Golden Visa for doctors: Here’s how you can apply for a professional licence

Dubai: If you are a doctor living in the UAE, there is good news. The UAE government made an announcement on July 28, stating that all doctors licensed to work in the UAE will be allowed to apply for a Golden Visa. What are the details of the announcement and what do you need to do to fulfil the eligibility criteria? Here is all you need to know.

Who is eligible to get a Golden Visa?

All doctors licensed by a UAE health regulatory body can apply for the 10-year Golden Visa between July 2021 to September 2022.

Apart from doctors, investors, entrepreneurs, doctorate degree holders, engineers in the fields of computer engineering, electronics, coding, electricity and biotechnology, as well as outstanding students can also apply for five- or 10-year visas.

How can licensed doctors apply for a Golden Visa?

According to the announcement, if you are already a licensed doctor, you can start your application procedure through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), here - smartservices.ica.gov.ae. However, for doctors licensed to work in Dubai, they would need to apply through the website of the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA-D) here: smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.

The concerned government departments will receive and review the applications to issue the golden visa for those who qualify.

What happens if I am not yet licensed to work in the UAE?

If you are a qualified medical doctor, who does not hold a licence from a UAE health authority, you can apply for a medical licence as long as you fulfil the criteria stipulated in the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), which is a standardised licensing document developed by UAE health authorities.

The document sets out the necessary requirements for licensure of healthcare professionals opting to practise in the UAE in accordance with the federal laws and international best practices and standards. If you wish to apply for a medical professional licence in the UAE, these are the steps you would need to follow.

Abu Dhabi

To be able to work in Abu Dhabi, you would need a licence issued by the Department of Health (DOH).

Step 1: Set up DOH account

To begin the process, you would first need to set up an account with the official Abu Dhabi government services website here: https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/aspects-of-life/healthsafety/healthcareprofessionals/LicensingandCertificates/requestregistrationofnewlicenceforahealthcareprofessional

You need to enter your basic information and create the account.

Step 2: Complete document verification through Dataflow

After completion of the profile, you will be asked to proceed with the document verification process through a Dataflow service, which ensures your medical qualifications and experience are verified.

Step 3: Apply for the DOH exam

You would then need to book an exam appointment, through the same DOH account. Once you have paid the fees your exam date will be finalised. After taking the exam, you will be notified of the results through your account online.

Step 4: Complete the final procedures

You will be required to complete the uploading of your documents and also fill certain forms to ensure the authorities can complete a background check.

Once you have completed the steps listed above you will receive the licence online.

Documents required

These are the documents that you would need to upload on your account during the licence application process:

• Passport copy (Both Side)

• Passport size photograph (White Background)

• Emirates ID

• Attested Certificate / Academic Qualification / Record by issuing entity

• Experience certificates

• Staff data form

• E-tarasol barcode

• Good conduct certificate

• Health licence copy from your home country or the country you have worked in previously

• Official log book for the past two years - for surgeons only

Fees

Application Fees Dh100

Physician Licence Issuance Dh2,600

The licence is valid for two years.

Dubai

In order to work in Dubai, you would need a licence issued by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). These are the steps you would need to follow

Step 1: Check if you are eligible

DHA offers a self-assessment tool that physicians can use to find out if they fulfil the requirements laid out by the Unified healthcare PQR. You can complete the self-assessment online, here: https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/portal/home/services-professional/verify-pqr?locale=en

If you meet the requirements, a primary source verification will be done by Dataflow.

Step 2: Get registered online

You would then need to register for the licence by setting up an account online through the DHA website. You may be required to schedule an oral assessment.

Step 3: Book an exam

While the primary source verification is being completed, which can take a few days, you can also book a date for the DHA exam. When you begin the process, you will be asked which country you are currently in. As DHA has examination centres in the UAE as well as in other countries in the world, you will be given the option of booking an exam at a centre nearest to you.

The results for the exam come in within a few days.

Step 4: Receive your licence online

In case of approval and passing oral assessment (if required), the registration will be issued and the professional will automatically become part of the Dubai Medical Registry.

Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm al Quwain, Fujairah

To register as a physician in any other emirate in the UAE, you would need to register with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).

Conditions and requirements

These are the conditions that need to be fulfilled by applicants according to the Ministry’s website:

• At least two years of experience is required.

• There should be no more than a two-year gap in the work record.

• Assessment certificates are valid for five years only, provided that there is no more than a two-year gap in work.

• The facility must have a registered nurse for every two doctors it employs.

• A certificate of functional fitness from the Department of Preventive Medicine is required if the applicant is 60 or older.

• DataFlow report should be ‘positive’ or ‘not verified’.

Required documents

• Application letter from the institution

• Assessment certificate

• Experience certificate

• Certificate of good conduct

• Proposal to add a doctor

• Job offer

• Copy of passport

• Physical and mental status report

Step 1: Register online

You would first need to create an account on mohap.gov.ae by creating a username and password.

Step 2: Your company needs to add you on their online system

The licensed medical service provider that is hiring you needs to then access the website service to license professionals through their account and provide the required information and documents.

Step 3: Check application

Once the transaction has been referred to MOHAP after the previous step is completed, you would need to check the application from your end. If the application meets requirements, it will be approved and the transaction will be sent to the facility for online fee payment.

Step 4: Make the payment

The organisation hiring you is required to then make the necessary payment of fees, after which a Ministry official will conduct a final review. If the conditions are met, the licence will be issued.

Service Fees

Application fee: Dh100

Doctor's license: Dh3,000