If you’re planning to work as a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist or allied health professional in Dubai, you must first get a professional license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This license allows you to legally practice medicine in Dubai.

The process involves a few steps, and each step has its own fees. Let’s break that down in plain words.

1. Self-Assessment (First Step)

Before you begin, you check whether you’re eligible using DHA’s online self-assessment tool.

Cost: About AED 200 (non-refundable)

This lets you know if you can proceed without paying the full evaluation fee yet.

2. Primary Source Verification (PSV)

DHA wants to make sure your degree, experience and certificates are real. This step is done through a service called DataFlow.

Here’s what it usually costs:

• Doctors & Dentists: Around AED 1,235 – 1,300

• Nurses & Allied Health: For nurses and allied health professionals, the cost is roughly AED 935–1,000.

• Pharmacists: Around AED 1,000 – 1,100
  

This fee depends on how many documents you have and where they were issued.

3. DHA Exam Fees

Most healthcare professionals must pass a DHA-conducted exam before getting a license.

• Exam fees: about AED 260 – AED 300 (Prometric test)

• Plus, scheduling fees sometimes apply.
  

Some professions also have oral assessments, which may cost a little more.

4. Application & Evaluation Fees

Once your documents are verified and you’ve passed the exam, the DHA reviews your whole application.

Typical Costs:

• Application Evaluation: ~AED 200 – 250

• Registration: ~AED 1,020 – 3,020 (varies by profession)
  

5. License Activation (Final Step)

After everything is approved, you pay the license activation fee; this is what officially lets you practice in Dubai.

Here are typical license activation prices:

• Doctors & Dentists (1-Year License): ~AED 3,000

• Nurses & Allied Health (1-Year License): ~AED 1,000

• Part-time or trainee licenses: sometimes higher (~AED 4,000)
  

Once this fee is paid, your employer usually activates your license on the DHA portal.

How Much Will It Cost in Total?

Here’s a simple idea of total costs (all stages included):

Things to Know

1. Validity

Once issued, a DHA license is valid for 1 year. You must renew it before expiry or you may be charged a penalty.

2. Renewal Fees

Renewal costs are usually lower than the first issuance, though you still need to meet continuing education requirements.

3. Employer Role

In many cases, employers pay or process the license activation on your behalf, especially in hospitals or big medical centers.

Conclusion

Understanding and budgeting for these fees before you move to Dubai will help you avoid surprises. Costs can vary depending on your profession, where your certificates were issued, and whether you need additional document attestation.  Surgicore

Faqs

1. What are DHA license fees?
DHA license fees are charges imposed by Defense Housing Authority Karachi for registering and renewing business licenses within DHA areas.

2. Who needs a DHA trade license?
Any individual or company operating a commercial activity in DHA, including shops, offices, clinics, and restaurants, must obtain a valid license.

3. How much are DHA license fees?
Fees vary depending on business type, size, and category. Commercial activities usually have different rates based on square footage and nature of work.

4. How often do I need to renew a DHA license?
Most DHA trade licenses require annual renewal, along with payment of the prescribed renewal fee.

5. What happens if I operate without a DHA license?
Operating without a valid license may result in fines, penalties, or temporary closure of the business.

6. How can I apply for a DHA trade license?
You can apply by submitting required documents, completing the application form, and paying the applicable fee at the DHA office or through their official process.