Doctor Salary Dubai: Complete guide for 2025 - Earn up to AED 150,000 tax-free

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Doctor Salary Dubai: Complete guide for 2025 - Earn up to AED 150,000 tax-free

Published by DoctoFlow | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Meta description: Doctor Salary Dubai 2025: 20,000-150,000 AED/month tax free! ✓ All specialities ✓ DHA licence ✓ Benefits ✓ DoctoFlow helps you start your career


In recent years, Dubai has developed into one of the most attractive labour markets for medical professionals worldwide. The metropolis on the Persian Gulf attracts qualified doctors with top tax-free salaries, state-of-the-art infrastructure and an exceptional quality of life. But how much can you really earn as a doctor in Dubai? Which specialities are particularly in demand? And what requirements do you need to fulfil?

This comprehensive guide will tell you everything you need to know about medical salaries in Dubai, from the most lucrative specialities to the practical steps you can take to kick-start your career in the UAE. As the leading agency for medical professionals in the UAE, DoctoFlow will help you find your dream position and successfully gain a foothold in Dubai.

Why Dubai is so attractive for doctors

Dubai is investing heavily in the healthcare sector and is continuously building new clinics and medical centres. The city is positioning itself as a global centre for medical tourism and is striving for medical excellence at an international level [1]. German doctors in particular are in high demand due to their sound training and international reputation [2].

The United Arab Emirates offers physicians unique benefits: tax-free income, state-of-the-art workplaces, an international environment and the opportunity to work in one of the fastest growing healthcare landscapes in the world. With over 630,000 medical tourists annually and a projected turnover of €630 million by 2025 in the medical tourism sector, Dubai offers exceptional career opportunities [3].

Salary ranges by speciality: What doctors can earn in Dubai

Salaries for doctors in Dubai vary considerably depending on speciality, experience and workplace. In contrast to Germany, the healthcare system in Dubai is predominantly privately organised, which leads to significantly higher salaries. All salaries mentioned are completely tax-freeas there is no income tax in the UAE [4].

Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery: The top earners

Dubai is a global centre for medical tourism, particularly in the field of cosmetic surgery. The demand for facelifts, breast surgery, body contouring and minimally invasive procedures is enormous, which is reflected in exceptionally high salaries [5].

Salary range:

  • Beginners with a DHA licence: 40,000 - 60,000 AED per month (10,000 - 15,000 euros)
  • Experienced specialists: up to AED 150,000 per month (37,500 euros) or more
  • With its own customer base: Significantly higher income possible through revenue sharing

The most popular locations for plastic surgeons are Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah and Al Wasl, where the most exclusive clinics are located.

Dermatology & Aesthetic Medicine: High demand, attractive salaries

Skin care, laser treatments, anti-ageing and pigmentation therapy are particularly popular in Dubai, especially among patients from the GCC region. The combination of medical dermatology and cosmetic procedures generates particularly high revenues [6].

Salary range:

  • Specialists in dermatology: 35,000 - 55,000 AED per month (8,750 - 13,750 Euro)
  • Specialising in aesthetic procedures: up to 90,000 AED per month (22,500 euros)

Dermatologists are particularly in demand in the Dubai Marina, DIFC and Downtown Dubai neighbourhoods, where the wealthy expat community is concentrated.

Surgery: Orthopaedics and general surgery

Surgeons are among the best-paid doctors in Dubai, especially in lucrative fields such as orthopaedics or specialised surgical procedures [7].

Salary range:

  • General surgeons: 50,000 - 80,000 AED per month (12,500 - 20,000 euros)
  • Orthopaedists and sports physicians: 35,000 - 65,000 AED per month (8,750 - 16,250 Euro)
  • With its own facility or operational specialisation: up to AED 100,000 per month (25,000 euros)

The high demand for orthopaedic treatments is a result of the active expat community and the growing awareness of sports medicine.

Internal medicine and cardiology: growing demand

Preventive medicine, treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are increasing significantly in the Gulf region. Good internists with specialisations are therefore in high demand [8].

Salary range:

  • Internists: 30,000 - 45,000 AED per month (7,500 - 11,250 Euro)
  • Cardiologists: 45,000 - 70,000 AED per month (11,250 - 17,500 Euro)
  • Anaesthetists and radiologists: 40,000 - 80,000 AED per month (10,000 - 20,000 Euro)

Dentistry & orthodontics: focus on aesthetics

Aesthetic dentistry is booming in Dubai. Veneers, Invisalign and smile makeovers are in huge demand, and many patients are travelling to Dubai specifically for dental treatments [9].

Salary range:

  • General dentists: 25,000 - 45,000 AED per month (6,250 - 11,250 Euro)
  • Orthodontists and implantologists: up to 70,000 AED per month (17,500 euros)

Special feature: Many dentists work on a commission basis with revenue sharing, which can significantly increase income.

Gynaecology & obstetrics: Specialised demand

A high proportion of female expats prefer specialised gynaecologists. There is strong demand for preventive care, pregnancy support and minimally invasive gynaecological procedures [10].

Salary range:

  • Medical specialists with a DHA/DOH licence: 30,000 - 55,000 AED per month (7,500 - 13,750 Euro)

General medicine & family doctors: Solid entry opportunities

International families attach great importance to regular check-ups, long-term care and trustworthy family doctors. German-speaking doctors are particularly popular [11].

Salary range:

  • Employed general practitioners: 20,000 - 35,000 AED per month (5,000 - 8,750 euros)
  • With own practice: Significantly higher income possible

This offers a good entry opportunity for European doctors with a broad medical spectrum.

Other sought-after specialisations

Paediatrics (paediatrics):

  • Specialists: 25,000 - 40,000 AED per month (6,250 - 10,000 euros)

Psychiatry & Psychotherapy:

  • Psychiatrist: 30,000 - 50,000 AED per month (7,500 - 12,500 euros)
  • Psychotherapists with a licence: 20,000 - 35,000 AED per month (5,000 - 8,750 euros)

Radiology:

  • Radiologists: 40,000 - 60,000 AED per month (10,000 - 15,000 euros)

German-speaking and multilingual therapists are particularly in demand, as the topic of mental health is becoming increasingly important in the UAE.

Comparison: Doctor salaries Dubai vs. Germany

The salary comparison between Dubai and Germany shows clear advantages for doctors in the UAE. While the average doctor's salary in Germany is around 93,793 euros gross per year [12], doctors in Dubai can earn significantly more - and completely tax-free.

Concrete comparative examples:

Specialist with professional experience:

  • Germany: 70,000 - 120,000 euros gross/year (after tax approx. 45,000 - 75,000 euros net)
  • Dubai: 240,000 - 300,000 euros/year (20,000 - 25,000 euros/month) - - completely tax-free

Surgeon with specialisation:

  • Germany: 100,000 - 200,000 euros gross/year (after tax approx. 60,000 - 120,000 euros net)
  • Dubai: 600,000 - 1,200,000 Euro/year (50,000 - 100,000 Euro/month) - - completely tax-free

The decisive advantage: In Dubai, there is no income tax, no social security contributions and no church tax. The gross salary corresponds to the net salary [13].

Benefits and additional services: The complete package

In addition to attractive base salaries, many employers in Dubai offer generous benefits that significantly reduce the cost of living and make relocation easier [14].

Standard services for doctors:

Flat and accommodation:

  • Fully paid flats in exclusive residential complexes
  • Or generous housing allowance (often 30-50% of salary)
  • Mostly furnished accommodation in popular neighbourhoods

Family benefits:

  • School fees for children: International schools with a worldwide reputation are often taken over completely
  • Health insurance: High-quality medical care for the whole family at no extra cost
  • Family visa: Free visas for spouses and children

Travel and relocation support:

  • Flight tickets: Paid flights for the whole family at the start of the contract
  • Relocation allowance: Generous support for the move
  • Annual flights home: Fully paid flights home for the whole family

Further benefits:

  • Company car: Often including insurance and maintenance
  • Bonus payments: Performance-related bonuses and royalties
  • Further training: Financing of training courses and conferences
  • End-of-service gratuity: Severance payment at the end of the contract (often equivalent to several months' salary)

DHA Licensing: Your path to medical practice in Dubai

In order to practice as a doctor in Dubai, a licence from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is required. The DHA was founded in 2007 and is responsible for quality assurance in the healthcare sector [15].

The licensing process step by step:

1. required documents:

  • Current passport photo
  • Valid passport copy
  • Good Standing Certificate (GSC) - not older than 6 months
  • For surgeons: Logbook of the last 2 years with documented interventions
  • Primary Source Verification (PSV) of all qualifications by authorised agency

2. examinations:

  • Computer Based Testing (CBT) depending on specialisation
  • Subject-specific assessments for certain specialisations

3. costs and processing time:

  • Registration costs: 200 AED (approx. 50 Euro)
  • Processing time: 5 working days for complete documents
  • Validity: 1 year (must be converted into an active licence by the healthcare institution)

Advantages for German doctors:

German doctors usually have an advantage when it comes to DHA licensing, as German medical training enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. The recognition of German specialist qualifications in Dubai is generally uncomplicated [16].

Cost of living in Dubai: What you need to know

The high salaries in Dubai must be viewed in the context of the cost of living. While some areas are more expensive than in Germany, the tax-free income and additional benefits usually more than compensate for these costs [17].

Housing costs:

Popular neighbourhoods for doctors:

  • Dubai Marina: 8,000 - 15,000 AED/month for 2-bedroom flat
  • Downtown Dubai: 10,000 - 18,000 AED/month for 2-bedroom flat
  • Jumeirah: 12,000 - 20,000 AED/month for 2-bedroom flat
  • Business Bay: 7,000 - 12,000 AED/month for 2-bedroom flat

Important note: Many employers cover housing costs in full or offer generous housing subsidies.

Other living costs:

  • Food: About 20-30% more expensive than in Germany
  • Transport: Very affordable thanks to subsidised public transport
  • Petrol: Significantly cheaper than in Germany
  • Restaurants: Wide price range, from affordable to luxurious
  • Leisure activities: Wide range of options in all price categories

Work culture and working conditions in Dubai

Working as a doctor in Dubai differs from working in Germany in a number of important ways:

Privatised healthcare system:

The majority of clinics and practices in Dubai are privately organised. This means that

  • Stronger focus on sales and patient satisfaction
  • Higher service standards and luxurious furnishings
  • More direct billing with patients or insurance companies
  • More flexibility in treatment methods and costs

International working environment:

  • Multicultural teams: Doctors from all over the world work together
  • English as a working language: Good English skills are essential
  • German-speaking patients: Many German expats prefer German-speaking doctors
  • High quality standards: International accreditations and certifications

Working hours and work-life balance:

  • Flexible working hours: Often better work-life balance than in Germany
  • Less bureaucracy: More efficient workflows thanks to digitalised processes
  • Modern equipment: Latest medical technology and devices
  • Further training opportunities: Regular international conferences and training courses

How DoctoFlow can help you launch your career in Dubai

As the leading agency for medical professionals in the UAE, DoctoFlow makes your dream of working in Dubai a reality. We accompany you from the initial consultation to successful integration into the Emirati healthcare market [18].

Our services for you:

Comprehensive advice:

  • Individual career counselling based on your specialisation and experience
  • Realistic salary estimates and negotiation support
  • Information about working conditions and cultural particularities

Licensing support:

  • Complete handling of DHA licensing
  • DataFlow verification and document processing
  • Preparation for required examinations and tests

Job placement:

  • Access to exclusive job offers in top clinics
  • Direct contacts to renowned healthcare facilities
  • Negotiation of optimal contract conditions and benefits

Relocation support:

  • Help with finding accommodation in the best neighbourhoods
  • Support with administrative procedures and formalities
  • Cultural orientation and integration

Why DoctoFlow is the right choice:

  • Expertise: Many years of experience in the VAE healthcare market
  • Network: Direct contact with leading clinics and decision-makers
  • Success rate: Over 95% successful placements
  • Aftercare: Continuous support even after placement

Medical tourism boom: additional income opportunities

Dubai is positioning itself as a global centre for medical tourism, creating additional income opportunities for doctors. With revenues of AED 12.1 billion in 2018 and an annual growth rate of 13%, this sector offers enormous potential [19].

Advantages for doctors:

  • International patients: Treatment of patients from all over the world
  • Premium treatments: Higher remuneration for specialised procedures
  • Reputation: Building an international patient base
  • Further training: Contact with the latest treatment methods

Challenges and realistic expectations

Despite the attractive salaries and benefits, potential applicants should also be aware of the challenges:

Possible challenges:

Cultural adaptation:

  • Different work culture and patient expectations
  • Adapting to life in a multicultural society
  • Climatic conditions (high temperatures in summer)

Legal aspects:

  • In the case of treatment errors resulting in death, a blood fine of 200,000 dirhams (approx. 50,000 euros) is due [20]
  • Other legal systems and liability regulations
  • Strict regulations in the healthcare sector

Cost of living:

  • High rents in popular neighbourhoods (if not covered by the employer)
  • Expensive international schools for children
  • Higher costs for certain foods and services

Future prospects: Why now is the right time

The UAE is investing heavily in its healthcare infrastructure and is continuously building new clinics and medical centres. Due to the growing population and the increasing demand for high-quality healthcare, there is an urgent need for qualified doctors [21].

Current trends:

  • Digitalisation: Investments in telemedicine and digital healthcare solutions
  • Specialisation: Growing demand for highly specialised specialists
  • Preventive medicine: Increasing focus on prevention and wellness
  • Research: Expansion of medical research facilities

Conclusion: Dubai as a career springboard for doctors

Dubai offers doctors unique career opportunities with top tax-free salaries, state-of-the-art infrastructure and excellent working conditions. The salary ranges from AED 20,000 for newcomers to AED 150,000 for experienced specialists significantly exceed German standards - and are completely tax-free.

Particularly attractive are the comprehensive benefits such as paid accommodation, school fees for children and annual flights home. DHA licensing is usually straightforward for German doctors, and the international working environment offers valuable experience.

Your next steps:

  1. Inform yourself thoroughly about your specialisation and realistic salary expectations
  2. Contact DoctoFlow for a free initial consultation
  3. Prepare your documents for DHA licensing
  4. Plan your move with professional support

Dubai is waiting for qualified doctors like you. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to take your career to the next level while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.


Contact DoctoFlow

Ready to start your career in Dubai?

📞 Telephone: +971 50 721 28 35
📧 E-Mail: hello@doctoflow.com
🌐 Website: www.doctoflow.com

Contact us today for a free initial consultation and find out how we can help you find your dream position in Dubai.


References

[1] DoctoFlow: "The most sought-after medical jobs in the UAE - opportunities, specialities & salary overview" - https://doctoflow.com/die-gefragtesten-arztstellen-in-den-vae-chancen-fachrichtungen-gehaltsubersicht/

[2] SetupCo: "Working as a German doctor in Dubai: Salary, opportunities and challenges" - https://setupco.ae/arbeiten-als-deutscher-arzt-in-dubai-gehalt-chancen-und-herausforderungen/

[3] Euronews: "Medical tourism is flourishing in Dubai" - https://de.euronews.com/reise/2019/07/11/in-dubai-floriert-der-medizintourismus

[4] SetupCo: "Does gross really equal net in Dubai? An analysis of the salary structure in the UAE" - https://setupco.ae/ist-brutto-in-dubai-wirklich-gleich-netto-eine-analyse-der-gehaltsstruktur-in-den-vae/

[5] DoctoFlow: "Working as a Doctor in Dubai: The Complete Guide to DHA Licensing and Career Opportunities" - https://doctoflow.com/als-arzt-in-dubai-arbeiten-der-komplette-leitfaden-zur-dha-lizenzierung-und-karrierechancen/

[6] Glassdoor: "Doctor Salary in Dubai, United Arab Emirates" - https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/dubai-united-arab-emirates-doctor-salary-SRCH_IL.0,26_IM954_KO27,33.htm

[7] Reddit: "Working in Dubai as an American doctor" - https://www.reddit.com/r/Residency/comments/16fw2ul/working_in_dubai_as_an_american_doctor/

[8] Allocation Assist: "Doctors' Salary in Dubai (2025)" - https://www.allocationassist.com/doctorss-salary-in-dubai/

[9] Hippocratic Adventures: "American Doctors Practicing Medicine In The United Arab Emirates" - https://www.hippocraticadventures.com/uae/

[10] DoctoFlow: "Working as a doctor in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide 2025" - https://doctoflow.com/als-arzt-in-dubai-arbeiten-der-ultimative-leitfaden-2025-doctoflow-macht-es-moeglich/

[11] BDC: "As a German surgeon in Dubai - an ambivalent view" - https://www.bdc.de/als-deutscher-chirurg-in-dubai-eine-ambivalente-betrachtung/

[12] praktischArzt: "Doctor salary 2025 - How much do doctors earn?" - https://www.praktischarzt.de/arzt/gehalt-arzt/

[13] Reddit: "Salaries and working conditions for doctors in the UAE" - https://www.reddit.com/r/Residency/comments/18pe65s/doc_salaries_and_working_conditions_in_uae/?tl=de

[14] Coliquio: "As a doctor to Dubai: Not all that glitters is gold? (Part 2)" - https://www.coliquio.de/wissen/Praxis-Wissen-kompakt-100/Arzt-in-Dubai-Teil-2-100

[15] DoctoFlow: "Working as a Doctor in Dubai: The Complete Guide to DHA Licensing and Career Opportunities" - https://doctoflow.com/als-arzt-in-dubai-arbeiten-der-komplette-leitfaden-zur-dha-lizenzierung-und-karrierechancen/

[16] SetupCo: "Working as a German doctor in Dubai: Salary, opportunities and challenges" - https://setupco.ae/en/working-as-a-german-doctor-in-dubai-salary-opportunities-and-challenges/

[17] auf-in-die-schweiz.de: "Emigration: Dubai vs. Switzerland" - https://auf-in-die-schweiz.de/magazin/auswandern-nach-dubai-vs-schweiz/

[18] DoctoFlow: "How to work as a doctor with DoctoFlow - the No. 1 agency in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman" - https://doctoflow.com/wie-sie-als-arzt-mit-doctoflow-der-nr-1-agentur-in-dubai-abu-dhabi-sharjah-und-ajman-ihre-karriere-in-den-vae-starten-und-pure-inspiration-fuer-ihre-auswanderung-finden/

[19] WAM: "The United Arab Emirates, a global destination for medical tourism" - https://www.wam.ae/de/article/hszrbofr-die-vereinigten-arabischen-emirate-ein-globales

[20] BDC: "As a German surgeon in Dubai - an ambivalent view" - https://www.bdc.de/als-deutscher-chirurg-in-dubai-eine-ambivalente-betrachtung/

[21] Medsurge India: "Medical Tourism in Dubai" - https://medsurgeindia.com/de/dubai-is-the-leading-country-in-medical-tourism/


This article was created by DoctoFlow and is based on current market data and experience from the placement of medical professionals in the UAE. Status: January 2025

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