How to get a DHA licence as a speech therapist
Step 1 — Register on the DHA portal
Create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal and start an application for a professional licence in your profession. Sheryan is the DHA system that handles professional and facility licensing end to end.
Select your profession carefully at this stage. Speech and language therapy sits within allied health, and the title used on the portal may not exactly match the title used in your home country.
Step 2 — DataFlow primary source verification
DataFlow is a third-party company that contacts your university, your previous employers and your licensing body directly to confirm that your documents are genuine. It is not a formality and it is the step most likely to delay you.
You will typically submit your education certificate including internship, your professional licence or registration, a good standing certificate, and experience letters.
What it costs
The base package is AED 935, which covers four documents: degree, licence, good standing certificate and one experience letter. Each additional document is around AED 300.
Step 3 — The assessment
Most applicants sit a computer-based test of roughly two hours, administered by Prometric on behalf of DHA.
There is also an oral assessment route available after a positive DataFlow report. The application fee for the oral route is around AED 220, with an exam fee of about AED 270. Eligibility for the oral route depends on your profile, so check what applies to you on the portal.
You can usually run DataFlow and the exam at the same time rather than waiting for one to finish. That can save several weeks.
Step 4 — Eligibility letter, then a job
Once DataFlow is clear and you have passed the assessment, DHA issues a letter confirming you are eligible. That lets you look for work. The licence itself is then activated against a specific employer, so the final step happens once you have an offer.
This matters for planning. You can and should complete licensing before you start job hunting seriously, because many clinics prefer candidates who already hold eligibility.
Rough budget and timeline
| Item | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| DataFlow, base package (4 documents) | AED 935 |
| Each additional document | around AED 300 |
| Oral assessment application | around AED 220 |
| Oral assessment fee | around AED 270 |
| DHA application and licence fees | varies, check the portal |
Timelines vary widely and depend almost entirely on how quickly your university and former employers respond to DataFlow. Plan for months rather than weeks, and start early.
Keeping the licence once you have it
A UAE licence is not permanent. Allied health professionals need continuing professional development to renew, and the renewal window opens 90 days before expiry. Missing it gets expensive. See our guide to CPD requirements for the detail.
Common questions
Do I need a DHA licence before I apply for jobs in Dubai?
You do not always need it before applying, but having an eligibility letter makes you significantly more attractive to employers because it removes months of uncertainty for them. Many clinics prefer or require it.
How much does DataFlow cost for a speech therapist?
The base package is around AED 935 and covers four documents: degree, licence, good standing certificate and one experience letter. Additional documents cost roughly AED 300 each.
Can I do DataFlow and the DHA exam at the same time?
Yes. They can generally be done in either order or in parallel, which is usually the faster approach.
Does a DHA licence let me work anywhere in the UAE?
No. A DHA licence covers Dubai only. Abu Dhabi requires DOH and the Northern Emirates require MOHAP.
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