DHA License Requirements for Doctors
Quick Summary
To qualify for a DHA license, doctors must hold a medical degree from a recognised university, meet minimum experience requirements, provide a good standing certificate, and submit a comprehensive set of verified documents. Requirements vary by professional category.
Meeting the DHA license requirements is the first hurdle in your journey to practising medicine in Dubai. The Dubai Health Authority has established clear eligibility criteria that every applicant must satisfy. Understanding these requirements early allows you to prepare your documentation well in advance and avoid unnecessary delays.
Educational Requirements
The foundation of your DHA application is your medical degree. The DHA maintains a list of recognised universities and medical schools whose graduates are eligible to apply. Key points to understand:
- Your medical degree must be from a university recognised by the DHA. The authority refers to databases such as the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and its own internal list.
- The degree programme must typically be a minimum of five years in duration (or equivalent), excluding internship.
- If your degree is from a country where the language of instruction is not English, you may need to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
- Graduates of certain countries may face additional requirements or different evaluation pathways. It is best to check the Sheryan portal for country-specific guidance.
Experience Requirements
The amount of post-qualification clinical experience you need depends on the professional category you are applying under:
| Category | Typical Minimum Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner | 2 years post-internship | Must be in clinical practice |
| Specialist | Completion of residency/specialty training | Board certification or equivalent required |
| Consultant | Varies (often 3-5+ years post-specialty) | Significant independent practice required |
Experience must be verifiable -- the DHA will check your employment history through DataFlow verification. Gaps in your practice history may trigger additional scrutiny or requirements. For more on this topic, see our page on DHA license after a gap in practice.
Good Standing Certificate
You must provide a Certificate of Good Standing (sometimes called a letter of good standing or professional status letter) from every medical licensing authority where you have been registered. This certificate confirms that:
- You hold or have held a valid medical license in that jurisdiction
- There are no disciplinary actions, complaints, or restrictions against your licence
- You are in good professional standing
The certificate should typically be issued within the last six months at the time of your DHA application. If you have been registered in multiple countries, you will need a certificate from each one. Some licensing authorities take several weeks to issue these certificates, so request them early.
Required Documents
Document Checklist
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Passport-sized photograph (white background, recent)
- Medical degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Specialty qualification or board certification (if applicable)
- Good standing certificate(s) from all jurisdictions
- Current curriculum vitae (CV)
- Experience letters from all employers (on hospital letterhead)
- Prometric exam result (or proof of exemption)
- DataFlow verification report
- Medical fitness certificate (typically arranged in Dubai)
Document Preparation Tips
Proper document preparation can save you weeks of back-and-forth with the DHA. Here are practical tips:
- Get certified copies. All documents should be notarised or attested as required. Some documents may need to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the issuing country and then by the UAE embassy.
- Translate non-English documents. Any document not in English or Arabic must be translated by a certified legal translator. The translation should be attested.
- Ensure consistency. Your name must match across all documents. If your name has changed (e.g., due to marriage), provide legal proof of the name change.
- Obtain experience letters on letterhead. Letters must include your job title, department, dates of employment, and duties. They should be signed by an authorised person such as the medical director or HR head.
- Keep digital copies. Scan all documents in high resolution before submitting originals anywhere. You will need digital copies for the Sheryan portal upload.
Additional Requirements for Specific Situations
Depending on your background, the DHA may require supplementary documentation:
- Doctors from certain countries: Additional academic transcripts, verification of training institution accreditation, or proof of completion of a national licensing exam may be needed.
- Doctors seeking consultant classification: Evidence of publications, teaching experience, or letters from peers confirming your consultant-level expertise may strengthen your application.
- Doctors with a gap in practice: A declaration explaining the gap, evidence of continuing education during the gap, or a recent clinical assessment may be required.
It is worth noting that requirements can change. The DHA occasionally updates its criteria, so always check the latest guidance on the official Sheryan portal before finalising your application.