SMLE DataFlow PSV Report Use for DHA GP Licence 2026
SMLE DataFlow to DHA Quick Summary
Usually yes, in part. DataFlow's Report Transfer service lets you move a PSV report verified for the Saudi Commission (SCFHS) to DHA: you sign a new Letter of Authorization, pay a transfer fee set for each regulator, and the report is usually ready in 5 to 7 working days if nothing new needs verifying. DHA's licensing manual names only DOH, MOHAP and Sharjah reports as accepted transfers, so expect requests for extra verification, and an SMLE pass does not exempt you from the DHA exam.
Many GPs who worked in Saudi Arabia already have a positive DataFlow report from their SCFHS registration. When they apply to Dubai, the obvious question is whether they must pay to verify the same degree, internship and licence all over again. The short answer is that the old report can usually be transferred, but it rarely covers everything DHA needs, because your Saudi work, your Saudi licence and a recent good standing certificate came after it. This page is only about that Saudi to Dubai step. For DataFlow in general see DHA DataFlow requirements, and for transfers between UAE regulators see DataFlow report transfer to DHA, DOH and MOH.
Can SMLE Dataflow be transferred to DHA?
Yes, through DataFlow. DataFlow's Report Transfer service moves a previously verified PSV report from one regulator to another, and both the SCFHS and DHA are on its list of regulators that accept a DataFlow report. On the DHA verification portal you choose the option for existing applicants who want to transfer an old report, rather than starting a new verification.
Two points to keep in mind. First, DataFlow reviews every transfer request and says that a client-specific arrangement may need extra components verified, for example the mode of study, if they were not checked the first time. Second, DHA's own Manual for Licensing Healthcare Professionals says DHA accepts transferred PSV reports from the other UAE regulators (DOH, Sharjah Health Authority and MOHAP) and may still ask for more. A report built for the SCFHS is not named there, so DHA reviews it like any other report and can ask for further verification.
What gets reused and what needs fresh verification?
| Document | Usually reused from the SMLE report? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) | Yes, if it was verified positive | The same certificate from the same university. |
| Internship certificate | Yes, if it was verified | Unchanged since your Saudi application. |
| Home country licence | Often | DHA also asks for the licence of every country you have practised in. |
| Saudi licence and SCFHS registration | Usually new | Most Saudi GPs were licensed after the original report was issued. |
| Experience certificates from Saudi Arabia | New | Experience gained after the first report has never been verified. DHA counts this towards the GP experience rule. |
| Good Standing Certificate | New | DHA needs one issued within the last 6 months. |
| Any new degree or diploma | New | Every additional qualification needs its own verification. |
DataFlow tells you which items need verifying once it has reviewed the transfer request, so do not pay for separate checks before that. The DHA document list is on DHA documents required for physicians.
How to transfer your DataFlow report from SCFHS to DHA?
How long does transfer process take?
DataFlow says a transferred report is usually ready within 5 to 7 working days when no new documents need verifying. Once new documents are added, those items go through normal verification, which DataFlow puts at 15 to 25 working days from payment and a complete set of documents. Late replies from a university or employer can stretch that. DHA's own review is extra time on top.
On cost, DataFlow states only that the transfer fee is different for each regulator, plus the cost of any extra documents. We no longer quote a figure per document here, because it changes and is shown on the portal before you pay.
Will DataFlow transfer affect my SMLE license or Dataflow status in Saudi Arabia?
A transfer is a request for DataFlow to issue a report to a new regulator. Your Saudi classification and licence are managed by the SCFHS, not by DataFlow, and DataFlow's description of the service says nothing about cancelling the original. If you plan to keep working in Saudi Arabia while you apply to Dubai, keep your SCFHS registration and licence current yourself and confirm any doubt with the SCFHS. Saudi licence holders looking at Abu Dhabi instead can read Saudi licence transfer to DOH.
Do you still need the DHA exam after passing the SMLE?
Yes, in most cases. The SMLE is not on the DHA exam exemption list. For GPs that list names exams such as USMLE Step 3, PLAB I and II, AMC, LMCC and NZREX, and a recently cancelled DHA licence also counts. The full list is on DHA exam exemption criteria.
Your Saudi GP years do help in another way. A DHA General Practitioner needs 2 years of clinical experience after the internship, and licensed Saudi work counts when it is backed by experience letters with clear dates. The rules are on clinical experience required for a DHA GP. If you are still weighing the two countries, our SMLE guide covers the Saudi side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my SMLE DataFlow report for DHA?
Usually, through DataFlow's Report Transfer service on the DHA portal. You sign a new Letter of Authorization and pay a transfer fee, and DataFlow tells you which extra items need verifying. DHA may still ask for further verification because its manual names only UAE regulators' reports as accepted transfers.
How long does a DataFlow report transfer to DHA take?
About 5 to 7 working days when no new documents are added, according to DataFlow. New documents such as Saudi experience letters go through normal verification, usually 15 to 25 working days from payment and complete documents.
Do I need to verify my Saudi experience again?
Experience gained after your original report was issued has not been verified yet, so it needs verification for DHA. Your degree and internship can usually be reused if they were verified positive.
Does passing the SMLE exempt me from the DHA exam?
No. The SMLE is not on the DHA exemption list for GPs, which names exams such as USMLE Step 3, PLAB I and II, AMC, LMCC and NZREX. You will normally sit the DHA GP computer-based test.
Does transferring the report cancel my Saudi licence?
No step in the transfer asks you to give up your Saudi licence; your SCFHS registration and licence are handled by the SCFHS. Keep them current yourself if you are still working in Saudi Arabia.
Your Comments
Readers have asked us these questions over time. Tap any question to open it and read our reply.
Dr Mohammad umar parvez hasan khan (Delhi, India): repeat verification or reuse the Saudi PSV for DHA?
"I have worked in Saudi Arabia (SMLE) as GP there, my documentation was verified by dataflow and issued positive positive Dataflow PSV report, so i have to repeat verification again or same will work for DHA ."
Dr Mohammad umar parvez hasan khan
Medical Qualification: M.b.b.s
City, Country: Delhi india
Madinah Azizi (Kabul, Afghanistan): requirements, experience and question format for a fresh graduate
"Hi, i have recently graduated with GP degree and I want to take the dha exam. Can someone please guide me about the DHA exam requirements i need to fullfil before exam and do i need work experience? As i am a fresh graduate ( graduated on march 2019). Moreover, I need information about the dha exam how many questions does it include? Are they all mcq or any other types also included? Is there any determined source of study for dha exam? If not then which DHA exam study material do u recommend for preparation of the exam? Waiting for your responses, Thanks in advance. "
Madinah Azizi
Medical Qualification: General practitioner
City, Country: Kabul
Shushma (Karachi, Pakistan): applying online, documents and fees
"I am a MBBS Graduate from pakistan.I am planning to appear for dha exam.I dont have any idea about this exam. Pls guide me how to apply online for exam and the documents required, fee structure ""
Shushma
Medical Qualification: MBBS,HOUSE JOB,MCPS(Theory cleared)
City, Country: Karachi, Pakistan
NWOSU ANTHONY UZO (Lagos, Nigeria): qualified to sit, how to prepare and where the centres are
"I have been practicing in my country since graduation more than ten years ago and currently about completing my residency in Family Medicine. Just want to ask if I am qualified to write the examination and please how do I prepare for that. What are the necessary procedures and where are the centres? "
NWOSU ANTHONY UZO
Medical Qualification: MBBS, PGD HSE, SENIOR REGISTRAR FAMILY MEDICINE
City, Country: Lagos, Nigeria
sidra fareed (Lahore, Pakistan): is the specialist exam specialty based or general?
"does specialist exam includes speciality or it is a general exam??"
sidra fareed
Medical Qualification: MBBS. FCPS OBSTETRICA AND GYNAE
City, Country: lahore,pakistan
Dania Fatima (Karachi, Pakistan): can I sit the DHA exam before PSV is done?
"My query is that can i sit for Dha exam before getting PSV done"
Dania Fatima
Medical Qualification: BDS
City, Country: Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Rakesh (Rajasthan, India): sitting the DHA exam before finishing an MD
"hi..i am medical student.now in 3rd year (final year) Radiation oncology may i try for DHA test now.before compltion of my MD degree and questions what is syallabus for DHA?"
Dr Rakesh
Medical Qualification: MBBS ,Persuing MD Radiation oncology final year
City, Country: Rajasthan,India
Bushra Malik (Dubai, UAE): BDS without 2 years of experience, any way around it?
"I am a dentist from Pakistan. I have completed my BDS but dont have 2 yr clinical experience for dha license exam. is there any way i can get the experience from dubai or give another exam to be exempted from dha?"
Bushra Malik
Medical Qualification: BDS
City, Country: dubai
Mrs Mujeeb (Lahore, Pakistan): steps to apply for the DHA exam as a dentist
"I wanna give dha examination ...but dont know how to apply for that ... Totly confuse what r the steps...kindly guide...."
Mrs Mujeeb
Medical Qualification: bds
City, Country: Lahore pakistan
Midhat shoaib (Karachi, Pakistan): how many stages the DHA exam has
"Hey. Im currently undergraduate(final year) student in Pakistan. How many stages does the DHA exam have? Also how one should start studying for it? Is there any guide?"
Midhat shoaib
Medical Qualification: Undergraduate medical student(final year)
City, Country: Karachi, Pakistan
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