For healthcare professionals working in the United Arab Emirates, holding a valid professional license from one of the country’s health authorities is essential to practice legally within the organisation’s jurisdiction. The UAE’s licensing authorities include the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi (DOH). If you currently hold an active MOH license and want to expand your professional prospects to include Dubai, you will need to transfer your license to a DHA license.
This comprehensive guide covers every important step and requirement in the MOH-to-DHA transfer process, what you need to prepare, common challenges, and how FACTS Transcripts can help you succeed.
Understanding Healthcare License Transfer in the UAE
When you hold a professional healthcare license issued by MOHAP (the authority responsible for the Northern Emirates such as Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al-Quwain), and you plan to work in Dubai, you must convert or transfer that license to one issued by DHA, which is the regulator for the healthcare sector in Dubai.
The transfer process enables healthcare professionals — including nurses, allied health professionals, doctors, technicians, and more — to continue their career under the regulations of DHA without repeating the entire initial application process from scratch. Instead of re-submitting all documentation as a new applicant, you can leverage your existing credentials with MOHAP and transfer your verified records and license status to DHA eligibility.
Who Is Eligible to Transfer Their License
To be eligible for transferring a MOH license to DHA, you must generally meet these conditions:
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Hold an active MOHAP license for your profession.
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Have a clean professional record and good standing, verified by the current licensing authority.
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Possess a Primary Source Verification report (DataFlow or equivalent) linking your credentials and MOHAP license.
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Provide required documentation showing your education, professional registration, and experience.
A key advantage of this transfer process is that, when done correctly, it often exempts you from sitting for a new licensing exam under DHA, which is typically required for first-time applicants. However, DHA still requires that your qualifications, verification reports, and license status are appropriate for the DHA professional qualifications standards before granting eligibility.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process for MOH to DHA
1. Assess Your Current License and Documents
Before initiating the transfer, ensure:
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Your MOHAP license is valid and current. Expired licenses must be renewed before transferring.
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You have your Primary Source Verification (PSV) reports, such as those completed via DataFlow.
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You have recent Good Standing certificates issued by MOHAP, which confirm you have no disciplinary action or professional concerns on record.
Review your documents and assess if any updates or renewals are pending. FACTS Transcripts can help review and organise your credentials before starting your transfer application.
2. Set Up Your DHA Account
To begin the transfer process formally, you must create a DHA online account if you don’t already have one. This digital account will be used to:
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Submit your transfer application.
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Upload required documents and reports.
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Monitor the status of your transfer request.
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Receive formal eligibility notifications once the transfer is approved.
Your DHA account is linked with DHA’s licensing portal and serves as your gateway for professional registration. FACTS Transcripts can guide you through the account setup and document upload to ensure everything is submitted accurately.
3. Submit Your Transfer Application
Once your documents are ready and your DHA account is active, you will file your professional transfer application. This typically involves:
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Uploading your MOHAP license details.
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Attaching your DataFlow or equivalent PSV report.
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Submitting your Good Standing certificate from MOHAP.
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Uploading your passport information and other identification documents.
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Providing any other supporting certificates required by DHA.
When your application is submitted, DHA reviews your documents to verify that your education, professional registration, and license history align with their Professional Qualification Requirements.
4. Verification and Eligibility Assessment
After submission, DHA evaluates your transfer request. It will:
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Examine your credentials and MOHAP license status.
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Review your PSV reports to confirm authenticity and compliance with DHA’s standards.
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Assess your Good Standing certificate to ensure you have maintained a professional track record without disciplinary issues.
If everything is in order, DHA will issue a DHA eligibility letter. This letter confirms that your transferred license is accepted as meeting DHA’s standards and that you are eligible to practice under DHA jurisdiction.
This phase may take several weeks depending on the completeness of documentation and the responsiveness of verification services. FACTS Transcripts supports completion of your PSV documentation early so that verification delays are minimised.
5. Secure a Job Offer and Final License Activation
Receiving eligibility from DHA is a significant milestone. However, to activate your official DHA professional license, you will need:
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A job offer from a DHA-licensed healthcare facility in Dubai.
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The hiring facility will submit your license activation request to DHA, including proof of employment and facility sponsorship.
Once DHA processes the activation request from your employer, your professional license under DHA will be issued. At this point, you may begin practising within Dubai’s healthcare system.
Important Requirements and Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Maintain a Valid License
Your MOHAP license must be valid at the time of transfer application. If your license is expired or lapsed beyond accepted thresholds, DHA may require you to reactivate it before initiating the transfer process.
Good Standing Certificates Are Critical
Good Standing certificates from MOHAP are essential. These documents are typically issued within the last six months and confirm that you have no ongoing disciplinary issues. They help DHA verify that you are fit to practise under its regulations.
Use Existing PSV Reports
If you have an existing DataFlow or PSV report from MOHAP that verifies both your educational qualifications and professional registration, you can usually transfer that report to DHA without needing a new verification. These reports are a cornerstone of the transfer process.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Incomplete Documentation
Missing or incomplete transcripts, certificates, or verification records are frequent reasons for delays. FACTS Transcripts specialises in preparing and organising academic and professional documentation to meet licensing standards. Getting documents in order early helps eliminate unnecessary setbacks.
Understanding Professional Requirements
Each authority in the UAE may have its own Professional Qualification Requirements. Although transfers aim to ease transition between authorities, understanding how DHA assesses your qualifications will help you avoid surprises.
FACTS Transcripts provides detailed guidance on how to align your credentials with DHA expectations before submission.
Expanding Your Career Across the UAE
One of the major benefits of transferring your license from MOHAP to DHA is increased career mobility. Once you hold a DHA professional license, you become eligible for job opportunities in Dubai’s dynamic healthcare ecosystem, which includes world-class hospitals, clinics, research institutions and medical centres.
Moreover, professionals can hold multiple UAE licenses simultaneously (such as MOHAP and DHA), as long as each license remains active under a sponsoring facility.
Conclusion
Transferring your healthcare license from MOHAP to DHA is a strategic step if you seek to broaden your professional opportunities within the UAE, especially in Dubai. While the process involves careful documentation, verification, and licensing steps, it is designed to ensure that healthcare professionals meet the highest standards of practice in the emirate.
With the right preparation and support from FACTS Transcripts, you can confidently navigate the licensing transfer process, make sure your certificates and reports are compliant, and secure your DHA eligibility and license activation efficiently.
