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.
- Create an account on DHA’s Sheryan portal.
- Complete the Self-Assessment Tool to check eligibility.
- Upload all required documentation for Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow.
- Once verified, schedule your exam through Prometric and pay exam fees.
- Receive confirmation with DHA Unique ID and slot details.
- Take the exam. Results are displayed 1-4 weeks after the exam.
- After passing, get full registration.
- 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.
| Profession | Full-time License Fee | Part-time License Fee | Trainee License Fee | Convert to Full-time License Fee |
| Physician/ Dentist | AED 3000 or INR 69,000 | AED 3000 or INR 69,000 | AED 3000 or INR 69,000 | AED 200 or INR 4,600 |
| Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM | AED 1000 or INR 23,000 | AED 1000 or INR 23,000 | AED 1000 or INR 23,000 | AED 200 or INR 4,600 |
License Renewal Fee
| Profession | Full-time License Fee | Part-time License Fee | Trainee License Fee |
| Physician/ Dentist | AED 3000 or INR 69,000 | AED 3000 or INR 69,000 | AED 3000 or INR 69,000 |
| Nurse/Allied Health/TCAM | AED 1000 or INR 23,000 | AED 1000 or INR 23,000 | AED 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 Category | Application Fees (AED) | Exam Fees (AED) | License Fees (AED) | Total Estimated Cost (AED) |
| General Practitioners | 1,000 - 1,100 | 1,000 - 1,200 | 1,000 - 1,100 | 3,000 - 3,400 INR 80,000 |
| Dentists | 1,000 - 1,100 | 1,200 | 1,000 - 1,100 | 3,200 - 3,400 INR 80,000 |
| Pharmacists | 1,000 - 1,100 | 1,000 - 1,200 | 800 - 900 | 2,800 - 3,200 INR 73,600 |
| Nurses | 800 - 1,000 | 800 - 900 | 600 - 700 | 2,200 - 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.
