Licence transfer between UAE authorities
To change UAE board, apply to the new board. It may accept your licence and waive the exam if you meet its rules. Your DataFlow report moves separately.
Facts last verified 5 October 2026. Updated 6 October 2026.
Keep the same job title
The Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) set the unified PQR recognition conditions. You need the right licence and valid good standing. Good standing is a letter from your board about your licence status. You also need a full primary source verification (PSV) report. Meet the licence and exam attempt rules. To change title, you need the training and awards for that title.
Under the PQR, a licence can have expired or been cancelled no more than 6 months before you apply. An exam waiver does not remove the other checks.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensing manual allows 5 years for the same position after a licence cancellation. This covers licences from Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH). You must have no break in practice and meet the PQR. Neither says it replaces the other rule. Ask DHA in writing which rule applies before paying.
| Destination | Route | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Sheryan; accepts PSV from DOH, SHA and MOHAP; can ask for more checks; exemption review, registration, then facility activation | DHA licence requirements |
| Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) | New TAMM application; full PSV addressed to DOH; same-title exemption in good standing; facility licence issue | DOH licence requirements |
| Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) | Facility uses Transfer License from DHA/DOH; active licence and PQR recognition conditions | MOHAP transfer service |
| Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) | Professional assessment, then licence application by an SHA-licensed facility | SHA assessment service |
SHA assessment and licence steps
For SHA, send your licence and good standing. Add your degrees, work letters, PSV reports and proof for any exam waiver. Declare earlier UAE attempts (SHA assessment).
| Step | Fee | Conditions and time |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | AED 500 physicians and dentists; AED 300 nurses, midwives, pharmacists and allied health | 8 working days; add DataFlow and exam fees if needed; certificate does not permit practice |
| Full-time licence | AED 3,000 physicians and dentists; AED 1,000 nursing, pharmacy and allied staff | SHA-licensed facility applies; 1-year licence; 8 working days |
Check current fees with SHA before paying (SHA licence service). Its checklist asks for a valid assessment certificate. Ask SHA how to meet that rule when you first apply.
Report transfer and facility transfer
Sign a new Letter of Authorization to move your report. This gives DataFlow consent to use your papers. It reuses checks and asks if the new board needs more (DataFlow transfer service). Fees depend on the new board.
A facility transfer means changing employer under the same board. It does not move you to a new board.
| Authority | Requirements | Fee and time |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) | Valid licence; new facility request, introduction letter, contract, licence or ID, no-objection letter and facility plan | AED 100; 1 to 2 working days |
| Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) | Between SHA facilities; active full-time or part-time licence; keeps licence validity | AED 500; 8 working days |
Check the MOHAP facility service or SHA facility service before paying. SHA’s directory says transfer is “currently under implementation”. Its service card gives online steps. Ask SHA which route is open.