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US physicians enjoy significant advantages when obtaining a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license, as the United States holds prestigious Tier 1 status for medical qualifications. The DHA recognizes American Board certificates issued by ABMS and AOA, which streamlines the licensing process for US physicians.
However, regardless of the tier category, the emirate demands professionals to fulfill some essential requirements, including apostilled medical credentials, board certifications, a valid US state license, a good standing certificate, two years of clinical experience for GPs after internship completion, and an employment offer from a DHA-approved facility. After collecting all the required documents, you can begin the licensing process. However, you face rejection if any documentation is incomplete or incorrectly submitted.
The licensing process involves creating a Sheryan account, completing Dataflow verification, passing the eligibility review, taking the DHA exam unless exempted, and professional license application form. Exam exemptions depend on your professional category.
For instance, General practitioners who passed USMLE Part III are exempt from DHA examinations, while specialists with Tier 1 or Tier 2 qualifications are not required to have experience after the main or sub-specialty qualification if the qualification is obtained within the recent two years, while Tier 3 requires up to 3 years after the main specialty, and 2 years after the sub-specialty, as per the Unified PQR.
The whole process of getting a DHA license as a US professional takes around 2 to 3.5 months on average, with estimated costs of AED 4,500 to 7,500 ($1,225–$2,045). However, several factors can affect these estimates. These include the quality of your documentation, exam completion, and the use of a licensing agency. While hiring an agency isn’t required, it helps make the complex procedure simple and complete the process with reduced costs and fewer or no errors.
How can US doctors work in the Dubai Healthcare System?
For US doctors to work in the Dubai Healthcare System, which exceeds USD 22 billion and has seen over 60 percent growth in licensed professionals have to meet legal, regulatory, and professional requirements. The major requirement without which you can not work in Dubai is a medical licensing compulsion across the UAE, as per the Federal Law No. 5 of 2019, while Dubai Executive Council Resolution No. 49 of 2024 requires a DHA license to practice in Dubai specifically.
And to get a license, you must follow a structured framework with multiple verification stages set by the Dubai Health Authority to assess your clinical, theoretical, and personal capabilities. Once you get a license, you are open to work in Dubai in compliance with the DHA regulations until the license expires.
What are the requirements for US Doctors to get a DHA License?
The requirements for US Doctors to get a DHA License include passing the qualification and experience thresholds under the Unified PQR 2022. It clarifies how requirements escalate by role, from Interns requiring no experience, to Specialists needing three years after their main specialty, and Consultants requiring up to five years for Tier 2 qualifications. These benchmarks define eligibility, seniority, and permitted clinical responsibility. The table below outlines the core requirements.
| Category | Qualification | Experience | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intern | MBBS / MBChB or equivalent from an accredited institution | No experience required | Mandatory completion of a 12-month internship |
| General Practitioner | MBBS / MBChB or equivalent from an accredited institution | 2 years of clinical experience + internship | Experience required for all GPs |
| Specialist | MBBS / MBChB + recognized specialty qualification (≥ 3 years) | Tier 1 or Tier 2 qualifications are not required to have experience after the main or sub-specialty if the qualification was obtained within the recent two (2) years. Specialists with Tier 3 qualifications require 3 years after the main specialty and 2 years after the sub-specialty | Experience counted only after the specialty/sub-specialty |
| Consultant Physician | MBBS / MBChB + higher recognized specialty qualification | Tier 1: 2 years (main) / 1 year (sub) Tier 2: 5 years (main) / 4 years (sub)Tier 3: Not permitted | ABMS board certificate holders are exempt from experience (except surgical & interventional) |
Educational Requirements
This table outlines educational thresholds from MBBS interns to consultants, covering mandatory internships, three-year specialty training, and higher qualifications from recognized PQR-listed institutions only.
| 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 accepted; Osteopathy only via ABMS (ACGME-accredited specialty) or RCPSC |
| Consultant Physician | MBBS / MBChB + higher recognized specialty qualification | Sub-specialty accepted only after the main specialty; qualification must be from a listed PQR country |
Experience Requirement
This table summarizes post-qualification experience thresholds, ranging from interns requiring no experience to consultants needing tier-based years of experience after specialty and subspecialty training.
| Category | Experience | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Intern | No experience required | The internship period satisfies the experience requirement |
| General Practitioner | 2 years of clinical experience + internship | Mandatory for all |
| Specialist | Specialists with Tier 1 or Tier 2 qualifications are not required to have experience if the qualification was obtained within the recent 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) | Experience counted only after obtaining a specialty/sub-specialty certificate |
| Consultant Physician | Tier 1: 2 years (main) / 1 year (sub) Tier 2: 5 years (main) / 4 years (sub)Tier 3: Not permitted | ABMS board certificate holders are exempt from experience (except surgical & interventional) |
Exam Requirement
A multiple-choice test for healthcare professionals from the United States, known as the DHA Exam, is a must unless you qualify for the exam exemption under PQR exam equivalency. It assesses their medical knowledge and clinical experience before applying for a medical license to serve in Dubai.
Which US professionals are exempt from the DHA Exam?
Exam exemption pathways for USA-trained physicians, including Tier 1 specialty certificate holders for Consultants and Specialists, Tier 2 applicants with over ten years’ practice and teaching hospital experience, and USMLE Step III grants exam exemption only for the General Practitioner category.
DHA Exam Exemption Criteria for General Practitioner (USA)
| Qualification Requirements | Additional Notes | Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of passing USMLE Part III | Submit proof of passing the USMLE Part III | Yes |
DHA Exam Exemption Criteria for Specialist Physicians (USA)
| Category | Qualification Requirements | Additional Notes | Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria 1 | Holders of recognized Tier 1 specialty certificates obtained from the USA | No additional requirements stated | Yes |
| Criteria 2 | Holders of a recognized Tier 2 specialty certificate | • Sub-specialty training/certificate in recognized specialties• More than 10 years of practice in related specialty• Minimum 2 years in teaching hospitals in a senior position• Worked with academic training teams• Valid license and good professional conduct• Clinical publications/research / international conferences | Yes |
DHA Exam Exemption Criteria for Consultant Physicians (USA)
| Category | Qualification Requirements | Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Qualification Requirements | Exemption |
| Criteria 1 | Holders of recognized Tier 1 specialty certificates obtained from the USA | Yes |
| Criteria 2 | Holders of a recognized Tier 2 specialty certificate | Yes |
What is the Process for the US Doctors to Obtain a DHA License?
To get a DHA license as a US Doctor, first, create your account on the Sheryan portal and complete the online eligibility check. After that, DHA manually reviews your profile. Once this is approved, you go through Primary Source Verification with DataFlow. If you are not exempt from the exam, you then sit for the DHA test. Finally, when you receive a job offer from a DHA-approved hospital or clinic, your employer submits your license application for activation. Selected categories may attend an oral assessment. Final activation will authorize you to engage in legal clinical practice under the approved professional title.
Set Up a Sheryan Account
Creates a profile on sheryan.dha.gov.ae, selects the professional category, and enters qualifications, experience, and a personal photograph. This profile becomes your official record for all subsequent DHA assessments and licensing actions.
Self-Assessment with the Eligibility tool
This automated screening checks whether the applicant meets basic Unified PQR eligibility before formal submission. The tool evaluates qualifications to prevent ineligible applications from entering paid stages.
Manual Review from the DHA
After submission, DHA performs a regulatory review of your profile. The authority evaluates documents, experience, and qualifications and issues one of three outcomes:
- Qualification and country
- Specialty and title
- Years of experience
Primary Source Verification (PSV)
PSV is a mandatory integrity check conducted through DataFlow. Core credentials are verified directly from issuing institutions, including degrees, licenses, and training certificates. You can not proceed without a completed and cleared PSV report.
Schedule and Pass the DHA Exam
If you are not exempted, you must schedule and pass the DHA licensure examination, conducted as a computer-based or oral assessment, depending on the category. A pass result is required to continue.
Apply for Your Professional License
At this stage, you must have a DHA-approved employer. The healthcare facility submits the license application and sponsors the professional title after all assessments and verification are completed.
Oral Assessment if required
This step applies only to selected categories, mainly Consultant applicants, high-risk specialties, or borderline cases. It evaluates professional judgment, communication, and specialty-level competence.
Activation of Professional License
This is the final regulatory approval. Once activated in the DHA system, you are legally permitted to practice under the approved title and assigned healthcare facility.
How much does the DHA license for US doctors cost?
The overall cost for a US doctor to obtain a DHA medical license in Dubai usually ranges between $820 and $1,360 for general practitioners, while specialists and consultants typically spend between $1,630 and $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 |
| DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV) | $150 – $300 |
| Prometric DHA Exam | $110 – $150 |
| Eligibility Application | Around AED 200 |
| Licensing Application | AED 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Re-verification (if required) | $50 – $75 per document |
How much time is required for US doctors to get a DHA license?
The time required for a US doctor to obtain a DHA medical license usually ranges between 28 and 60 days, depending on the license category and the consulting firm used. For example, for specialists, the process may take approximately 90 to 150 days if you choose Felix Happich as a licensing consultancy. Some license types and their typical processing times are outlined below.
Expert Tips to Avoid Unnecessary Charges and Save Money
Obtaining a DHA license can feel difficult if you are not careful at each step, making the process costly because of small mistakes, rushed decisions, or unclear guidance. However, when you have a better plan and understand what is truly required, you can avoid most unnecessary charges.
- Check your documents as per the PQR
- Make sure you’re eligible by using the DHA eligibility tool
- Send only the required personal and professional documents
- Study well before the DHA exam
- Keep track of payments by saving all your receipts
- Don’t trust easy shortcuts and follow the DHA instructions
FAQs:
Can I work in Dubai with a US medical license?
No. A US doctor cannot work directly in Dubai with a US medical license. You must first obtain a DHA license to practice legally in Dubai.
Can I get a DHA license while living in the USA?
Yes. You can apply for a DHA license while living in the USA. However, for license activation and employment, you must be physically present in the UAE.
How can a US doctor get a DHA license without an exam?
A US doctor may be exempt from the DHA exam if they hold a recognized Tier 1 US specialty certificate (such as ABMS or AOA) or meet the exam equivalency criteria defined by the Authority. USMLE alone does not guarantee automatic exemption.
What are the test centres in the USA for the DHA Exam?
The DHA Prometric exams are conducted at approved Prometric test centres across the USA. Exact locations are available when scheduling through the DHA test details section on the portal.
How can I schedule a DHA exam in the USA?
You can schedule the exam through the DHA portal, select a Prometric test centre in the USA, choose an available date, and complete the payment to confirm your booking.
Is there any age restriction for US professionals applying for a DHA license?
No specific upper age limit is stated in DHA regulations. Applicants must meet training, experience, and medical fitness requirements. The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
When is the DHA exam in the USA?
Exam dates depend on Prometric centre availability. Once eligible, US doctors can usually book an exam within a few weeks, depending on local scheduling capacity.
Can I appear in the DHA exam without experience?
No. US doctors must complete an internship and the required post-graduate clinical experience for their professional title before becoming eligible for the DHA exam.
Do I need to renew a DHA license after living in the USA for a long time?
Yes. DHA licenses must be renewed annually. If you have not practiced for six consecutive months or more, you may need to meet DHA reactivation or reapplication requirements.
Can a US medical graduate work in Dubai directly after completing their studies?
No. US medical graduates must complete an internship and required post-graduate training before applying for a DHA license. Direct practice without these requirements is not permitted.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when applying for a DHA license from the USA?
Common errors include submitting incomplete documents, failing Primary Source Verification, not meeting experience requirements, selecting the wrong specialty, or assuming a US license alone is sufficient for DHA licensure.
