What is the DHA license for physiotherapists?

DHA license is the mandatory license to practice as a physiotherapist in Dubai. It involves DataFlow verification, a Prometric exam, and approval via the Sheryan portal.

Can Indian physiotherapists get a DHA license from India?

Yes, the entire DHA licensing process including DataFlow verification and the Prometric exam can be completed from India.

What is the DHA Prometric exam passing score?

The DHA Physiotherapy Prometric exam requires a minimum passing score of approximately 60%. The exam consists of 100–150 multiple-choice questions.

What is the salary of a physiotherapist in Dubai?

Physiotherapists in Dubai earn between AED 8,000–18,000 per month tax-free.

🇦🇪

AED 8,000–18,000/month Tax-Free Income DHA License Prometric Exam

DHA License for Physiotherapists in Dubai

Everything you need to know about getting your Dubai Health Authority license as an Indian physiotherapist: DataFlow verification, Prometric exam, Sheryan portal, documents, fees, and a complete step-by-step roadmap, based on how Akademyfi sequences the process for its own candidates.

Book Free Consultation Check My Eligibility

3–6 Months

Processing Time

AED 4,200–5,000

Application Cost

Tax-Free

Salary

Working Life in Dubai

Dubai Is Fast: With a Few Catches

Dubai’s DHA pathway is one of the quickest routes abroad for Indian physiotherapists. A few things worth knowing before you start:

Your DHA license is valid one year and needs annual renewal: usually handled by your employer, but budget for it.
Private clinics hire faster than government hospitals, but government roles in Dubai typically pay more.
The Prometric exam has a capped number of attempts before a waiting period applies: prepare properly the first time.

Overview

What is the DHA Physiotherapy License?

The DHA license is the mandatory regulatory license for all physiotherapists who wish to practice in the Emirate of Dubai.

For Indian physiotherapists, Dubai represents one of the most attractive international destinations. The city offers tax-free salaries, a massive Indian expatriate community, world-class healthcare infrastructure, and a lifestyle that combines modern luxury with deep cultural roots. Over 3 million Indians live and work in the UAE, with a significant concentration in Dubai, making the transition remarkably smooth for newcomers from India.

The DHA licensing process involves three major milestones: Primary Source Verification through DataFlow, a Prometric computer-based licensing exam, and final approval through the Sheryan online portal. Each of these stages has specific requirements, timelines, and costs that Indian physiotherapists must understand before beginning their application.

Why Choose Dubai?

Tax-free salary structure means AED 8,000–18,000/month is entirely take-home pay. Dubai offers world-class CPD opportunities, modern rehabilitation technologies, and proximity to India: just a 3-hour flight away.

The Process

Step-by-Step DHA Licensing Process

Following these steps in order ensures a smooth application experience. Most Indian physiotherapists complete the process in 3–6 months.

DataFlow Primary Source Verification

Submit your educational credentials and work experience documents to DataFlow Group. DataFlow independently contacts your university and previous employers to verify that your qualifications are genuine. This typically takes 4–8 weeks.

AED 1,050 4–8 weeks

English Language Proficiency

DHA requires IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or OET with Grade B in all subtests. If you completed your physiotherapy education entirely in English, you may request a waiver: but most applicants find it easier to take the test.

IELTS 6.0/5.5 Results in 13 days

DHA Sheryan Portal Registration

Create your account on the DHA Sheryan portal. Complete the online application form, upload all required documents, and pay the application fee of approximately AED 850.

AED 850 2–4 weeks review

Schedule and Take the DHA Prometric Exam

Upon approval, schedule your DHA Physiotherapy Prometric exam at any Prometric test centre. Prometric has centres in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad. The exam is 100–150 MCQs with a 2–3 hour time limit.

AED 735 exam fee Schedule within 60 days

Receive Your Eligibility Letter

After passing the exam, DHA issues your Eligibility Letter electronically via the Sheryan portal. This confirms you are qualified to work as a physiotherapist in Dubai and is what you will use to secure a job offer.

Eligibility Granted

Job Offer & License Activation

Once you have a job offer from a Dubai-based healthcare facility, your employer processes your work visa and activates your DHA license through the Sheryan portal. This is when you need to be physically present in Dubai for final formalities.

Full Practice Rights

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

BPT from a recognised Indian university: 4.5-year degree

Minimum 2 years of post-qualification clinical experience

IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 each band) or OET Grade B

Active registration with any State Physiotherapy Council in India

Good standing certificate from council (within 3 months)

Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)

Documents

Documents Required

BPT/MPT degree certificate (attested)

Complete academic transcripts for all years

Internship completion certificate

Work experience certificates (on letterhead)

State council registration certificate

Valid IELTS or OET score report

Valid passport: all pages copy

Updated CV detailing clinical experience

Good Standing Certificate from State Council

Fees

DHA License Fees Breakdown

All costs are approximate. These are the standard fees that most Indian physiotherapists can expect to pay.

Stage	Fee (AED)	Fee (INR)	Timeline
DataFlow Primary Source Verification	AED 1,050	₹24,000	4–8 weeks
DHA Application Fee (Sheryan)	AED 850	₹19,000	2–4 weeks review
DHA Prometric Exam Fee	AED 735	₹17,000	Schedule within 60 days
IELTS Academic Exam Fee	AED 1,100	₹16,000	Results in 13 days
Document Attestation (approximate)	AED 500	₹11,500	2–3 weeks
Annual License Renewal (by employer)	AED 1,000/yr	₹23,000/yr	Annual
Total Estimated (DHA)	AED 4,200–5,000	₹96,000–1,15,000	3–6 months

Related Guides

More Physiotherapy Licensing Resources

Avoid These

Common Mistakes in DHA Applications for Dubai

Assuming a job offer comes before licensing

Most Dubai employers want to see your DHA eligibility letter before shortlisting you. Get that in hand first: don’t wait for a job offer to start DataFlow verification.

Underestimating the DataFlow timeline

Verification speed depends on how quickly your university and past employers respond to requests, not on you. Start it 4-6 weeks earlier than you think you need to.

Not accounting for annual license renewal

The DHA license is valid for one year. Factor the recurring renewal fee into your long-term budget, not just the upfront licensing cost.

Why Akademyfi

How Akademyfi Helps With Dubai (DHA)

Most Dubai employers want to see your DHA eligibility letter before they’ll shortlist you, not after they’ve already made an offer. Akademyfi sequences your licensing and job search around that reality, starting DataFlow verification early since it’s usually the biggest variable in your whole timeline, not your CV or interview performance.

We also help you weigh faster-hiring private clinics against higher-paying but slower government roles, so you’re choosing with the full picture rather than taking the first offer that comes. And because your license needs renewing every year once you’re working, Akademyfi flags it ahead of time so it never becomes a surprise cost twelve months in.

One Akademyfi consultant sequences your DataFlow, Prometric and job search as one connected timeline.

We tell you honestly which employer type fits your priorities before you commit to an offer.

About this guide

Written and reviewed by Akademyfi’s physiotherapy licensing advisors, who work full-time on registration for Indian physiotherapists across the UAE, Australia, the UK and the wider Gulf. Every fee, eligibility rule and timeline on this page is checked against the official regulator’s own guidance before publishing. If a regulator changes its process, treat their website as the final word and tell us so we can update this page. Last updated: August 2026.

Ready to Start Your DHA License Process?

Our consultants have helped hundreds of Indian physiotherapists obtain their DHA license. Book a free consultation and we will create a personalised step-by-step plan for you.

Book Free Consultation Check My Eligibility

FAQ

DHA Physiotherapy License: Common Questions

DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license is the mandatory license to practice physiotherapy in Dubai. It requires DataFlow verification, a Prometric licensing exam, and final approval through the Sheryan portal. The license ensures physiotherapists meet minimum education, experience, and competency standards set by the Dubai government.

Yes, absolutely. The entire DHA process: DataFlow verification, application via Sheryan, and the Prometric exam can all be completed from India. Prometric exam centres are available in major Indian cities. You only need to travel to Dubai once you secure a job offer for final license activation.

The DHA Physiotherapy exam is a computer-based test (CBT) administered by Prometric. It contains 100–150 multiple-choice questions covering orthopaedics, neurology, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, paediatrics, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and professional ethics. The passing mark is approximately 60%.

The complete DHA licensing process typically takes 3–6 months from start to receiving your Eligibility Letter. DataFlow verification takes the longest at 4–8 weeks. DHA application review takes 2–4 weeks. Exam scheduling depends on Prometric availability.

IELTS Academic (minimum 6.0 overall) or OET (Grade B in all subtests) is generally required. Some applicants who completed their physiotherapy education in English medium may request a waiver, but this is granted case-by-case.