How a Foreigner Can Get a Medical License in Dubai: Best Guide 2025

Dubai’s healthcare industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UAE, attracting thousands of medical professionals from around the world. With state-of-the-art hospitals, advanced technologies, and lucrative career opportunities, many foreign doctors and healthcare specialists aspire to work in the UAE. However, before practicing medicine, every foreigner must obtain a medical license in Dubai.

In this guide, we’ll explain how a foreigner can get a medical license in Dubai, including the UAE medical license exam for foreigners, DHA license requirements for doctors, Dubai medical license exam eligibility, exam fees, and the online application process.

For professional assistance with licensing procedures and documentation, you can always contact Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC, a trusted consultancy specializing in Dubai business and professional licensing.

Understanding the Medical Licensing Process in Dubai

Before diving into how a foreigner can get a medical license in Dubai, it’s important to understand how medical professionals are regulated. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the main body responsible for issuing medical licenses in Dubai.

Foreign doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare workers must pass the Dubai medical license exam for foreigners to qualify for practice. This exam ensures that all professionals meet the UAE’s healthcare standards and ethical requirements.

How Can a Foreigner Get a Medical License in Dubai Online

One of the advantages of Dubai’s modern system is that you can apply for a medical license in Dubai online through the DHA portal. Here’s how the process works:

1. Create a DHA account – Visit the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) website and create an online account through the “Sheryan” licensing system.
2. Submit your documents – Upload essential documents such as your medical degree, professional license from your home country, passport copy, and work experience certificates.
3. Primary source verification (PSV) – Your educational and professional documents will be verified through DataFlow to ensure authenticity.
4. Schedule your exam – Once verification is complete, you’ll receive approval to appear for the DHA exam for doctors or other relevant professionals.
5. Pass the exam – After clearing the Dubai medical license exam for foreigners, you’ll receive an eligibility letter to work in DHA-licensed healthcare facilities.
6. Get your license issued – Once you have an employment offer from a DHA-approved hospital or clinic, your final DHA medical license in Dubai will be activated.

This online system makes it easy for foreigners to manage their applications remotely before moving to Dubai.

DHA License Requirements for Doctors

Understanding the DHA license requirements for doctors is essential before applying. Here are the general criteria:

• Recognized medical degree from an accredited university.
• Valid medical license from your home country or country of practice.
• Minimum two years of clinical experience after internship.
• Good Standing Certificate issued by the medical authority where you currently practice.
• Proof of medical fitness and absence of disciplinary action.

Doctors must also pass the UAE medical license exam for foreigners or the DHA exam for doctors to qualify. For those with specialized training, additional experience or postgraduate certification may be required.

Dubai Medical License Exam for Foreigners

The Dubai medical license exam for foreigners is a standardized test designed to assess the medical knowledge and clinical competence of healthcare professionals. It is administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in coordination with Prometric testing centers worldwide.

The exam includes multiple-choice questions covering medical, ethical, and practical topics. Candidates must meet the Dubai medical license exam eligibility requirements and achieve the passing score to proceed to the licensing stage.

For personalized guidance on preparing for the DHA exam for doctors, you can reach out to Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC, who can connect you with verified training and licensing support.

UAE Medical License Exam for Foreigners

While DHA handles Dubai-specific licensing, the UAE medical license exam for foreigners covers the federal system under the Ministry of Health (MOHAP) or other emirates like Abu Dhabi (DOH/HAAD). If you plan to work in multiple emirates, you might need to obtain a Unified UAE license under the UAE National Unified Medical Licensing Exam (UAE-NMLE) framework.

However, for professionals focused solely on Dubai, passing the DHA exam for doctors will suffice.

Dubai Medical License Exam Eligibility

Eligibility for the Dubai medical license exam depends on your qualification, experience, and country of education. Typically, candidates must:

• Hold a recognized degree in medicine or healthcare.
• Possess at least two years of post-internship experience.
• Have a valid license or registration in their home country.
• Provide verified documentation through DataFlow.

Certain categories, such as general practitioners, specialists, and consultants, may have different experience requirements as per DHA license requirements for doctors.

Dubai Medical License Exam Fees

The Dubai medical license exam fees depend on the type of exam and the testing center. Generally, the DHA exam for doctors costs between AED 900 and AED 1,200, which includes Prometric testing charges and DHA administration fees.

If you’re applying through the UAE medical license exam for foreigners, the fees may vary slightly depending on your medical specialty and location. Always verify the latest fees on the DHA website or through Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC, which can help manage payments and documentation efficiently.

How to Get a DHA License in Dubai

Once you’ve passed the exam, the next step is learning how to get a DHA license in Dubai officially. The process includes:

1. Completing all documentation and verification steps.
2. Obtaining an offer letter from a DHA-approved healthcare facility.
3. Submitting your eligibility letter and employment details through your employer.
4. Paying the final DHA license issuance fees.

After approval, your DHA medical license in Dubai will be linked to your employment visa, allowing you to legally practice in the city.

Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC can guide you through this process, ensuring all documents meet DHA standards and helping you navigate the online system with ease.

Why Choose Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC

Obtaining a medical license in Dubai can be complex, especially for foreigners new to the UAE’s healthcare regulations. Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC simplifies the process by offering:

• Step-by-step assistance on how a foreigner can get a medical license in Dubai online.
• Guidance on DHA license requirements for doctors and exam eligibility.
• Support with UAE medical license exam for foreigners and DataFlow verification.
• Clear information on Dubai medical license exam fees and processing timelines.
• Help securing employment offers and completing the DHA license activation.

Their experienced consultants ensure compliance with UAE health authorities while minimizing delays and paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can a foreigner get a medical license in Dubai?
By applying through the DHA portal, completing verification, passing the exam, and securing employment with a licensed healthcare provider.

2. Can I apply for a medical license in Dubai online?
Yes, the entire process can be completed online through the DHA’s Sheryan system.

3. What is the DHA license exam for doctors?
It’s a standardized test that assesses medical knowledge and practical skills for foreign healthcare professionals seeking to work in Dubai.

4. What are the Dubai medical license exam fees?
The fees range between AED 900 and AED 1,200 depending on your specialty and testing location.

5. How long does it take to get a DHA license in Dubai?
The process usually takes 4–6 weeks after all documents and exam results are submitted.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding how a foreigner can get a medical license in Dubai is the first step toward building a successful healthcare career in the UAE. From meeting DHA license requirements for doctors to passing the Dubai medical license exam for foreigners, each stage requires careful attention to detail.

Partnering with Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC ensures your application process is smooth, efficient, and fully compliant with DHA regulations.

For expert guidance or to begin your medical licensing journey, visit Quick Biz Business Setup Services LLC today.