam and Verification Process
Because your US board certification and residency training must align with DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements before you can sit for any exam, understanding the step-by-step process prevents application rejections.
Exam Eligibility Requirements
You’ll need to meet specific PQR criteria based on your MD/DO degree, completed family medicine residency, and valid US state license. Your title designation, GP, Specialist, or Consultant, depends on board certification status and accumulated post-qualification experience. UAE nationals and children of Emirati women are exempt from experience requirements when applying for licensure.
Documentation Verification Process
Submit your credentials to DataFlow, DHA’s approved Primary Source Verification agency. They’ll verify your medical degree, residency completion, employment history, and Good Standing Certificate. You can schedule your Computer Based Test while PSV proceeds, but DHA won’t finalize registration until positive verification links to your Sheryan application.
Expect PSV and DHA review to take approximately two to four weeks combined.
Documents Required for DHA Verification
The DHA verification process demands an extensive portfolio of documents that authenticate your qualifications, licensing history, and professional standing. You’ll need your primary medical degree certificate from a WHO-listed institution, complete with university transcripts and mark sheets. Document authenticity requires attestation by home-country authorities and UAE embassy certification.
Your active US medical license and a Good Standing Certificate issued within the last six months are mandatory. UAE specific requirements include police clearance certificates, detailed experience letters confirming your Family Medicine practice dates and scope, and certified English translations of any non-English documents. Surgical specialists must also provide a logbook for the last 2 years documenting their procedural experience.
You must submit a CV that aligns precisely with your experience letters and licensing records. Name discrepancies across documents require supporting legal documentation. Upload all files in high resolution following DHA/Sheryan formatting specifications. All documents must undergo Primary Source Verification through DataFlow, the official DHA partner, to confirm the authenticity of your credentials directly with issuing institutions.
How to Find a Job and Get Your Work Visa
Securing a family medicine position in Dubai typically involves a five-stage sequence: confirming your DHA eligibility, initiating your DataFlow verification, applying to employers, completing licensure, and obtaining your employer-sponsored visa.
For job application tips, target large private hospital groups like Mediclinic, Aster DM Healthcare, and NMC through platforms such as Bayt, GulfTalent, and LinkedIn. Search for roles titled “Family Medicine Specialist” or “Primary Care Physician.” Prepare a UAE-style CV highlighting your ABMS board certification, active US license, and post-residency experience. You can also expand your search by attending job fairs and medical conferences in the region.
Expect video interviews evaluating clinical competency and cultural adaptability. Among common change challenges, understand that job offers remain contingent on successful PSV completion and DHA license approval. The DataFlow verification process typically takes 30-45 working days, so factor this timeline into your job search planning. Your employer then sponsors your work and residence visas, independent physician visas aren’t available. Negotiate salary, relocation benefits, and contract terms before finalizing agreements.
Salaries, Scope, and Practice Differences in Dubai
Compensation for family medicine physicians in Dubai differs markedly from U.S. pay structures, starting with a critical advantage: Dubai levies no personal income tax, so your gross salary equals your net take-home pay. Average monthly earnings reach approximately AED 62,400, with total packages often including housing allowances, annual flights, health insurance, and schooling support for dependents. Many contracts feature productivity bonuses tied to patient volume, enhancing market competitiveness. Notably, employers are required to provide health insurance as part of your compensation package. Top earners in the field can reach up to AED 558,000 annually, representing significant income potential for experienced practitioners.
Your practice patterns will shift compared to U.S. settings. You’ll maintain full-age-range primary care responsibilities, but expect lower thresholds for specialist referrals given Dubai’s dense subspecialty availability. Procedural scope typically narrows, you’ll handle minor office procedures and vaccinations, while obstetric and invasive interventions shift to specialists. Behavioral health integration and in-house ancillary services are less embedded than in American practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Times Can I Attempt the DHA Prometric Exam Before Restrictions Apply?
You can attempt the DHA Prometric exam up to 3 times within a year before restrictions apply. Under current exam retake limits, if you fail all three attempts, you’ll need additional qualifications or training before DHA grants permission for a fourth try. Prometric testing policies track your attempt history through your Sheryan Unique ID, so each sitting counts against your annual cap. Always verify current DHA guidelines, as rules may change without notice.
Do I Need to Pass an English Proficiency Test Like TOEFL or IELTS?
You typically don’t need TOEFL or IELTS for DHA licensing since your US medical training demonstrates english language skills. DHA’s language proficiency requirements are conditional, they’ll accept your English-medium education, residency documentation, and board certification as proof. However, individual hospitals or employers may impose their own benchmarks. You should confirm current requirements directly through Sheryan and clarify expectations with potential employers before accepting any position.
What Health Screenings Are Required Before I Can Live and Work in Dubai?
You’ll need to complete a chest X-ray screening for tuberculosis and blood tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis at a government-approved medical fitness center. As part of the visa application process, you must obtain a medical fitness certificate before receiving your residency visa and Emirates ID. Your employer typically handles medical insurance requirements, and if you’re 65+, Dubai Health Authority mandates additional testing at DHA-approved centers only.
Can My DHA License Be Used to Practice in Abu DHAbi or Other Emirates?
No, you can’t use your DHA license to practice in Abu Dhabi or other emirates. Medical licensing requirements in the UAE are emirate-specific, Abu Dhabi requires a DOH license, while northern emirates require MOHAP licensure. Each authority enforces its own credentialing process, examinations, and scope of practice considerations. You’ll need separate applications, fresh Primary Source Verification, and facility linkage within each jurisdiction. Working outside Dubai with only a DHA license constitutes unauthorized practice.
How Long Does the Dataflow Primary Source Verification Process Typically Take?
The dataflow source verification timeline typically runs 15, 25 working days from when you’ve completed payment and submitted all documents. Your dataflow verification duration depends on several factors, clear, accurate scans and correct data entry speed things up, while incomplete submissions or delayed responses from institutions extend processing. You should plan for 3, 5 calendar weeks minimum. Don’t schedule your DHA licensing exam until you’ve received your positive verification report.
