How to Get a Medical License in the UAE to Practice as a Doctor
The UAE is one of the fastest-growing healthcare hubs in the world, offering modern facilities, high standards of care, and competitive salaries for medical professionals. If you’re a doctor looking to practice here, you’ll need to secure a medical license from the relevant health authority.
In this guide, we break down the step-by-step process so you can navigate your licensing journey smoothly.
1. Know Your Licensing Authority
Medical licensing in the UAE is regulated at the emirate level. Depending on where you plan to work, you will apply to one of these authorities:
Emirate / Sector Licensing Body
Dubai (Private Sector) Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Abu Dhabi & Al Ain Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH/HAAD) Other Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain) Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)
Your employer’s location determines which authority you’ll apply to.
2. Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you’ll need:
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A recognized medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
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A valid medical license from your home country with no history of malpractice.
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Minimum two years’ clinical experience after internship (more for specialists/consultants).
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Good Standing Certificate issued within the last 6 months.
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Proficiency in English (IELTS/OET may be required).
3. Start with Document Verification (DataFlow PSV)
All your credentials will be verified through Primary Source Verification (PSV) via the DataFlow Group.
This includes:
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Medical degree
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Internship completion
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Experience letters
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Current license
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Good standing certificate
Tip: Make sure your documents are clear, attested, and match your application details to avoid delays.
4. Pass the Licensing Exam
After verification, you’ll take the Prometric exam (for DHA, MOHAP, DHCA) or the DOH/HAAD exam (for Abu Dhabi).
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General Practitioners take the GP exam.
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Specialists and consultants take specialty-based exams, sometimes followed by an oral interview.
5. Secure a Job Offer
Once you have your eligibility letter from the authority, start applying for jobs. Your employer will help activate your license and sponsor your UAE residence visa.
6. Activate Your License
Your license will be linked to a specific healthcare facility. You cannot practice independently without being attached to a licensed employer.
7. Timeline & Costs
Average time: 2–3 months (document verification + exam + activation)
Estimated costs:
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DataFlow
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Exam
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License activation
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Other costs (attestation, translations)
8. Work Across Emirates with a Unified License
Once licensed, you can transfer your credentials between DHA, DOH, and MOHAP under the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification without retaking exams — perfect if you want to move between Emirates later.
💡 DBM Tip: At Diligence Business Management, we help doctors and healthcare professionals with their DataFlow applications, exam bookings, document attestations, and licensing process so you can focus on your medical career while we handle the paperwork.
📞 Contact us at +971 50 504 6228 or visit www.dbmsbusiness.com to get started.
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