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DHA Medical License for nurses is a mandatory legal document from the Dubai Health Authority for nursing professionals to practice within the Emirate of Dubai as per the DHA’s licensing regulations and the Unified Healthcare Professional Requirements (PQR). The purpose of this license is to ensure that only qualified and active nurses join Dubai’s healthcare workforce. In this process, nurses undergo a detailed examination of the program, including both general and job-specific requirements.
Before you start the procedural framework for application you have to check your eligibility as per the DHA self assessment tool. It helps in only allowing competent, trained, and fit-to-practice individuals to take part in the detailed work process of licensing in Dubai’s healthcare sector.
Once you’re clear on the eligibility, the next step is to choose the correct license type, including a Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioner or specialized roles like Pediatric or ICU Nurse. Each has different qualifications and responsibilities. This matters because your license limits what you can legally do in a healthcare facility. If you apply for the wrong category, your application could be rejected.
After this, you have to follow a step-by-step process. You will submit your required documents on the Sheryan portal, including a degree and GSC report. Additionally, you have to pass the DHA exams and get a job with a DHA approved employer. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) checks all details. These checks help DHA keep its healthcare system safe and skilled. Once you complete this procedure, you will be provided with a license that you will then activate. Keep in mind that you have to renew the license every year to legally serve in the role
What are the DHA license requirements for nurses in Dubai?
The DHA license requirements for nurses in Dubai include having a valid nursing degree, a license from your home country or last employer, and a Basic Life Support certificate. Additionally, you need to have practical experience. However, if your experience is five years or more old, it will be considered outdated, and you won’t even be considered unless you’re a UAE national. Below are the 7 main requirements for getting a DHA Medical License as a nurse.
- Bachelor’s in Nursing (min. 3 years full-time) from a recognized institution.
- For UAE graduates, accreditation by the Ministry of Education is mandatory.
- Foreign graduates from UAE universities and GCC nationals must complete 6 months of clinical training post-graduation.
- Valid license/registration from the home country or the last employment.
- Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Good standing certificate.
- No gap in clinical practice beyond 5 years for non-UAE nationals.
Experience required
The table shows the experience required for a DHA license for different fields of speciality in the nursing sector in Dubai.
| Professional Title | Experience Required | Additional Notes |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 2 years | Post qualification, in an acute care hospital |
| Registered Midwife | 2 years | In a maternity care setup |
| Assistant Nurse / Practical Nurse | 2 years | Clinical experience in a hospital or primary care setting |
| Nurse Specialist | 2 years post master’s degree | In a specialty clinical area |
| Nurse Consultant | 2 years post-PhD | In a relevant clinical/academic role |
| School Nurse | 2 years | With a focus on child care or pediatrics |
| Community Nurse / Public Health Nurse | 2 years | In the community or public health center |
What are the eligibility criteria for nurses to obtain a DHA medical license in Dubai?
The eligibility criteria for nurses to obtain a DHA medical license in Dubai include having a valid nursing degree from a recognized college or university, a Good Standing Certificate, and having English proficiency certificate. Additionally, experience is required based on your position and the type of license you want to get. The main eligibility checks as per the Sheryan portal are provided below.
- Degree from an accredited nursing college/university.
- Minimum 2 years of experience. However, it is not required for some titles if qualifications are recent and continuous clinical practice is proven.
- English language proficiency if qualifications are from non-English speaking countries: TOEFL ≥ 500, IELTS ≥ 5.0, OET ≥ C, or Cambridge ≥ 169.
What are the types of DHA medical licenses for nurses?
The types of DHA medical licenses for nurses are Registered Nurse, Assistant Nurse, Specialty Nurse, and Assistant Midwife. These types are based on the qualification of nurses and their field of speciality. Additionally, there can be other types based on the place where they perform their services, such as a School Nurse, etc. Some of the main types of DHA licenses for Nurses are provided below.
- Registered Nurse
- Assistant Nurse
- School Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Specialty Nurse
- Certified Anesthesia Nurse
- Community Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse
- Home Care Nurse
- Infection Control Nurse
- Emergency Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
- Dialysis Nurse
- Assistant Midwife
- Registered Midwife.
What is the process for obtaining a DHA medical license as a nurse in Dubai?
The DHA licensing process involves clear steps starting with the registration on Sheryan portal, the DHA’s official online system. You will upload verified documents. These include academic qualifications, professional license, Good Standing Certificate, and a proof of clinical experience.
Next, you have to do the Primary Source Verification (PSV)that helps DHA to validate your education and work history. After that, you have to pay the registration fees and verify documents, among others. The structured application process ensures that nurses meet the necessary qualifications for the nursing licenses, while also complying with the Dubai standards, technical, and professional regulations.
As a nurse, you have to follow the process given below to get a DHA Nursing license.
- Submit an application on DHA’s Sheryan portal.
- Provide:
- Qualification documents.
- Experience certificate (if applicable).
- A license from the home/last working country.
- Pass Authority’s Examination (unless exempted).
- Pass Primary Source Verification (PSV).
- Pass DHA Prometric Exam (if required).
- Obtain an eligibility letter.
- Secure job offer from DHA-approved facility.
- Apply for license activation.
How much time is required for a nurse to obtain a DHA medical license?
The time required for a nurse to obtain a DHA medical license is typically 3 to 6 months, depending on verification timelines, exam scheduling, and facility-based activation, provided the nurse has complete documentation and no gaps in clinical practice. Additionally, you have to pass the DHA exam on your first try to become licensed in this time frame. The main time stamps are provided below.
| Step | Estimated Time |
| Self-Assessment | Immediate – A Few minutes |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) | 15–25 working days |
| Prometric Exam | 7–20 working days |
| DHA Application Review | 10–15 working days |
How much does it cost for a nurse to obtain a DHA medical license?
The DHA license process costs between AED 2,500 and AED 5,500 for a nurse to obtain a DHA medical license. This includes the application (AED 200–300), DataFlow verification (AED 1,200–1,500), DHA exam (AED 950), and license activation (AED 1,000–3,000). Some employers may cover activation. Extra costs like document attestation, English tests, or agency fees may apply. Below is the estimated cost for a nursing license from DHA in Dubai.
Estimated Total Cost: AED 2,500 – AED 5,000
| Fee Type | Cost (AED) |
| Application Fee | 200-250 |
| PSV (Primary Source Verification) | 935-1035 |
| DHA Exam | 250 – 1,000 |
| License Activation | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Other Costs (Attestation, Translation, etc.) | 500 – 1500 |
What is the validity period for a nurse’s DHA medical license?
The validity period of the DHA medical license for nurses is one year from the date it’s issued. It means that it doesn’t last forever. It’s valid for 365 days. After that, you must renew it. But renewal comes with conditions. You need to show that you’ve stayed updated in your field Specifically, nurses must complete 20 CME or CPD credits every year. These are educational activities like courses, workshops, or online training that keep your knowledge fresh.
Also, the license renewal isn’t automatic. You need to submit documents again, your current CME credits, a Good Standing Certificate if asked, and sometimes updated work experience. In short;
- DHA license for nurses is valid for 1 year.
- Requires 20 CME/CPD credits annually for renewal.
What are the limitations for a nurse to obtain a DHA medical license?
The limitations for a nurse to obtain a DHA medical license include that Assistant Nurses and Assistant Midwives cannot work independently, and Non-UAE nationals with a gap in clinical practice of more than 5 years are not eligible. And even if the gap is less than that, you’ll still need to complete CME hours and clinical training before applying again.
Also, qualifications from unaccredited institutions or distance learning programs don’t count. DHA only accepts verified education from recognized sources, no exceptions. The main limitations are
- Assistant Nurses and Assistant Midwives cannot work independently.
- Non-UAE nationals with a gap in clinical practice of>5 years are not eligible.
- Must practice only within Dubai under the DHA authority.
Can a nurse with a DHA license work in other emirates?
No, a nurse with a DHA license cannot work in other emirates, as the DHA license only allows you to work in Dubai. It doesn’t give you automatic permission to work in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any of the other emirates because each has its own rules. For example, MOHAP handles the northern emirates, while DOH handles Abu Dhabi. You’d have to submit your documents again and go through their procedures. If your DHA license is current and you meet all the requirements, you might be exempt from the exam when applying to another authority.
What are the reasons for the rejection of a nurse’s DHA license in Dubai?
Reasons for the rejection of a nurse’s DHA license include submitting unrecognized or unaccredited qualifications and having a clinical practice gap of more than five years. Other common causes are failed PSV verification, expired documents, false declarations, or repeated failure in the DHA exam.
To avoid rejection, ensure all information is accurate, authentic, and complete. The following cases, based on years of experience at Felix Happich Consultancy, highlight mistakes to avoid for a successful license process.
- Unrecognized qualifications (honorary, distance learning).
- Incomplete Primary Source Verification.
- Failing the DHA exam on the allowed 3 attempts.
- Lack of English proficiency (as per specified tests).
- Gap in practice of more than 5 years for non-UAE nationals.
What is the process for a nurse disqualified from obtaining a DHA medical license?
The process for a nurse disqualified from obtaining a DHA medical license depends on the type of rejection and the reasons for rejection. However, the first step in each case is identifying and understanding the specific reason for the rejection and then fixing the issue by completing the requirements.
Common causes include unrecognized qualifications, a clinical gap of more than five years, failed Primary Source Verification (PSV), multiple exam failures, or submission of expired or false documents.
For nurses eligible to reapply, corrective steps may include completing an accredited bridging program, gaining fresh clinical experience, or providing updated verification documents.
Expert consultation for a nurse to obtain a DHA medical license
The DHA process can overwhelm you if you do not follow the framework required. Although DHA offers basic guidance, but not offer detailed help. That’s why sometimes you need support with verification, exam prep, and job placement. Not only this but also some get’s stuck in finding the right place to submit and collect the documents which can takes longer then required.
Therefore, to help you get the process done in the right way and short time, our Felix Happich Consultants help you handle the whole process, saving your time, reducing errors, and improving your chances of securing a DHA license successfully.
