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The medical professionals require a valid license from dubai healthcare authority (DHA) to practice their healthcare services in Dubai as per Article 4 of Federal Law No. 6 of 2023. The authority issues the license after you fulfill its requirements, as outlined in the PQR (Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification). The License is recognized among all the authorities, including DHA, DOH, and MOHAP, only if healthcare professionals meet PQR licensure standards.
The general requirements include that you must possess a recognized medical degree, submit a Good Standing Certificate issued within 6 months, complete Primary Source Verification (PSV), pass the required exam, unless exempted or not compulsory, which we have explained in the article later, and apply under the same approved title.
As a medical professional, you must confirm your education from a recognized institution, typically following completion of a high school certificate. For example, physicians and dentists require MBBS or MBChB and BDS / DMD / DDS or other equivalent education for general practice. These qualification requirements change with a change in professional title and the speciality. However, honorary awards, distance/correspondence study, equivalency-only routes, and non-clinical degrees without supervised practice are not accepted.
Along with a professional qualification, all licensed physicians and dentists are required to fulfill one year of clinical internship after obtaining their graduation, unless internships are part of the undergraduate training. For instance, a General Practitioner, physicians, and dentists require a one-year internship. However, no internship is required for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals if they are UAE nationals or children of Emirati women.
The healthcare professionals also need to have considerable experience required for the title, as per the PQR, which is limited to hands-on patient care obtained during salaried or contract-based work under an active healthcare license. The experience requirements change with the professional title, the tier category, and the authority of the specific emirate. The detailed experience requirements are provided in a later section, with each speciality in the article.
General Requirements for a Healthcare License in Dubai
A healthcare license in Dubai is based on patient safety and care quality. All professionals must meet shared standards set by the DHA. These standards cover education, training, experience, exams, and professional conduct. Authority verifies documents from sources and reviews clinical practice history. Most applicants must pass an English exam and meet recent practice rules before licensure approval.
General Educational Qualification Requirements
The education standards for licensing are the minimum qualification criteria that the DHA accepts only from nationally accredited institutions. To uphold that standard, the applicants must hold a country-recognized high school certificate at the entry level. Along with this, the professional should have a qualification that is aligned with the requirements below applied to the regulation.
- Only nationally accredited educational programs are accepted.
- The qualification must be issued by an institution officially recognized by the relevant authorities in the awarding country.
- Applicants must hold a country-recognized high school certificate at the entry level.
Which qualifications are not accepted by the DHA?
The qualifications that are not accepted by the Dubai Health Authority include honorary awards, remote or correspondence study programs, equivalency-based routes, or academic degrees without supervised hands-on or clinical training.
- Honorary degrees
- Distance-learning or correspondence programs
- Equivalency-only pathways
- Non-clinical academic degrees without supervised practice
General Internship/Training Requirements
Generally, physicians and dentists are required to complete clinical internships or gain additional work experience, whereas the requirements for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals vary by nationality and professional title. The main internship requirements are provided below:
- All licensed physicians and dentists are required to fulfill one year of clinical internship after obtaining their graduation, unless internships are part of the undergraduate training.
- Physicians and dentists who cannot provide proof of internship completion must get an additional two (2) years of experience.
- No internship is required for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals if they are UAE nationals or children of Emirati women with a valid birth certificate and the mother’s family book
- Nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals from non-UAE and GCC nationals must complete six months of approved post-graduation training, unless the professional title explicitly requires no experience.
General Experience Requirements
The DHA requires experience that directly matches the applied professional title and involves active patient care. Only licensed, hands-on clinical work is accepted, with documented procedures for surgical and dental roles. Non-clinical, academic, or teaching experience is not accepted. The main experience regulations by the DHA are provided below
- Experience submitted for evaluation must match the professional title under application.
- Applicants in surgical and dental specialties are required to provide procedural logbooks that document sufficient cases across the common practice areas of the specialty.
- Accepted experience is limited to hands-on patient care obtained during salaried or contract-based work under an active healthcare license
Which experiences are not accepted by the DHA?
DHA does not accept non-clinical or instructional experience, including teaching roles, as valid experience since they do not involve direct, licensed patient care practice.
General Professional Requirements
Generally, a professional must hold a valid professional license and provide a recent Good Standing Certificate. Temporary licenses may be issued for three months, with one approved renewal only. The general professional requirements include:
- The applicant must have a valid professional license to practice or be registered (where applicable) in their home country and/or country of last employment
- Applicants must submit a valid Good Standing Certificate, issued within six months by the relevant health authority or last employer (in case the country lacks regulatory bodies).
- To prove the status of good conduct of the medical professional, the authorities have the right to ask for more evidence or initiate further investigations.
- A temporary or professional license may be issued for three monthsone time renewal only with approval from the authorities.
Primary Source Verification Requirements
All documents required for licensing are verified by the MOHAP, DOH, or DHA directly from the original or primary source through primary source verification. Below, we have provided the section where you need to verify your documents. However, this is not limited only to the below-mentioned areas, but it is also required for all other documents that the Authorities consider necessary.
- Educational qualification(s)
- Experience certificate(s)
- Professional license(s)
General Exam Requirements
The Dubai healthcare license requires an exam that confirms that healthcare professionals meet the federal licensing standards of the UAE and the emirate-level DHA healthcare regulations and can practice safely and effectively. Passing the DHA exam is mandatory unless exempted. Exams are conducted in English and may include written, oral, OSCE, or other approved formats based on the applied title. The general PQR regulations include:
- Healthcare professionals must successfully pass the DHA examination to qualify for a professional license in Dubai, unless exempted, as we have explained in the DHA Exam section in each specialty.
- When applying for the examination, applicants must note that all assessments are conducted in English without translators, and the oral examination includes at least five specialty-related scenarios or questions as determined by the examining panel.
- Applicants are allowed three examination attempts through DHA, with the possibility of one final attempt through a different Authority, including DOH and MIHAP, after failing all three attempts with the Dubai Authority.
- The examination format is determined by the healthcare professional’s applied title and may include
- Written
- Oral
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
- Other approved assessment methods
General CME/CPD Requirements
Professionals require specific CME or CPD credits to keep their current skills and safe practice standards. DHA accepts only specialty-specific, approved clinical training at APS facilities and successful exam completion. Licensure also depends on acceptable gaps of practice, which vary by nationality. The general regulations are provided below:
- Only specialty-related CME/CPD credits that fulfill the Authorities’ specific CME/CPD requirements will be recognized.
- All applicants must complete an authority-accredited clinical training program in their specialty, conducted exclusively at an Approved Practice Setting (APS) health facility recognized by the relevant Authorities.
- All non-exempt applicants must pass the Authorities’ licensure exam after completing required CME/CPD credits and clinical training, including those with exam equivalency who meet gap-of-practice requirements.
- Generally, non-UAE nationals are ineligible for licensure if their gap of practice exceeds five years, while UAE nationals and children of Emirati women are allowed up to ten years, excluding interruptions caused by mandatory UAE national service.
General Fee Requirements
These fees are required to cover exams, document checks, and license processing, which vary by service type, document volume, country of issue, and whether re-assessment or verification is required.
| Fee Type | Typical Amount (AED) | When Applicable |
| Exam Fee (CBT) | 500 – 1,000 | If an exam is required |
| Re-assessment / Re-exam | 500 – 1,000 | Failed attempts |
| Good Standing Certificate | 200 – 500 | Issuing authority cost |
| Primary Source Verification (PSV) | 1,200 – 2,500 | Cost varies by the number of documents and the country of issuance |
| Translation / Attestation | Variable | Document compliance |
| License Consultation Fee | Variable | Not replace official authority fees |
What are the DHA License Requirements for Doctors?
The requirements of a DHA license for doctors are built on real, verifiable qualifications. For example, a doctor holding a CCT from the UK, a Fachärztliche Anerkennung from Germany, or ABMS board certification from the United States meets DHA’s recognized specialty standards. A general practitioner must complete a one-year internship plus two years of clinical practice. Specialists with Tier 1 or Tier 2 qualifications may apply without extra experience if recently certified. These examples show how DHA links training, experience, and title eligibility clearly and fairly.
- Applicants must graduate from formally recognized allopathic medical schools or colleges of medicine accredited by the competent issuing authority in the awarding country. The country-specific authorities are provided below in the table.
| Country | Authority Named in PQR | Authority Role in DHA Recognition |
| Austria | Österreichische Ärztekammer | Issues Facharztdiplom (medical specialist diploma) |
| Australia | Australian Medical Council (AMC) | Recognizes Royal College Fellowships (exam-based only) |
| Belgium | Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment | Issues with formal specialist qualification evidence |
| Canada | Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) | National specialist certification authority |
| College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) | National family medicine certification | |
| Denmark | Sundhedsstyrelsen | The national health authority is issuing a specialist title |
| United Arab Emirates | Ministry of Education (MOE / NQA) | Accredits Emirati Board & clinical master programs |
| Finland | Finnish Universities (state-regulated) | Award specialist medical qualifications |
| France | French Universities | Issue DES / DESC specialty diplomas |
| Conseil national de l’Ordre des médecins | Issues a full medical license (registration waived for UAE nationals) | |
| Germany | State Chambers of Physicians (Ärztekammer) | Issue Fachärztliche Anerkennung |
| Iceland | Directorate of Health | Issues Sérfræðileyfi (specialist license) |
| Ireland | Irish Medical Council | Specialist registration authority |
| Royal Colleges / Intercollegiate Specialty Boards | Postgraduate specialty certification | |
| South Korea | Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs | Issues specialist license after residency |
| Luxembourg | Ministry of Health (Ministre de la Santé publique) | Issues specialist certificates |
| Netherlands | Registratiecommissie Geneeskundig Specialisten (RGS) | Official specialist register |
| Medisch Specialisten Registratie Commissie (MSRC) | Recognized specialist registration body | |
| New Zealand | Recognized Royal Colleges | Fellowship certification (exam-based only) |
| Norway | Norwegian Directorate of Health | Issues specialist approvals |
| Norwegian Medical Association | Oversees GP/specialist training certificates | |
| Singapore | Joint Committee on Specialist Training (JCST) | Issues exit certification |
| Specialist Accreditation Board (SAB) | Mandatory specialist accreditation | |
| South Africa | Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) | Fellowship certification |
| Sweden | Socialstyrelsen (National Board of Health and Welfare) | Issues specialist competence certificates |
| Switzerland | Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) | Issues specialist diplomas |
| United Kingdom | General Medical Council (GMC) | Specialist registration authority |
| Royal Colleges / Intercollegiate Specialty Boards | Issue CCT / CCST | |
| United States | American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) | Board certification authority |
| American Osteopathic Association (AOA) | Osteopathic board certification | |
| Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) | Residency accreditation (UAE nationals) |
- Graduates holding a basic degree in Osteopathy may qualify for specialist or consultant licensure if their specialization is obtained through an ACGME-accredited specialty under the American Board of Medical Specialties or from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Some of these are provided below in the table.
| Country | Recognized Specialty Qualification (as listed) | Issuing Authority |
| Austria | Facharztdiplom (Diploma of Medical Specialist) | Österreichische Ärztekammer |
| Australia | Fellowship of Royal Colleges (by exam only) | Australian Medical Council (AMC) |
| Canada | Specialization Certificate | Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) |
| France | DES / DESC | French Universities |
| Germany | Fachärztliche Anerkennung | State Chambers of Physicians (Ärztekammer) |
| Ireland | CSCST | Irish Medical Council |
| Netherlands | Specialist Register Certificate | RGS / MSRC |
| Singapore | Exit Certificate + Accreditation | JCST + SAB |
| South Africa | Fellowship Certificate / MMed | Colleges of Medicine of South Africa |
| Sweden | Specialist Competence Certificate | Socialstyrelsen |
| Switzerland | Specialist Diploma | Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) |
| United Kingdom | CCT / CCST | GMC + Royal Colleges |
| United States | Board Certification | ABMS / AOA |
- Physicians must complete a minimum of one year (12 months) of post-graduation internship.
- Applicants are required to hold an active license or recognized registration, where applicable, from their home country and/or most recent employment country.
- Clinical experience in Cardiology, Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Pediatrics is accepted when applying for the General Practitioner title.
- Sub-specialty clinical experience may be considered acceptable, provided the applicant meets all fundamental requirements of the primary specialty at the time of application.
- Recognized medical specialty qualifications listed in the PQR are accepted after completion of a full-time program of at least three years, while unlisted qualifications may be reviewed by the PQR Committee if they meet the required criteria.
- Specialists holding Tier 1 or Tier 2 qualifications are exempt from post-qualification specialty experience requirements if the primary specialty qualification was awarded within the last two (2) years.
Educational Qualification Requirements for Doctors
It is the minimum academic standards that professionals must meet for licensing and career progression. All categories, from Intern to General Practitioner, require an accredited MBBS or MBChB degree. Specialist roles require the same base degree plus an approved specialty qualification. The tables below show an in-depth overview of all categories and their required qualification.
| Category | Educational Qualification Requirement |
| Intern | MBBS or MBChB or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution |
| UAE Resident | MBBS or MBChB or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution |
| General Practitioner | MBBS or MBChB or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution |
| Specialist | MBBS or MBChB or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution, and completion of a specialty qualification listed in the Recognized Specialty Certificate table |
| Consultant | MBBS or MBChB or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution and a recognized Consultant-level qualification (e.g., ABMS, RCPSC, CFPC, CCST, CCT), subject to authority recognition |
Experience Requirements for Doctors
Clinical practice is needed for almost all healthcare professionals to ensure they have appropriate hands-on exposure based on role, tier, nationality, and qualifications. The tables include the required experience for all the physicians.
| Category | Experience Requirement |
| Intern | No experience required* |
| Resident | Experience requirements as per the relevant Authority’s approved residency standards |
| General Practitioner | Two (2) years of clinical experience after internship completion |
| Specialist – Tier 1 and Tier 2 | No experience required after obtaining the main specialty or sub-specialty qualification |
| Specialist – Tier 3 | (UAE Nationals & Children of Emirati Women): One (1) year of experience after obtaining the main specialty qualification. No experience required after obtaining the sub-specialty qualification. (Non-UAE Nationals) Three (3) years of experience after obtaining the main specialty qualification. Two (2) years of experience after obtaining the sub-specialty qualification |
| Consultant Tier 1 | Two (2) years of experience after obtaining the main specialty qualification One (1) year of experience after obtaining the sub-specialty qualification |
| Consultant Tier 2 | Five (5) years of experience after obtaining the main specialty qualification. Four (4) years of experience after obtaining the sub-specialty qualification |
| Consultant Tier 3 | Cannot attain the Consultant title Tier 3 physicians enrolled before June 2017 can apply for the Consultant title, subject to 10 years of specialist practice, valid good standing, no recent disciplinary history, required academic output, dual recommendations, and passing the Consultant oral exam |
| Consultant with ABMS, RCPSC, CFPC, CCST, or CCT | No experience required. This exemption does not apply to surgical and interventional specialties. |
What are the DHA license requirements for dentists in Dubai?
The requirements for a DHA license for dentists in Dubai include a bachelor’s degree in dentistry, clinical experience, a medical license examination test, and an oral assessment. The DHA license examination test is not conducted in countries like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Educational Requirements
The education requirements for dentists in Dubai include the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM), or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). The Dubai Health Authority accepts degrees only from accredited medical institutions.
Training Requirements
The training requirements for dentists in Dubai include 1 year of internship and 2 years of clinical experience.
Examination Requirements
The examination requirements include the DHA Prometric test and oral assessment. The DHA Prometric test includes 150 MCQs that test the medical knowledge and experience of the applicants. The applicants need to get a minimum of 60 % marks on their DHA Prometric test.
What are the DHA license requirements for nurses in Dubai?
The requirements for a DHA license for nurses in Dubai include a nursing degree or diploma, clinical experience, and a DHA medical license test, along with an oral assessment as mentioned in the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), which are outlined by the Dubai Health Authority.
Educational Requirements
The educational requirements for nurses include a minimum of 3 years of a Bachelor of Nursing for registered nurses and a minimum of 2 years of a diploma in nursing for assistant nurses.
Training Requirements
Training requirements for nurses include two years of clinical experience after graduation. The gaps in the clinical experience must be filled with Continuing Medical Education (CME) to get the nursing medical license from the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA).
Examination Requirement
The examination requirements for nurses to get the DHA license include the DHA Prometric test and an oral assessment. The nurses from countries like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand don’t need to pass these tests.
Do you need Professional Support for the DHA Licensing Process?
Professional support is not mandatory for DHA licensing. However, many medical professionals choose expert help to avoid document errors, PSV delays, eligibility issues, and exam rescheduling. Professional support ensures compliance with PQR requirements and smoother submission through the DHA Sheryan portal, especially for first-time or overseas applicants.
How Can Happich DHA License Agency Simplify DHA Licensing Requirements for You?
Happich DHA License Agency simplifies DHA licensing by reviewing eligibility, preparing documents, managing Primary Source Verification, and guiding exam scheduling. The team ensures compliance with PQR rules, reduces errors, and avoids delays on the DHA Sheryan portal. This support helps doctors, nurses, dentists, and allied healthcare staff complete licensing steps correctly and faster, while staying focused on their medical careers in Dubai.
