DHA Licence Cost: Complete Fee Breakdown for Doctors

Itemised Cost Breakdown

The DHA licensing process involves several separate fees paid to different organisations at different stages. Understanding each cost helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Dataflow Primary Source Verification: 500 to 750 AED

Dataflow Group charges a verification fee based on the number of documents being verified. A standard verification covering one medical degree, one or two postgraduate qualifications, and two or three experience letters typically costs between 500 and 750 AED. If you have extensive qualifications or work history requiring verification of many documents, the fee may be slightly higher.

This fee is paid directly to Dataflow through their online portal when you submit your application. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card.

Prometric Exam Fee: 1,500 to 2,000 AED

The DHA licensing exam administered through Prometric costs between 1,500 and 2,000 AED, depending on your specialty. This fee is paid online through the Prometric booking system when you schedule your appointment.

If you need to retake the exam, you must pay the full fee again. There is no discount for repeat attempts. This makes thorough preparation a sound financial investment -- the cost of proper study materials is far less than the cost of an additional exam sitting plus the lost time during the mandatory waiting period.

Document Attestation: 500 to 2,000 AED

Depending on your country of origin, your medical certificates and other documents may need to be attested (officially verified) by relevant authorities before submission. Attestation requirements vary by country but may include notarisation by a local authority, verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country, and attestation by the UAE Embassy in your home country.

The cost of attestation varies significantly depending on the country and the number of documents. In some countries, this process is inexpensive and straightforward. In others, it can be more costly and time-consuming. Budget 500 to 2,000 AED for attestation, though the actual cost may fall anywhere within this range.

DHA Processing and Licence Fee: 2,000 to 3,000 AED

The DHA charges a processing fee for reviewing your application and issuing your professional licence. This fee is paid through the Sheryan portal and typically ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 AED. The exact amount depends on the licence category and your specialty.

Optional Costs

Exam preparation materials: Question banks, review courses, and study books cost an additional 500 to 3,000 AED depending on the resources you choose. While technically optional, these materials are a wise investment given the cost of retaking the exam.

Professional photographs and translations: If your documents are not in English or Arabic, certified translations are required. Professional photos for applications typically cost a small amount but should be budgeted for.

Total Cost Summary

Adding up all the mandatory fees, the total cost to obtain a DHA licence ranges from approximately 4,500 AED on the low end to 8,000 AED on the higher end for most candidates. Including optional study materials and potential translation costs, the comprehensive budget should be 5,000 to 10,000 AED.

Annual Renewal Costs

Once issued, your DHA licence must be renewed annually. The renewal fee is approximately 2,000 to 3,000 AED. Renewal also requires completing a minimum number of continuing medical education (CME) credits during the preceding year. Most employers cover the renewal fee and provide a CME allowance as part of your employment package.

Employer Reimbursement

Many Dubai healthcare employers reimburse some or all of the initial licensing costs. This is a negotiable benefit that you should discuss during the contract stage. Some employers reimburse the full amount upon commencement of employment. Others reimburse after a probationary period, typically six months. A few may only cover specific costs such as the exam fee or renewal fees.

Even if reimbursement is available, you will typically need to pay the costs upfront and seek reimbursement afterward. Plan to have sufficient funds available to cover the entire licensing process out of pocket, with reimbursement treated as a bonus rather than a certainty. For more on what to negotiate in your contract, see our contract negotiation guide.

Comparing Costs Across Emirates

Different emirates in the UAE have their own licensing authorities with separate fee structures. Abu Dhabi (DOH), Sharjah (MOH), and other emirates have comparable but not identical costs. If you are considering positions across multiple emirates, compare the total licensing costs as part of your financial planning. The DHA fees covered in this guide apply specifically to Dubai.

Keeping Costs Down

To minimise your total expenditure, prepare all documents correctly the first time to avoid resubmission fees. Study thoroughly to pass the exam on your first attempt. Negotiate employer reimbursement before signing your contract. Use free or low-cost study resources from online communities alongside paid question banks. Understand exactly which attestation steps are required for your country to avoid paying for unnecessary services.