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The UAE owns a highly regulated healthcare system operated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) with straightforward policies and strict licensing regulations, helping patients to get world-class treatment by highly skilled professionals who provide safe and accurate checkups. The regulatory framework is strong enough to uphold patient safety by providing a safe pharmaceutical environment supported by 16,000+ licensed pharmacists as per the UAE Statistical Annual Report 2023 across all health authorities in the UAE.
An MOH license is mandatory for all pharmacists as per Federal Law No. 6 of 2023, which confirms that a pharmacist meets the UAE education, exam, and experience rules, aligning with the pharmacy practice with global healthcare standards. To qualify, a pharmacist must meet MOHAP eligibility rules that require a recognised BPharm, MPharm, or PharmD degree with at least two years of post-graduation experience.
Once you are eligible, the actual process for MOHAP registration gets started, where you have to create a MOHAP or SMART APP account, complete PSV, book the exam, and pay the fee. Passing the exam is compulsory for everyone except those who have MOHAP/DOH licenses, GCC licenses, Tier 1 country licenses (e.g., USA, UK), UAE nationals, or qualifications from accredited UAE institutions. Final steps include medical fitness checks and license issuance. The full process usually takes two to three months.
Once you get the license, it will be valid for one year, and then you have to renew it. Having an active license allows you to work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, warehouses, and pharma companies. A fresh pharmacist’s salaries often range from AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 per month. With proper compliance, it offers stable career growth across the UAE healthcare system.
What is an MOH Pharmacists License?
An MOH Pharmacist License is a compulsory legal permit for pharmacists to work in the healthcare sector of the MOPHAP-regulated Emirate of the UAE, including Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. The license verifies that the pharmacist has met all education, exam, and experience requirements, ensuring the healthcare sector meets global medical standards and protects patient safety by allowing only qualified professionals to serve them. Without an MOH, a pharmacist is not allowed to provide pharmaceutical or dispensing services as per the Federal Law No. (6) of 2023 of the United Arab Emirates.
What are the MOH licensing eligibility criteria for pharmacists?
To practice as a pharmacist in the UAE, it is a must for healthcare professionals to meet the eligibility criteria of the Ministry of Health and Prevention for making sure only capable, experienced practitioners are allowed for the licensing process.
The criteria include having a recognised pharmacy qualification, such as BPharm, MPharm, or PharmD, with at least two years of relevant professional experience after graduation.
And to make the process even easier, the MOHAP has provided a self-assessment tool that one can use to determine his/her eligibility. The general eligibility checks are provided below:
- A valid degree from a Mohap-recognised institution
- More than a two-year gap in professional work history
- Pass the MOHAP assessment exam
- Hold a valid passport and legal residency status in the UAE
What are the MOH license requirements for a pharmacist in the UAE?
The requirements for an MOHAP license for a pharmacist in the UAE include holding a recognised pharmacy degree from an accredited institution, meeting the minimum 2 years of professional experience requirement, and passing the MOHAP assessment exam within the allowed three attempts according to the official Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR).
However, MOHAP also applies a qualification tier system, with Tier 1 qualifications usually requiring less experience, while Tier 2 and Tier 3 applicants must complete additional post-qualification experience. In some cases, Tier 3 professionals may require 2-3 years of practice before approval. Below are the main requirements.
- B.Pharm or PharmD degree
- Recognised university transcripts
- Internship completion certificate
- Two years of hospital experience
- Clinical pharmacy experience proof
- Home country pharmacy license
- Pharmacy council registration
- Good Standing Certificate
- Attested passport and certificate
What documents are required?
The documents include pharmacy certificates, experience letters, MOHAP assessment, criminal clearance, job offer, contract, passport, visa, Emirates ID, and requirements.
- Academic qualification certificates issued by recognised institutions.
- Experience certificates issued by the current or previous employer.
- Valid MOHAP assessment certificate within the approved validity period.
- Criminal clearance certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Official license request letter issued by the hiring healthcare or pharmaceutical facility.
- Confirmed job offer from a MOHAP-licensed facility in the UAE.
- List of licensed employees currently working at the facility.
- Copy of a valid passport with clear personal details.
- Copy of a valid UAE residence visa (if applicable).
- Copy of a valid Emirates ID.
- Professional character reference form for the pharmacist, available through MOHAP Customer Happiness Centres.
- Approved list of controlled medicines required for official or responsible pharmacists.
- Signed employment contract issued by the hiring facility.
- Valid labour card issued by the UAE authorities.
How to get an MOH license in the UAE as a pharmacist?
To get an MOH License as a pharmacist, you need to follow a step-by-step process where you need to create an account on the MOHAP portal or Smart App with UAE PASS. After the account is active, you have to move to the License section, where you will select the license type based on the speciality you have.
Then, complete PSV verification or transfer the PSV if you have done so before with any other healthcare authority. When this verification is completed, move forward to document submission and book your exam through the MOHAP or Prometric portal, where you can view available test centres and choose a suitable date.
After final verification, MOHAP issues the pharmacist license, allowing legal practice in MOHAP-regulated emirates. The detailed process is explained below:
- Create an Account on MOHAP
- Verify Eligibility
- Gather Required Documents
- Dataflow Verification
- Complete Online Application
- Pay Application Fees
- Schedule and Pass MOH Exam
- Medical Fitness Test
- Interview (If Applicable)
- License Issuance
- CPD and License Renewal
Create an Account on MOHAP
First, you have to create an account on the MOHAP portal. Use your email and enter your basic personal details to start the process.
Verify your eligibility
Ensure you meet the MOH criteria we discussed above. Meeting the criteria prevents delays or rejection during the application process.
Submit all the required documents
Submit all the verified documents are essential for smooth application processing and avoiding unnecessary rejections.
Verify your documents via Dataflow verification
After your account is ready, submit your educational and professional documents to Dataflow to begin the PSV verification process. This is where DataFlow checks your education and work experience to confirm that everything is valid, which is mandatory for your MOH license application.
Complete the Online Application
Fill out the official MOH online form or SmartApp accurately. Provide all personal and professional details, upload verified documents, and carefully review the application to avoid mistakes that could delay processing or lead to rejection.
Pay the Application Fees
Pay the required MOH fees, including AED 100 for the application and AED 1,000 for license issuance. Use approved online payment channels and retain proof of payment, as it is necessary for further processing and final approval.
Schedule and Pass the MOH Exam
After you complete the above process, go to the MOHAP or Prometric portal to choose your exam date and a test centre that works for you from the available options. Register and take the MOH examination, which tests knowledge of pharmacy practice, patient care, drug interactions, and UAE healthcare regulations.
Medical Fitness Test (Expatriates)
A Medical Fitness Test is a must to complete as per the UAE health regulations. It is mandatory before license issuance.
Interview (If Applicable)
In some cases, MOH may interview to assess your professional knowledge and experience. This step is less common but may be required.
License Issuance
After completing all steps, MOH issues your pharmacist license, which is a formal permission of legal practice pharmaceutical services in the UAE, opening opportunities across hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and other healthcare sectors.
CPD and Renewal
This is not part of the application process, but it is crucial for legal long-term service in the UAE. Taking part in CPD (Continuing Professional Development) activities and maintaining your professional skills helps you adapt to advancements in the healthcare standards, providing the CPD completion certificate wherever and whenever required.
How much is the MOH License fee for pharmacists?
The MOHAP pharmacist license fee ranges between AED 4000 to AED 7000. It covers testing and administrative costs and may slightly vary depending on the number of times you appear in the exam and the type of license you want to get. Fees are paid online by the licensed facility through the MOHAP system after application approval. The table below shows the total fee for getting an MOH license.
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost (AED) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 500 | 136 |
| DataFlow Verification | 1235 | 336 |
| MOH Exam Fee | 477.48 | 130 |
| Specialist Exam Fee | 1,300 – 2,000 | 354 – 545 |
| Prometric Fee | 200 – 800 | 55 – 218 |
| License Issuance Fee | 3,000 | 817 |
How much time is required to get an MOHAP pharmacist’s license?
It takes 2 to 3 months to get an MOHAP pharmacist license. However, this time varies depending on the type of medical license, the condition of the applicant, and specific requirements depending on the country. The process of obtaining an MOH license in the UAE involves several steps, each step taking a different amount of time, as mentioned below:
- MOHAP reviews applications within 5 working days.
- DataFlow verification takes 6–12 weeks.
- Exam scheduling depends on availability, with results issued within 24 hours.
- Licenses are issued within 2 working days after approval.
What is the validity period of the MOHAP medical license for a pharmacist?
The MOHAP medical license for pharmacists is valid for one year from the date of issuance, as per the official website of the MOHAP. After one year, pharmacists must renew their license within three months before it expires.
How to renew a MOHAP medical license if it expires?
To renew a MOHAP medical license, go through the MOHAP portal. Submits updated documents, confirms ongoing employment, and pays the renewal fee. MOHAP reviews the request and renews the license if all conditions are met. In 2026, the process is entirely online and is mandatory to maintain your legal status as a practising pharmaceutical expert in the UAE.
- Check license expiry
- Log in to the MOHAP portal
- Start the renewal application
- Upload required documents
- Pay the renewal fee
- Submit the application
- Download the renewed license
What is the MOH licensing exam for a pharmacist?
The MOH licensing exam for pharmacists is a compulsory computer-based test to obtain a pharmacist’s license. It is conducted under MOHAP regulations, and it evaluates professional knowledge, safety standards, and pharmacy practice competency. After passing, the assessment certificate is valid for five years and can be used for licensing applications.
What are the common reasons for MOH license rejection?
The common reasons for MOH license rejection are incorrect documents, insufficient professional experience, or work gaps longer than two years. Applications are also rejected if the MOHAP assessment is invalid or failed. Along with this, if personal details do not match official records, or incomplete uploads cause rejection, mostly. Below are the key reasons why a pharmacist faces rejection from MOH.
- Missing or inaccurate documents
- Unrecognised academic credentials
- Invalid or expired home-country license
- Lack of required clinical training or internship
- Unsatisfactory good standing record
- Excessive gap in professional practice
- Unsuccessful licensing exam result
- Issues found during source verification
- Disqualification due to legal or residency status
What are the career opportunities for a pharmacist with an MOHAP license?
A MOHAP license for a pharmacist not only opens doors to employment by working in different roles, including Community/Retail Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist, but also allows participation in the UAE’s integrated health system, facilitating coordination with other healthcare providers via digital health platforms like NABIDH. This integration supports efficient patient care management and data sharing among pharmacies, hospitals and clinics within the UAE. The main carrier opportunities are:
- Community pharmacists in retail pharmacies.
- Hospital pharmacist in public or private hospitals and clinics.
- Clinical support pharmacist assisting doctors.
- Pharmaceutical sales representative for drug companies and suppliers.
- Regulatory affairs officer handling MOHAP drug-related regulations.
What is the expected Salary of a pharmacist in the UAE?
The expected Salary of a pharmacist in the UAE is between AED 5,000 and AED 12,000 per month. Salary depends on experience, job role, employer type, and emirate.
Do you need a consultant for MOHAP licensing?
You do not need a consultant for pharmacist licensing if you are familiar with the process. However, you need to contact a consultant if you are not aware of the application process or want expert advice for a better choice. Seeking consultation offers the following 3 common benefits.
- Expert Guidance
- Time-Saving
- Personalized Solutions
How can Felix Happich help you get the MOHAP license?
Felix Happich assists offer management of end-to-end processes, allowing you to focus on growing your business. If you need help, get in touch, and let us do it for you. For details on what process we follow, you can check our professional licensing services Guide. Our experts have provided a detailed process with everything you need to know as a beginner.
