September 12, 2024

All About the DHA License in Dubai

dha license in dubai

Are you a nurse, a doctor, a pharmacist, or a surgeon and looking to get yourself a DHA license issued? It might be complex and hectic to get the licenses issued on your own, especially when you are new to the land and unaware of the regulations and processes that are required to be followed to get the license issued. In this blog, you can find valuable information relating to the issuance of DHA licenses in Dubai. In the end, you will know whom to approach to get an easy DHA license in Dubai.

If you are a healthcare practitioner, you must obtain a DHA license in Dubai to practice. The Health Regulation Department (HRD) of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is responsible for distributing the license. To obtain a DHA license, healthcare professionals must submit an application, take examinations, and complete a skill test.

A DHA registration for a healthcare professional confirms that they have the necessary qualifications (category, title, and specialty) for the position they are applying for. The registration is valid for one year, after which the medical facility needs to convert it into a license before the practitioner can start clinical work. By maintaining an active registration, healthcare professionals are included in the Dubai Medical Registry and can keep their approved position without the need for re-evaluation (assuming there is no break in practice).

If you’re looking to get one, here’s our guide with all the details that can help you out.

Who is eligible for a DHA license?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has set certain eligibility criteria for those who want to apply for a license. Before proceeding with the application process, it is mandatory to complete the DHA eligibility check. The DHA Health Regulation Department (HRD) is responsible for issuing licenses to medical practitioners who meet the requirements to provide high-quality healthcare services to the citizens of Dubai. These medical professionals include:

  • Doctors
  • Surgeons or dentists
  • Allied healthcare professionals
  • Nurses/Midwives
  • Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine

What are the prerequisites for a DHA license?

Imagine you are a healthcare professional willing to get a DHA license. In that case, follow these prerequisites.

  • Provide the Primary Source Verification (PSV) Agency with the necessary documentation.
  • Complete all necessary computer-based testing (CBT) exams.
  • It should be noted that you will be able to complete your CBT assessment and dataflow verification simultaneously.
  • If you are planning to submit an application, please keep in mind that you will need to provide the following documents:
    1. A recent passport-size photo
    2. A copy of a valid passport
    3. Good standing certificate(s) (GSC) that are valid at the time of application and not more than six months old.
    4. Surgical specialties logbook for the previous two years.
    5. CBT evaluation outcome, if applicable.
    6. Certificate of experience
    7. Certificate of Qualification
  • A cost of 200 AED will be charged for the license process, and it will take 5 working days.

Licensing Process

The procedure for obtaining a DHA license in Dubai is rather simple. This is the information you need to know to apply for a DHA license in Dubai, UAE.

  • To apply for a DHA license in Dubai, complete the initial self-assessment by following these steps: 

    1. Visit the DHA website and access the Sheryan self-assessment portal after creating a Sheryan account.
    2. Answer the questions based on your credentials and experience.
    3. The system will determine your eligibility for the Dubai Medical Registry.
    4. If eligible, proceed with the application process by submitting the form and required documents along with the payment.

  • If all requirements are met, proceed with primary source verification through dataflow and CBT assessment (if required) through Prometric simultaneously. During the PSV, the eligibility, qualification, credentials, and other background of the individual are thoroughly verified. And some of the professionals might be required to attempt a CBT to evaluate their skills and knowledge.
  • Once the assessment is completed, to have your license application processed, you need to register on the DHA Sheryan platform. Simply follow these steps:1. Select the “Register as Professional” option on the screen.
    2. Enter your relevant information.
    3. Upload the required documents.
    4. Pay the DHA registration fee, which is AED 200 (subject to change).
    5. Submit your application.

  After reviewing your application along with your PSV and CBT results, the DHA will decide whether to accept, deny, or request additional information.

  • Once registration is completed, it may be necessary to take an oral examination through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), depending on the type of professional healthcare employment you are seeking. To take the DHA oral test, select a suitable time. The registration fees for the oral DHA exam are AED 2,000 for urgent assessment and AED 250 for the standard examination. Once you have completed and passed the test, you can proceed to activate your professional license.
  • After passing the oral Dubai Health Authority exam, you will become a certified DHA practitioner. To activate your professional license, follow these steps using your Sheryan account: 

    1. Choose the professional’s registration and complete an online application.
    2. The appropriate authority will approve your request.
    3. Pay the AED 1000–AED 4,000 license activation fee.

Service Limitations

In case you are trying for the license, make sure to keep these limitations in mind:

  • The professional needs to pass the relevant assessment within three tries with all authorities. 
  • Professionals should not be blacklisted. 
  • Before offering services, the professional must receive the PSV result for the documentation they have provided.

Renewal of license

The process of renewing the DHA license is also easy; it is much easier when you get assistance from professionals. The process of getting the license renewed includes the following:

  • Get the PSV document and upload it along with the result.
  • Get your latest malpractice insurance certificate and upload it.
  • Apply for the renewal of the DHA license on the Sheryan Portal.
  • Pay the required registration fees.
  • Follow up and wait until the DHA reviews the license renewal application.
  • After approval from the DHA, the license will be renewed.

Documents for renewal

The documents that are mandatory for the application to renew the DHA license include the following:

  • A copy of the passport
  • Results from PSV include: 
    • Good standing,
    • Validity of the license
    • Experience certificate
  • Updated experience certificate
  • Updated malpractice insurance

Conclusion

Obtaining a DHA license is essential for any healthcare professional seeking to work in Dubai. The process may involve assessments, exams, and specific documentation, but ultimately, it ensures qualified practitioners deliver high standards of care. With a DHA license, you can confidently contribute to Dubai’s thriving healthcare sector and build a successful career in this dynamic emirate.

It might be easy for a person who lives in Dubai to follow the steps required to obtain a license to practice medicine, but if you are an immigrant who wants to do the same, it might be difficult to handle all the necessary procedures. To avoid stressing too much, you can reach out to CDA for help in obtaining the required license. CDA will take care of everything, from submitting your application and the required documents to getting you verified. How? The answer is here.

Get your DHA license issued or renewed with CDA.

CDA’s professionals engaged in business set-up services, PRO, and HR services, along with assistance in getting the various licenses issued, can help you get your documents sorted and licenses approved by the required authorities within less time. Individuals who are new to Dubai might not be aware of the rules and compliance requirements of the land. In such situations, our friendly team can assist you and get the licenses and other requirements sorted out easily.

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