What is the DHA License?

The DHA license is the official permit issued by the Dubai Health Authority that allows healthcare professionals to practise in Dubai. It is separate from the MOH license (Northern Emirates) and DOH license (Abu Dhabi). If your job is in Dubai, you need DHA specifically.

Eligibility for Indian Nurses

• BSc Nursing (4 years) or equivalent

• Valid nursing registration with Indian Nursing Council (INC)

• Minimum 2 years of clinical experience after graduation (some roles accept 1 year)

• IELTS overall 6.0 or OET Grade B

GNM holders: Eligibility assessed case by case. Most ICU and senior roles require BSc.

Step 1 — Create Your DHA Sheryan Account

Go to the DHA Sheryan portal (the official DHA licensing platform). Create an account with your email, passport number, and basic personal details. All subsequent steps happen inside this portal.

Step 2 — Submit Your Dataflow Verification

Dataflow verifies your educational certificates, nursing registration, and employment history directly with the issuing bodies in India. Documents required:

• BSc Nursing degree certificate

• INC registration certificate

• Experience letters from each employer

• IELTS or OET certificate

• Passport copy

Cost: approximately ₹12,000–15,000  |  Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Start Dataflow before anything else. It is the longest step and everything else waits on it.

Step 3 — Apply for DHA License via Sheryan

Once Dataflow is complete and approved, submit your license application in Sheryan. DHA reviews your application and issues a Letter of Eligibility (LOE) if you meet the criteria.

Step 4 — Schedule and Pass the DHA Exam

Computer-based exam at Prometric test centres in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and others).

• Format: Multiple choice questions, 2 hours

• Topics: Clinical nursing practice, patient safety, pharmacology, professional ethics

• Passing score: 65%

• Cost: approximately USD 140 (₹11,500)

Step 5 — Receive Your License and Start Work

After passing the exam, DHA issues your full license. Most employers require the license before processing your employment visa.

Total Cost and Timeline

• Dataflow: ₹12,000–15,000 (4–8 weeks)

• DHA exam: ₹11,500

• IELTS (if not done): ₹16,250

• Certificate attestation: ₹5,000–8,000

• Total: approximately ₹44,750–50,750  |  Timeline: 8–14 weeks