Doctors can begin practicing in Dubai while awaiting full DHA or MOH licensure by obtaining a three-month Temporary Permit to Practice. This permit allows supervised clinical work within the sponsoring facility, while the facility assumes full liability for all medical services. The process is initiated by the facility’s Medical Director through the Sheryan Portal, with submission of essential documentation including a Good Standing Certificate, verified credentials, and DataFlow report.
What Is the Three-Month Temporary Permit?
The Temporary Permit to Practice is a regulated, non-renewable authorization that enables immediate integration into Dubai’s healthcare workforce. It addresses workforce shortages while allowing doctors to familiarize themselves with facility protocols and regulatory standards.
Key points:
- Valid for three months only
- Non-renewable and does not guarantee full licensure
- Doctors must practice under direct supervision within the sponsoring facility
- Facility must maintain required nurse-to-doctor ratios for compliance
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documentation
Before applying, ensure you meet DHA’s eligibility standards:
- Qualifications: Recognized medical degree, minimum 2 years post-internship for GPs, 3 years for specialists
- Professional Standing: Active license in home country, Good Standing Certificate issued within 6 months
- Experience Verification: Employment letters, specialty-specific logbooks for surgical roles
- Health Requirements: Fitness and health certificates based on age
- Specialty Documentation: CME records, surgical logs, letters of recommendation
Document Checklist:
- Passport copy and photograph
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- DataFlow verification report
- Experience letters and professional license
- Good Standing Certificate
- Surgical logbooks for specialists
Timeline: Initial document submission takes about 2 weeks, followed by 6–8 weeks for DataFlow Primary Source Verification.
Application Process via Sheryan Portal
Your sponsoring facility’s Medical Director initiates the application:
- Create Institutional Account on Sheryan Portal (sheryan.dha.gov.ae)
- Submit Documents: Passport, educational certificates, DataFlow PSV, Good Standing Certificate, employment letters
- Pay Fees: AED 200 for application, plus any examination or licensing fees
- Monitor Status: Portal provides real-time updates; inactive applications are cleared after 3 months
Key Notes:
- Only one active application per professional at a time
- Applications must be initiated by the Medical Director; doctors cannot apply independently
- Documents must be in English or Arabic, with certified translations if required
Supervision and Scope of Practice
Temporary permit holders must work under direct supervision throughout the three-month period:
- Restricted Scope: Limited to the facility’s DHA-licensed services
- Facility Liability: Sponsoring facility assumes full responsibility
- Monitoring: DHA may conduct random audits; permits can be revoked for non-compliance
- Insurance: Mandatory medical malpractice insurance (minimum AED 1,000,000 per claim, AED 3,000,000 annual aggregate)
Prohibited Activities:
- Independent practice
- Telemedicine or remote consultations
- Work at multiple facilities (except under DHCC Visiting Doctor license)
Fees and Processing Times
Phase | Duration |
Initial Review | 10–15 working days |
DataFlow Verification | 30–45 days |
Prometric Exam (if required) | 1–2 weeks |
Final License Issuance | 5–7 working days |
License Activation | 2–4 weeks |
Costs:
- Application: AED 200
- Primary Source Verification: AED 1,235–2,500
- Examination Fees: AED 500–1,200
- License Activation: AED 3,000–10,000 depending on specialty
Transitioning to Full DHA or MOH Licensure
The temporary permit does not count toward full licensure experience. To obtain permanent licensure, you must:
- Complete Data Flow Primary Source Verification
- Pass required Prometric exams
- Submit full documentation for DHA evaluation
- Secure sponsorship from a DHA-approved facility
Begin the full license application early to ensure continuity of employment after the temporary permit expires.
FAQs About Temporary Permits
Can I work at multiple facilities?
No, DHA/MOH temporary permits are facility-specific. DHCC Visiting Doctor License allows up to three facilities in the free zone.
What happens if my permit expires before full license approval?
You must stop clinical work immediately. Working without a valid permit is illegal, with fines up to AED 500,000.
Can I renew the permit with a different facility?
No, the permit is non-renewable and non-transferable. A new application through the new facility is required.
Does temporary permit experience count toward permanent licensure?
No. DHA requires independent verification and adherence to the Unified Professional Qualification Guide.
