DHA, DOH and MOHAP Professional Licensing

Healthcare professional licensing in the UAE

Every healthcare professional who practises in the UAE needs a licence from the health authority of the emirate where they will work. The process differs between the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH), the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCR) and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and small gaps in a file are the most common reason for delays. Levantine prepares and manages licensing files so professionals and employers get it right the first time.

Who we help

• Doctors and specialists moving to the UAE
• Dentists, nurses and midwives
• Pharmacists and allied health professionals
• Clinics and hospitals licensing new staff
• Licensed professionals transferring between facilities or emirates

How professional licensing works

• Eligibility check: your qualifications, specialty and experience are assessed against the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements.
• Application: the file is submitted on the authority's licensing portal with your degrees, licences, experience letters and good standing certificate.
• Primary source verification: your documents are verified directly with the issuing institutions.
• Assessment: an exam or interview is required for some professions and specialties.
• Licence activation: once you are eligible, the licence is activated under a licensed healthcare facility.

How Levantine helps

We review every document before submission, flag gaps in experience or mismatched titles, guide you through verification and assessment, and coordinate activation with your employer. Because we also license facilities, we can manage professional licensing for an entire team opening a new clinic or hospital.

Frequently asked questions

How long does professional licensing take?

It depends on the authority, profession and how quickly primary source verification is completed. A complete file prepared correctly is the most important factor you control.

Can I get a DHA licence before I have a job offer?

Many professionals can complete the eligibility stage first, but the licence must be activated under a licensed facility before you can practise.

Is a DHA licence valid in Abu Dhabi?

No. Each authority issues its own licence, so moving between emirates requires a separate application.

How do I start?

Email info@levantinehealthcare.com or call +971 4 553 9088 with your profession, specialty and the emirate you plan to work in.

Need a healthcare licence in the UAE? Talk to Levantine. Call +971 4 553 9088 or email info@levantinehealthcare.com.