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In short: A DHA License for UK Doctors in Dubai requires Sheryan registration, DataFlow primary source verification and activation by a DHA-licensed employer. UK General Practitioners with PLAB I and II, a GMC-accredited UK medical degree or a valid GMC registration are exempt from the DHA exam, and UK specialists with a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) are exempt at specialist and consultant level. The process typically takes 1 to 3 months.
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. UK specialists with a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or a Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) hold a Tier 1 qualification and are exempt from the exam at specialist and consultant level.
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 1โ3 months, depending on document verification and exam scheduling. The DHA fees are AED 200 for registration, USD 280 for the exam if no exemption applies and AED 3,000 for a 1-year physician licence, which the hiring facility pays at activation. DataFlow verification fees depend on the verification package and the number of documents.
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.
Felix Happich Consultancy checks your UK documents against the PQR in a free 15-minute call.
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), certificate not older than 6 months
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.ย
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)
Which UK specialty qualifications does the DHA recognise?
The DHA recognises UK specialty qualifications in three tiers, and the tier sets the title, the required experience and the exam rule. The Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) is a Tier 1 qualification. MRCS alone is not accepted as a specialty qualification.
| Tier | UK qualification | Title and exam |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | CCT issued by the GMC or PMETB; CCST issued by the STA | Specialist; consultant after 2 years of experience; exempt from the DHA exam |
| Tier 2 | GMC specialist registration plus Royal College membership or fellowship (except MRCS), Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians or Intercollegiate Specialty Board (FRCS); Royal College membership or fellowship with an accredited residency; CESR plus GMC specialist registration; CEGPR plus GMC registration | Specialist; consultant after 5 years of experience; DHA exam unless all Category 2 exemption conditions apply |
| Tier 3 | Exam-based Royal College membership or fellowship (except MRCS), Federation of Royal Colleges of Physicians or Intercollegiate Specialty Board without GMC specialist registration; certificate of the Joint Committee for Postgraduate Training for General Practice | Specialist after 3 years of experience (non-UAE nationals); no consultant title; DHA exam required |
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: โข 3 years after main specialty โข 2 years after sub-specialty |
Tier 1 and Tier 2 specialists need no experience after the qualification only when the qualification was obtained within the last 3 years.
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 โ 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. For UK doctors, PLAB I and II, a GMC-accredited UK medical degree or a valid GMC registration exempt at General Practitioner level, and a CCT or CCST (Tier 1) exempts at specialist and consultant level. Royal College membership alone does not exempt from the exam. 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 to the qualifications named in the Exam Equivalency Criteria of the PQR April 2025: PLAB I and II, a GMC-accredited UK medical degree or a valid GMC registration for General Practitioners, and a Tier 1 certificate such as the CCT for specialists and consultants.
A gap of practice exceeding three (3) years cancels the exam exemption. The doctor completes 80 to 120 CME/CPD credits and 6 to 8 months of clinical training and then passes the DHA exam, according to the Discontinuity of Practice rules in the PQR. Non-UAE nationals with a gap of more than five (5) years cannot apply for a licence.
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 obtained from the UK: CCT (issued by GMC/PMETB) or CCST (issued by STA) | 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 – Valid licence and good professional standing – Clinical publications, research programs, or international conference involvement (all conditions together) | 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: CCT (issued by GMC/PMETB) or CCST (issued by STA) | No additional experience required | Yes |
| Category 2 | Holders of recognized Tier 2 specialty certificates, for example: – GMC Specialist Registration + Royal College Membership/Fellowship (excluding MRCS) – CESR + GMC Specialist Registration – CEGPR + GMC Registration | – 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 – Valid licence and good professional standing (all conditions together) | 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 whose PLAB pass is older than 5 years) | The exemption covers the exam only. The General Practitioner title still requires the internship and 2 years of clinical 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.ย
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. DataFlow states 15 to 25 working days from payment and a complete set of documents.
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. UK doctors are exempt when they meet the Exam Equivalency Criteria above, for example PLAB I and II at General Practitioner level or a CCT at specialist level, and have no gap of practice longer than 3 years. The computer-based exam for General Practice costs USD 280 (about AED 1,030) and has 150 questions with a 60% pass score, according to the DHA assessment guideline of September 2026.
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. The registration review on Sheryan costs AED 200 and takes about 5 working days.
Activate the License
Obtain a sponsored job offer from a DHA-licensed healthcare facility. Your employer pays the DHA license activation fees: AED 3,000 for 1 year, AED 5,000 for 2 years or AED 7,500 for 3 years for a full-time physician licence. Activation on Sheryan is processed instantly, and the licence is renewed for 1, 2 or 3 years at a time. 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. The DHA fees for the doctor are AED 200 for registration and USD 280 (about AED 1,030) for the exam if no exemption applies. The licence fee of AED 3,000 to AED 7,500 is paid by the hiring facility. DataFlow verification fees depend on the package and the number of documents.
| Step | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD) | Paid by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registration (credentialing on Sheryan) | 200 | about 55 | Doctor |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV / DataFlow) | approx. 1,000 โ 1,500, depends on package | approx. 270 โ 410 | Doctor |
| DHA computer-based exam (if not exempt) | about 1,030 | 280 | Doctor |
| Oral Assessment (if applicable) | approx. 250 โ 1,000 | approx. 70 โ 270 | Doctor |
| License Activation (1 / 2 / 3 years) | 3,000 / 5,000 / 7,500 | about 820 / 1,360 / 2,040 | Employer |
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 | 1โ3 days |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) | 15โ25 working days (DataFlow) |
| DHA Prometric Exam (if applicable) | 2โ4 weeks (scheduling + result) |
| Registration review and Eligibility Letter | about 5 working days |
| Job Offer & License Activation | job offer depends on the employer; activation is instant |
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.
Free licence check for UK doctors: exemption, title and next step in 15 minutes.
FAQs about the DHA License for UK Doctors
Can GMC registered doctors work in Dubai?
Yes, GMC registered doctors work in Dubai once they hold a DHA physician license. GMC registration alone does not allow practice in Dubai, but a GMC-accredited UK degree, valid PLAB I and II or a valid GMC registration exempt General Practitioners from the DHA exam.
Can I apply for a DHA license while still working in the NHS?
Yes. UK doctors complete Sheryan registration, DataFlow verification and the DHA exam from the UK, at Prometric test centres in the UK. The licence becomes active once a DHA-licensed facility in Dubai hires the doctor and activates the licence on Sheryan.
How can a UK doctor get a DHA license without an exam?
A UK doctor gets a DHA license without the exam through the Exam Equivalency Criteria of the PQR. General Practitioners qualify with valid PLAB I and II, a GMC-accredited UK medical degree or a valid GMC registration. Specialists and consultants qualify with a Tier 1 certificate such as the CCT. A gap of practice of more than 3 years cancels the exemption.
Is there a DHA exam centre in the UK?
Yes, the DHA exam runs at approved Prometric test 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. A DHA licence runs for 1, 2 or 3 years, and the employer renews it on Sheryan from 3 months before expiry. A licence expired for more than 6 months is cancelled. A gap of practice of more than 3 years requires CME/CPD credits, clinical training and the DHA exam before a new licence.
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 transfer my DHA license to Abu Dhabi?
No, a DHA license is valid only in Dubai. Abu Dhabi licenses doctors through the Department of Health (DOH), and the switch is explained in How to Convert a DHA License to DOH (HAAD) in 2026.
How much do UK doctors earn in Dubai?
Salaries for UK doctors in Dubai depend on the DHA title, the specialty and the employer. Monthly figures for GPs, specialists and consultants are listed in Doctor Salary in Dubai (UAE) in 2026, and daily life is covered in Working as a UK Doctor in Dubai in 2026.
Can a UK GP set up a private clinic in Dubai?
Yes, a UK GP can open a private clinic in Dubai. The clinic needs its own DHA health facility license in addition to the doctor’s professional DHA license, and the steps are explained in Open a clinic in Dubai in 2026.
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.
- Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), April 2025, DHA Sheryan: PQR April 2025 (PDF)
- DHA Healthcare Professional Licensing Assessment Guideline, Computer Based Testing, updated September 2026: DHA CBT guideline (PDF)
- DHA Sheryan service description: Activate Professional License
- DHA Sheryan service description: Get Registered
- DataFlow Group: FAQs on DataFlow verification
