Dubai continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for healthcare professionals seeking world-class experience, competitive salaries, and tax-free earnings. But before you can practice in Dubai’s vibrant healthcare sector, you must obtain your DHA License a mandatory requirement issued by the Dubai Health Authority.

Whether you're a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or allied health professional, this 2026-updated guide provides everything you need to know about DHA license requirements, eligibility rules, experience criteria, and a complete document checklist.

This guide is written to help medical students, freshers, and experienced professionals avoid delays and apply with confidence.

What Is a DHA License?

A DHA License is an official permit that allows healthcare professionals to legally practice in Dubai. It ensures that all medical workers meet Dubai’s professional, ethical, and academic standards.

A DHA License is required for:

• General Practitioners (GPs)

• Specialists & Consultants

• Dentists

• Nurses & Midwives

• Pharmacists

• Physiotherapists

• Radiographers

• Lab Technicians

• Allied Health Professionals

Who Needs This Guide?

This article is designed for:

✔ Medical students planning to start their DHA application
✔ Doctors & nurses relocating to Dubai
✔ Fresh graduates checking eligibility
✔ Professionals with experience gaps
✔ Applicants needing a complete checklist
✔ Anyone confused about DHA rules

DHA License Requirements in Dubai (2026 Updated)

Below are the core eligibility requirements set by the Dubai Health Authority for 2026.

1. Educational Qualification Requirements

Your education must match the DHA’s standards and be from an accredited institution.

For Doctors (GP, Specialist, Consultant):

• MBBS / MD or equivalent from a recognized university

• Internship completion certificate

• Relevant postgraduate qualification for specialists (MD/MS, MSc, Fellowship, Board certification)

For Dentists:

• BDS / DDS from an accredited university

• 1-year internship

For Nurses:

• Bachelor of Nursing (BSN)

• 3-year Nursing Diploma (accepted for certain categories)

• Internship (mandatory if no experience)

For Allied Health:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree specific to profession

• Some categories require 1–2 years’ clinical training

2. Experience Requirements (2026 Rules)

Experience requirements depend on your profession.

Doctors

• General Practitioner: 2 years’ experience

• Specialist: 3+ years post-specialization

• Consultant: 5+ years post-specialization

Nurses

• Registered Nurse: Minimum 2 years

• Assistant Nurse: Minimum 1 year

Dentists

• General Dentist: 2 years after internship

• Specialist Dentist: 3+ years post-specialty

Allied Health

• Experience requirement ranges from 1–3 years depending on specialty.

3. Gap in Practice Rules (2026 Update)

One of the biggest reasons for DHA rejection is a large career gap.

Here’s what DHA allows:

• Up to 6 months gap: Accepted without issue

• 6 months to 2 years: Requires CPD (Continuing Professional Development) proof

• 2–5 years: Requires additional assessment + extra CPD

• More than 5 years: Not eligible unless proof of continuous medical education + evaluation is provided

To avoid rejection, ensure your CPD hours are up to date.

Document Checklist for DHA License (2026 Edition)

You must upload clear, attested, and valid documents through the Sheryan portal.

✔ Mandatory Documents

• Passport copy

• Recent passport-size photo

• Updated CV

• Educational certificates (MBBS, BSN, BDS, etc.)

• Internship completion certificate

• Experience letters

• Home country license/registration

• Good Standing Certificate (issued within last 6 months)

• CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate (some categories)

• Logbook (required for surgeons, dentists, and some specialists)

✔ Optional / Conditional Documents

• Name change affidavit (if needed)

• License renewal certificate

• Special approvals for restricted specialties

Make sure all documents are in PDF format and properly attested.

Primary Source Verification (PSV) – DataFlow

Before taking the DHA exam, your documents must be verified via DataFlow.
This step confirms your certificates, experience, and license authenticity.

DataFlow checks:

• Degree authenticity

• Experience validity

• License validity

• Good Standing authenticity

DataFlow typically takes 20–35 working days.

DHA Exam Requirements (Prometric Exam)

Most healthcare professionals must pass the DHA Prometric exam to qualify.

You must pass the exam if you are:

✔ Doctor (GP, Specialist, Consultant)
✔ Nurse
✔ Dentist
✔ Pharmacist
✔ Allied Health professional

Requirements to sit for the exam:

• Completed DataFlow submission

• Educational + experience compliance

• Identification documents

• Payment of exam fees

Passing the exam makes you eligible for a license once you secure a job in Dubai.

Common Reasons DHA Applications Get Rejected

Many applicants face delays or rejections due to simple errors:

❌ Incorrect job title in experience letters
❌ Unattested educational documents
❌ Mismatch in names on certificates
❌ Gap in practice without CPD proof
❌ Expired Good Standing Certificate
❌ Incomplete or incorrect DataFlow files

Avoid these mistakes to save months of processing time.

How Doctor Expat (DREXPAT) Helps You Get Your DHA License Faster

Applying alone can take months and often leads to rejection.
Doctor Expat supports you with:

• Full DHA license application

• DataFlow & PSV submission

• Professional CV formatting

• Exam scheduling

• Eligibility screening

• Job placement with Dubai hospitals

• Visa and relocation assistance

This ensures a smooth, fast, and successful licensing journey.

Final Thoughts

Getting a DHA License in Dubai is a mandatory step for all healthcare professionals who want to work in the city’s world-class medical sector.
While the process may seem complex, understanding the 2026 eligibility rules, experience requirements, and document checklist ensures a smooth application.With the right guidance and proper preparation, you can pass the DHA exam, complete your verification, and begin your medical career in Dubai with confidence.