Introduction: Why DHA Approval Cannot Be Skipped
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the sole government body responsible for regulating, licensing, and overseeing all healthcare professionals and facilities operating within the Emirate of Dubai. Whether you are a physician relocating from abroad, a nurse seeking employment in a Dubai hospital, or an investor planning to open a clinic in Dubai, obtaining DHA approval is not optional — it is a legal prerequisite.
Operating without a valid DHA License Dubai exposes both individuals and businesses to severe regulatory consequences, including fines, facility shutdowns, deportation risks, and permanent blacklisting from the UAE healthcare sector. The licensing framework exists to protect patients, uphold clinical standards, and ensure Dubai remains one of the most reputable healthcare destinations globally.
Understanding the documents required for DHA approval in Dubai is the single most critical factor in a smooth, delay-free application. Incomplete, expired, or incorrectly submitted documents are the primary reasons for rejection — and the cost of restarting the process can be significant in both time and money.
At EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC, we have guided hundreds of healthcare professionals and investors through the DHA approval process. Our team combines over 10 years of UAE regulatory expertise with a thorough understanding of DHA’s evolving requirements — and this guide consolidates everything you need to know for 2026.
What Is DHA Approval in Dubai?
DHA approval is the formal authorisation issued by the Dubai Health Authority that permits a healthcare professional to practice medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, or any allied health profession within Dubai. For facilities, it is the institutional licence that allows a clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or diagnostic laboratory to operate legally.
Who requires DHA approval:
- Doctors (general practitioners and specialists)
- Nurses and midwives
- Dentists and dental hygienists
- Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, radiographers, lab technicians, etc.)
- Healthcare facility owners seeking a clinic license in Dubai or pharmacy/lab approval
DHA vs. MOH vs. DOH — What is the Difference?
| Authority | Full Name | Jurisdiction | Applies To You If… |
| DHA | Dubai Health Authority | Emirate of Dubai | You work or operate in Dubai |
| MOHAP | Ministry of Health & Prevention | Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, etc.) | You work in the Northern Emirates |
| DOH | Department of Health – Abu Dhabi | Emirate of Abu Dhabi | You work in Abu Dhabi |
If you already hold a Medical license Dubai from MOH and wish to transfer, a separate DHA application is required. Licenses are not automatically interchangeable between authorities.
Documents Required for Healthcare Professionals
The documents required for DHA approval in Dubai vary slightly by professional category. Below are optimised checklists for each profession — verified against DHA’s 2026 Sheryan portal requirements.
Documents Required for DHA License for Doctors
To obtain a DHA license for doctors, the following documents must be uploaded to the DHA Sheryan portal in their original, attested, and DHA DataFlow-verified form:
| # | Document | Requirement |
| 1 | Valid passport copy | All pages, colour scan |
| 2 | UAE Residence Visa | Current and valid |
| 3 | Emirates ID | Front and back |
| 4 | Primary medical degree (MBBS / MD) | Attested by MOFA |
| 5 | Specialisation/postgraduate certificate | If applying as specialist |
| 6 | Experience certificates | From all employers in last 5 years |
| 7 | Good Standing Certificate (GSC) | From licensing authority of home country, issued within 6 months |
| 8 | Updated CV / Professional summary | Detailed, signed |
| 9 | DHA DataFlow verification | Primary Source Verification (PSV) report |
| 10 | Recent passport-size photograph | White background |
| 11 | Malpractice insurance certificate | Where applicable |
Documents Required for DHA License for Nurses
The DHA license for nurses follows a similar structure, with specific requirements for nursing qualifications:
- Valid passport + UAE visa + Emirates ID
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent diploma
- Nursing registration certificate from home country
- Good Standing Certificate from the home country nursing council (valid 6 months)
- Evidence of clinical experience (minimum 2 years post-qualification for most categories)
- DHA DataFlow verification of all academic and professional credentials
- BLS/ACLS certification (Basic Life Support)
- NCLEX or equivalent exam results (where applicable)
Documents Required for Dentists
- Passport, visa, Emirates ID
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent degree — MOFA attested
- Dental registration from home country authority
- Good Standing Certificate (must be apostilled or attested)
- Experience certificates from all dental practices
- DHA DataFlow verification (PSV report)
- Specialist certificate (for orthodontists, oral surgeons, etc.)
- Updated CV with photo
Documents Required for Pharmacists
- Pharmacy degree (B.Pharm or PharmD) — MOFA attested
- Home country pharmacy council registration
- Good Standing Certificate from pharmacy council
- Experience certificates (minimum 2 years post-graduation)
- DHA DataFlow verification
- Passport, UAE visa, Emirates ID
- Continuing professional development (CPD) records
Documents Required for Allied Health Professionals
Allied health professionals — including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, laboratory technicians, dietitians, and psychologists — must submit:
- Relevant degree/diploma in the specific allied health field
- Home country professional registration certificate
- Good Standing Certificate
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience certificates
- DHA DataFlow verification (mandatory for all categories)
- Passport, visa, Emirates ID
- CPD certificates or continuing education records
| Expert Tip from EZ Bizz: All academic and professional documents must undergo DHA DataFlow verification before your application proceeds. Initiating DataFlow early — ideally 8–12 weeks before you plan to start work — prevents costly delays. |
Documents Required for Healthcare Facilities
If you are planning to open a clinic in Dubai or establish any healthcare facility, the documents required for DHA approval in Dubai extend beyond professional credentials to cover the full regulatory and physical setup of the facility itself.
Documents Required for Clinic License in Dubai
| # | Document | Notes |
| 1 | Trade licence (DED/Free Zone) | Must reflect healthcare/medical activity |
| 2 | Memorandum of Association (MOA) | Notarised, with healthcare as business activity |
| 3 | Tenancy contract | Must match the clinic’s address |
| 4 | Ejari registration | RERA-registered tenancy |
| 5 | Approved layout/floor plan | Stamped by DHA-approved architect |
| 6 | Dubai Municipality NOC/approval | For the premises |
| 7 | Civil Defense completion certificate | Fire safety compliance |
| 8 | DHA-licensed staff list | All clinical staff must hold individual DHA licences |
| 9 | Medical liability insurance | For the facility and all practitioners |
| 10 | Owner/shareholder passport and visa | All partners |
| 11 | DHA facility inspection report | Issued after on-site DHA inspection |
Documents Required to Open a Polyclinic in Dubai
A polyclinic requires all clinic licence documents plus:
- DHA approval for each individual specialty offered
- Minimum room specifications per DHA polyclinic guidelines
- Separate consultation rooms per specialty
- Additional DHA-licensed specialists for each department
- Radiology or diagnostic equipment approval (if applicable)
Documents Required for Pharmacy Licence
- Healthcare licence in Dubai issued by DHA for the pharmacy activity
- DED trade licence with pharmacy activity
- Pharmacy layout plan (approved dimensions per DHA standards)
- Cold chain management certificate
- Licensed pharmacist on record as Responsible Person
- Drug storage area specifications
- Civil Defense certificate and Dubai Municipality NOC
Documents Required for Diagnostic Lab Approval
- DHA facility application for laboratory activity
- Laboratory layout plan with zoning for pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical areas
- CAP/ISO 15189 accreditation (where required)
- List of tests and equipment with technical specifications
- Licensed laboratory director and technicians
- Biosafety protocols and waste management plan
- Civil Defense and Municipality clearance
Step-by-Step DHA Approval Process (2026)
Understanding the DHA approval process in sequence helps you plan accurately and avoid preventable delays. Here is how the process works from start to licence activation:
- Step 1: Create Your DHA Sheryan Account (Day 1) — Register on the official DHA Sheryan portal (sheryan.dha.gov.ae). Select the appropriate professional or facility category. Complete your profile with accurate personal and contact information.
- Step 2: Upload All Required Documents (Days 1–5) — Scan and upload all documents in the correct format (PDF/JPEG, minimum 300 DPI). Ensure documents are attested where required and translated into English or Arabic if in another language.
- Step 3: Initiate DHA DataFlow Verification (Weeks 1–8) — Submit all academic and professional credentials for DHA DataFlow verification (Primary Source Verification). DataFlow contacts each issuing institution directly. This process typically takes 4–12 weeks. Pay DataFlow fees at submission.
- Step 4: DHA Exam Requirements — Pass the Qualifying Exam (Weeks 4–12) — Depending on your profession and country of qualification, you may be required to sit a DHA exam. Medical professionals from non-Prometric-exempt countries will need to pass the Prometric DHA exam. Book your exam slot through the Prometric website.
- Step 5: Obtain DHA Eligibility Letter (Weeks 8–14) — Once DataFlow is complete and exam (if required) is passed, DHA issues a DHA eligibility letter. This letter confirms you are eligible for licensing but is not the final licence. It is tied to a specific employer/facility.
- Step 6: Employer/Facility Sponsorship (Weeks 10–16) — Your employer or facility submits a sponsorship request through Sheryan linking your eligibility letter to their facility licence.
- Step 7: Licence Activation and Issuance (Weeks 12–18) — Upon payment of the DHA license fees and completion of all checks, your DHA professional license Dubai is issued digitally. Download and retain it — it is required for employment, insurance billing, and renewals.
| Stage | Estimated Timeline |
| Account creation and document upload | 1–5 days |
| DHA DataFlow verification | 4–12 weeks |
| DHA exam (if required) | 4–8 weeks (booking + result) |
| Eligibility letter issuance | 1–2 weeks after DataFlow |
| Licence activation | 1–2 weeks after sponsorship |
| Total (typical range) | 12–20 weeks (3–5 months) |
DHA License Fees (2026 Updated Estimates)
The DHA license fees are structured across multiple stages. The figures below are approximate ranges based on 2025–2026 DHA fee schedules and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees on the official DHA Sheryan portal or with a licensed consultant.
| Fee Type | Estimated Range (AED) | Notes |
| Sheryan application fee | AED 300 – 600 | Per application, non-refundable |
| DHA DataFlow verification | AED 800 – 1,500 | Per credential category (primary + specialty) |
| Prometric DHA exam fee | AED 700 – 1,200 | Per attempt; varies by profession |
| DHA eligibility letter fee | AED 300 – 500 | Issued post-DataFlow and exam |
| Licence activation fee | AED 500 – 2,500 | Varies by profession and licence type |
| Facility inspection fee | AED 2,000 – 10,000+ | For clinics, labs, pharmacies |
| Annual licence renewal | AED 500 – 3,000 | Due annually |
| Note: EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC provides transparent, upfront fee quotations. Our clients never encounter hidden costs. Contact us for a precise 2026 fee breakdown tailored to your specific profession and facility type. |
Common Reasons for DHA Rejection — and How to Avoid Them
Top Rejection Reasons
| Rejection Reason | Impact | Prevention Strategy |
| Missing or incomplete documents | Application halted | Use EZ Bizz pre-submission checklist |
| Expired Good Standing Certificate | Automatic rejection | Ensure GSC issued within 6 months of application |
| Incomplete DHA DataFlow | Process frozen | Initiate DataFlow immediately — don’t wait |
| Experience gap unexplained | Eligibility question raised | Provide gap explanation letter with supporting docs |
| Incorrect facility layout | Facility application rejected | Engage a DHA-approved healthcare architect |
| Wrong licence category selected | Mismatched application | Consult with EZ Bizz before submission |
| Unattested documents | Documents rejected by DHA | All foreign documents must be MOFA attested |
| Failed DHA exam | Delays by months | Enrol in DHA prep course; book exam only when ready |
How to Avoid DHA Rejection
- Start DataFlow immediately — it is the longest phase and runs independently of other steps.
- Ensure all documents are attested, translated, and within validity periods before upload.
- Have your Good Standing Certificate issued no more than 3–4 months before your planned submission date.
- Work with a DHA approval-specialist like EZ Bizz to catch errors before they become rejections.
- Do not select an exam slot until DataFlow is confirmed complete — failed exam retakes add months of delay.
- For facility applications, engage a DHA-approved architect for your layout plan from the outset.
| Case Study: Dr. Priya Menon, Specialist Cardiologist from India Dr. Menon approached EZ Bizz in January 2025 after her self-submitted DHA application was rejected due to an expired Good Standing Certificate and incomplete DataFlow for her postgraduate degree. Within 5 business days, our team restructured her entire application, procured a fresh GSC through our liaison network, and re-initiated DataFlow for the missing credential. Dr. Menon received her DHA eligibility letter 11 weeks later and activated her DHA professional license Dubai within 14 weeks — compared to the 6+ months she had already spent attempting the process alone. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What documents are required for DHA approval in Dubai?
The core documents required for DHA approval in Dubai include a valid passport, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, primary qualification degree (MOFA attested), specialisation certificates, experience letters, a Good Standing Certificate (issued within 6 months), DHA DataFlow verification report, and an updated CV. Facility applications additionally require a trade licence, MOA, tenancy contract, Ejari, approved layout plan, Civil Defense certificate, and DHA inspection.
How long does DHA approval take?
The total DHA approval timeline typically ranges from 12 to 20 weeks for individual professionals, depending on DataFlow speed, exam scheduling, and document completeness. DHA DataFlow verification alone takes 4–12 weeks. Facility approvals may take 4–8 months depending on inspection scheduling and document complexity. EZ Bizz clients typically complete the process in the shortest possible timeframe due to error-free submissions.
Is the DHA exam mandatory?
Not always. DHA exam requirements depend on your profession, years of experience, and country of qualification. Professionals from certain recognised countries with Prometric-exam exemptions, or those with extensive experience and qualifications from approved institutions, may be eligible for direct assessment (portfolio pathway). EZ Bizz will assess your eligibility for exam exemption before you apply.
Can I transfer my MOH license to DHA?
Yes, but it is not an automatic transfer. A formal DHA approval process application must be submitted through the Sheryan portal. DataFlow verification is typically required, though some documents from your MOH application may be accepted if still valid. DHA will evaluate your eligibility independently. EZ Bizz handles MOH-to-DHA transfer cases regularly.
What is the difference between a DHA eligibility letter and a DHA licence?
A DHA eligibility letter confirms that a professional meets DHA’s qualification and competency criteria for a specific role. It is issued after DataFlow and exam completion but does NOT permit independent practice. A DHA professional license Dubai is the activated licence tied to a specific employer or facility — only this licence permits legal clinical practice in Dubai.
How long is a DHA licence valid?
A DHA License Dubai is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually through the Sheryan portal. Renewal requires evidence of continuing professional development (CPD), a valid Good Standing Certificate, and payment of renewal fees. Facility licences follow a similar annual renewal cycle with possible inspection requirements.
Why Choose EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC for DHA Approval?
At EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC, we are not generalist business setup consultants who handle DHA as one of many services. Healthcare licensing in Dubai is a core competency — and we bring over 10 years of UAE-specific regulatory experience to every client engagement.
| What We Offer | What It Means for You |
| End-to-end DHA application management | From document collection to licence activation — we handle everything |
| DHA DataFlow initiation and follow-up | We monitor your DataFlow progress and chase on your behalf |
| DHA exam eligibility assessment | We assess your exemption eligibility before you pay exam fees |
| Healthcare facility setup support | Trade licence, MOA, layout approval, DHA inspection preparation |
| MOH to DHA licence transfer | Specialist handling of cross-emirate licence transfers |
| Rejection rescue service | Expert review and resubmission of previously rejected applications |
| Transparent, fixed-fee pricing | No surprises — full cost disclosed upfront |
| Arabic and English documentation support | Critical for attested and translated documents |
Our team has deep, firsthand experience with DHA’s Sheryan portal, DataFlow procedures, and the specific document requirements for more than 40 healthcare professions. We do not just advise; we act as your partner throughout the process.
Our clients include solo practitioners setting up private clinics, international doctors relocating to Dubai, nursing teams hired by Dubai hospitals, pharmaceutical professionals, and diagnostic lab owners. Whatever your healthcare licensing need, EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC has the expertise to deliver.
Conclusion
Obtaining DHA approval in Dubai is not complicated when you understand exactly what is required and follow the right process. The documents required for DHA approval in Dubai cover personal identification, educational qualifications, professional experience, licensing history, DataFlow verification, and in some cases, exam documentation. For clinics and facilities, the list extends to legal business documents, technical specifications, and staff licensing records.
The most important thing to remember is that accuracy and completeness are non-negotiable. A single missing document, an unattested certificate, or a name discrepancy can delay your application by weeks or even months. Given the stakes involved, the smartest decision most healthcare professionals make is to work with an experienced DHA licensing consultant from the very beginning.
Whether you are a doctor planning to practice in Dubai, a nurse relocating from abroad, or an entrepreneur setting up a medical clinic, EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC is here to guide you through every step of the DHA approval process with confidence, speed, and precision.
| Ready to start? Contact EZ Bizz Corporate Services LLC today for a FREE 30-minute DHA approval consultation. We will review your documents, assess your eligibility, and give you a clear roadmap — with no obligation. Call: +971 4 XXX XXXX | Email: info@ezbizz.ae | Web: www.ezbizz.ae |