Increasing workload, rigid structures, high tax burden - many doctors in Germany, Austria and Switzerland are considering emigrating. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates not only offer state-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure, but also an attractive combination of tax-free income, an international environment and a high quality of life. But how do you get started? What needs to be considered when applying for a licence? And how safe is a new start really?
This article provides you with a structured overview - from planning to establishment.
1 Why now?
The demand for qualified European doctors is currently particularly high. Numerous new clinics, medical centres and practices are being built in the Emirates. Many positions cannot be filled locally due to a lack of suitable specialists. At the same time, the entry hurdles for experienced doctors are clearly regulated and can be easily overcome with professional support.
Top reasons for leaving:
-
Tax-free income
-
Better working conditions & less bureaucracy
-
International patient structure
-
Family-friendly lifestyle
-
Innovative spirit in the healthcare sector
2. requirements for medical authorisation in the UAE
Depending on the emirate, one of the following authorities is responsible:
-
DHA (Dubai Health Authority)
-
DOH (Department of Health, Abu Dhabi)
-
MOHAP (Ministry of Health, for the other Emirates)
You need:
-
Recognised licence to practise medicine or specialist title
-
At least 2 years of professional experience after obtaining the title
-
Impeccable "Good Standing Certificate"
-
DataFlow verification (proof of the authenticity of your documents)
-
Specialist examination or interview, if applicable
DoctoFlow accompanies you through each of these steps with expertise and legal protection.


3. licensing step by step
-
Consultation & goal setting
-
Document check & translations
-
DataFlow start & upload
-
Application Submission to DHA, DOH or MOHAP
-
Examination / interview (if required)
-
Licence release & exhibition
At the same time, visa and company issues (e.g. own clinic) can be clarified.
4 Salary & working models: What is possible?
The UAE offers both salaried and entrepreneurial models.
-
Specialist employee: 25,000 - 60,000 AED per month
-
Practice activity with revenue sharing: Commissions of up to 50 % possible
-
Own clinic: Entrepreneurial unlimited, depending on specialisation
Especially in demand:
-
Plastic surgery
-
Dermatology
-
Dentistry
-
Gynaecology
-
General medicine
-
Orthopaedics
-
Cardiology
5 Living in the Emirates: What can you expect?
-
High security & political stability
-
International Community & Private Schools
-
Modern infrastructure
-
Low cost of living with smart planning
-
No income tax
Families with children, singles or couples - everyone will find their place in the UAE.
6. common challenges - and how DoctoFlow solves them
-
Bureaucracy: We take care of communication with the authorities
-
Language barriers: English is sufficient, Arabic optional
-
Licence duration: We optimise your timeline
-
Contractual & legal matters: Protection by our partner Nami Shams (Legal Consultant)

Now is the time for your new start
It has never been easier to start an international career in the UAE as an experienced doctor. The conditions are excellent, the processes transparent - and with the right support, your adventure abroad will be a success story.
DoctoFlow accompanies you from A to Z.