The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is a critical requirement for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Dubai’s growing medical sector. Whether you are a nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or other medical professional, the process of obtaining a DHA license involves several steps, each with its associated costs. Understanding these fees helps candidates budget and prepare for the licensing process effectively.
In this blog, we will cover each fee in detail to give you a comprehensive understanding of the DHA license fees and what you can expect.
Preliminary Exam Fees:
The first step in acquiring a DHA license is passing the preliminary exam. This exam is an essential gateway for proving your competence and readiness to work in the healthcare industry in Dubai. The exam evaluates your knowledge in your specific field, covering topics related to patient care, medical practices, and ethics.
The fees for the DHA preliminary exam can vary based on the healthcare profession. Below is a general estimate:
For nurses, the fee is approximately AED 270 to AED 300.
For doctors, the fee typically ranges from AED 510 to AED 520.
Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals can expect fees in the range of AED 300 to AED 500.
It’s important to note that these fees may be subject to change, and candidates are advised to check the DHA website for the latest fee structure before applying for the exam.
Primary Source Verification (PSV):
The next step in the DHA licensing process involves Primary Source Verification (PSV), a critical phase that ensures the authenticity of your credentials. The DHA conducts this verification through a third-party agency, DataFlow, to confirm your educational background, work experience, and professional certifications.
The fees for PSV are generally based on the number of documents that need to be verified. On average:
PSV for a single document (such as a degree or license) costs around AED 300 to AED 500 per document.
For professionals submitting multiple documents (e.g., degrees, licenses, experience letters), the cost can increase proportionally. For example, verifying 3-5 documents may cost approximately AED 1,000 to AED 1,500.
PSV is a one-time fee during the licensing process, but it is essential to get the verification done accurately, as any discrepancies could delay or deny your application.
Evaluation Charges:
After completing the exam and PSV, healthcare professionals must go through the evaluation phase, where the DHA assesses whether the candidate meets the necessary criteria to practice in Dubai. This process evaluates the candidate’s qualifications, professional experience, and credentials.
The evaluation fee is generally:
AED 200 to AED 300 for nurses and allied healthcare professionals.
AED 500 to AED 600 for doctors and specialists.
This fee covers the assessment and processing of your documents and qualifications, ensuring they align with the DHA’s standards for healthcare professionals.
License Charges:
Once your evaluation is complete and successful, you can proceed to apply for your DHA license. The license charges are one of the most crucial costs to consider, as this is the final step that officially grants you permission to practice in Dubai.
License fees depend on the profession, and there are often different tiers based on whether you are a general practitioner, specialist, or consultant.
For general practitioners and nurses, the license fee is typically around AED 3,000 to AED 5,000.
For specialists and consultants, the cost can range from AED 6,000 to AED 10,000.
It’s also important to note that the DHA license is valid for one year, and you will need to renew it annually by paying a renewal fee, which is usually similar to the initial licensing cost.
