DHA Licensing — Dubai Health Authority

The full DHA licensing process typically takes between 3 and 5 months. The longest step is Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow, which takes 4–8 weeks. Once PSV is complete, the DHA eligibility assessment takes 2–4 weeks, the Prometric exam (if required) can be scheduled within 2–4 weeks, and license activation by your employer takes 1–2 weeks. MediFlow’s licensing team can help reduce total processing time by preparing a complete, error-free application from the outset.

Doctors holding a valid GMC registration (UK) with an active licence to practice, or those who have passed both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, qualify for DHA Tier 1 recognition and are exempt from the Prometric exam. Additionally, doctors holding a valid board certification from the USA (USMLE Step 3 passed), Canada, Australia (AMC), or New Zealand may qualify for exam exemption under DHA’s mutual recognition policies. Exemptions should be confirmed at the time of your eligibility assessment, as policies are updated periodically.

DHA registration is the first milestone — it confirms that you meet DHA’s qualifications and eligibility standards, and adds you to the Dubai Medical Registry. Your registration is valid for 1 year. DHA license activation is the second step: it occurs when a DHA-approved healthcare facility officially sponsors you through their facility account. You cannot practice clinically in Dubai with registration alone — you must have an active license linked to a specific employer.

Core documents include: a copy of your passport and photo, your primary medical degree (attested), a postgraduate specialist degree or fellowship certificate (if applicable), your current medical license certificate, a Good Standing Certificate (not older than 6 months), proof of clinical experience (employment certificates or letters from previous employers), a DataFlow PSV report, your internship completion certificate, and passport-size photographs. Surgical specialties also require a case logbook for the last 2 years.

Total costs typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 6,500 depending on specialty and whether you require the Prometric exam. Individual components include: DataFlow PSV verification (AED 800–1,500), DHA application and eligibility assessment fee (AED 400–600), Prometric exam fee (AED 800–1,100 if required), and DHA license issuance fee (AED 500–1,000). Some employers cover all or part of these costs as part of the recruitment package. MediFlow can advise on your specific cost estimate.