Dubai’s healthcare system follows clear and standard analysis supported by strict regulations to make the emirate the best choice for patient care and treatment. The Dubai Health Authority, through its Health Regulation Sector, issues DHA licenses to USA-trained physicians who want to practice in Dubai.
Physicians from the USA receive strong recognition because American medical education follows well-established accreditation and training standards, as per the Felix Happich Healthcare License Consultancy in Dubai. However, recognition does not replace compliance. Every applicant must satisfy the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), complete Primary Source Verification (PSV), and meet title-specific experience thresholds before license activation.
US physicians typically enter the DHA system through the Sheryan online portal. The authority evaluates education, postgraduate training, board certification, and clinical experience before issuing eligibility. Eligibility is not a license; it confirms that the doctor qualifies to practice once employment is secured.
This guide has covered every possible detail of the licensing requirements for US doctors; however, if you are still having any doubts, check out the details on the official DHA portal or read “DHA License for US Doctors in Dubai” from one of the best healthcare licensing agencies in Dubai.
Educational and Training Requirements
DHA accepts medical degrees issued by nationally accredited institutions. For US doctors, this means graduation from LCME-accredited allopathic schools or COCA-accredited osteopathic colleges. The authority requires structured clinical education, not distance learning or honorary qualifications.
Internship must reflect a minimum of 12 months of supervised clinical training. In most US programs, an internship is integrated into residency (PGY-1), and DHA generally accepts this structure when documentation clearly confirms completion.
Specialty recognition depends on accredited postgraduate training. Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency remains the central requirement for Specialist or Consultant classification. Without recognized residency, specialty licensing is not granted.
Key academic criteria include:
- MD or DO degree from an accredited US institution
- Completion of an ACGME-approved residency
- Valid and active US state medical license
- Internship documentation (standalone or integrated)
- No history of disciplinary suspension affecting license validity
Professional Title and Experience Standards
DHA assigns professional titles based on training depth and post-qualification experience. The authority distinguishes clearly between General Practitioner, Specialist, and Consultant levels.
A General Practitioner usually requires at least one year of post-internship clinical experience. A Specialist typically needs two to three years of practice after residency completion. Consultant classification demands more advanced standing, often five or more years of experience following American board certification.
Experience must be continuous, hospital-based, and supported by official letters specifying employment duration, clinical duties, and licensing status during practice. Gaps without explanation may trigger review.
Title progression generally follows this structure:
- General Practitioner → limited independent scope
- Specialist → recognized residency-based expertise
- Consultant → board-certified authority with extended experience
Recognition of US Board Certification
American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and American Osteopathic Association (AOA) certifications hold significant weight within DHA’s framework. Board certification often strengthens eligibility for the Consultant title and may qualify the physician for examination exemption.
If the specialty appears in the DHA PQR listing and experience requirements are satisfied, the licensing pathway becomes more streamlined. However, exemption decisions remain case-specific and subject to authority review.
Examination and Verification Process
Many US-trained doctors qualify for the DHA exam exemption due to recognized board status. If the exemption does not apply, the applicant must pass a Prometric Computer-Based Test. Consultant applicants in selected specialties may also undergo oral assessment.
Primary Source Verification remains mandatory for all applicants. DHA partners with DataFlow Group to authenticate credentials directly from issuing institutions. Verification covers education, residency, licenses, board certification, and employment history. Processing commonly requires four to eight weeks, depending on institutional response time.
Mandatory verification elements include:
- Medical degree authenticity
- Residency completion confirmation
- Active license validation
- Good Standing Certificate (issued within six months)
- Employment and experience records
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation extends processing time.
Step-by-Step Licensing Pathway
The licensing journey begins online and concludes only after employment-based activation. Applicants first create a Sheryan account, upload required documents, and initiate PSV. Once DHA reviews the file and confirms compliance, it issues an eligibility letter, usually valid for one year.
After securing a job offer from a DHA-licensed healthcare facility, the employer activates the professional license and pays the activation fee. Without employment, eligibility remains inactive. The main steps include:
Step 1: Create a Sheryan Account
Register on the DHA Sheryan portal.
Step 2: Submit Initial Application
Upload documents and apply for eligibility.
Step 3: Initiate DataFlow PSV
Pay verification fees and submit documents.
Step 4: DHA Review
Authority evaluates PQR compliance and PSV results.
Step 5: Receive Eligibility Letter
Validity: typically 1 year.
Step 6: Secure Employment
Eligibility does not equal license. You must obtain a job offer.
Step 7: Activate Professional License
Employer completes activation and pays the license fee.
Fees and Processing Timeline
Licensing costs vary by title and speciality, but physicians should anticipate expenses covering application submission, PSV, examination (if required), and license activation. Total financial commitment typically ranges between AED 4,000 and AED 9,000, depending on verification volume and exam status.
From submission to eligibility, the average timeframe spans six to twelve weeks. Delays arise when documents mismatch, verification responses remain pending, or experience letters lack precise formatting. If credentials are complete and board certification qualifies for exemption, approval may proceed faster.
Renewal and Compliance Obligations
Once licensed, physicians must maintain annual renewal compliance. DHA requires continuing medical education credits, active malpractice insurance, and valid employment within a licensed facility. Failure to renew on time may result in penalties or temporary suspension.
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Do I need a DHA license agency in Dubai to get a healthcare license as a US professional?
No, you do not need a DHA license agency to obtain a healthcare license in Dubai as a US professional. You can starts direct application through its Sheryan portal if you know the process and your credentials are ok as per the PQR.
However, agencies can simplify documentation, PSV coordination, and title strategy. Well-known licensing agencies to support you include Felix Happich DHA Healthcare Licensing Agency, Arabian Gulf Licensing Consultants, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The DataFlow Group operates as the official verification organization.
