No, you don’t need to sit for additional exams when applying for Dubai medical licensing as a UK doctor. Your PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 certificates serve as recognized exam equivalents under the DHA’s Tier 1 classification system. You’ll still need to complete DataFlow primary source verification, gather attested documents including your GMC Good Standing Certificate, and submit through the Sheryan portal. The seven steps below outline exactly what this process involves.
Understanding the UK Tier 1 Classification for DHA Licensing
When you’re pursuing DHA licensing as a UK-trained doctor, your Tier 1 country classification gives you a significant advantage. The DHA recognizes UK medical schools alongside those in the US, Canada, and Australia based on rigorous international standards and GMC oversight.
Your diploma qualification recognition under Tier 1 status means you’ll face fewer documentation barriers and a streamlined credential verification process. The DHA accepts your GMC Good Standing Certificate as valid proof, and English proficiency tests are typically waived for UK qualifications. Your credentials must still undergo the Dataflow verification process to confirm authenticity directly with your issuing institutions. This primary source verification typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete before you can proceed to the next stage.
However, don’t assume Tier 1 status challenges disappear entirely. You’ll still need minimum two years of clinical practice post-internship, and assessment requirements often remain despite your classification. Your Tier 1 designation simplifies the pathway, it doesn’t eliminate essential verification steps.
PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 Certificates as Exam Equivalents
Your PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 certificates serve as direct exam equivalents under DHA’s Tier 1 recognition policy, eliminating the requirement to sit for the Prometric examination. You’ll need to submit both certificates with proper attestation from UK authorities followed by UAE Embassy certification, ensuring all documents remain within validity periods. Since PLAB 1 is valid for 3 years, you must ensure your certificate hasn’t expired before beginning the Dubai licensing process. The DHA credentialing team verifies your PLAB credentials through the mandatory DataFlow Primary Source Verification process before confirming your exemption status. This verification process typically takes 30-45 days to complete, so plan your timeline accordingly.
PLAB Certificate Submission Process
The PLAB certificate submission process serves as a critical pathway for UK-trained doctors seeking DHA licensure without sitting for the Prometric examination. You must submit both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 certificates through the Sheryan portal as exam equivalents.
Your PLAB certificate authentication requires attestation by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office before proceeding. Following this, you’ll complete PLAB certificate legalisation through UAE Embassy certification to validate your credentials for DHA review.
Upload high-resolution scanned copies of your official PLAB completion certificates alongside your DataFlow PSV verification report. The Dataflow PSV process typically takes 30, 45 days to complete, so plan your timeline accordingly. Select the appropriate exemption category during submission. DHA credentialing will verify your certificates meet all requirements before processing your application. Remember, PLAB 1 alone doesn’t qualify, you need both examinations completed for exemption eligibility. Once approved, your exemption status remains valid for 2 years to complete the full licensing application process.
DHA Exam Exemption Requirements
Because DHA recognizes the UK among its Tier 1 countries alongside the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, you’ll qualify for full Prometric exam exemption when you’ve completed both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 examinations. PLAB 1 alone won’t satisfy DHA’s requirements, you must hold certificates for both components.
Your exam cost exemption translates to significant savings and accelerates your licensing timeline from 6-12 months to approximately 3-4 months. This expedited pathway strengthens your position during salary package negotiation with prospective employers. The registration cost for the Prometric exam typically ranges from AED 1,080-1,200, plus additional travel and preparation expenses that exempt candidates avoid entirely.
To secure exemption status, you’ll need an active GMC registration with license and a minimum of two years’ post-internship clinical experience. DHA’s PQR framework classifies PLAB completion as Option 1 equivalency, eliminating any CBT examination requirement for your credential assessment. You must also complete DataFlow requirements to verify the authenticity of your qualifications before DHA processes your application.
Certificate Validity and Attestation
While PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 certificates serve as your Prometric exam equivalents, they won’t carry weight with DHA unless you’ve secured proper attestation through the correct diplomatic channels.
You must obtain attestation from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office first, followed by UAE Embassy certification. Submit high-resolution scans of these attested documents through the Sheryan portal.
Good Standing Requirements
Your GMC-issued Good Standing Certificate must not exceed six months at submission, this certificate expiration rule applies strictly. DHA requires this document even with your PLAB exemption, confirming you’ve maintained an unblemished practice record without disciplinary actions or restrictions. Additionally, candidates must hold a valid professional license to practice in their home country or country of last employment to meet PQR requirements.
DataFlow Verification
Despite holding valid PLAB certificates, you’ll undergo mandatory Primary Source Verification. This process authenticates your PLAB credentials, GMC documentation, and educational qualifications before DHA proceeds with licensing decisions. The verification process typically takes 6-12 weeks, though complex cases may require additional time.
Gathering Essential Documents for Your DHA Application
You’ll need to compile several categories of documents before submitting your DHA application through the Sheryan Portal. Start with your required personal identity documents, including a valid passport copy and recent passport-sized photograph with a white background. Additionally, gather your professional certificates and licenses, such as your GMC registration, Good Standing Certificate issued within the last six months, and current permanent license from your issuing authority. Surgical specialists must also prepare their last two years Logbook documenting their procedural experience. All documents must undergo Primary Source Verification through DataFlow before your application can proceed to the next stage.
Required Personal Identity Documents
Before submitting any clinical credentials, you’ll need to compile your personal identity documents, the foundation of your DHA application.
Passport Requirements
Your valid passport serves as the primary personal identification method throughout the licensing process. Guarantee passport validity duration extends beyond your anticipated application timeline. Submit a high-resolution scanned copy through the Sheryan portal, clarity is non-negotiable for verification purposes.
Passport-Sized Photograph
Upload one recent photograph with a white background in digital format. This image appears on your official DHA profile and license card.
Attestation Standards
Non-English documents require Arabic or English translation. All identity documents must carry home country authority attestation followed by UAE Embassy certification.
Post-Approval Supplements
After initial approval, you’ll submit your Emirates ID alongside residency details, completing your identity verification for license activation. Your employer sponsors the activation process, handling the submission of required documents and payment of associated fees on your behalf.
Professional Certificates and Licenses
Because the DHA evaluates your clinical competency through documented credentials, gathering your professional certificates demands meticulous attention to detail and timing.
Your active UK medical license forms the foundation of your application. You’ll need a Good Standing Certificate issued within six months of submission, older certificates won’t satisfy professional experience requirements. Prepare experience certificates documenting minimum two years of post-internship practice.
If you’re a surgeon, compile your surgical logbook covering the last two years, stamped by your Medical Director. UK doctors claiming exam exemption must include PLAB 1 and 2 certificates.
The document attestation process requires certification by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, followed by UAE Embassy authentication. Submit high-resolution scans of all materials and maintain multiple copies for each verification stage.
Completing Primary Source Verification Through DataFlow
Why does the Dubai Health Authority require Primary Source Verification before you can practice medicine in Dubai? This mandatory process guarantees document authentication by confirming your credentials directly with issuing institutions. DataFlow contacts universities, licensing councils, and hospitals through official channels to validate your qualifications. Without successful DataFlow verification, licensing applications are typically rejected or significantly delayed.
You’ll submit educational certificates, professional licenses, work experience letters, and Good Standing Certificates through the DataFlow portal. The issuing authority validation process typically takes 30-45 working days. Documents from certain countries may require extended verification timelines due to institutional response times or verification complexity.
| Verification Outcome | Next Step |
|---|---|
| Positive Result | Proceed to DHA licensing application |
| Unable to Verify | Resubmit with supplementary documentation |
Monitor your application status through the DataFlow portal for real-time updates. Schedule your Prometric exam concurrently to optimize your overall licensing timeline.
Navigating the Sheryan Portal Submission Process
Once you’ve received a positive DataFlow verification result, you’ll need to set up your Sheryan account at sheryan.dha.gov.ae to begin the formal DHA licensing application.
Portal Navigation Tips
Select your profession during registration and complete your profile with qualifications, experience details, and a recent photograph. The Self Assessment Tool helps verify your eligibility before proceeding, access results under My Applications in the Closed applications tab.
Document Preparation Checklist
Before submission, gather your passport-size photo, valid passport copy, educational certificates with transcripts, experience letters, and Good Standing Certificate. Surgical specialists must include their logbook.
Application fees range from AED 200, 500. Sheryan registration completes within 1, 2 days, while eligibility review takes 10, 15 business days. Track your application status directly through the portal throughout the 6, 12 week process.
Obtaining Your DHA Eligibility Letter After Verification
Your Sheryan submission marks the beginning of the DHA’s formal evaluation process, which culminates in the issuance of your Eligibility Letter, the document that authorizes you to pursue employment in Dubai’s healthcare sector.
Following DataFlow completion, DHA conducts its eligibility review within 10-15 business days. The verification report contents undergo systematic evaluation against your self assessment tool alignment results to confirm credential consistency.
| Review Component | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial document processing | 5-7 business days |
| DHA eligibility evaluation | 10-15 business days |
Upon approval, download your Eligibility Letter directly from your Sheryan account. This letter remains valid for 12 months, confirming your credentials meet DHA standards. You can now apply to DHA-approved facilities and progress toward full license conversion.
Activating Your Dubai Medical License With an Employer
Securing employment with a DHA-licensed facility sets in motion the final stage of your licensing journey, activation. Your employer initiates the online application process through the Sheryan portal by selecting your active registration. You’ll then grant explicit consent to authorize the facility’s request.
Once you secure employment at a DHA-licensed facility, your employer launches the activation process through Sheryan with your consent.
Your hiring facility must maintain an active license listing your specialty. For trainees or supervised titles, supervisory requirements mandate a full-time supervisor at the facility. Part-time activation requires prior approval from any full-time employer.
Ensure your documentation remains current: valid passport, medical malpractice insurance, and labour card for non-UAE nationals. Professionals aged 65 or older must submit a medical fitness report. Clear any outstanding fines before proceeding.
Activation fees range from AED 1,000 to AED 4,000. Upon final approval, your eLicense generates automatically within one working day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is My DHA Medical License Valid Before Requiring Renewal?
Your DHA medical license remains valid for one year from issuance under the standard renewal timeline. You can extend validity through renewal options of one, two, or three years depending on your profession and employment type. Regarding license expiration details, you must submit your renewal application within 90 days before expiry. If your license expires beyond six months without renewal, it’s automatically cancelled, requiring you to complete a full reapplication process.
Can I Use My DHA License to Practice in Abu Dhabi?
No, you can’t use your DHA license to practice in Abu Dhabi. License reciprocity doesn’t exist between emirates, each maintains separate regulatory authorities. You’ll need to obtain a DOH license through their official transfer process, which includes DataFlow verification and document re-submission.
Renewal requirements differ too: DHA licenses require annual renewal, while DOH licenses remain valid for two years. The transfer process typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on verification completion.
Do Doctors Over 65 Need Additional Medical Fitness Testing for Licensing?
Yes, if you’re 65 or older, you’ll need additional medical fitness testing as part of your DHA licensing process. During license activation, you must complete age-based screening at any Dubai visa medical center and upload results to the Sheryan Portal. Authorities apply extra scrutiny to your competency and health status beyond standard assessments. Despite retirement considerations in other jurisdictions, the UAE has no maximum age limit, your qualifications and active practice matter most.
What Minimum Years of Clinical Experience Do UK Specialists Need for DHA?
You need a minimum of three years post-specialization clinical experience to qualify as a UK specialist for DHA licensing. Additionally, you must demonstrate at least two years post-internship experience as a baseline requirement. Your clinical experience requirements include continuous, hands-on paid patient care, gaps exceeding two years require justification with supporting documentation. Through alternative licensing pathways, PLAB-qualified doctors with active GMC registration can bypass Prometric exams under Tier 1 policy provisions.
How Quickly Can My Employer Activate My License After Receiving a Job Offer?
Your employer can typically complete license activation within 2-5 working days after submitting your job offer through the Sheryan portal. The activation timeline depends on your job role requirements and document completeness. Your medical director must upload your employment contract, job offer letter, and eligibility confirmation. You’ll receive your active license within 2 working days following approval. Guarantee your DHA registration remains valid and no concurrent applications exist across facilities.
