See the full guide at /jobs/licensing/dha-dubai — this article is the practical companion.
Before you start
DHA licensing takes 6–12 weeks from start to finish. Most candidates underestimate the document preparation phase. The exam is rarely the bottleneck — the paperwork is. Start your Dataflow Primary Source Verification in parallel with everything else.
The four phases
Phase 1 — Document preparation (2–4 weeks)
Gather these in original + clear PDF copies:
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- BAMS degree certificate + final mark sheet
- CCIM / KSMC registration certificate
- Good Standing Certificate (request from KSMC; takes 1–2 weeks)
- Experience letters from each previous employer (must mention dates + role)
- Recent passport-size photo (white background)
- BLS / CPR certificate (must be current — many candidates forget this)
Apply for Dataflow PSV at this stage too. It takes 4–8 weeks independently — running in parallel saves a month.
Phase 2 — Sheryan application (1 week)
Create an account at dha.gov.ae / Sheryan. Upload all documents. Pay the application + assessment fees (AED 3,800–5,200 total).
Phase 3 — Prometric exam (2–4 weeks)
Book at prometric.com / dha. The exam is 100 MCQs over 150 minutes. Pass mark: 60%.
What's actually on the exam:
- 40% Ayurveda fundamentals (tridosha, sapta dhatu, classical diagnosis)
- 30% Clinical scenarios (diagnosis + treatment)
- 15% Pharmacology (classical formulations + interactions)
- 15% Ethics, communication, Dubai healthcare regulations
Study resources: Ashtanga Hridaya for fundamentals, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu for materia medica, plus DHA's published candidate guide. Most candidates clear on first attempt with 4-6 weeks prep.
Phase 4 — License activation (1–2 weeks)
Once you have your eligibility letter and a job offer, your employer sponsors the activation. The license is tied to the facility — you cannot freelance.
Exemption from the exam
Hold MD or MS Ayurveda + 5+ years of clinical experience? Apply for the assessment exemption with proof. Approval takes 2–3 weeks. This shortcut saves 6 weeks for senior candidates.
Common mistakes that delay licensing
1. **Letting Dataflow lapse**: PSV is valid 6 months from completion. Don't start it too early. 2. **Wrong BLS provider**: DHA only accepts BLS from AHA / ARC / certain UAE providers. Indian BLS often gets rejected. 3. **Stale Good Standing**: Issued more than 90 days before submission = reject. 4. **Self-employment plan**: DHA licenses are facility-bound. You need an employer-sponsor before activation.
What you'll spend overall
AED 3,800–5,200 in DHA fees + AED 1,200–1,800 for Dataflow + AED 200–400 for BLS + AED 500–1,000 in apostille / attestation. Budget AED 6,000–8,500 total.
After you're licensed
Renew annually. Complete required CME credits (50 per year). Maintain indemnity insurance. Keep your KSMC registration active back home — DHA can revoke your license if your home registration lapses.