To practice medicine in Dubai by 2025, you’ll need an MBBS/MD from an accredited school, complete a mandatory DHA exam (unless you’re from exempted countries), and have 2+ years of post-internship experience. The process requires Primary Source Verification ($250-$350) through DataFlow, which takes 30-45 working days, plus expansive documentation including certified translations and Good Standing Certificates. Understanding DHA’s tier-based licensing system and digital Sheryan platform will streamline your path to medical practice authorization.
Understanding the DHA Medical License Requirements
To practice medicine in Dubai by 2025, you’ll need to navigate the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) extensive licensing requirements, which encompass educational qualifications, professional experience, and examination protocols.
You must hold an MBBS/MD degree from an accredited medical school, complete a one-year internship, and demonstrate at least two years of post-internship clinical experience. The credential verification process requires you to submit authenticated educational certificates, employment records, and a current certificate of good standing from your previous licensing authority. You’ll need to pass the mandatory DHA GP Exam to demonstrate your clinical competence before receiving your medical license. If you’re pursuing surgical specialties, you’ll need to provide a verified two-year logbook of procedures. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months to complete registration with the DHA.
All documentation must be attested by relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Career gaps exceeding two years may trigger additional requirements, such as continuing medical education proof or clinical attachments. After document verification, you’ll need to complete the DataFlow PSV process to validate your credentials directly from the source institutions.
Primary Source Verification Process and Timeline
Before you can receive your DHA medical license, you’ll need to complete the Primary Source Verification (PSV) process through DataFlow, which involves exhaustive authentication of your core medical credentials. The process typically takes 30-45 working days, though document legalization requirements and issuing authority responsiveness can extend this timeline. Maintaining active profile registration on the DHA portal throughout the verification process is essential. The verification fees for doctors range from 250 to 350 dollars depending on specialization level. A valid practice license from your home country must be submitted as part of your credentials verification.
| Timeline Phase | Expected Duration |
|---|---|
| PSV Initiation | 1-2 days |
| Institution Verification | 4-6 weeks |
| Document Review | 1-2 weeks |
| Final Clearance | 3-5 days |
You must submit high-quality scans of all required documents in English through the Sheryan portal. These include your medical degrees, employment letters, good standing certificates, and professional licenses. Monitor both DataFlow and Sheryan dashboards closely, as any discrepancies or unverifiable credentials can result in application rejection or disqualification.
Required Documentation Checklist
When applying for a DHA medical license in Dubai, you’ll need to compile and submit five essential categories of documentation: personal identification, educational credentials, professional licensing, health certifications, and employment verification records.
Your passport must have at least six months’ validity, and all non-English documents require certified translations. Document attestation procedures vary by country of origin but typically include verification from your home country’s medical council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You’ll need to provide your medical degree, transcripts, specialty certifications, and a valid Good Standing Certificate issued within the last six months. For surgical specialists, include a stamped logbook covering your last two years of practice. Employment verification must demonstrate the required post-internship experience, with detailed reference letters from previous employers. The process begins with submitting all required documentation to the Primary Source Verification agency for thorough validation. Doctors who are 60 years or older must also submit a physical and mental report as part of their application requirements.
Professional Qualification Standards and Eligibility
Building upon your documentation requirements, understanding Dubai’s professional qualification standards sets the foundation for your medical practice eligibility. You’ll need a primary medical degree from a DHA-recognized institution, with programs lasting at least 5 years. Your clinical experience pathway must include a minimum 2-year post-internship period for general practitioners, while specialists follow a tier-based system requiring 3+ years of experience.
Healthcare professionals must complete their applications through the Sheryan Portal to obtain proper licensing. You must maintain an active, unrestricted medical license from your home country throughout the licensing process. The DHA requires Primary Source Verification through DataFlow for all qualifications, and you’ll need a recent Certificate of Good Standing from each jurisdiction where you’ve practiced. For specialist roles, you must hold recognized postgraduate qualifications and demonstrate existing specialist registration with your national medical authority. A Good Standing Certificate is considered valid for six months from its date of issuance.
Examination Requirements and Exemption Countries
As a medical professional seeking licensure in Dubai, you’ll need to navigate the DHA’s extensive examination system unless you qualify for an exemption. The computer-based test consists of 150 MCQs completed in 150 minutes, with exam pass rates averaging between 50-70% for first-time candidates. The exam and verification process requires non-refundable fees throughout various stages of the application.
Key examination and certification requirements include:
- Completion of Primary Source Verification through DataFlow before booking your exam
- Minimum 2 years post-internship experience in your specialty
- Valid Good Standing Certificate from your current regulatory authority
- Current medical license from your jurisdiction
- Basic Life Support certification (if applicable)
If you’re from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa, you may qualify for exam exemption, though you’ll still need to complete the DataFlow PSV process. Your educational and professional documents must be properly attested to ensure successful verification during the application process.
Registration and Verification Fees
Medical professionals pursuing licensure in Dubai must navigate a detailed fee structure that includes registration, verification, and licensing costs. You’ll need to pay AED 3,020 for standard registration as a doctor, plus AED 200 for DHA administrative fees and AED 200-250 for application evaluation. Meeting DHA’s quality standards ensures the highest level of healthcare delivery in the Emirates. Primary Source Verification through DataFlow will cost you AED 1,235-1,300 as a doctor, with additional charges of AED 300-500 per extra document. Your recurring registration fees include annual license activation at AED 3,000, which can be paid up to three years in advance. Recent DHA fee changes have maintained these core costs while introducing the Sheryan Platform self-assessment tool at AED 200. The initial UAE Pass registration is required before starting any application process. Total registration and verification expenses typically range from AED 4,400 to AED 6,000, with most fees being non-refundable. The entire licensing process typically takes 30-45 working days from start to finish, depending on document verification and exam scheduling.
Digital Application Process Through Sheryan Platform
The Sheryan platform serves as Dubai’s centralized digital gateway for healthcare professional licensing. You’ll need to create a professional account that aligns with your healthcare role and qualifications before proceeding with document submission timelines. Your registration validity lasts one year and requires activation into a full license after approval.
Create your Sheryan professional profile to begin the digital journey toward Dubai healthcare licensing and document submission.
Key platform features include:
- Real-time application status tracking through your personalized dashboard
- Integrated Dataflow verification system for credential authentication (30-45 days)
- Automated notifications for technical platform troubleshooting and document requests
- Self-assessment tools to evaluate your eligibility against current DHA requirements
- Direct access to DHA Prometric exam registration once verified
Remember that your application will expire after six months of inactivity. You must use official name spellings and guarantee all uploaded documents are properly attested and translated to English or Arabic to avoid processing delays.
Employment and License Activation Steps
You’ll need to secure a job offer from a DHA-approved healthcare facility before proceeding with license activation, as this serves as a mandatory prerequisite. Your prospective employer must submit specific documentation through the Sheryan platform, including your Emirates ID, UAE residency visa, and proof of employer-sponsored health insurance. The license activation process typically takes 2-3 weeks from the submission of complete documentation and payment of required fees, culminating in the upload of your active license to your official Sheryan profile.
Secure Job Offer First
Securing a formal job offer from a licensed medical facility stands as the critical first step before activating your Dubai medical license. You’ll need to navigate job offer negotiations strategically, as compensation package negotiation varies noticeably between emirates and specialties.
Most facilities conduct initial interviews online before proceeding with in-person meetings.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically offer higher salaries compared to other emirates.
Competitive specialties like cardiology and cosmetic surgery provide more room for salary negotiations.
Your employment contract will outline probation periods, relocation benefits, and insurance coverage.
You’ll need valid credentials and experience certificates ready during the offer stage (GP: 2 years, Specialist: 3-5 years, Consultant: 5+ years).
Facility Documentation Requirements
Before initiating employment at any Dubai medical facility, practitioners must complete extensive documentation requirements through the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) Sheryan Portal. The facility ownership requirements mandate valid trade licenses, Emirates ID documentation, and tenancy contracts showing proper registration. Facility design regulations require pre-approved architectural layouts and MEP plans adhering to DHA standards.
| Documentation Type | Primary Requirements | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Proof | Trade License, Ejari | DED Validation |
| Design Compliance | Layout Plans, MEP Specs | DHA Inspection |
| Staff Credentials | DHA Licenses, DataFlow | Professional Review |
| Safety Standards | Fire Certs, Emergency Plans | Regulatory Audit |
You’ll need to guarantee your facility maintains NABIDH health information integration compliance and submits detailed emergency response documentation before receiving final operational approval from DHA inspectors.
License Activation Timeline
Once you’re ready to practice medicine in Dubai, maneuvering the license activation process requires careful attention to five sequential steps: eligibility verification, DataFlow PSV completion, DHA examination, job offer procurement, and final license activation.
The typical timeline from initial application to active status spans 6-10 weeks, though license processing delays can extend this period. To guarantee smooth progression through each phase:
- Complete self-assessment via Sheryan portal and verify eligibility requirements upfront
- Submit pristine document scans to DataFlow to avoid common issues with documents
- Schedule your DHA Prometric exam promptly after PSV completion
- Secure employment with a DHA-approved facility while awaiting results
- Submit Emirates ID, visa, and insurance documentation for final activation
Compliance and Regulatory Standards
As a practicing physician in Dubai, you’ll need to maintain strict compliance with DHA’s regular facility audits that evaluate workplace hygiene, documentation standards, and staff licensure validity. You must adhere to UAE insurance regulations, including proper coding and claims submission protocols while maintaining detailed electronic health records that meet data security requirements. Your facility must consistently meet DHA’s safety standards, covering fire prevention, sanitation protocols, and health security measures to avoid penalties or potential license suspension.
DHA Audit Requirements
Medical facilities in Dubai must undergo rigorous DHA regulatory audits to maintain their operational status. You’ll need to prepare for both announced and unannounced facility inspection protocols, which can be triggered by initial licensing, renewals, complaints, or random checks. These annual audit triggers guarantee your practice maintains compliance with DHA standards.
Key audit requirements you must meet include:
- Valid DHA professional licenses and DataFlow verification for all clinical staff
- Architectural compliance with minimum space requirements (30m² per consultation room)
- Complete patient records with proper consent forms and privacy controls
- Documented clinical protocols and infection control processes
- Evidence of internal quality audits and continuous improvement initiatives
Maintain comprehensive documentation of all compliance measures, as you’ll need to produce historical audit reports when requested by DHA inspectors.
Insurance Compliance Rules
Beyond facility audits, Dubai’s insurance compliance framework demands your strict adherence to extensive health coverage requirements. You’ll need to verify that your practice only accepts insurance plans from DHA-accredited providers and the DubaiCare Network, with coverage limits meeting the minimum AED 150,000 threshold under the Essential Benefits Plan.
Your practice must maintain detailed records of patient coverage verification, premium structure compliance, and co-payment collection within prescribed limits: 20% for inpatient care (capped at AED 500), 25% for outpatient visits (maximum AED 100), and 30% for medications. You’re also required to meet regular data reporting requirements to DHA, including insurance policy registration and network participation updates. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in penalties and affect your facility’s operating license.
Facility Safety Standards
Three core regulatory pillars will govern your facility’s safety standards in Dubai by 2025. The Dubai Health Authority’s thorough framework mandates strict compliance with facility design, operational protocols, and emergency preparedness measures. You’ll need to confirm your facility meets these essential requirements:
- Maintain segregated zones for sterile supply storage and clean room handling, with controlled ventilation systems
- Provide minimum 30-square-meter consultation rooms with DHA-approved floor plans
- Implement documented infection prevention protocols based on current public health assessments
- Secure all required staff licenses with DataFlow verification and Good Standing Certificates
- Install disability-accessible features meeting both DHA and Dubai Municipality standards
Medical Practice Setup Guidelines
Setting up a medical practice in Dubai requires strict adherence to the Dubai Health Authority’s extensive licensing framework and regulatory prerequisites. You’ll need to navigate credential recognition barriers while building professional networking opportunities to establish your practice successfully.
| Requirement | Timeline |
|---|---|
| DHA License Application | 2-4 weeks |
| Dataflow PSV Verification | 6-8 weeks |
| Prometric Exam Clearance | Up to 3 attempts |
| License Activation | 2 working days |
Your journey begins with registering on the DHA Sheryan portal, where you’ll submit attested documentation, including your medical degree, professional licenses, and Good Standing Certificate. You’ll need to complete primary source verification through Dataflow, pass competency assessments, and secure professional indemnity insurance. Remember, your license is facility-specific and requires reactivation if you change employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Doctors Practice in Multiple Emirates With a Single DHA License?
No, you can’t practice across multiple emirates with just a DHA license in early 2025. Each emirate still requires its own separate license, DHA for Dubai, DOH for Abu Dhabi, and MOH for the Northern Emirates. However, the upcoming unified national licensing platform will introduce true license portability, allowing multi-emirate practice under a single credential. Until this new system is fully implemented, you’ll need to maintain separate licenses for each emirate where you practice.
What Are the Working Hour Restrictions for Medical Practitioners in Dubai?
As a medical practitioner in Dubai, you’ll need to follow strict physician scheduling guidelines that limit your work to 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. You’re entitled to a mandatory 1-hour break after 5 consecutive hours of work. Shift rotation policies allow for up to 2 hours of overtime daily, paid at 125% of your basic wage. If you’re working night shifts (10 pm-4 am), you’ll receive 150% of your basic wage.
Are There Arabic Language Proficiency Requirements for Medical Practice in Dubai?
You don’t need to pass formal Arabic language proficiency assessments to practice medicine in Dubai, as DHA’s 2025 licensing requirements focus primarily on English competency. However, understanding cultural communication norms and basic Arabic can enhance your practice effectiveness, particularly when working with Emirati patients. While some employers may prefer Arabic skills, especially in public healthcare settings, it’s not a mandatory requirement for obtaining your medical license in Dubai.
Can Foreign Doctors Own Private Medical Practices in Dubai?
Yes, you can own a private medical practice in Dubai, but your options depend on location. In Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) free zone, you’ll have 100% ownership rights. However, in mainland Dubai, you’ll need an Emirati partner who holds 51% ownership. Regardless of location, you must complete the business setup process and meet all licensing requirements through DHA, including appointing a licensed medical director and passing facility inspections.
What Malpractice Insurance Coverage Is Required for Physicians in Dubai?
You’ll need to obtain malpractice insurance from a UAE-licensed insurer before receiving your medical license. Federal Law No. 4 of 2016 mandates this coverage for all physicians. The policy must protect against negligence, misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and informed consent issues. Regulatory oversight policies by DHA, MOHAP, and DOH enforce these requirements. While minimum coverage requirements vary by specialty, you can’t practice without valid insurance, and non-UAE policies aren’t recognized.
