Step-by-Step: Moving to Dubai as a Doctor

The biggest challenge most doctors face is not any single requirement but the sheer number of parallel tasks that need coordination. Treat this as a project with distinct phases, and you will avoid the confusion that trips up many applicants.

Phase 1: Research and Self-Assessment (Weeks 1-2)

Before you touch a single document, invest time in understanding what you are getting into.

This phase is about making an informed decision. If your university is not recognized or you lack the minimum experience, it is better to find out now than after you have paid for document attestation and verification fees.

Phase 2: Document Preparation (Weeks 2-10)

This is often the most tedious phase but also one of the most critical. Start early because delays here cascade through the entire timeline.

Gather originals of: your medical degree, postgraduate certificates, transcripts, professional registration, and certificate of good standing. Contact your medical school, postgraduate training body, and current licensing authority to request these documents. Some institutions take weeks to process requests.

Begin attestation: Your educational documents need to be attested through a chain that typically goes from notary public to your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the UAE Embassy in your country. Research the specific attestation requirements for your country, as they vary. Some countries participate in the Hague Apostille Convention, which can simplify this.

Start Dataflow verification: Register on the Dataflow Group website and submit your documents for primary source verification. This runs in parallel with attestation and typically takes four to eight weeks. Start it as soon as you have your documents ready.

Prepare your CV: The DHA expects a detailed, chronological CV that accounts for your entire career with no unexplained gaps. Include exact dates (month and year) for every position, your duties, and the name of the supervising consultant where applicable.

Phase 3: DHA Application (Weeks 8-16)

Once your Dataflow report is in progress or complete, you can submit your DHA application through the Sheryan portal.

1. Create your Sheryan account and fill in all personal and professional details
2. Upload scanned copies of all required documents
3. Pay the application fee online
4. Wait for the initial screening result (usually one to two weeks)
5. If additional documents are requested, respond promptly to avoid delays
6. Receive confirmation of whether you need to sit the DHA exam

If you are told you need the exam, schedule it at a Prometric test centre as soon as possible. Test slots can fill up, especially in popular locations. You can take the exam in your home country, which is what most applicants do.

Phase 4: The DHA Exam (If Required) (Weeks 12-20)

If you are not exempt, you will need to pass the DHA Professional Licensing Exam. This is a computer-based, multiple-choice assessment specific to your specialty.

Practical advice for exam preparation:

• There is no official DHA study guide. Use the same references you would for your specialty board exams
• Allocate at least four to six weeks of focused study time
• The exam tests clinical knowledge and decision-making, not UAE-specific regulations
• Results typically arrive within two to four weeks
• If you do not pass, you can retake it after a three-month waiting period

See our detailed exam guide for more preparation strategies.

Phase 5: Job Search (Can Start During Phases 2-4)

You do not have to wait until you have your eligibility letter to start looking for jobs. In fact, many employers are willing to hire candidates who are in the licensing pipeline, especially if you have strong credentials.

Where to look:

• Hospital career pages: Major groups like Mediclinic, Aster, NMC, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi post vacancies directly
• Medical recruitment agencies: Firms like MSI Group, Medacs Healthcare, and others specialize in UAE placements. Verify their reputation before engaging
• LinkedIn and professional networks: Many positions are filled through professional connections. Connect with doctors already working in Dubai
• DHA job portal: For government positions

When you receive an offer, review it carefully. Key terms to scrutinize include base salary, housing allowance (or provided accommodation), flight allowances, health insurance coverage, working hours, on-call expectations, and contract duration. Our salary guide can help you evaluate whether an offer is competitive.

Phase 6: Visa and Immigration (Weeks 20-28)

Once you have a job offer and your DHA eligibility letter, your employer takes the lead on the visa process. Here is what happens:

1. Entry permit: Your employer applies for your entry permit, which allows you to enter the UAE for the purpose of working
2. Medical fitness test: Upon arrival, you undergo a medical examination at a government-approved centre (includes blood tests and chest X-ray)
3. Emirates ID: You apply for your national identity card, which involves biometric registration
4. Residence visa stamping: Your residence visa is stamped in your passport
5. DHA license activation: With your visa and Emirates ID, your employer completes the facility attachment, and your DHA license is activated

If you are bringing family members, their visa applications are filed separately (sponsored by you once your own visa is active). See our visa guide for the full details.

Phase 7: Relocation Logistics (Weeks 24-30)

With the administrative pieces in place, you can focus on the practical side of moving.

• Housing: Most employers provide either accommodation or a housing allowance. If you are finding your own place, start researching neighbourhoods and rental prices before you arrive. Short-term serviced apartments can bridge the gap while you search
• Banking: You will need a UAE bank account for salary deposits. Most banks require your Emirates ID, passport, and employment contract to open an account
• Driving: Some nationalities can convert their home driving license to a UAE license without testing. Others need to take a UAE driving test. Check whether your nationality qualifies for conversion
• Shipping belongings: International shipping companies can handle door-to-door moves. Allow four to eight weeks for sea freight from most origins
• Schools (if applicable): If you have children, research schools early. Popular international schools in Dubai can have long waiting lists

For more on daily life, see our Living in Dubai section.

Putting It All Together

The entire process, from initial research to your first day of work, realistically takes six to twelve months for most doctors. Those with strong credentials from well-recognized institutions and in-demand specialties can sometimes move faster. Those facing exam requirements, slow institutional responses, or a tight job market in their specialty may need longer.

The key to a smooth process is starting your document preparation and Dataflow verification as early as possible, since these are the steps you have the least control over once they are in motion.