DHA License Transfer - Changing Employers in Dubai

Changing jobs is a common part of any medical career, and Dubai is no exception. Whether you are moving to a larger hospital, joining a private clinic, or pursuing a new opportunity, you will need to transfer your DHA license to your new employer. This guide explains the complete process, including the critical NOC requirement, necessary documents, fees, and what to expect at each stage.

Understanding DHA License Transfer

A DHA license is linked to a specific healthcare facility and employer. When you change employers within Dubai, your existing license needs to be transferred to the new facility rather than applying for an entirely new license. This transfer process is significantly simpler and faster than the original licensing procedure because your credentials have already been verified.

The transfer maintains your license number and professional standing. You do not need to repeat the Prometric exam, undergo a new Primary Source Verification, or resubmit your educational documents, as long as your current license is valid and in good standing.

NOC Requirements

The No Objection Certificate is the single most important document in the license transfer process. Here is what you need to know:

What Is an NOC?

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is an official letter from your current employer stating that they have no objection to you transferring your DHA license to another facility. The NOC effectively releases your license from the current employer's sponsorship, allowing it to be transferred.

When Is an NOC Required?

• Standard transfers: An NOC is required whenever you move from one employer to another within Dubai while your current license is active.
• After visa cancellation: If your employment visa has already been cancelled and your license has been deactivated, you may not need an NOC. In this case, the new employer applies for a fresh license activation.
• Contract completion: If your employment contract has ended naturally, obtaining an NOC is typically straightforward.

What If Your Employer Refuses to Issue an NOC?

This is a concern many healthcare professionals have. If your employer refuses to provide an NOC, you have several options:

• Wait for contract completion: If your contract has a fixed term, waiting until it ends may resolve the issue, as employers are generally required to issue an NOC upon contract completion.
• Negotiate: In many cases, employers will agree to release you if you serve your notice period in full and assist with the transition.
• Legal recourse: If your employer unreasonably withholds an NOC, you may be able to seek assistance through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or through the Dubai Courts.
• License deactivation and reactivation: In some circumstances, if your visa is cancelled and a sufficient time period passes, your new employer can apply for a fresh license without an NOC from the previous employer.

Required Documents

To complete a DHA license transfer, you will typically need the following documents:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer, on company letterhead with an authorized signature.
• Valid DHA license copy showing your current license status.
• Passport copy with a valid residence visa page.
• Emirates ID copy (front and back).
• New employment contract or offer letter from the new employer.
• New employer's facility license confirming they are authorized by the DHA to operate a healthcare facility.
• Passport-size photograph with a white background.
• Good standing certificate from the current employer (in some cases).

Your new employer's medical director or authorized representative will typically handle the submission of these documents through the Sheryan portal on your behalf.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

1. Secure your NOC: Obtain the No Objection Certificate from your current employer. Ensure it is on official letterhead, dated, signed by an authorized person, and specifically mentions your name, license number, and that the employer has no objection to the transfer.
2. Current employer deactivates your license: Your current employer or facility must deactivate your license from their facility through the Sheryan portal. This step formally disassociates your license from the old employer.
3. New employer initiates transfer: Your new employer logs into the Sheryan portal and submits a license transfer application, uploading all required documents.
4. DHA review: The DHA reviews the application and supporting documents. If everything is in order, the transfer is approved.
5. License reactivated: Your license is reactivated under the new employer's facility. You receive an updated license reflecting the new facility details.
6. Begin work: Once the transferred license is active, you are legally authorized to practice at the new facility.

Fees for License Transfer

License transfer fees are regulated by the DHA and are subject to periodic updates. As a general guide:

• Transfer application fee: Approximately AED 500 to AED 1,000.
• Knowledge and innovation fees: Additional DHA administrative fees may apply, typically AED 10 to AED 50.
• Typing or service center fees: If using a DHA-authorized typing center to submit the application, expect an additional AED 100 to AED 300.

In most cases, the new employer covers these fees as part of the onboarding process. However, this varies by employer, so clarify fee responsibility before starting the transfer. For the latest fee schedule, check the DHA website or the Sheryan portal, or see our DHA license fees page.

Timeline

The DHA license transfer is generally faster than the initial licensing process:

• Standard processing: 5 to 15 business days from submission of a complete application.
• Delays: Incomplete documentation, pending NOC issues, or backlogs at the DHA can extend the timeline. During peak periods, processing may take up to 20 business days.
• Total transition time: When you factor in the notice period with your current employer and the transfer processing time, plan for the entire transition to take 4 to 8 weeks from your decision to move.

You cannot practice medicine during the period between your old license being deactivated and your new license being activated. This gap should be kept as short as possible, and you should coordinate with both employers to minimize downtime.

Special Circumstances

Transfer After License Expiry

If your DHA license has expired, you cannot simply transfer it. You will need to apply for license renewal or a new license through your new employer. This may involve additional steps such as updated PSV or a current Prometric exam result, depending on how long the license has been expired.

Transfer Between Free Zones

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) operates under its own regulatory authority. Moving between a DHA-regulated facility and a DHCC facility may require a different process than a standard DHA-to-DHA transfer. Confirm the specific requirements with both the DHA and DHCC.

Part-Time and Multi-Facility Practice

Some healthcare professionals practice at multiple facilities. In such cases, you may not need a full transfer but rather an additional facility endorsement on your license. Discuss this option with your employer and the DHA.

Visa Considerations

Your residence visa is tied to your employer. When you leave one employer, your visa must be cancelled before your new employer can sponsor a new one. Coordinate the visa transfer process alongside the license transfer to avoid gaps in your legal residency status. Some employers can expedite the visa process if the license transfer is straightforward.

Scope of Practice Changes

If your new role involves a different scope of practice or professional category than your current license covers, you may need to apply for an amendment or upgrade rather than a simple transfer. This could involve additional evaluation by the DHA and may take longer than a standard transfer.