DHA Licence to Practise in Dubai for UK Healthcare Professionals

If you are a UK-trained doctor, nurse, dentist or other healthcare practitioner planning to work in Dubai, you will need to check the licensing requirements for your profession. Your qualifications, professional experience and registration must meet the applicable criteria before you apply. UK entrepreneurs planning a clinic also need to understand facility licensing.

This guide explains DHA licence requirements, the Sheryan application process and the main costs and timing considerations for UK applicants.

What is a DHA licence for UK healthcare professionals planning to work in Dubai?

A DHA licence is permission to practise a healthcare profession or operate a healthcare facility within its authorised scope in Dubai. The two routes serve different purposes:

• Professional licence: for individuals such as doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals.
• Facility licence: for clinics, medical centres, pharmacies, laboratories and other healthcare establishments.

You may also see the term “DHA approval”. For a professional, this can refer to registration or eligibility following a review of qualifications and other requirements. For a facility, it may refer to an initial approval before premises and inspection requirements are completed. Neither should be mistaken for permission to begin clinical practice. A professional licence must be activated before practising.

DHA and Dubai Healthcare City: choosing the licensing route

Confirm the current licensing route for your intended location before submitting an application. Dubai Healthcare City has its own commercial and administrative requirements, but it should not be treated as automatically exempt from DHA healthcare licensing. Dubai Law No. 16 of 2024 provides for relevant DHA licences and permits for healthcare activity within DHCC, alongside applicable DHCA approvals. Check the arrangements for your profession and facility directly with the authorities.

DHA licence requirements for UK applicants

Requirements vary by profession, grade and specialty. Generally, applicants should prepare:

• A recognised degree and any required postgraduate qualifications.
• Professional registration with the relevant regulator. For UK applicants, this may be the GMC, NMC, GDC, GPhC or HCPC.
• A valid Certificate of Good Standing from the appropriate regulator.
• Evidence of relevant work experience, where required for the profession and title.
• Documents for primary source verification through the approved process.
• An assessment result, unless an applicable exemption is confirmed.
• Medical malpractice insurance for licence activation and renewal, as applicable.
• An eligible licensed facility to request professional licence activation.

Always confirm the exact criteria for your title with DHA. A general checklist does not replace the current Professional Qualification Requirements or an individual eligibility decision.

How to get a DHA licence: step by step

1. Create a Sheryan account. Sheryan is DHA's online licensing system. Registration gives you a DHA ID.
2. Check your eligibility. Use the self-assessment tool and, where needed, an eligibility review to check your qualifications and experience.
3. Complete primary source verification. DataFlow verifies relevant credentials with issuing institutions, regulators and employers. Response times can affect the overall application.
4. Complete any required assessment. Depending on your profession and eligibility, this may involve a computer-based or oral assessment. Do not assume UK registration automatically grants an exemption.
5. Obtain professional registration. Submit the required application and evidence for DHA review. Assessment completion alone is not permission to practise.
6. Activate your licence. The eligible licensed facility requests activation through Sheryan. You may practise only once the necessary licence is active.

DHA licence fees in Dubai for UK healthcare professionals

Fees vary by profession, application stage and selected licence duration. Check the current amount before paying; verification, assessments and insurance may be charged separately.

These figures are indicative, not a fixed quotation. Use the current DHA Sheryan service information to confirm applicable charges. A clinic budget must also cover company registration, premises, fit-out and staffing. Our Dubai mainland company setup service can help you plan the business formation side.

How long will it take?

There is no single guaranteed end-to-end timeline. Allow time for eligibility review, verification, any assessment, registration and activation. Applications may take several weeks or longer, particularly where universities, regulators or previous employers are slow to respond. Incomplete documentation or limited assessment availability can extend the process.

Opening a clinic: the DHA facility licence

A clinic needs the appropriate business permissions and healthcare facility licence. The professional and facility processes are separate and often progress alongside each other. The main stages generally include:

1. Plan the company and licensed activity. Confirm the legal structure, location and medical activity, and coordinate the commercial and healthcare approval requirements. Review the relevant UAE mainland business setup options.
2. Obtain the required initial approvals. Prepare the proposed services, staffing plan and premises details.
3. Prepare the premises. Confirm the applicable layout, equipment, safety and infection-control standards before committing to fit-out.
4. Complete inspection requirements. The authority reviews the facility and any outstanding conditions.
5. Obtain an active facility licence. Start operating only after the necessary licences, approvals and staffing requirements are satisfied.

Your clinic also needs appropriately licensed staff. Coordinate professional licence activation with the facility's readiness and approved services.

Renewing a DHA licence

DHA licences must be renewed. Renewal is handled through Sheryan and can generally begin up to 90 days before expiry. Confirm the requirements for your category, including malpractice insurance and continuing professional development. CPD requirements vary by profession; do not rely on a single points figure for every applicant. Check the expiry date and duration shown on your own licence.

Common reasons for delay

• Names that do not match across passport, qualifications and registration.
• A missing or out-of-date Certificate of Good Standing.
• Experience letters without clear dates, roles or signatures.
• Slow replies from universities, regulators or previous employers.
• Submitting an application before the required documents are ready.

How Flyingcolour® can help

Flyingcolour® helps UK entrepreneurs with the business side of establishing a clinic in Dubai: choosing a structure, company and trade licence applications, premises requirements, visas and banking support. We can also assist with document attestation and PRO work. Individual professional licensing follows the applicant's Sheryan process and DHA's requirements; approvals remain with the relevant authority.

Let's talk about your clinic establishment

Planning to establish a clinic in Dubai? Share your proposed services, location and business plans with our team. We will explain the company setup steps and what to prepare.

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