DHA License in Dubai: Eligibility, Documents Required & Procedure

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is a mandatory approval for anyone looking to establish a medical practice in Dubai, whether a UAE national or an expatriate. This essential license for healthcare professionals is issued by the Health Regulation Department (HRD) under the DHA. To obtain the DHA license, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, provide required documents, and pass skill tests and assessments. After obtaining the necessary approvals and receiving the DHA license, healthcare professionals are qualified to set up a medical consultation in Dubai. This article outlines the eligibility requirements, required documents, and procedures for securing a DHA license in Dubai.

What is a DHA License?

A DHA License is an official authorisation granted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), allowing healthcare professionals to practice clinically in Dubai. This license confirms that healthcare professionals meet specific requirements for their position category, title, and speciality. To be eligible for a DHA license, individuals must hold a valid medical degree from a recognised institution, pass the DHA screening test, and fulfil any additional requirements for the specific license type, such as relevant experience or exams. Initially valid for one year, the license must be activated by a health facility before the professional can commence clinical practice.

Benefits of a DHA License

A Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license offers numerous benefits for healthcare professionals and facilities operating in Dubai:

• Legal Authorization: The DHA license ensures that healthcare professionals and facilities meet the stringent standards set by the Dubai Health Authority, granting legal authorisation to provide healthcare services in Dubai.
• Enhanced Credibility: Holding a DHA license boosts the credibility of healthcare professionals and facilities, as it signals compliance with high-quality standards, fostering trust among patients.
• Access to a Growing Market: Dubai's healthcare sector is expanding, and a DHA license enables professionals and facilities to tap into this growing market, benefiting from the city's increasing demand for healthcare services.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: A DHA license provides access to continuous medical education, professional development, and networking opportunities, enhancing career growth for healthcare professionals.
• Operational Flexibility: Licensed professionals and facilities gain the flexibility to operate across various healthcare sectors within Dubai, including hospitals, clinics, and specialised medical centres.

Learn more: Types of Business Licenses in Dubai

Who is Eligible to Apply for a DHA License?

The following healthcare experts or professionals are eligible to apply for a DHA license in Dubai, 

• Medical Doctors
• Physicians
• Allied Health Professionals
• Dentists
• Nurses/Midwives
• Surgeons
• Complementary and Alternative medicine professionals

Documents Required to Get a DHA License

DHA license requirements must be submitted for a DHA license review. Here is the list of DHA  document requirements:

• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A copy of a valid passport.
• Good Standing Certificate(s) that are current and issued within the past six months.
• A logbook documenting surgical specialities from the last two years.
• Academic qualifications certificates
• Verified qualifications, experience, and registrations relevant to the role, as required by the Professional Qualifications Requirements (PQR), along with the CBT assessment result, if applicable.

How to Get a DHA License in Dubai?

The following is the step-by-step procedure that answers the question of 'how can I apply for DHA license?'. 

Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility

• Self-Assessment Tool: Use the online self-assessment tool on the Sheryan website to determine if you meet the basic requirements for a DHA license.
• Requirements Not Met: If you don't meet the requirements, you can request a manual review of the registration eligibility for an evaluation. It may take up to 10 days for review.
• Satisfied with Self-Assessment: If you meet the basic requirements, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Primary Source Verification (PSV) and Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

• PSV: Submit your educational credentials and work experience for verification through Dataflow. It filters authentic applicants from unauthentic persons, which helps provide DHA licenses only for deserving individuals. 
• CBT: If required for your profession, take the computer-based testing (CBT) assessment through Prometric. It is especially applicable to doctors, dentists, and nurses. Qualifying the CBT assessment leads to the next step of the registration process. 

Step 3: Register for DHA License

To register for a DHA license, create an account on the Sheryan website. Then, complete the online application form, upload the required documents (passport, educational certificates, work experience), and pay the DHA registration fee.

Step 4: Oral Assessment 

If an oral assessment is necessary for your profession, you'll need to schedule it. Be sure to prepare thoroughly for the assessment by reviewing your knowledge and skills in your field. This will help you demonstrate your competence and increase your chances of success. This step prevents the wrong person from obtaining the DHA license. Once you pass the Oral assessment, you will be registered as a medical professional. 

Step 5: Activate DHA Professional License

To activate your professional license, submit your offer letter, malpractice insurance certificate, and license fee. Once these documents are reviewed and approved, you'll receive an interim license to use while your original license is processed.

This is the overall process and procedure regarding how to apply for DHA license.

Also read: How to get a Pharmacy License in Dubai?

DHA License Cost

The cost of obtaining a DHA License varies significantly depending on the license type and the specific profession. Different healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and allied health practitioners, face varying fees based on their respective licensing categories and the complexity of the application process.

Validity of DHA License

The DHA License is valid for one year and must be renewed within three months before the expiration date to ensure continuous practice in Dubai's healthcare sector. This renewal process is essential for maintaining the license's validity and compliance with regulatory standards set by the Dubai Health Authority. 

DHA License Renewal Process

The DHA renewal process involves submitting an online application through the Sheryan portal, where healthcare professionals must provide the necessary information for their license renewal. Once the application is submitted, the required fees must be paid to complete the process. Upon successful completion of these steps, the professional license is renewed, and a renewed eLicense is generated.

Conclusion

Obtaining a DHA license is a crucial step for healthcare professionals seeking to practice in Dubai. This comprehensive guide has outlined the eligibility criteria, required documents, and step-by-step procedures involved in securing a DHA license. By understanding the process and preparing thoroughly, healthcare professionals can navigate the application process efficiently and successfully establish their careers in Dubai's dynamic healthcare sector.

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