Step-by-step DHA Dataflow process for nurses and doctors 2025

DHA Dataflow Process Explained for Nurses and Doctors

If you’re a nurse or doctor planning to work in Dubai, you’ve probably heard about the DHA Dataflow process. It’s one of the most crucial steps in getting your DHA license and ensuring your qualifications are recognised in the UAE. In this blog, we will demystify the DHA Dataflow process for doctors and nurses in plain English — the steps, documents needed, issues arising, timelines, and fees — so that you can do it confidently and hassle-free.

Whatever your need – whether you’re having difficulty with pharmacist-style emergency speaking tasks or wish to enhance your overall communication in patient consultations, this blog will walk you through how to reach your goal.

What is Dataflow and Why It's Required

The Dataflow verification UAE process is an international background screening system operated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to verify healthcare professionals’ educational certificates, experience, and registration certificates.

In short words, Dataflow confirms that all the certificates and credentials you provide are genuine and issued by authentic institutions. This process safeguards patients and ensures high healthcare standards in Dubai.

For doctors and nurses, you must pass the Dataflow verification prior to applying for a DHA license — which is legally permitted to practice in Dubai hospitals, clinics, or medical centers.

Step-by-Step DHA Dataflow Process

The DHA Dataflow process may seem complex initially, but these easy steps make it simple to get done:

Step 1: Create a DHA Sheryan Account

Begin by logging onto the DHA Sheryan portal ([https://sheryan.dha.gov.ae](https://sheryan.dha.gov.ae)). This is where you enroll and set up your professional account. You’ll be using this portal through the licensing and Dataflow process.

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Step 2: Choose Your Category

Select your professional category — doctor, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, or allied health professional. Each category requires slightly different qualification and experience verification requirements.

Step 3: Request Primary Source Verification (PSV) through Dataflow

Once you’ve registered, you’ll be redirected to the Dataflow Group portal to start your Primary Source Verification (PSV). This means Dataflow will contact your university, previous employers, and medical councils directly to confirm the authenticity of your submitted documents.

Step 4: Upload Documents

You’ll be required to upload scanned copies of all your documents (we’ll mention them below). Make sure they are clear, color-scanned, and attested as needed. Inaccurate or low-quality uploads may slow down verification.

Step 5: Make Payment

Pay the verification fee online via the Dataflow portal. The fee varies based on how many documents you require to verify — typically between AED 700 to AED 1,500 for most candidates.

Step 6: Dataflow Verification Begins

After payment, the Dataflow verification UAE team starts verifying each document with the issuing authority. They may contact your university, hospital, or licensing council to confirm details.

Step 7: Receive Your Dataflow Report

Once completed, you’ll receive a Dataflow report stating whether your credentials are verified (Positive Report), not verified (Negative Report), or require additional documents (On-Hold Report).

Step 8: Proceed with DHA Licensing

Once you get a positive Dataflow report, then you can proceed to the DHA license process, which involves sitting for the DHA Prometric exam and registering through the Sheryan portal.

Documents Required and Verification Checks

Here’s what you’ll generally need for the DHA Dataflow process for physicians and nurses:

Passport Copy – Should be at least six months valid.
Passport-size Photograph – Current, professional picture with white background.
Educational Certificates – MBBS, Nursing degree, MD, or equivalent degree.
Mark Sheets or Transcripts – Particularly for degree authentication.
Professional License/Registration – From your country of origin’s nursing or medical council.
Good Standing Certificate – Letter from your present licensing authority indicating no disciplinary action.
Experience Certificates – Officially signed letters from past employers mentioning your designation, duration, and responsibilities.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate – For nurses and clinical practitioners.
Passport and Visa Copy (if applicable) – For those already present in the UAE.

All documents should be in English or officially translated. The verification checks are:

Education Verification: Verifies your degree authenticity with the university.

License Verification: Verifies your professional registration.

Experience Verification: Verifies your employment history and job details.

Common Issues During Dataflow Verification

While the majority of verifications are processed without problems, some experts experience delays or adverse reports as a result of preventable mistakes. These include:

Inconsistent Information: Spelling discrepancies on certificates and passport names.
Uncooperative Institutions: Universities or hospitals taking too long to respond to Dataflow requests.
Incomplete or Poor-Quality Documents: Fuzzy scans or incomplete pages result in delays.
Unattested Certificates: A few authorities demand attested copies to authenticate.
Altered or Fraudulent Documents: Permanent blacklisting occurs in case of any falsification.

To prevent these problems, double-check all inputs, submit high-quality scans, and make sure all information (name, date, degree title) is identical in your documents.

Tracking and Correcting Dataflow Reports

After submission, you can monitor your application on the Dataflow portal directly with your reference number.

If your report is “On-Hold” or “Unable to Verify,” Dataflow will ask for more documents or clarification. You can remedy and resend the necessary papers via your Dataflow account.

In the event of negative verification, communicate with Dataflow support as soon as possible with proper proof or reissued certificates. Institutions at times take a while to respond, so respectful follow-up via email accelerates the process.

After correction, your report status will be updated to “Verified” or “Positive,” and you can proceed with the DHA license process hassle-free.

Estimated Timeline and Costs

The DHA Dataflow process normally takes 30 to 45 working days, depending on the response of your institution. In some cases, delays might happen if your documents require extra verification.

Here’s a rough estimate of the timeline and cost split:

Creation of application: 1–2 days
Confirming payment: Same day
Verification of documents: 25–40 working days
Release of report: Within 5 working days from the verification

Estimated Costs:

For nurses: AED 700–1,000
For doctors: AED 1,000–1,500
Extra fees for verifying additional documents or urgent processing.

Although the process is time-consuming, it is a one-time verification that is valid for subsequent DHA license renewal or transfers to other UAE health authorities.

Conclusion

Completion of the Dataflow process for doctors and nurses is a critical initial step towards establishing your medical career in Dubai. Preparing proper, authenticated papers and having a quick response to any Dataflow inquiry ensures a successful and seamless verification.

Once your Dataflow report is clear, the way to securing your DHA license is much easier, and you can work confidently in one of the globe’s fastest-growing healthcare destinations — Dubai.