Transferring Your Medical License Within the UAE

Because the UAE has multiple licensing authorities, moving between emirates can mean transferring or adding a licence. Understanding how this works prevents nasty surprises if you change jobs. Here is what to know about moving your licence within the UAE.

You generally need to transfer or add a licence when you move to a job in a different emirate covered by a different authority — for example, from Dubai (DHA) to Abu Dhabi (DOH), or to a northern emirate (MOHAP). Because licences are tied to the issuing authority, your existing licence does not automatically let you work elsewhere. Confirm what is required for your specific move before you commit to it.

Transferring usually involves applying to the new authority, which may recognise parts of your existing verification while requiring its own application steps. In some cases an additional assessment or exam may be needed; in others, your existing credentials and verification streamline the process. The exact path depends on the authorities involved and your profession, so check both ends of the move.

Expect to provide much of what you already have from your original application:

Keeping your full document set organised from your first licensing process makes any later transfer significantly easier, since you can reuse rather than re-gather most of it.

How long a transfer takes depends on the authorities, your profession and whether any additional assessment is required. Plan for it to take time rather than assuming it is instant, and coordinate with your new employer, who will often support the process. Starting early — as soon as your move is confirmed — helps ensure your new licence is ready when you need to begin work.