DHA Licence for Physiotherapists 2026: Eligibility, Experience Rules, the DHA Physiotherapy Exam, Fees in AED and INR, and Physio Jobs in Dubai
How physiotherapists get licensed in Dubai in 2026: DHA eligibility and experience rules, BPT vs MPT, Sheryan and DataFlow, the DHA physiotherapy Prometric exam and its blueprint, fees in AED, INR, PKR and PHP, timeline, and salaries.
Physiotherapists are in steady demand in Dubai — in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, sports clinics and home care. The licence comes from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and follows the same Sheryan, DataFlow and Prometric route as other professions. Here is what physiotherapists need in 2026.
Eligibility
- Degree: a recognised bachelor's in physiotherapy (BPT/BSc PT) of at least four years. Shorter diplomas are not normally accepted for the Physiotherapist title.
- Registration: current registration or licence in your home country.
- Experience: generally two years of recent clinical experience after qualification, documented with exact dates.
- Good Standing Certificate issued within the last six months.
A master's (MPT) does not usually change your title on its own, but it strengthens your application to employers and helps for specialised posts such as neuro, paediatric or sports rehabilitation.
Step by step
- Sheryan account and self-assessment (Sheryan guide).
- Application and DataFlow verification (4–8 weeks).
- DHA physiotherapy exam at Prometric.
- Eligibility letter, then a job offer.
- Employer activates the licence and handles the visa.
The DHA physiotherapy exam
- Computer-based single-best-answer MCQs, about 60% to pass.
- Blueprint: musculoskeletal and orthopaedic rehabilitation, neurological physiotherapy, cardiopulmonary physiotherapy, paediatrics, electrotherapy and exercise prescription, anatomy and kinesiology, and professional ethics.
Practise with the Physiotherapist question bank; the exam is described in detail in Prometric exam for physiotherapists.
Fees
| Item | USD | AED | INR | PKR | PHP | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DataFlow verification | USD 220–320 | AED 810–1,180 | INR 19,500–28,000 | PKR 61,500–89,500 | PHP 12,500–18,000 | Candidate |
| DHA physiotherapy exam | USD 230–250 | AED 840–920 | INR 20,000–22,000 | PKR 64,500–70,000 | PHP 13,000–14,500 | Candidate |
| Eligibility and licence issuance | USD 270–410 | AED 990–1,510 | INR 24,000–36,000 | PKR 75,500–115,000 | PHP 15,500–23,500 | Often the employer |
All figures are approximate 2026 ranges, converted at fixed rates (USD 1 = AED 3.67, INR 88, PKR 280, PHP 57). Authorities change fees without notice and your bank adds its own card charge, so confirm the amount on the official portal at the moment you pay.
Physiotherapist salary in Dubai
| Title | Monthly (AED) | USD | INR | PKR | PHP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist | AED 7,000–15,000 | USD 1,910–4,080 | INR 167,500–359,500 | PKR 533,500–1,143,500 | PHP 108,500–233,000 |
Salaries are approximate 2026 monthly, tax-free ranges for a mid-experience (3–5 year) hire, blended from published pay scales, recruiter ranges and offers our placement team has seen. Home-currency figures use fixed rates (USD 1 = AED 3.67, SAR 3.75, QAR 3.64, INR 88, PKR 280, PHP 57). Always go by the offer letter.
Sports and private outpatient clinics sometimes add session-based incentives. Compare countries in physiotherapist salary in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Where physios work in Dubai
- Hospital rehabilitation departments (orthopaedic, neuro and ICU).
- Standalone rehabilitation and long-term care centres.
- Sports and musculoskeletal clinics.
- Home healthcare providers — a growing area (see home care in the UAE).
Next steps
Run the free eligibility check and join the physiotherapist talent pool.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fresh physiotherapy graduate get a DHA licence?
Usually not; DHA generally expects about two years of clinical experience after qualification.
Is BPT accepted by DHA?
Yes, a recognised four-year BPT is the standard qualification for the Physiotherapist title.
How many questions are in the DHA physiotherapy exam?
It is a computer-based MCQ paper; the exact count depends on the current blueprint, so check your eligibility notice.
How much does a physiotherapist earn in Dubai?
Roughly AED 7,000–15,000 a month for a mid-experience physiotherapist, tax free.
Can I work as a physiotherapist in Sharjah with a DHA licence?
No. Sharjah and the northern emirates need a MOHAP or SHA licence.
Practice banks for this exam
Chapter-wise MCQs with written reasoning on every question, and timed mocks at the real pass mark.