Understanding the Fee Structure of the DHA Exam and Licence

Written by

Salma Firdaus

Reviewed by

Dr. Rini Sharma
Fee Structure of DHA Exam
Created On : Oct 11, 2023 Updated On : Jul 18, 2025 3 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the DHA exam fees for various health professionals.
  • Know what to expect in cost for the license activation.
  • Compare the DHA exam cost with that of MOH and DOH.
  • Understand hidden charges for the DHA Exam.
  • Know how to cut costs for the exam.

Understanding the Fee Structure of the DHA Exam and License

Dubai is among the highest-paying countries for healthcare professionals. A doctor can earn up to 350,000 AED (82 L INR) while pharmacists can make 120,000 AED or 28 L INR.  

The Dubai healthcare sector consists of thousands of international healthcare graduates. From doctors to pharmacists, the workforce is multi-cultural. This perfectly represents the society of Dubai. 

The Dubai Health Authority Exam is the primary examination that healthcare graduates must pass to practice in Dubai.

Once you’ve qualified the exam, you can get your license and start your practice.

This blog will take you through the fee structure for all the DHA exams and the license fees. 

An overview of the DHA Exam and License Process

Before we get into the fee structure, here is a simplified registration process for the DHA exam.

  1. Create an account on DHA’s Sheryan portal.
  2. Complete the Self-Assessment Tool to check eligibility. 
  3. Upload all required documentation for Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow. 
  4. Once verified, schedule your exam through Prometric and pay exam fees.
  5. Receive confirmation with DHA Unique ID and slot details.
  6. Take the exam. Results are displayed 1-4 weeks after the exam.
  7. After passing, get full registration.
  8. Secure a job and get your license activated.

 

 

Breaking Down the Fee Structure of the DHA Exam and License

The DHA exam fee structure includes various components. Being aware of these costs helps to plan your budget accordingly.

Self-Assessment 

This is the first and foremost step in obtaining the licence issued by the Dubai Health Authority. This initial self-assessment can be done through the Sheryan self-assessment portal on the DHA website. 

Once the account is created,  the candidate can answer the self-assessment questions. The login details can be used to obtain the results.

This process can be completed free of cost.

Manual Review

Once you’re eligible to proceed, the next step is the primary source review.

But if you’re not found eligible, a manual review can be done. To apply for this, an online application consisting of the required details and documents has to be submitted.

  • This process costs a fee of AED 200 or INR 4,600

Primary Source Verification (PSV)

Primary source verification is the process of verifying the educational qualifications and work experience of the candidate. This is done with the help of DataFlow. 

  • The fixed package for doctors costs AED 1235 or INR 28,405
  • The fixed package for nurses or allied healthcare costs AED 935, INR 21,505

DHA Exam

The applicant must schedule the DHA exam. This can be a computer-based test or an oral assessment. It depends on the professional specialty of the candidate. 

  • Based on the test taken by the candidate, the fee can range from USD 220 to USD 280 or INR 5,060 to 6,440

Registration

To formally proceed with the licence application, the candidate must register on the DHA Sheryan. After providing the required information and submitting the necessary documents, the registration fee is to be paid.

  • This process costs a fee of AED 200 or INR 4,600

Oral Assessment 

Certain positions in the healthcare profession applied for by the candidate may require an oral assessment. A date for the oral assessment should be scheduled, and the fee should be paid. 

  • This process costs AED 250 or INR 5,759
  • If it is an urgent assessment, it will cost AED 2000 or INR 46,000

Activation of Professional License

Once the assessment is successful, you will be officially registered as a DHA professional. After you secure a job, go for license activation. 

An online application for the same should be submitted via the Sheryan account. After the application is approved by the respective authority, the license activation fee has to be paid. 

  • This process can cost AED 1000 to AED 4000 (INR 23,000 to INR 92,000)

DHA License Fee Structure

Given below are the fees required for different purposes of the DHA licence.

Registration and Application

Although the self-assessment tests are free of cost, the credentialing fee for all healthcare professionals costs AED 200 or INR 4,600

License Activation Fee

You have the option to activate your license for 1,2, or 3 years. The cost breakdown is for 1 1-year period.

ProfessionFull-time License FeePart-time License FeeTrainee License FeeConvert to Full-time License Fee
Physician/
Dentist
AED 3000 or INR 69,000AED 3000 or INR 69,000AED 3000 or INR 69,000AED 200 or INR 4,600
Nurse/Allied Health/TCAMAED 1000 or INR 23,000AED 1000 or INR 23,000AED 1000 or INR 23,000AED 200 or INR 4,600

License Renewal Fee

ProfessionFull-time License FeePart-time License FeeTrainee License Fee
Physician/
Dentist
AED 3000 or INR 69,000AED 3000 or INR 69,000AED 3000 or INR 69,000
Nurse/Allied Health/TCAMAED 1000 or INR 23,000AED 1000 or INR 23,000AED 1000 or INR 23,000

Oral Assessment Fee

Normal Assessment Fee

The oral assessment fee if the assessment type is Normal is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 500 or INR 11,500
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 250 or INR 5,750

Urgent Assessment Fee

The oral assessment fee if the assessment type is Urgent is as given below.

  • Physician/Dentist: AED 2000 or INR 46,000
  • Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM: AED 2000 or INR 46,000

Additional and Optional Fees

Apart from these fees, your exam cost may also include:

  • Good Standing Certificate: AED 500 or INR 11,500
  • Translation & Attestation of documents: INR 500-1,000
  • MOFA Attestation: AED 150–200 per document or INR 4,600
  • Courier charges for international candidates
  • Exam preparation courses: AED 1000–3000 or average INR 50,000
  • Travel cost for oral exam: INR 20,000-30,000

 

Payment Methods

Online Payment via DHA Sheryan Portal

  • Most common and official method.
  • Accepted cards:
    • Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard)
  • Process:
    • Log in to the DHA Sheryan Portal
    • Apply for exam → Proceed to payment → Secure online checkout

Prometric Exam Fee Payment

  • Exam scheduling and payment are done through the Prometric website.
  • Accepted payment methods:
    • Visa / Mastercard / American Express
    • International debit cards
  • Payments are made in USD.

Bank Cards (Locally in UAE)

  • You can use UAE-issued cards for transactions on the DHA portal without international charges.
  • Some international cards may incur currency conversion fees.

No Cash or Bank Transfer

  • Cash payments are not accepted for exam registration.
  • Bank transfers or cheques are also not accepted for DHA exam fees.

Payment Confirmation

  • A digital receipt is issued immediately after payment.
  • Download the payment confirmation from your Sheryan dashboard.

Summary Cost Table by Profession 

DHA Exam CategoryApplication Fees (AED)Exam Fees (AED)License Fees (AED)Total Estimated Cost (AED)
General Practitioners1,000 - 1,1001,000 - 1,2001,000 - 1,1003,000 - 3,400
INR 80,000
Dentists1,000 - 1,1001,2001,000 - 1,1003,200 - 3,400
INR 80,000
Pharmacists1,000 - 1,1001,000 - 1,200800 - 9002,800 - 3,200
INR 73,600
Nurses800 - 1,000800 - 900600 - 7002,200 - 2,600
INR 60,000

Tips to Save Money During the Process 

  • Combine documents to reduce DataFlow fees
  • Choose standard vs. fast-track where time allows
  • Apply for jobs early to avoid delays post-exam
  • Use official DHA self-assessment tools before applying
  • Look for hidden costs like translation, attestation, etc.

How to Avoid Unnecessary Charges 

  • Submitting incomplete documents to DataFlow
  • Choosing the wrong exam or profession category
  • Not preparing properly for the exam, then having to retake it.
  • Not understanding license revalidation costs

 

Also Read: DHA Test vs DOH vs MOH

Parting Words

The DHA exam should be treated like an investment in your career. It is important to understand the cost and budget accordingly. Understanding the fee structure helps you plan better. Research thoroughly and plan for the least stressful option.

Once you have scheduled your exam, it’s time to crack down on the preparation. Here is where Academically can help you. Our DHA Exam Preparation Courses prepare you for a successful attempt through:

  • Complete DHA Syllabus-Covering Course
  • AI-Adaptive Mock Exams
  • Mentorship from DHA-Cleared Experts
  • Application & Licensing Guidance
  • Personalised Feedback

Join hands with us today and take the first step to success.

 

FAQs

How much does the Data Flow verification cost for DHA?

The DataFlow fee ranges from AED 1100 to AED 1500. It varies with profession and the number of credentials submitted.

Is there an additional fee for rescheduling or retaking the DHA exam?

Yes. Rescheduling or reattempting costs USD 80–100. It depends on the notice period and Prometric terms.

Do I need to pay for the Sheryan account?

Yes. A one-time application processing fee of about AED 200. It is charged when you apply through the Sheryan portal.

Is there any refund if I cancel my application or fail the exam?

No. DHA exam fees are non-refundable. Reapplication requires full repayment.

What happens if my DataFlow verification gets rejected?

You’ll need to resubmit or correct your documents. This may cost additional processing fees.

Salma Firdaus
Salma Firdaus
about the author

Salma Firdaus is a pharmacy graduate from Jamia Hamdard with three years of research experience and a knack for academic writing. At Academically, she turns complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging content. Driven by a passion to connect education with real-world careers, she aims to make learning easier, more meaningful, and genuinely enjoyable for the readers.

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