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Author: Nursing Manthra
Healthcare professionals working in Sharjah are currently seeing a major transition in licensing regulation. Many hospitals and clinics that previously operated under the Ministry of Health UAE (MOH/MOHAP) are moving to the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) system.

Because of this transition, professionals holding MOH licenses may now need to obtain an Assessment Certificate from the Sharjah Health Authority before activating or renewing their license under SHA.

This detailed guide explains:

How to transfer an MOH license to Sharjah Health Authority
Why hospitals are moving to SHA
Documents required
Application steps
Processing time
Fees involved
Important precautions

We also explain how Nursing Manthra can assist healthcare professionals with the entire licensing process.

Quick Answer:

Healthcare professionals with a valid MOH license working in Sharjah may need to obtain an Assessment Certificate from the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) before activating or renewing their license under SHA.

The process generally includes:

Apply for SHA Assessment Certificate
Submit supporting documents including MOH license
Upload credentials and professional documents
Complete evaluation and verification
Activate SHA license under employer facility

Overview of Sharjah Health Authority (SHA)

The Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) is the regulatory body responsible for supervising healthcare services and licensing healthcare professionals and facilities in the Emirate of Sharjah. The authority was established to regulate healthcare services and improve the quality of medical care in the region.

Its responsibilities include:

Licensing healthcare professionals
Regulating healthcare facilities
Monitoring healthcare quality standards
Implementing health insurance programs
Supporting medical education and professional development

The authority aims to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that healthcare professionals meet the required professional standards before practicing in Sharjah.

Why Are Hospitals in Sharjah Moving from MOH to SHA?

Many hospitals and clinics in Sharjah previously operated under MOHAP licensing because the Ministry of Health regulated healthcare services in the northern emirates.

However, with the expansion of the Sharjah healthcare sector, the Sharjah Health Authority has started managing licensing and regulatory functions within the emirate.

The transition allows:

Better local regulation of healthcare services
Improved monitoring of professional qualifications
Faster licensing procedures
Standardized healthcare quality control

As a result, some healthcare facilities are transitioning their staff licenses from MOH to SHA licensing systems.

Is This Applicable to All Hospitals in Sharjah?

Not necessarily.

Some facilities may continue under MOH licensing while others move under SHA.

However, healthcare facilities operating under the Sharjah Health Authority jurisdiction must ensure that their staff licenses are registered and activated under SHA.

Healthcare professionals working in those facilities must therefore complete the required SHA assessment process.

Process at a Glance: MOH License Transfer to SHA

Here is the simplified process.

Check eligibility for SHA assessment
Apply for Assessment Certificate on SHA portal
Upload MOH license and professional documents
Credential verification and evaluation
SHA assessment approval
Facility activates SHA license

Once approved, the healthcare professional can legally practice in facilities licensed under SHA.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Visit the SHA eServices Portal

Healthcare professionals must apply through the Sharjah Health Authority electronic portal.

Portal access: https://eservices.shcc.shj.ae

Create an account using your email address.

Do not use UAE PASS in some cases depending on facility instructions. We can proceed with UAE Pass, but you have to check with employer.

Step 2: Select Assessment Certificate Service

After logging in:

Choose Assessment Certificate
Click Start Service

This service allows the authority to review your professional qualifications.

Step 3: Fill Personal and Professional Details

You will need to enter:

Personal information
Professional details
Current employment information
MOH license information

Ensure that all information matches your official documents.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Upload the required documents including:

MOH license copy
Passport copy
Emirates ID copy
Educational certificates
Experience certificates
Life support certifications (BLS/ACLS)

Documents must be in English or Arabic. If not, official translation may be required.

Step 5: Submit Application

Review all information carefully before submission.

Once submitted, the application will be reviewed by the Sharjah Health Authority.

Documents Required for MOH to SHA License Transfer:

Typical documents required include:

Valid MOH license
Passport copy
Emirates ID copy
Offer letter from healthcare facility
Medical malpractice insurance
BLS or life support certificate
NOC letter from employer (if required)

These documents help verify the professional’s eligibility for SHA licensing.

Eligibility Criteria for SHA Licensing

Healthcare professionals applying for SHA licensing must meet the following conditions:

Valid professional qualification from a recognized institution
No gap of professional practice longer than three years
Valid professional license
Clean professional record

These criteria ensure healthcare professionals meet professional standards before practicing in Sharjah.

Total Fees for MOH License Transfer to SHA:

Fees may vary depending on the profession and facility.

Estimated costs may include:

Service	Estimated Fee
SHA Assessment Application	AED 520
Data flow Verification	AED 300 – AED 1000(Depends on documents)
License Activation	AED 1000 – AED 3000

Total estimated cost may range from AED 1500 to AED 4000(Depends on profession)

License activation fee usually employer will take. Assessment and data flow transfer fee usually candidate has to take.

Actual fees may vary depending on professional category.

Processing Time

The typical processing time for SHA professional licensing services may be around 4 working days after submission, provided that all documents are complete and approved.

However, delays may occur if:

Documents are incomplete
Additional verification is required
Credential verification is pending

Important Notes for Healthcare Professionals

Before applying for SHA assessment, make sure that:

Your MOH license is valid
Your professional documents are accurate
Your employer supports the transfer process
Your professional experience details are correct

Incomplete applications may delay approval.

Common Challenges During License Transfer

Some professionals may face issues such as:

Document verification delays
Missing experience certificates
License validity problems
Incorrect application details

Working with professional licensing consultants can help avoid these issues.

How Nursing Manthra Can Assist:

The healthcare licensing process in the UAE can be complicated for many professionals.

Nursing Manthra provides end-to-end assistance including:

SHA license application support
MOH to SHA license transfer guidance
Credential verification assistance
Documentation preparation
Application submission support

Our team has experience handling licensing processes for nurses and healthcare professionals across multiple healthcare authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can MOH license be directly transferred to SHA?

In many cases, healthcare professionals must obtain an SHA assessment certificate before activating the license under SHA.

Is SHA license required for all hospitals in Sharjah?

Only facilities regulated under the Sharjah Health Authority require SHA licensing.

Do nurses need to take an exam for SHA?

If the professional already holds a valid UAE license, an exam may not always be required, but assessment may still be necessary.

How long does SHA license activation take?

Usually 4–10 working days depending on document verification.

What happens if I do not apply before the deadline?

Your license activation may be delayed, and you may not be able to practice legally under SHA-regulated facilities.

Can MOH nurses work in Sharjah without SHA licensing?

Only if the facility is still under MOH regulation. If the hospital has transitioned to SHA, SHA licensing may be required.

Conclusion

The transition from MOH licensing to Sharjah Health Authority licensing represents a significant regulatory development for healthcare professionals working in Sharjah.

Healthcare workers with MOH licenses must ensure that they complete the SHA assessment and license activation process if their healthcare facility requires it.

Understanding the process, preparing documents correctly, and applying within the required timeline will help avoid disruptions in your licensing status.

With proper guidance, the process can be completed smoothly.