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The DHA Eligibility Letter is a gate pass for healthcare workers issued by the Dubai Health Authority that ensures credentials have been verified, skills are accepted, and the professional is fit to serve legally in Dubai. Without it, no hospital or clinic can proceed with licensing or hiring. Unlike a full license, it does not grant the right to treat patients independently, but it is a prerequisite for securing an employment contract with a licensed medical facility in Dubai.
It is the first official recognition of the ability of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health staff, whether trained locally or abroad, to work within this highly regulated system supported by large public investments and private participation. With More than 45,000 licensed healthcare professionals as per the Dubai Health Authority reports, working across hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, every new entrant must undergo the eligibility review process to ensure that only those who meet its education and experience requirements can move forward.
The letter not only serves this function, but it also helps in multiple other sectors, including helping employers, and is necessary for visa and residency procedures. For instance, it verifies credentials through Primary Source Verification (PSV) and helps employers shortlist the most suitable candidates without wasting time spotting eligible candidates. Along with this, later on, you can convert it into a full DHA license, which then gives you the legal right to treat patients.
However, getting the letter follows a systematic process involving specific requirements, including valid identification, educational documents, professional licenses, and a Good Standing Certificate. The process is managed online through the DHA Sheryan portal, where applicants upload documents, pay fees, undergo PSV, and sit for the DHA exam if required. Processing usually takes 6–10 weeks and costs between AED 1,500–2,500, depending on the profession.
In short, this guide has covered the DHA Eligibility Letter in detail, including its definition, requirements, uses, process, costs, validity, renewal, and common mistakes, giving healthcare professionals a complete roadmap to get an eligibility letter and start their medical career in Dubai.
What is a DHA Eligibility Letter?
A DHA Eligibility Letter is an official document issued by the Dubai Health Authority to healthcare professionals, confirming that they have met the education, qualification, and work experience requirements of Dubai’s licensing standards and are fit to practice under the city’s healthcare regulations. Unlike a full license, the letter does not grant permission to treat patients independently but enables professionals to secure employment contracts and apply for a job in Dubai’s healthcare sector. This approval ensures a fair and standardized evaluation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health staff before they enter Dubai’s healthcare system, aligning global qualifications with Dubai’s healthcare standards. Although it is not an alternative to the DHA license, you can convert it to the licesne and get the right to practice in Dubai.
Who Needs the Eligibility Letter?
All healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, radiographers, and lab technicians who want to work in Dubai’s medical sector, need to have a DHA Eligibility Letter. Irrespective of the location of qualification, applicants need it, since the Dubai Health Authority uses this letter to confirm that their education, training, and experience meet Dubai’s healthcare standards. Without it, you cannot proceed with hiring or applying for the final DHA license, no matter whether you are foreign-trained or locally trained.
Is DHA Eligibility Mandatory for All Doctors?
Yes, all doctors must hold the eligibility letter before practicing in Dubai. Without it, neither private clinics nor government hospitals can proceed with employment. The DHA has made this step mandatory to give maximum care to patients and make sure that every physician has been screened and verified.
What are the Uses of the DHA Eligibility Letter?
The uses of the DHA eligibility letter include verifying credentials, applying for jobs, securing employer contracts, and later on converting into a full DHA license for legal medical practice in Dubai. First, it acts as a primary verifier by checking whether the applicant’s provided details, including education, experience, and qualifications, are valid through Primary Source Verification (PSV) conducted by the DataFlow Group.
It helps employers while selecting a candidate, using it as a filter to shortlist qualified applicants. By having this pre-approval in place, they know the candidate’s background has already been validated. Healthcare professionals can also convert the eligibility letter to a full DHA license once they secure employment.
Along with this, it is essential for employment visa processing as well if you want to settle there. Without this document, healthcare facilities cannot apply for residency permits on behalf of their staff. In short, an eligibility letter is used for multiple tasks. The 7 main uses of the DHA eligibility letter in Dubai are provided below:
- Verifies professional credentials
- Supports healthcare job applications
- Enables DHA license conversion
- Ensures regulatory compliance
- Builds employer confidence
- Facilitates career mobility
- Provides global qualification recognition
Can I Convert the Eligibility Letter to a Full License?
Yes, you can convert the DHA Eligibility Letter into a full DHA license, but only after you secure a job in Dubai with a licensed healthcare facility. Once you have an employment contract, your employer applies to the Dubai Health Authority to activate your license using the eligibility letter. Therefore, it is important to know that the eligibility letter alone does not allow you to practice independently. Instead, it acts as the foundation for licensing, which legally permits you to treat patients and work in Dubai’s healthcare system.
What are the Requirements to Get an Eligibility Letter from DHA in Dubai?
The requirements to get a DHA Eligibility Letter include submitting valid identification, proof of education, professional experience, and licensing documents. These include a valid passport, educational certificates (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral, depending on profession), and a professional license from the home country.
Additionally, a Good Standing Certificate from the relevant licensing authority, not older than six months, is mandatory. All documents must undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow, which ensures authenticity. By meeting these requirements, professionals demonstrate both their qualifications and their commitment to Dubai’s high healthcare standards.
- Valid passport (at least 6 months’ validity)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Educational qualification certificates and transcripts
- Experience certificates (showing role and duration)
- Internship completion certificate (if applicable)
- Professional license from the home country or the last place of practice
- Good Standing Certificate (issued within the last 6 months)
- Primary Source Verification (PSV) clearance through DataFlow
What is the Process to Get an Eligibility Letter from DHA in Dubai?
The process to get an eligibility letter from a DHA in Dubai is an online verification procedure that healthcare professionals must complete before practicing in Dubai, including creating a Sheryan account, uploading required documents, paying fees, undergoing Primary Source Verification (PSV), and passing the DHA exam, where applicable. Each step ensures authenticity and compliance, leading to the issuance of the Eligibility Letter through the official portal.
The process involves several organized steps to ensure applicants meet DHA standards. Below is the 6-step process to get an eligibility letter from DHA in Dubai.
- Register an account on the Sheryan Portal
- Complete the application form and upload the required documents
- Pay PSV and DHA evaluation fees
- Undergo DataFlow verification for authenticity
- Schedule and pass the DHA exam (if required)
- Receive the DHA Eligibility Letter via the Sheryan portal
The details of each step are provided below.
- Register an account on the DHA Sheryan Portal
This is the first step where you have to first create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal, which is the official online platform. This platform manages the complete application process, along with providing tracking facilities by staying connected with the DHA. - Complete the application form and upload the required documents
Once you have registered, the second step is to fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents, including a passport, certificates, and work experience proofs. Ensuring accurate details and clear scans helps avoid unnecessary delays or rejections. - Pay the Primary Source Verification (PSV) and DHA evaluation fees
The third step is that the applicant must pay both PSV and DHA evaluation fees through the same portal. Payment confirms the application process, allowing DHA and DataFlow to proceed with verifying the submitted qualifications and professional credentials. - Undergo DataFlow verification to confirm document authenticity
This step is primarily for the processing body, not the candidate itself, where the DataFlow conducts PSV by contacting the original issuing authorities of your degrees, licenses, and certificates. This ensures all documents are genuine and valid, marking professional credibility and approval from DHA. - Schedule and pass the DHA exam, if required by your profession
Once verification is done by the dataflow, certain professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or pharmacists, have to clear a DHA Prometric Exam. This computer-based test evaluates knowledge and clinical competency to practice safely in Dubai’s healthcare system. - Receive the DHA Eligibility Letter via the Sheryan Portal
This is the last step where the DHA issues the Eligibility Letter directly through the Sheryan portal. This letter confirms your qualification to apply for jobs and later obtain a DHA professional license as discussed above.
How to Download the Eligibility Letter?
To download the DHA Eligibility Letter, log in to your DHA Sheryan account and access your approved applications. Once the letter is issued, it appears under your “Licensing” section, where you can view, save, or print it. This digital copy is official and accepted by employers for job applications and license conversion.
Steps to download the DHA Eligibility Letter:
- Log in to your DHA Sheryan account
- Go to the “My Applications” or “Licensing” section
- Select your approved eligibility letter application
- Click on the “Download” or “Print” option
- Save the PDF copy to your device
How Much Time is Required to Get a DHA Eligibility Letter?
The time required to get a DHA Eligibility Letter is usually 6 to 10 weeks, depending on how quickly document verification and the exam are completed. Primary Source Verification (PSV) alone can take 4–6 weeks since DataFlow must confirm your credentials with universities, employers, and licensing bodies. After PSV, scheduling and passing the DHA exam may add another 2–4 weeks. Delays often occur if documents are incomplete, translations are missing, or authorities take longer to respond. The table shows the details for the DHA Eligibility Letter timeline.
| Step | Time required |
|---|---|
| Document preparation and submission | 1 week |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV): | 4–6 weeks |
| DHA exam scheduling and result: | 2–4 weeks |
| Issuance of the Eligibility Letter after exam clearance | 1 week |
What is the Cost of Obtaining a DHA Eligibility Letter?
The cost of obtaining a DHA Eligibility Letter is not a fixed amount but a combination of several fees. These cover document verification, application processing, and the required exam. On average, the total cost ranges between AED 1,500 and AED 2,500, depending on your profession and the number of documents. Before you check the table below, one Key point to remember is that fees differ by professional category and verification needs.
| Stage / Fee Component | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) | 935 – 2,500 |
| Application / Registration Fee | 200 – 250 |
| Exam Fee | 250 – 1,000 (nurses); ~500+ for doctors/dentists |
| Other Costs (translations, attestations, courier, etc.) | 200 – 500+ |
What is the Validity Period Eligibility for Healthcare Professionals in Dubai?
The DHA Eligibility Letter is valid for one (1) year from the date it is issued. However, if you don’t secure a job in that year, you have to renew the eligibility letter or retake the exam, depending on DHA’s rules.
Do I need to contact any consultant to get an eligibility letter from DHA?
No, you are not required to hire a consultant to apply for a DHA Eligibility Letter. The full process is managed online through the DHA Sheryan portal, where healthcare professionals can complete the whole process independently without third-party involvement.
However, some professionals, especially if they are unfamiliar with UAE regulations or struggle with document verification, attestation, or DataFlow procedures, choose to work with consultants or specialized business setup agencies, such as Felix Happich Healthcare licensing consultants. While this may save time and reduce errors, it also comes with extra costs that are not part of the official DHA fee.
Ultimately, it depends on your confidence in handling online applications and understanding regulatory requirements.
How to Renew an Eligibility Letter from DHA in Dubai?
To renew a DHA Eligibility Letter, healthcare professionals have to reapply through the Sheryan portal by submitting a renewal request before the letter expires. Renewal ensures document validity, confirms no practice gap, and maintains eligibility for licensing. Applicants may need to resubmit updated documents, provide a valid Good Standing Certificate, and pay renewal fees. The renewal process helps extend eligibility without retaking the exam if the criteria are met.
Steps to renew a DHA Eligibility Letter:
- Log in to the Sheryan portal and submit a renewal request
- Ensure exam score is valid (up to 5 years)
- Confirm no practice gap exceeding 2 years
- Upload the updated Good Standing Certificate and documents
- Pay renewal or re-eligibility fees
- Receive renewed eligibility approval from DHA
What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for an Eligibility Letter?
The most common mistakes to avoid while applying for a DHA Eligibility Letter are incomplete documentation, incorrect information, and delays in Primary Source Verification (PSV). On top of that, overlooking the Good Standing Certificate, submitting expired licenses, or skipping document translations. These errors cause processing delays or even lead to rejection. Therefore, extra attention is required during preparation and careful review before submission. Below are the 7 common mistakes most professionals make while applying for a DHA eligibility letter
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Submitting incomplete or missing documents
- Providing inaccurate or inconsistent details
- Ignoring Good Standing Certificate requirements
- Uploading expired professional licenses
- Failing to translate documents into English/Arabic
- Overlooking PSV verification requirements
- Delaying fee payments during the application
