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Dubai’s licensing system ensures medical professionals meet the legal, clinical, and professional standards required to practice medicine. Its regulatory framework has expanded the emirate’s healthcare system and aligned its governance with international standards by implementing strict regulations to uphold patient care.
Similarly, the licensing process for UK-trained doctors also follows the same route. It goes beyond simple credential recognition, as UK registration alone is insufficient. The system assesses additional factors, including the training structure, supervised clinical exposure, and continuity of practice.
For UK doctors, the DHA requires completion of the internship year followed by two years of clinical experience post-internship to qualify for the General Practitioner title, as per the Professional Qualifications Requirements (PQR). In the UK system, this typically encompasses Foundation Year 1 (F1), Foundation Year 2 (F2), and additional post-foundation clinical practice. Additionally, UK medical graduates must have completed their training in General Medical Council (GMC)-accredited programs, which is a key requirement for licensing in Dubai.
Along with this, passing the DHA exam is a must unless exempted by the authority after fulfilling the exemption criteria, which we have discussed in detail in the process section. Some of the situations where doctors may be exempt from the licensure examination include having a valid PLAB I and II, completed within five years; or being graduates of medical courses in the UK accredited by the General Medical Council (UK graduates ONLY); or those with a valid GMC registration, applicable to non-UK graduates whose PLAB exams have passed the five-year validity period.
The licensing process includes account creation, document verification via DataFlow, clinical and theoretical examinations (unless exempted by the DHA), payment submission, and finally license activation. The entire process typically takes 1–3 months, depending on document verification and exam scheduling. While the cost ranges from approximately £600 to £1,000 for general practitioners and £1,200 to £2,000 for specialists and consultants. These fees can vary depending on the medical profession, document verification language, and the number of test attempts.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide for UK doctors, detailing eligibility criteria, licensing requirements, examination exemptions, timelines, renewals, and common pitfalls, helping applicants understand what applies and what does not, in order to avoid delays.
What are the DHA Eligibility Criteria for UK Doctors?
The DHA Eligibility Criteria for UK Doctors include holding a GMC-accredited medical degree (minimum 5 years), completing a one-year internship, and having two years of post-internship clinical experience (typically F1, F2, and additional clinical practice). They must maintain a valid GMC registration and a Good Standing Certificate. UK doctors may be exempt from DHA examinations through three pathways: valid PLAB I and II (within 5-year validity), GMC-accredited UK graduates, or valid GMC registration for those whose PLAB has expired, as per the PQR April 2025.
Specific eligibility checks include:
- GMC-accredited medical degree (minimum 5 years duration)
- Completed 1-year internship
- Completed 2 years clinical experience post-internship (F1, F2, + additional year)
- Valid GMC registration
- PLAB I & II (within 5 years) OR valid GMC registration for expired PLAB
- Good standing with GMC (no disciplinary actions)
What are the DHA License Requirements for UK Doctors?
The DHA License Requirements for UK Doctors require submission of a GMC-accredited medical degree certificate, internship completion certificate, foundation training documentation (F1, F2), and post-graduate clinical experience letters covering two years post-internship.
Required documents include a valid GMC registration certificate, a Good Standing Certificate, PLAB I and II certificates (if applicable and within 5-year validity), experience certificates from all employers, a valid passport copy, and passport photographs.
All credentials must undergo DataFlow verification. Surgical specialties require a logbook with sufficient procedures. Application fees, DataFlow verification fees, and examination fees (if not exempt) must be paid through the DHA Sheryan portal.
General requirements for the UK doctors include:
- Medical degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Foundation training certificates (F1, F2)
- Post-graduate clinical experience letters
- GMC registration certificate (current)
- Good Standing Certificate from GMC
- PLAB I & II certificates (if applicable)
- Experience certificates from all employers
- Valid passport copy
- Passport photographs
- DataFlow verification completed
- Logbook (if applying for a surgical specialty)
Experience Requirement for Non-UAE Nationals:
The licensure requirements for non-resident physicians seeking licensure vary depending on their category and specialty. Specialists and consultants must meet specific experience thresholds after obtaining their main or sub-specialty qualifications. Non-UAE nationals, for example, need several years of experience after obtaining their specialties, with varying criteria for each tier. The tables below outline the required experience for non-resident physicians, detailing the steps to attain licensure based on their qualifications and career stage.
Intern Experience
| Category | Qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Intern | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | No experience required |
General Practitioner Experience
| Category | Qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | Successful completion of internship and 2 years of clinical experience |
Specialist Experience
| Tier | Qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | No experience required after obtaining main or sub-specialty qualification |
| Tier 2 | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | No experience required after obtaining main or sub-specialty qualification |
| Tier 3 | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | Non-UAE nationals: • 3 years after main specialty • 2 years after sub-specialty |
Consultant Experience
| Tier | Qualification | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | 2 years after main specialty and 1 year after sub-specialty |
| Tier 2 | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | 5 years after main specialty and 4 years after sub-specialty |
| Tier 3 | MBBS or MBChB or equivalent | Cannot attain Consultant title |
Additional Consultant Requirements (Tier 3 – Pre-June 2017 Only)
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Experience | 10 years as a Specialist in UAE hospitals or multi-specialty clinics |
| Supervisory Role | 2 years in a supervisory position |
| Research | 2 indexed research publications within 10 years |
| Surgical Logbook | Required for surgical specialties (last 5 years) |
| Consultant Assessment | Pass within 3 attempts |
Examination Requirement:
UK doctors must pass the DHA Prometric examination relevant to their specialty unless exempted by the Authority in accordance with the Exam Equivalency Criteria outlined in the PQR.
Examination exemption is not automatic and is not based solely on UK qualifications such as GMC registration, PLAB, or Royal College membership. Each case is assessed individually based on recognized qualifications, training pathways, and compliance with PQR requirements, including continuity of practice.
Which UK Professionals are Exempt from the DHA Prometric Exam?
UK medical professionals may be exempt from the DHA Prometric Exam if they meet strict, evidence-based criteria set by the Dubai Health Authority. Exemptions are limited and are not granted solely based on UK qualifications alone (such as GMC registration, PLAB, or Royal College memberships), as confirmed in the Manual for Licensing Healthcare Professionals and PQR April 2025.
A gap of practice exceeding three (3) years does not automatically cancel exemption, but triggers CME/CPD and retraining requirements according to the Discontinuity of Practice rules in the PQR (with different thresholds for UAE nationals and non-UAE nationals).
UK professionals exempt from the DHA Prometric Exam include:
Below are the comprehensive table with the qualification and experience details for each category:
DHA Exam Exemption Criteria for Consultant Physicians:
| Category | Qualification Requirements | Additional Notes | Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Holders of recognized Tier 1 specialty certificates | No additional experience required | Yes |
| Category 2 | Holders of recognized Tier 2 specialty certificates | – Sub-specialty training/certificate in the recognized specialties – Over 10 years of experience in the related specialty – At least 2 years in teaching hospitals in a senior position (e.g., Consultant, Head of Unit, Medical Director) – Experience working with a team responsible for academic training | Yes |
DHA Exam Exemption Criteria for Specialist Physicians:
| Category | Qualification Requirements | Additional Notes | Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Holders of recognized Tier 1 specialty certificates obtained from the UK | No additional experience required | Yes |
| Category 2 | – CCT (issued by GMC/PMETB) – Royal College Membership/Fellowship (excluding MRCS) – CESR + GMC Specialist Registration – FRCS (Fellowship) | – Sub-specialty training/certificate in the recognized specialties – Over 10 years of experience in the related specialty – Minimum 2 years in teaching hospitals holding a senior position – Worked with a team responsible for academic training – Clinical publications, research programs, or international conference involvement | Yes |
DHA Exam Exemption Criteria for General Practitioners
| Qualification Requirements | Additional Notes | Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| – Valid PLAB I & II – Graduates of GMC-accredited medical courses in the UK – Valid GMC Registration (for non-UK graduates, if PLAB exams have passed within the last 5 years) | No experience required for UK Graduates within 3 years of internship completion. Non-UK graduates may need 2 years of experience | Yes |
What is the Process for the UK Doctors to Obtain a DHA License
The process for UK doctors to obtain a DHA license includes confirming eligibility, registering on the Sheryan portal, completing Primary Source Verification, applying for exams, attending oral assessments if required, receiving your eligibility letter, and activating your license. Below are the main 7 steps to complete the DHA licensing process efficiently and correctly.
7-Step Process for UK Doctors to Obtain a DHA License
- Check Your Eligibility
- Get registered on the Sheryan Portal
- Complete Primary Source Verification
- Apply for the Prometric Exam if not exempted
- Attend Oral Assessment (if applicable)
- Receive DHA Eligibility Letter
- Activate the License
Check Your Eligibility
First, ensure you meet DHA-defined eligibility criteria provided above. Complete Foundation Year 1 (F1) and Foundation Year 2 (F2), followed by one additional post-graduate clinical year to qualify for a General Practitioner (GP) title. You must also hold a GMC-recognized medical degree.
Get Registered on the Sheryan Portal
Once you are eligible, create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal. Provide your personal, educational, and professional details, and set up credentials to submit and track your licensing application.
Complete Primary Source Verification
After account creation, submit all documents for verification through DHA-approved channels such as DataFlow. Documents include your medical degree, GMC registration, experience certificates, and any previous licenses. Primary Source Verification ensures your qualifications meet DHA standards as mentioned in the Evaluation of Health Professionals guidelines.
Apply for the Prometric Exam if Not Exempted
Just like other expatriate doctors, UK doctors also must take the DHA Prometric exam for their specialty unless they are exempted. Exemptions apply only if you completed an approved residency in Dubai government facilities (Dubai Health or MBRU) and comply with DHA continuity-of-practice rules according to PQR.
Attend Oral Assessment (if applicable)
Some specialties may require an oral assessment in addition to the written exam. This is determined based on your professional title and DHA specialty requirements as per the Final Online Exam Guidelines CBT.
Receive DHA Eligibility Letter
After PSV clearance and passing any required exams or assessments, DHA issues a one-year eligibility letter, confirming you are qualified to activate a professional license as per the Manual for Licensing Healthcare Professionals.
Activate the License
Obtain a sponsored job offer from a DHA-licensed healthcare facility. Your employer pays the DHA activation fees, and the license becomes valid, usually for one year, renewable annually. You can then practice in both government and private hospitals in Dubai.
How much does the DHA license for UK doctors cost?
The cost to obtain a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license for UK doctors varies by step, including verification, exams, and activation. Overall, you can expect total expenses of roughly AED 3,000 – AED 8,000 (≈ £610 – £1,525+) depending on whether you need to sit exams or require additional assessments or document services, and the types of license as well.
| Step | Approx. Cost (AED) | Approx. Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Registration/Credentialing | 200 – 400 | £40 – £80 |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV / DataFlow) | 1,000 – 1,500 | £205 – £305 |
| DHA Prometric Exam | 700 – 1,100 | £145 – £225 |
| Oral Assessment (if applicable) | 250 – 1,000 | £50 – £205 |
| License Activation | 1,000 – 4,000 | £205 – £815 |
How much time is required for UK doctors to get a DHA license?
The time required for UK doctors to obtain a DHA license typically ranges from 1 to 3 months. This includes completing Primary Source Verification (PSV) of all educational and professional documents, scheduling and taking the DHA Prometric exam (if applicable), receiving the eligibility letter, and activating the license with a DHA-licensed employer. Timelines can vary depending on document verification speed, exam scheduling, and specialty requirements. However, the table below shows the main event where it takes the most on average.
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Confirm Eligibility & Register on Sheryan | 1–3 days |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) | 2–6 weeks |
| DHA Prometric Exam (if applicable) | 2–4 weeks (scheduling + result) |
| Eligibility Letter Issuance | 1–2 weeks |
| Job Offer & License Activation | 1–2 weeks |
DHA licensing consultancy for UK Healthcare Professionals
Felix Happich DHA licensing consultancy for UK healthcare professionals helps you through the DHA registration process efficiently. Our experts confirm your eligibility, prepare your documents, complete the Primary Source Verification, schedule exams for you if required, and activate your license. They do everything required for licensing while ensuring compliance with all DHA regulations, improving the chances of fast, successful licensure in Dubai.
Can I work in Dubai with a UK medical license?
No. A UK doctor can not work directly in Dubai with a UK medical license. However, after obtaining a DHA physician license, you can work legally in Dubai.
Can I get a DHA license while living in the UK?
No. You can not get a DHA license while living in the UK. However, you can apply from the UK, while for activation, you need to be in the emirate.
How can a UK doctor get a DHA license without an exam?
A UK doctor can get a DHA license without taking the Prometric exam only if they have completed a residency program in Dubai government health facilities (Dubai Health or MBRU). The residency must be in a DHA-approved specialty, with no gap in clinical practice. UK qualifications alone, such as GMC registration or PLAB, do not grant exam exemption.
What are the test centres in the UK for the DHA Exam?
The DHA Prometric exams are conducted at approved Prometric centres across the UK. Candidates must book their exam through the DHA portal using an eligibility ID. Exact locations are available in the DHA exam scheduling system.
How can I schedule a DHA exam in the UK?
You can schedule the exam via the DHA portal. Select a Prometric test centre in the UK, choose a date, and complete payment to confirm your booking.
Is there any age restriction for UK professionals applying for a DHA licence?
No explicit age restriction is mentioned in the DHA documents for UK professionals. Applicants must meet training, experience, and medical fitness requirements, but there is no limit on the age of applicants. However minimum age is 18 years, which is a must.
When is the DHA exam in the UK?
Exam dates depend on Prometric centre availability. Once eligible, UK doctors can schedule their DHA exam at any approved centre. Availability may vary, but exams are usually offered within a few weeks of booking.
Can I appear in the DHA exam without experience?
No. UK doctors must complete Foundation Year 1 and 2 and an additional post-graduate clinical year to qualify for a GP title before appearing for the DHA exam. Experience is mandatory for eligibility.
Do I need to renew a DHA license after living in the UK for a long time?
Yes. DHA licenses must be renewed annually. If you have not practiced for six consecutive months, you may need to reapply for a new license or meet DHA reactivation requirements.
Can a UK medical graduate work in Dubai directly after completing their studies?
No. UK medical graduates must complete F1, F2, and one additional post-graduate year before applying for a DHA license. Direct practice without these requirements is not permitted.
What are the common mistakes that should be avoided while applying for a DHA license from the United Kingdom?
Common errors include submitting incomplete documents, failing PSV, not meeting experience requirements, choosing an incorrect specialty, or assuming UK registration alone suffices for DHA licensure. Proper planning and verification prevent delays or rejection.
Can I work with the DHA license in both government and private hospitals in Dubai?
Yes. Once your DHA license is active, you are eligible to work in both government and private healthcare facilities in Dubai, subject to employer sponsorship and license activation rules.
