To get your DHA license as a Singapore doctor, you’ll first confirm eligibility, you need a current SMC license, a WHO-listed medical degree, and at least two years’ post-internship experience. Next, you’ll register on the Sheryan portal, initiate DataFlow Primary Source Verification, and pass the DHA Prometric exam. Once credentialing clears, you’ve got 12 months to secure an offer from a DHA-licensed facility. Each stage below breaks down exactly what’s required so nothing delays your timeline.
Check Your DHA License Eligibility as a Singapore Doctor
How exactly does the DHA determine whether a Singapore-trained doctor qualifies to practise in Dubai? The process starts with the DHA’s Professional Qualification Requirements, which assess your credentials against defined classification criteria. For dha-license-singapore-doctors applicants, Singapore isn’t listed under Tier 1 or full-exemption categories, meaning you’ll need to complete a formal assessment pathway.
You must hold a current Singapore medical license, a Good Standing Certificate issued within the last six months, and a medical degree from a WHO-listed or IMED-recognized institution. You’ll also need a minimum of two years’ post-internship clinical experience. Once you’ve uploaded these documents to the DHA Sheryan portal, your eligibility evaluation begins, but only after DataFlow verification clears. The DHA exam itself is a computer-based MCQ exam held four times a year to assess whether healthcare professionals are eligible to practise in Dubai.
Gather the Documents DHA Requires From Singapore Graduates
Before you submit anything through the DHA Sheryan portal, you’ll need to assemble a precise set of documents, and getting even one wrong can trigger resubmission delays that add weeks to your timeline.
Your core documentation includes your MBBS or MD degree with official university transcripts, your current SMC license with no restrictions, and a Good Standing Certificate issued within the last six months. You’ll also need experience letters from all employers covering at least two years post-internship, issued on official letterhead with verifiable contact details. Surgical specialists must provide a two-year logbook stamped by their Medical Director.
Complete your submission with a valid passport copy, white-background photograph, and internship completion certificate. Every document requires high-resolution scanning and proper attestation. All documents must be prepared in English or Arabic, so arrange for official translations of any credentials issued in other languages before uploading them to the Sheryan system.
Register on Sheryan and Complete DataFlow Verification
With your documents assembled and properly attested, the next step is registering on the DHA’s official Sheryan portal at sheryan.dha.gov.ae, the centralized platform that tracks your entire licensing journey from initial eligibility through to final license issuance. Select your profession category, upload a white-background photo, and complete the self-assessment tool for initial eligibility confirmation.
Once your Sheryan profile is active, initiate Primary Source Verification through DataFlow immediately. Note that your DataFlow verification can occur in parallel with any required assessments, allowing you to save valuable time in the overall process.
| Stage | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Sheryan registration | 1, 2 days |
| DataFlow PSV processing | 30, 45 days |
| DHA eligibility review | 10, 15 business days |
| Total pre-exam timeline | 40, 60 days |
| Registration validity | 1 year |
DataFlow verifies your degree transcripts, internship certificate, and good standing certificate directly with issuing institutions. You can’t expedite this stage, but accurate initial submissions prevent costly resubmissions.
Pass the DHA Prometric Exam on Your First Attempt
The DHA Prometric exam is a computer-based assessment of 150 multiple-choice questions, each with four answer options, and you’ll have approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to complete it, giving you roughly 60 to 120 seconds per question depending on your profession category. There’s no negative marking, so answer every question.
Review the official DHA syllabus for your specialty, prioritise high-yield clinical topics, and complete a minimum of 500 to 1,000 practice MCQs using updated DHA exam resources. Schedule at least three full-length timed mock tests in your final month. On exam day, skip difficult questions initially, flag them for review, and eliminate incorrect options systematically. Avoid cramming new material in the final 24 hours, focus exclusively on revision.
Finish DHA Credentialing, Land a Job Offer, and Go Active
Once you’ve cleared the Prometric exam, your focus shifts immediately to the credentialing submission that converts your exam result into a formal DHA registration. You’ll upload your PSV report, exam results, and verified credentials through the Sheryan portal. DHA’s credentialing team then evaluates your qualifications and assigns your licensing title within 10, 15 business days.
Your registration outcome determines your next steps:
- Eligible, you can proceed directly to securing a job offer
- Conditionally Eligible, you’ll need to submit additional documentation
- Rejected, you can file a Review Registration Eligibility application
Once registered, you have 12 months to obtain an offer from a DHA-licensed facility. Your employer then submits an activation request through Sheryan, and your license issues within 2, 5 working days of approval.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Start Dataflow Verification While Still Completing My Singapore Internship?
You can start Dataflow verification while still completing your Singapore internship, there’s no explicit DHA policy requiring internship completion before initiating PSV. However, you should proceed carefully. Dataflow contacts employers and institutions directly, and an incomplete internship could trigger verification flags or document rejection. We’d recommend registering on Sheryan first to identify any gaps, then submitting your PSV with documents you’ve already secured. Timing your full credential set post-internship guarantees smoother activation.
Does My Singapore Medical Indemnity Insurance Transfer to Dubai Practice?
No, your Singapore medical indemnity insurance doesn’t transfer to Dubai practice. Policies from providers like Income, MPS, and Medefend explicitly cover incidents within Singapore’s jurisdiction only, there’s no cross-border portability to the UAE. You’ll need to secure separate UAE-compliant malpractice insurance, which the DHA mandates as part of your licensing requirements. We’ll guide you through sourcing appropriate local UAE coverage during your license application process.
Will DHA Accept Digital Credentials Issued Through Singapore’s Healthcerts System?
DHA doesn’t currently accept Singapore’s HealthCerts digital credentials as part of its medical licensing documentation process. You’ll need to submit your qualifications through DHA’s own credential verification pathway via the DataFlow Group, which contacts your issuing institutions directly. While HealthCerts leverage blockchain verification for travel and event access, DHA maintains its separate authentication framework. We’ll guarantee you prepare documentation in DHA’s required format from the outset.
Can My Spouse Work in Dubai While I Complete the Licensing Process?
Yes, your spouse can work in Dubai, but they’ll need a separate employment visa sponsored by a UAE-approved employer, dependent visas don’t grant automatic work rights. You can begin your spouse’s visa application once you’ve secured a job offer, even before your full DHA license is issued. Alternatively, your spouse can pursue freelance work immediately through free zone licenses like GoFreelance, generating income while you complete your licensing stages.
How Does DHA License Renewal Work After the Initial One-Year Registration Expires?
You renew your DHA license through the Sheryan portal within a 90-day window before expiry. You’ll upload an updated Good Standing Certificate, malpractice insurance, and completed CME/CPD credits, then pay renewal fees ranging from AED 200, 3,000. Approval typically takes 5, 15 working days. If you miss the deadline, you’ll face monthly penalties of AED 600 for physicians, and beyond six months post-expiry, you’ll need to restart the full application process.
