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Dubai offers golden opportunities to allied health professionals, including lab technicians, due to having a standardised system and advanced tools for testing and sample analysis. However, to work as a lab technician in Dubai, getting a DHA license is a must as per Law No. (5) of 2025 Concerning Public Health in the Emirate of Dubai. The process is clear and simple, but you have to carefully check your education, experience, skills, and readiness to work in the city’s healthcare system. You have to move through each stage step-by-step, starting by confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria, which requires having a degree or diploma in laboratory technology, 2 years of clinical experience, and your overall professional background. These help you see if you qualify before you spend time or money on the next steps.
After the basic eligibility checks, you have to complete the full list of DHA requirements covering all your educational documents, Good Standing Certificate, Primary Source Verification, and the DHA exam as per the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR). This is important because the license you receive depends on your education and area of work. Some applicants look for general laboratory categories, while others fit into specific roles like microbiology or haematology. Many technicians find this part technical, yet it forms the core of the licensing journey because it proves your qualifications are real and match Dubai’s standards.
Once you understand the options, you move into the actual licensing process. This includes creating a Sheryan account, uploading documents, completing PSV, and taking the DHA exam. Each step builds on the previous one, and a small mistake will slow the process. Once you’ve done everything the way it needs to be, you will get a license that will be valid for up to 1 year as per the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Healthcare Professional Licensing Assessment Guidelines. The overall process takes about 6 to 12 weeks and costs more than 2500 AED, depending on different factors, including document preparation, license type, exam clearance, and finally the consultant fee if you have taken help from.
To help you know everything about dha licensing process for lab technicians, we have covered all aspects in detail. These include license eligibility, requirements, the complete process, the time it takes, the cost you should expect, and the validity period. Along with this, we have covered rejection reasons, helping you to avoid common issues. Still, if you have any issues in understanding, our expert support is 24/7 available to make the process smoother.
What are the eligibility criteria for lab technicians to obtain a DHA license in Dubai?
The eligibility criteria for lab technicians to obtain a DHA license in Dubai include having a relevant laboratory degree, at least two years of experience, completing PSV, and getting the minimum passing score in the DHA exam as per DHA guidelines and Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).
Main Eligibility Checks are:
- Relevant lab technology degree
- Two years of clinical experience
- Completed PSV
- Passing the DHA exam
What are the DHA license requirements for lab technicians in Dubai?
The DHA license requirements for lab technicians in Dubai include having a complete education, practical training, and passing the DHA exam. To obtain a DHA license, professionals must meet the following qualifications as per the PQR of the Dubai Health Authority.
- Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a related field
- Two years of professional lab experience
- One year focused on a specific lab role
- International certification, such as ASCP or an equivalent option
- DHA Licensing Exam completed for the correct specialisation
- English proficiency proof for applicants who did not study in English
- Complete Primary Source Verification and have a valid Good Standing Certificate
What are the types of DHA licenses for lab technicians in Dubai?
The types of DHA licenses for lab technicians in Dubai include lab technologist, technician and lab assistant. These roles differ by the level of education they have and the specific tasks they have to perform. Below, we have mentioned the 3 main areas where you can get into the lab sector of healthcare in Dubai.
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Laboratory Assistant
What is the process for obtaining a DHA license as a lab technician in Dubai?
The process for obtaining a DHA license as a lab technician in Dubai involves verifying eligibility, submitting documents, passing the DHA exam, and securing a job at a DHA-approved facility before the validity period of the exam expires. This detailed process guarantees that lab technicians possess the necessary qualifications to practice in Dubai’s healthcare sector, ensuring he/she meet the required standards. The main steps are
- Check Eligibility
- Create a Sheryan Account
- Submit Required Documents
- Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV)
- Register and Take the DHA Exam
- Obtain Eligibility Letter
- Secure a Job in a DHA-Approved Facility
- License Activation
Check Eligibility
Eligibility checking is the first step, which helps both the user and the system to save their resources by making sure that you meet the educational and professional requirements as outlined by DHA, including holding a relevant degree in medical laboratory technology and having 2 years of work experience.
Create a Sheryan Account
Once you pass the eligibility test then you can start the registration process, where you have to continue with creating a DHA account on the Sheryan portal. This platform helps you to submit your application, track the progress, and communicate with DHA officials.
Submit Required Documents
After creating an account, go to the license registration section and select the type, and then they will inquire about the required documents. Upload all those documents, mainly including your passport, educational qualifications, work experience certificates, Good Standing Certificate (GSC), and any other required paperwork.
Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV)
This step is the most crucial step, where all your qualifications and work experience are verified through a third-party service (DataFlow Group) to ensure authenticity. This step validates your educational background and professional experience.
Register and Take the DHA Exam
After completing the PSV, you have to appear in a competitive exam known as the DHA Prometric Exam. The exam will assess your knowledge and competency in the field of medical laboratory technology, helping the system to hire the most competitive professionals among all the applicants.
Obtain Eligibility Letter
Once you pass the DHA exam, you will receive an eligibility letter. This letter is required to apply for a job in a DHA-approved healthcare facility according to the Final Online Exam Guideline CBT.
Secure a Job in a DHA-Approved Facility
Securing a job is not itself part of the registration, but it will help you to keep everything valid within the specific time. For instance, not having a job within one year of the process will make you reappear in the exam, redo the PSV verification process. After you secure a job as a lab professional, the facility or the employer will assist in submitting your contract and completing additional requirements.
License Activation
Finally, the last step after getting the job, your employer will finalise your DHA medical license. After completing necessary medical tests and insurance procedures, you will officially be allowed to practice as a lab technician in Dubai in any facility.
How much time is required for a lab technician to obtain a DHA license?
The time required for a lab technician to obtain a DHA license DHA licensing is 4 to 8 weeks, which is different for every type of license and professional individual performance in the exam. Each stage has its own pace, and you can plan your steps with confidence. The table below shows the main steps:
| Stage | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Self-assessment | Immediate |
| Document preparation | 1–2 weeks |
| Document submission | Immediate |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) | 2–4 weeks |
| Exam scheduling and completion | 1–2 months |
How much does it cost for a lab technician to obtain a DHA license?
The cost for a lab technician to obtain a DHA license includes several fixed and variable costs. You pay AED 200 for the application, followed by AED 935 to AED 1235 for Primary Source Verification. The exam fees range from AED 500 to AED 1000. After approval, the license activation costs fall between AED 1000 and AED 3000.
| Licensing Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fees | AED 200 |
| Primary Source Verification | AED 935 to AED 1235 |
| Examination fees | AED 500 to AED 1000 |
| License activation fees | AED 1000 and AED 3000 |
What is the validity period for a lab technician’s DHA license?
The validity period for a lab technician’s DHA license is two years from the date of issuance. After this period, you have to renew the license to work legally as well as meet continuing professional development (CPD) or continuing medical education (CME) requirements, as per DHA guidelines.
Can a lab technician with a DHA license work in other emirates?
No, a licence issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) only covers practice within the Emirate of Dubai. (OnTime Healthcare) If you have to work in other emirates, you must obtain a licence from the appropriate regulatory authority, the Ministry of Health and Prevention for the other UAE‑wide region, and the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi.
What are the reasons for the rejection of a lab technician’s DHA license in Dubai?
The reasons for the rejection of a lab technician’s DHA license in DubaiObtaining a DHA license for lab technicians in Dubai include missing documents, PSV problems, exam failure, insufficient experience, expired qualifications, or selecting a job role that does not match. Below are some common reasons for rejection, based on the DHA guidelines.
- Incomplete Documentation
- Failure in Primary Source Verification (PSV)
- Failure to Pass DHA Exam
- Non-compliance with Experience Requirements
- Expired or Invalid Qualifications
- Mismatch of Job Role
What is the process for a lab technician disqualified from obtaining a DHA license?
The process includes reviewing the cause, addressing the issue, and possibly reapplying if a lab technician is disqualified from obtaining a DHA license. The steps involve identifying the reason for disqualification and following corrective measures. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved based on the DHA guidelines.
- Review the Disqualification Reason
- Correct Document Issues
- Address Primary Source Verification (PSV) Issues
- Retake the DHA Exam
- Submit Appeal (if applicable)
- Reapply for the License
Expert consultation for a lab technician to obtain a DHA license
For a lab technician seeking a DHA license in Dubai, we provide a licensed consultant to guide you through the entire procedure, including eligibility verification, document preparation, Primary Source Verification (PSV), and DHA exam requirements. Our expert will ensure full compliance with DHA standards, assist in submitting accurate documents, and advise on overcoming any potential obstacles, ultimately speeding up the licensing process. In short, with this consultation, your mistakes will be addressed, DHA rules will be followed, and your chances of fast approval will improve.
