Healthcare professionals in the UAE — doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and allied health professionals — have specific regulatory and business setup requirements. Here is a guide to the best options in 2025.
Healthcare Professional Licensing in the UAE
All healthcare professionals providing clinical services in the UAE must be licenced by the relevant health authority: Dubai: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Health Professional Licence. Abu Dhabi: Department of Health (DOH) Health Professional Licence. Other emirates: Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) Practitioner Licence. Process: submit professional qualifications, transcripts, references, and experience certificates. DHA/DOH assessment: 3–6 months. Fee: AED 3,000–8,000 per application. The health professional licence is personal — it goes to the individual, regardless of where they work. It is different from the clinic trade licence.
Healthcare Professional: Employment vs. Own Practice
Working for a UAE employer (hospital, clinic): The employer holds the trade licence. The individual holds the DHA/DOH licence. Employer handles visa sponsorship and WPS. This is the standard route for most expatriate healthcare professionals in the UAE. Own Practice (Self-Employed Clinic): The individual must hold BOTH a DHA/DOH health professional licence AND a trade licence for the clinic entity. Best structure: DHCC (Dubai Healthcare City) — most comprehensive healthcare ecosystem. Or mainland DED healthcare/medical clinic licence. Free zones outside DHCC are not typically suitable for clinical practices.