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Doctors from all over the world prefer to work in Dubai because of 0% personal income tax and a large pool of international patients, with 691,478 medical tourists recorded in 2023. But the emirate is not an open option for every healthcare professional, as it has a structured licensing process set by the Dubai Health Authority to work there. This process ensures only qualified doctors enter the system, maintaining the global standards of care.
That’s why a New Zealand doctor needs to obtain a DHA license, as a home country license alone does not allow them to practise medicine in the Emirate of Dubai. To obtain a DHA license as a Kiwi doctor, you must create a Sheryan account, complete a self-assessment, submit the required documents, get the PSV report, and pass the CBT exam or oral assessment.
Once all these steps are completed, you need to secure a job at a recognized facility. The employer will then initiate the license activation process, which allows you to practise legally once approved. Some New Zealand doctors can skip the DHA exam, such as those who passed NZREX or graduated from a New Zealand Medical Council-accredited school, as per the DHA official portal. However, this exemption only removes the exam, not other steps like PSV or experience checks.
The whole process of getting a DHA license as a New Zealand-trained professional takes around 2 to 3.5 months on average, with estimated costs of NZD 1,225 to NZD 2,045, including NZD 92.80 for registration, NZD 230 for oral assessment, and NZD 1,381 to NZD 3,588 for license activation, depending on the duration. CBT exams often cost around NZD 473. However, the quality of your documentation, exam completion, and the use of a licensing agency can affect these estimates.
What are the requirements for New Zealand doctors to obtain a DHA license?
The requirements for New Zealand doctors to obtain a DHA license include a recognized medical degree, an internship certificate if required, clinical experience, a valid professional license from the home country, a Good Standing Certificate, PSV-verified documents, and a DHA exam passing certificate.
However, the experience, internship, exam compulsion, and educational qualification requirements vary based on professional titles and specialities. Below are the requirements for a New Zealand doctor to get a DHA license:
Educational Qualification Requirements
Kiwi physicians must graduate from a formally recognized allopathic medical school accredited by the competent authority in New Zealand. For the GP title, the medical degree must be at least 5 years, excluding internship. The table below provides the detailed background of the qualification required.
| Category | Qualification | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Intern | MBBS / MBChB or equivalent from a recognized allopathic medical school | Medical school must be accredited by the issuing authority; a 12-month internship is mandatory |
| General Practitioner | MBBS / MBChB or equivalent from a recognized institution | Internship completion required before GP title; accepted background limited to listed core specialties |
| Specialist | MBBS / MBChB + recognized specialty qualification (≥ 3 years full-time) | Residency / Clinical Master / Clinical PhD |
| Consultant Physician | MBBS / MBChB + higher recognized specialty qualification | Sub-specialty accepted only after the main specialty; qualification from New Zealand |
Experience Requirement
To obtain a medical license in Dubai, physicians from New Zealand must have post-qualification experience, which ranges from interns with no experience to consultants requiring tier-based years of experience after specialty and subspecialty training.
| Category | Experience |
|---|---|
| Intern | No experience required, as the internship period satisfies the experience requirement |
| General Practitioner | 2 years of clinical experience + internship is mandatory for all |
| Specialist | Specialists with exam-based fellowship qualifications from the Royal College/Colleges are not required to have experience if the qualification was obtained within the past two (2) years. Specialists with Tier 3 qualifications require 3 years after the main specialty and 2 years after the sub-specialty (for non-UAE nationals) |
| Consultant Physician | Tier 1: 2 years (main) / 1 year (sub)Tier 2: 5 years (main) / 4 years (sub)Tier 3: Not permitted |
DHA exam requirements
The PQR states that healthcare professionals are generally required to pass the authority examination unless they qualify for exam equivalency. It also states that candidates are allowed three attempts across the authorities, with a possible fourth attempt in limited cases.
DHA’s current Sheryan registration page states that applicants must pass any required CBT assessments, and that this step is completed through Prometric if required. DHA also notes that DataFlow PSV and CBT can be completed in parallel.
Which New Zealand professionals are exempt from the DHA exam?
Professionals who graduated from New Zealand universities or medical colleges that are accredited by the New Zealand Medical Council are exempt from the DHA licensure exam after getting the required certificates. However, the exam exemption applies only to the exam requirement. It does not remove other licensing requirements such as experience, credentialing, and PSV.
DHA Exam Exemption Criteria for General Practitioners, Specialists, and Consultant Physicians (New Zealand)
Below is the criteria to avail the exam exemption option as a Kiwi graduate.
| Category | Qualification Requirements | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner | New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX)orDoctors who graduated from medical programs in New Zealand approved by the New Zealand Medical Council | No additional requirements stated |
| Specialist Physicians | New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX)orDoctors who graduated from medical programs in New Zealand approved by the New Zealand Medical Council | No additional requirements stated |
| Consultant Physicians | New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX)orDoctors who graduated from medical programs in New Zealand approved by the New Zealand Medical Council | No additional requirements stated. |
What is the process for New Zealand doctors to get a DHA license in Dubai?
To get a DHA license as a New Zealand Doctor, first, sign up and log in to your account on the Sheryan portal and fulfill the eligibility criteria. After that, fill the licesne application form, which the DHA will manually review.
Once you get approval, the next step is the Primary Source Verification with DataFlow. After that, sit for the DHA test if not exempt from the exam. Finally, apply for a job and get a job offer, and your employer will submit your license application for activation.
Final activation will authorize you to engage in legal clinical practice under the approved professional title. Below is the step-by-step process for Kiwi physicians to get a DHA license in Dubai.
Create your Sheryan account
The first step is to create a Sheryan account as the process is controlled through the online licensing system. Once you create an account, log in to the Sheryan Portal.
Check your eligibility
After you log in to the account, check your eligibility using DHA’s Self Assessment tool. If the result says not eligible, or the doctor is not satisfied with the outcome, they can still request a formal review.
Submit the Get Registered application
Once you confirm your eligibility, you have to start your DHA registration by clicking on Get Registered and filling in the position requirements as requested.
Complete PSV Verification
The PQR requires documents to be verified directly from the source. You must submit the required documents to the Primary Source Verification (PSV) agency, such as Data Flow.
Book and pass the DHA exam
Schedule and pass the DHA licensure examination if you are not exempted as per the Professional Qualification Requirements. It is a computer-based test that you must pass to continue serving in the healthcare system of Dubai.
Attend an oral assessment
Oral assessment is required only when specifically mandated after DHA review to help the patient gain a better understanding when dealing with the professional, and vice versa. On average, it takes 5 working days from submission date to scheduling.
Activate the DHA license
DHA license activation is completed by the healthcare facility that offered you a job. You can practise legally once the license is activated.
What does it cost for New Zealand doctors to get a DHA license?
The cost of a DHA license for New Zealand doctors in Dubai usually ranges between NZ$820 and NZ$1,360 for general practitioners, while specialists and consultants typically spend between NZ$1,630 and NZ$2,720, depending on exam requirements, verification fees, and the number of documents involved. The cost details for each stage are explained below.
| Step | Typical Fee NZ$ |
|---|---|
| DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV) | $150 – $300 |
| Prometric DHA Exam | $110 – $150 |
| Eligibility Application | $92.80 |
| Licensing Application | $930.20 – $1,395.30 |
| Re-verification (if required) | $50 – $75 |
How much time is required for a New Zealand doctor to get a DHA license?
The time required for a New Zealand doctor to obtain a DHA medical license usually takes one to four months, depending on the license category and the consulting firm used. For example, for a general physician, the process may take approximately 30 to 90 days. However, if you choose Felix Happich as your licensing consultancy, the processing time may take up to 45 days. Estimated timelines for some license types are listed below.
Smart tips for Kiwi physicians to save money and avoid delays
The DHA license process can be complex if you are not familiar with the system, as small mistakes can delay your licensing process by months. However, when you have a better understanding of what is truly required, you can avoid most unnecessary charges that are only included.
- Match the correct title before you apply.
- Make sure the Good Standing Certificate is not older than 6 months.
- Keep the name, dates, and registration numbers consistent across your passport, degree, and license.
- Do not confuse registration with an active license.
- Watch your gap in practice. Once the gap exceeds 3 years, additional requirements apply. If it exceeds 5 years, non-UAE nationals generally cannot apply.
FAQs for doctors from New Zealand applying for a DHA license
Can doctors from New Zealand work in Dubai’s healthcare system?
Yes. Doctors trained in New Zealand can work in Dubai with a DHA license, as they cannot practise in Dubai using only a New Zealand license.
Can New Zealand doctors work in Dubai with their current license?
No. A current New Zealand license helps prove registration and standing, but the doctor still needs DHA registration and then license activation by a DHA-licensed facility.
Can I apply for a DHA license while living in New Zealand?
Yes. DHA’s process is online through Sheryan, including self-assessment, eligibility review, registration, and possible oral assessment scheduling. However, for final activation of the license, you must be in the emirate.
Can Kiwi physicians get a DHA license without taking the exam?
Yes, Kiwi physicians can obtain a DHA license without taking the exam through NZREX or by graduating from a New Zealand Medical Council–accredited medical course.
Can I apply without work experience?
Usually not for the GP path. The PQR requires 2 years of clinical experience after internship for GP.
Can fresh New Zealand graduates work in Dubai right away?
Usually not as a DHA-licensed GP because of the 2-year clinical experience rule.
