In the UAE, different authorities regulate the licensing of medical professionals based on the emirate in which you intend to work. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has authority over licensing in the Emirate of Dubai, except within the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) free zone.
Dubai recruits healthcare professionals from all over the world and therefore has a rigorous system in place for verifying their identity, qualifications, skills and experience before issuing a licence to practice.
For newcomers, the process can seem daunting, but our experienced licensing team at Allocation Assist can help you navigate the process smoothly, saving you both time and stress.
How long does it take to obtain a new licence?
First, it is necessary to obtain registration with the Dubai Health Authority. Once you secure a job offer, the health facility you wish to work for can activate this into a license to practice.
On average, candidates spend 3–6 months obtaining DHA registration. Candidates from countries with training programs not recognized by the DHA and thus requiring additional examinations may spend up to 9–12 months.
Why should I obtain DHA registration before securing a job?
The Dubai healthcare recruitment market is dynamic and competitive. Hospitals looking to fill vacancies as soon as possible prefer candidates who have already proved their eligibility to work in Dubai by obtaining their registration.
How long is the registration valid?
DHA registration is valid for one year; however, it is easy and straightforward to renew.
Steps to obtaining your DHA registration
1. Initial Application
Applicants need to register on the DHA website before initiating the ‘New License’ process. You must complete online forms with comprehensive personal and professional details.
2. Uploading and validation of documents
The Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) sets out the necessary requirements for licensure of healthcare professionals opting to practice in UAE in accordance with federal laws and international best practices and standards.
Documents that must be uploaded with the application include:
- Educational certificates with a transcript of records
- Professional qualification certificates
- Recent professional and employment experience
- For surgical specialties: log book for the last 2 years with hospital stamp(s) and signature of the Medical Director or other authorized person
- valid license/registration from the medical licensing body of the country of recent employment
- Valid good standing certificate issued by your country’s licensing authority;
- Medical fitness test (for applicants aged 65 and above)
- Valid Passport Copy: A Recent Photo
In order to protect public safety, the DHA rigorously verifies the validity of all documents. You must pay a fee with the initial application for document processing, which typically takes about 2 weeks. Requesting additional documents may extend the processing time.
3. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Primary Source Verification is the act of verifying documents, such as educational certificates, work experience, health licenses, and good standing certificates, directly from the original or primary source. A specialized international company called ‘Dataflow’ usually takes 6–8 weeks to complete. this process comes under “Sheryan.”
48-hour section of the DHA website and verification starts 48 hours after the payment of the associated fee. Once completed, you will receive the positive Dataflow report, which you must link to the DHA application. You can also utilize it for other UAE emirates and many other Gulf countries, and the verifications never expire.
Infographic from: New Healthcare Professional License Process Map
4. Verification Examinations
Note: This step is not required for doctors who have completed their training in countries whose training programs are recognized by the DHA, including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, UK, Netherlands, France, Norway, Finland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Sweden, and Germany. DHA Depending on the country where you completed your training, you may need to take either an oral examination or a prometric examination, which incur additional fees.
Applicants must take an oral examination in Dubai, which involves a panel of senior consultants from their field asking scenario-based clinical questions to assess their knowledge and competency.
A metric examination is a computer-based test (CBT) on your chosen specialty, usually consisting of 100 questions, with a pass mark of 60%. It can be taken at many testing centers globally.
However, you can book these tests while waiting for primary source verification. The timeframe depends on the availability of specialist panels or metric test centers.
Three attempts are allowed to pass either of these exams; otherwise, the applicant must submit a brand new application before being allowed to take it again.
5. Registration request
Once the previous steps have been completed, an application for registration can be submitted. The DHA usually responds within 1-2 weeks and may ask for additional information when required. Your registration document will then be issued, which you will be able to show to potential employers.
Once you have secured a job offer, you will need to submit additional documents and pay a fee to activate your license. A DHA license is usually issued within 2 working days.
For more information, visit the DHA website
Why use Allocation Assist’s licensing service?
The licensing process is complex and exacting. Navigating it takes time, which busy doctors are short of. Allocation Assist’s in-house dedicated and experienced licensing team understands the process inside out, as this is what they do every day. They have successfully helped hundreds of doctors obtain their licenses.
Benefits of using our licensing service:
In addition, with our unique insights into Dubai’s healthcare recruitment market at Allocation Assist, we are able to:
There is also the option to subscribe to Allocation Assist’s premium recruitment platform, through which you can showcase your skills and experience to our network of highly reputed hospitals.
Hear what some of our clients have to say:
“Great service. I couldn’t recommend any more highly. I was totally new to the requirements of Dubai and Emilie efficiently dealt with any questions I had. She was an email or a phone call away at any time of the day. The process of getting the license was as easy as sending her the documents and nothing more. When there was a problem, Emilie had found a solution and replied within 24 hours. Thank you to you and your team for all of your help getting started here in Dubai. If you need a license in Dubai, use Emilie and Allocation Assist.”
Dr. Michael McLaughlin, Consultant, Intensive/Anesthesiologist at American Hospital Dubai
“If you need a highly dedicated professional, just choose Allocation Assist/Emilie Davies. Emilie is based in Dubai and has excellent information about the market. My DHA licensing was done perfectly. From the beginning until the end, she was always helpful and understanding.”
Dr. Kaplan, a consultant gynecologist from the Netherlands
“I was under the impression that the DHA application process was likely to be complex and lengthy, but with Emilie’s support, that has not been my experience. She has guided me through the application, often communicating directly with the DHA on my behalf and keeping me informed of my progress on a regular basis. Her communication is excellent; she always responds to my questions promptly. I have already recommended Emilie@allocationassist.com to some colleagues and believe that any doctor looking to move to the UAE should make use of her skills and knowledge.”
Dr. Nick Bennett, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Mediclinic Welcare Hospital Dubai
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