FAQs

Minqaar is a specialized healthcare licensing consultancy that guides healthcare professionals and facilities through the DHA, MOHAP, and DOH licensing processes across the UAE. We handle all the paperwork, document verification, authority submissions, and follow-ups so you can focus on preparing to practice or open your facility. Think of us as your dedicated case manager who knows exactly what each health authority requires and ensures your application is complete and compliant from day one.

We serve two main groups: healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied health practitioners) seeking individual licenses, and healthcare facilities (clinics, medical centers, hospitals) needing facility licenses or renewals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates.

We cover all UAE emirates: Dubai (DHA), Abu Dhabi (DOH), and the Northern Emirates including Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah (MOHAP).

Our fees vary based on the type of service (professional vs. facility licensing), the emirate, and the complexity of your case. We provide a transparent fee breakdown during your initial consultation after understanding your specific needs. This quote includes our professional service fees - separate from the actual application fees charged by health authorities.

The processing time varies by authority and application type. For professional licenses: DHA typically takes 2-4 months, DOH takes 3-5 months, and MOHAP takes 2-4 months from document submission to license activation. Facility licenses generally take 4-9 months depending on the emirate and facility type. These timelines assume complete documentation and passing required exams on the first attempt. We provide regular status updates throughout your journey.

Professional registration confirms that you meet the qualification and experience requirements for your specialty - it's essentially your eligibility approval. However, you cannot practice clinically with just registration. A practice license is what allows you to actually work and see patients, and it requires a facility to activate your registration by linking you to their establishment. Think of registration as your credential verification, and the license as your work permit.

Yes! You can complete the entire eligibility process, pass exams, and obtain your professional registration without a job offer. However, to convert this into an active practice license, you'll need a job offer from a licensed healthcare facility. Many professionals prefer getting their registration first, making them more attractive to employers.

Requirements vary by profession and title under the unified Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR):

• General Practitioners (GPs): 5 years of medical school plus internship, and typically 2 years of post-internship clinical experience

• Specialists: Recognized specialty qualification (board certification) plus 3-5 years of post-specialty experience

• Consultants: Specialist qualification plus additional senior-level experience (typically 5-10+ years depending on specialty)

• Nurses: Bachelor's degree in nursing plus 2 years of post-qualification experience for most positions

• Allied Health Professionals: Varies by profession (physiotherapy, radiology, lab technology, etc.) - typically 2-3 years post-qualification

All experience must be documented with detailed, stamped, and signed experience certificates from your employers.

In most cases, yes. The UAE health authorities require a licensing exam for healthcare professionals to ensure clinical competency. The exam format varies:

• DHA: Computer-based test (CBT) or oral exam depending on specialty
• DOH: Pearson VUE exams for most categories
• MOHAP: Authority-specific evaluation exams

Some professionals from Tier 1 countries with specific qualifications may qualify for exam exemption. We'll assess your eligibility during consultation.

Yes, but there are additional requirements. If you have a discontinuity in practice of more than 2 years, UAE health authorities will require evidence that your clinical skills are current. This typically includes:

• Completion of relevant Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses
• Sometimes structured clinical training or observerships in your specialty
• Additional assessment or interview with the health authority

We help you understand exactly what you need and coordinate the necessary training or courses to meet these requirements.

Not automatically. Historically, each emirate required separate licensing. However, as of October 2024, the UAE implemented a Unified Health Licensing Platform designed to create one professional profile recognized across all health authorities. While the system is being implemented, you may still need to go through license transfer or endorsement processes to work in different emirates. We handle inter-emirate transfers and can advise on the current requirements for your specific situation.

CME and CPD are mandatory for license renewal across all UAE health authorities. Requirements vary:

• DHA: ~40 credit hours annually for physicians and dentists; 20 for nurses and pharmacists; 10 for allied health
• DOH: Specific hours based on profession; renewal is conditional on meeting CME requirements
• MOHAP: CPD evidence required with renewal application

CME/CPD must be relevant to your specialty. We provide renewal reminders and guidance on acceptable courses.

Primary Source Verification (PSV) is a mandatory process where health authorities verify the authenticity of your credentials directly with the institutions that issued them. This includes verification of your degree, medical school transcripts, previous licenses, and work experience. The UAE authorities typically use third-party services like DataFlow to contact your university, medical council, and employers directly to confirm everything is genuine. PSV must be positive before your application can proceed to the exam or licensing stage.

A Good Standing Certificate is an official letter from your current or previous medical council/licensing authority confirming that you are licensed with no disciplinary actions, malpractice findings, or ethical violations on your record. It must be recent (typically not older than 6 months), on official letterhead, and clearly state your license status and that there are no outstanding issues. Every UAE health authority requires this document.

Yes. Document attestation is the process of certifying your original documents through official government channels to verify authenticity for use in the UAE. The typical attestation chain includes: notarization in your home country → Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country → UAE Embassy in your home country → Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE. We guide you through the exact requirements for your country and can recommend reliable attestation services.

Experience certificates must be detailed, official letters on the facility's letterhead and include:

• Your full name and position/title
• Start and end dates (day/month/year)
• Full-time or part-time status
• Department and specialty/area of practice
• Brief description of duties and responsibilities
• Clinical hours per week (where applicable)
• Signature and stamp of authorized signatory (HR director or medical director)
• Contact information of the issuing organization

Vague or incomplete experience letters are a common cause of application delays. We review your certificates before submission to ensure they meet authority requirements.

DataFlow verification typically takes 4-8 weeks, but can vary depending on how quickly your university, medical councils, and previous employers respond to verification requests. Some institutions in certain countries respond faster than others. We monitor your DataFlow status and follow up with both DataFlow and the health authority to expedite the process where possible.

Healthcare facility licensing is more complex than professional licensing and typically involves:

1. Initial consultation and feasibility assessment
2. Business and trade license setup
3. Layout approval - your facility design must meet health authority standards
4. Facility construction/fit-out according to approved plans
5. Medical equipment certification and installation
6. Hiring licensed medical director and staff
7. Facility inspection by health authority
8. Compliance documentation (policies, procedures, waste management, insurance)
9. Final license issuance

The entire process typically takes 4-9 months depending on emirate, facility size, and complexity. We manage each step and coordinate with architects, authorities, and contractors.

We handle licensing for all healthcare facility types including general clinics, specialty clinics (dental, dermatology, orthopedic, etc.), polyclinics, medical centers, day surgery centers, diagnostic centers, physiotherapy centers, and hospitals across all emirates. Each facility type has specific requirements under DHA, DOH, and MOHAP regulations.

Total costs vary significantly based on emirate, facility type, and size, but here's a general breakdown:

Regulatory & License Fees: AED 20,000-60,000 (includes health authority license, trade license, inspections)

Design & Consultancy: AED 20,000-60,000+ depending on complexity

Construction/Fit-out: AED 1,500-3,000+ per square meter for medical-grade facilities

Medical Equipment: Highly variable (AED 100,000-500,000+ depending on specialties)

IT Systems & EMR: AED 30,000-100,000+ (including mandatory NABIDH/Malaffi integration)

Initial Staffing: Variable based on requirements

A small outpatient clinic typically requires total investment of AED 500,000-1,500,000+. We provide detailed cost projections during your facility planning consultation.

From concept to opening, expect 6-12 months:

• Initial approvals and planning: 1-2 months
• Layout design and approval: 1-2 months
• Construction/fit-out: 3-6 months
• Staff hiring and licensing: 2-4 months (can overlap)
• Final inspection and licensing: 1-2 months

Timelines can be shorter for simple clinics or longer for complex facilities. We provide realistic project timelines during planning and help you avoid common delays.

All facilities must have licensed staff meeting staff ratio requirements. At minimum, you need:

• Medical Director (must be a licensed physician, specialist, or consultant depending on facility type)
• Licensed healthcare practitioners for each specialty offered
• Licensed nurses (ratios vary by facility type)
• Administrative staff

All clinical staff must hold valid professional licenses from the same health authority as the facility. The medical director must be approved by the health authority before facility license issuance.

License transfer between emirates involves:

1. Obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from your current employer (if applicable)
2. Requesting clearance from your current health authority
3. Submitting transfer application to the new health authority
4. Providing updated documents and any additional requirements
5. Sometimes an interview or brief assessment
6. License cancellation at source and activation at destination

The new Unified Health Licensing Platform is designed to streamline this, but practical implementation varies. Transfer typically takes 2-4 months. We handle all coordination between authorities and ensure smooth transition.

Start license renewal 2-3 months before your license expires. The process requires:

• Evidence of completed CME/CPD hours
• Updated Good Standing Certificate from current authority
• Proof of continuous practice (no gaps)
• Payment of renewal fees
• Updated employment details

We send renewal reminders and handle the entire submission process to ensure uninterrupted practice authorization.

If your license expires, you cannot legally practice until it's renewed. Practicing with an expired license can result in fines, penalties, and disciplinary action. If your license has been expired for an extended period, you may need to go through additional assessment, provide updated documentation, or in some cases, retake exams. We recommend never letting your license lapse - start the renewal process well in advance.

Yes. Your professional registration remains valid, but the practice license needs to be transferred from your old employer to your new one. This process involves:

• Obtaining release/NOC from current employer
• New employer submitting activation request
• Health authority updating license linkage
• Usually completed within 2-4 weeks

You cannot work during the transition period between cancellation with old employer and activation with new employer.

Health authority application fees vary but typically include:

• Application/evaluation fee: AED 1,000-3,000
• Examination fee: AED 2,000-4,000 (varies by specialty and authority)
• License issuance: AED 500-2,000
• DataFlow verification: USD 200-400

Total authority fees typically range from AED 5,000-12,000 depending on your profession and emirate. These are separate from Minqaar's service fees. We provide complete fee breakdown during consultation.

Fees are typically paid at different stages:

• Minqaar service fees: Usually split between initial engagement and major milestones
• Health authority application fees: At application submission
• Examination fees: When scheduling your exam
• License issuance fees: Before final license release
• DataFlow fees: During verification initiation

We coordinate all payments and provide clear guidance on timing and amounts at each stage.

Common delays include:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation
• Slow response from previous employers or universities to PSV requests
• Expired or improperly formatted Good Standing Certificates
• Missing attestations
• Failed exam attempts
• Health authority clarification requests
• Gaps in work history requiring explanation

Working with Minqaar significantly reduces these delays because we review everything before submission and follow up proactively on all verification requests.

For General Practitioner licensing:

Education: MBBS/MD from recognized university (5 years excluding internship)

Experience: Internship completion certificate + minimum 2 years post-internship clinical experience

Exams: Pass DHA/DOH/MOHAP licensing exam (may be exempt if from Tier 1 country with specific qualifications)

Documentation: Degree, transcripts, internship certificate, experience letters, current license, Good Standing Certificate, passport

Verification: Primary Source Verification of all credentials

Timeline: Typically 3-5 months from application to license activation

Nurses need:

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent from recognized institution

Experience: Minimum 2 years post-qualification clinical nursing experience in your specialty

Licensure: Valid nursing license from home country or last place of practice

Exams: Prometric exam or authority-specific nursing assessment

Language: English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent may be required)

Documentation: All standard documents plus detailed clinical experience certificates showing specialty area

Registered nurses typically complete the process in 3-4 months.

Dentists require:

Education: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD/DDS) from recognized dental school

Experience: Minimum 2 years post-graduation clinical experience (general dentistry) or completion of recognized specialty training for specialists

Exams: Dental licensing exam (written and practical/OSCE components)

Documentation: Dental degree, transcripts, license, experience certificates, Good Standing Certificate

Specialty Recognition: Specialty certificates must be from recognized programs listed in PQR

General dentists and specialists both need 3-5 months for complete licensing.

Allied health professionals (physiotherapists, radiographers, lab technicians, pharmacists, optometrists, etc.) need:

Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in their specialty from recognized institution

Experience: Typically 2-3 years post-qualification experience

Licensure: Valid professional license from home country

Exams: Specialty-specific assessment or exam

Professional Body Membership: Some professions require active membership in recognized professional organizations

Requirements vary by specific profession. We assess your exact category during consultation and provide tailored guidance.

Yes. Telehealth/Telemedicine services in the UAE require appropriate licensing from the health authority in the emirate where your services are based. DHA and DOH have specific telehealth regulations. You need:

• Standard professional license for your specialty
• Facility license with telehealth services specified (if operating a telehealth platform)
• Compliance with data localization requirements (patient data must be stored on UAE servers)
• Adherence to telehealth-specific standards and protocols

Telehealth licensing requirements are evolving. We provide current guidance based on your specific telehealth model.

Partially. Free zones like Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) have their own business setup advantages (100% foreign ownership, tax benefits), but healthcare professional and facility licensing still falls under the respective emirate's health authority:

• DHCC facilities still need DHA healthcare facility license
• Professionals working there need DHA professional licenses
• Free zone provides the trade license and business setup
• Health authority provides healthcare licensing

We coordinate between free zone authorities and health regulators for seamless setup.

It depends. The UAE uses a tier system to classify countries and institutions. Degrees must be from universities listed in the Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) document. If your institution isn't listed:

• You may still apply but will likely need to pass licensing exams without exemptions
• Additional documentation may be required
• Verification might take longer
• In some cases, equivalency assessment may be needed

We assess your qualifications during consultation and provide honest guidance on your licensing prospects before you invest in the process.

If your application is rejected or you disagree with an assessment, there's an appeal process:

• Review the rejection letter for specific reasons
• Gather additional supporting documentation
• Submit formal appeal with clarifications
• Health authority appeals committee reviews your case
• Timeline typically 4-8 weeks

Common reasons for rejection include discrepancies in documents, insufficient experience, or failed verification. Most issues can be resolved with proper documentation and clarification. We assist with appeal preparation and submission.

We provide end-to-end support:

1. Initial Consultation: Free assessment of your qualifications and licensing pathway

2. Document Preparation: Personalized checklist, document review, and correction before submission

3. Application Management: Complete forms, upload documents, submit to health authorities on your behalf

4. Follow-Up: Regular status checks, responding to authority queries, coordinating with DataFlow

5. Exam Coordination: Guidance on exam preparation, scheduling, and logistics

6. Communication: You get a dedicated case manager who handles all authority communications

7. Updates: Real-time status updates and transparent timeline tracking

8. Problem-Solving: Resolving issues, clarifications, and handling unexpected requirements

You focus on preparing to practice; we handle everything else.

Your dedicated case manager is your single point of contact throughout your licensing journey. They:

• Understand your specific situation and licensing pathway
• Review and verify all your documents before submission
• Submit applications and track progress with health authorities
• Communicate with DHA/DOH/MOHAP on your behalf
• Schedule exams and inspections
• Provide regular updates and answer your questions
• Handle issues and unexpected requirements proactively

Think of them as your personal licensing expert who knows the system inside out.

Absolutely. We provide:

• Real-time updates via email and phone
• Access to authority portals where you can see official status
• Regular status meetings or calls (frequency based on your preference)
• Proactive notifications when action is needed from you
• Transparent timelines with milestone tracking

You'll never wonder where your application stands.

Exam failures happen, and we're here to help you succeed on your next attempt:

• We provide feedback on common weak areas
• Recommend specific exam preparation resources and courses
• Guide you on re-scheduling procedures
• Handle re-examination application and fees
• Continue supporting you until you pass

Most professionals pass on their second attempt with proper preparation. Some authorities allow multiple attempts; we advise on policies and strategies.

Yes! Our support continues beyond initial licensing:

• License renewal reminders and processing
• CME/CPD tracking and guidance
• Employer change assistance
• License transfer to different emirates
• Scope of practice expansion or adding specialties
• Compliance advisory

Many of our clients become long-term partners, trusting us with their entire UAE healthcare licensing journey.

We take data privacy seriously:

• Secure document upload portals with encryption
• Access restricted to authorized case managers only
• Compliance with UAE data protection regulations
• Documents shared with authorities only as required for your application
• No sharing of information with third parties without consent
• Secure storage and eventual confidential disposal

Your personal and professional information is protected throughout our engagement.

Healthcare regulations evolve constantly. We stay current through:

• Direct relationships with DHA, DOH, and MOHAP licensing departments
• Regular attendance at authority workshops and updates
• Monitoring of new circulars, resolutions, and policy changes
• Team training on updated requirements
• Professional memberships and industry networks

When regulations change (like the 2024 Unified Health Licensing Platform), we immediately update our processes to ensure your application meets current standards.

We maintain a very high success rate (above 95%) for properly qualified professionals because:

• We thoroughly assess eligibility before accepting cases
• We don't take on applications unlikely to succeed
• Complete document review eliminates common rejection reasons
• Proactive communication with authorities catches issues early
• Years of experience means we know exactly what's required

If we accept your case, you can be confident we believe you'll successfully obtain your license.