DHA Exam Fees in Pakistan: Complete Cost Guide (2025)

DHA Exam Fee Structure

The DHA exam fee is set by the Dubai Health Authority and charged in UAE Dirhams (AED). The exact fee depends on your profession and specialty. For most medical doctors and general practitioners, the DHA licensing examination fee is in the range of AED 1,470-1,995, which converts to approximately PKR 115,000-155,000 at current exchange rates.

Below is a general guide to DHA exam fees by profession:

• Medical doctor (GP / specialist): AED 1,470-1,995 depending on specialty
• Nurse (registered / specialist): AED 735-1,050
• Pharmacist: AED 1,050-1,470
• Physiotherapist: AED 1,050
• Dentist: AED 1,470-1,995
• Allied health (lab technician, radiographer, etc.): AED 735-1,470

These fees are reviewed periodically by DHA. Always confirm the current fee for your specific profession on the official DHA Salama portal at dha.gov.ae before making any payment.

DataFlow Verification Fee

The DHA exam fee is separate from the DataFlow primary source verification fee, which is a mandatory step before you can sit the examination. DataFlow charges vary depending on how many documents need to be verified and from which countries, but for a typical Pakistani candidate submitting a medical degree, experience letters, and licensing authority documents, DataFlow fees range from approximately AED 800-1,200 (PKR 62,000-94,000).

DataFlow is a one-time cost for your first DHA application. If you later re-apply or apply to another Gulf licensing authority (Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), some DataFlow reports can be reused within their validity period.

DHA Application Fee

In addition to the examination and DataFlow fees, DHA charges an initial application processing fee when you submit your Salama profile. This is typically in the range of AED 200-350 and covers DHA's administrative review of your credentials before confirming your examination eligibility.

Total Cost of DHA Licensing for Pakistani Doctors

For a Pakistani medical doctor, a realistic total budget from application submission to licence issuance looks like this:

• DataFlow verification: AED 800-1,200
• DHA application fee: AED 200-350
• DHA exam fee: AED 1,470-1,995
• Prometric scheduling: included in the exam fee for most professions
• Study materials and QBank: variable

The total for the licensing process alone typically falls between AED 2,500-3,500 - roughly PKR 195,000-275,000 at current rates. This does not include visa, flights, or relocation costs for moving to Dubai.

DHA Exam Fees in Pakistan - How to Pay

DHA exam fees are paid online through the Salama portal using an international debit or credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Most Pakistani candidates use a dollar or dirham-denominated card, or arrange payment through a bank offering international transaction capability. Contact your bank in advance to ensure your card is enabled for large international online payments, as some Pakistani banks block these transactions by default.

DataFlow fees are paid separately through the DataFlow portal, also via international card.

Can DHA Fees Be Refunded?

DHA has a limited refund policy. Application and verification fees are generally non-refundable once submitted. Examination fees may be partially refundable if you cancel well in advance of your Prometric booking - check DHA's current cancellation policy on the Salama portal. If you fail the examination, the fee is forfeited and you must pay again to re-sit.

Is the Investment Worth It?

A DHA-licensed general practitioner in Dubai earns between AED 15,000-25,000 per month (PKR 1.2-2 million). Specialists earn considerably more. The total cost of the DHA licensing process - approximately AED 3,000-4,000 - represents less than two weeks of a GP's Dubai salary. The return on this investment is rapid for candidates who secure employment promptly after licensure.

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