🏛️ Social Care Professional Licensing in UAE – A Complete Guide-Social Worker, Psychologist , Special Educator License process under Sharjah Social Service Department(SSSD):

By Shincy George | NursingManthra Blog

If you’re a social care professional planning to practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), obtaining a valid license is a must. Each emirate has its own licensing authority and procedures, and in this blog, we focus on Sharjah, under the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD).

Whether you are a social worker, psychologist, behavioral analyst, or special education professional, this guide will help you understand the requirements, process, documents, and fees involved in applying for a Social Care Professional License in Sharjah.

🔹 Why Do You Need a License?

Practicing a social care profession in Sharjah without a valid license can lead to a fine of AED 5,000. This regulation ensures that professionals are competent, qualified, and ethically sound to work with vulnerable communities.

🔹 Who Can Apply?

The Sharjah SSSD provides licenses to a broad range of professionals, including:

• Social Workers
• Counseling Psychologists
• Psychotherapists
• School Psychologists
• Marital/Family/Criminal Psychologists
• Behavioral Analysts (Doctor, Assistant, General)
• Occupational Therapists
• Special Education Teachers

💡 Minimum required professional experience: 2 years in your respective field.

✅ Step-by-Step Licensing Process – Explained

Here’s how to navigate your application process in 9 straightforward steps:

🔹 Step 1: Apply for MOE Equivalency

If your highest qualification was obtained outside the UAE, you must first get it equivalized by the Ministry of Education.
👉 Apply here: MOE Equivalency Portalhttps://www.moe.gov.ae/En/EServices/ServiceCard/pages/certequivalent.aspx

🔹 Step 2: Apply for SSSD DataFlow Verification

Submit your academic and professional credentials for primary source verification through DataFlow Group, specifically under Sharjah Social Services Department.
👉 Start here: DataFlow Group – SSSD

🔹 Step 3: Submit Application via SSSD Website + Upload Documents & Pay Fees

Log in through UAE Pass at the SSSD official site or visit the Customer Happiness Centre in Sharjah.
Upload all required documents and pay the evaluation test fee (AED 1,000).

🔹 Step 4: Application Review (14 Days)

The application is reviewed administratively by the SSSD team. If all documents are in order, it is forwarded to the committee within 14 working days.

🔹 Step 5: Committee Evaluation (14 Days)

The committee assesses your application for eligibility, compliance, and completeness. They issue a decision within 14 days.

🔹 Step 6: Attend Evaluation Test

You’ll be required to attend and pass a professional evaluation test administered by SSSD.
🧠 This assesses your knowledge and suitability for working in Sharjah’s social services sector.

🔹 Step 7: Get Offer Letter from Sponsoring Facility

For non-Emiratis, you must secure an offer letter from a licensed facility that will act as your sponsor. This is essential for processing your final license.

🔹 Step 8: Apply for License Service & Make Final Payment

Once your evaluation and sponsorship are complete, apply for the license service and pay:

✅ Total Estimated Cost: AED 1,400

🔹 Step 9: Get Your License Card Issued:

Once all approvals are granted and fees are paid, your official SSSD Social Care License will be issued, and you’ll receive your license card.

📄 Required Documents

Here’s what you need to keep ready for your application:

• Copy of valid passport
• Copy of Emirates ID
• Passport size photo
• Valid License (if applicable)
• Higher secondary certificate
• Proof of valid residence visa (for non-Emiratis)
• Accredited academic qualifications -Degree and master degree (UAE Embassy and MOFA attested)
• Academic transcript of both degrees
• Equivalency report from UAE Ministry of Education if your degree is from outside UAE
• Experience certificates showing at least 2 years of recent work
• Primary source verification report from DataFlow Group
• Good Conduct Certificate issued by police or authorities in your country of residence
• Updated Resume
• Any additional documents requested by SSSD

📝 Additional Conditions

• The applicant must have full legal capacity and no prior convictions for dishonesty or moral crimes.
• Non-Emirati applicants must be sponsored by the establishment through which they are practicing.
• Must pass a licensing evaluation test administered by the SSSD.
• Non-Emiratis must also complete a 5-hour mandatory course on UAE customs, culture, and traditions.

💰 Licensing Fees

Here’s the breakdown of costs involved:

✅ Total Approximate Cost: AED 1,400 -In SSSD site

Other Expenses:

*MOE Data flow for highest Qualification: Around 310 to 400aed depends on your education authority.

* Equivalency certificate payment from MOE -150AED

* Data flow verification payment -SSSD data flow -It depends on your documents. Around 700 to 1000 AED can expect.

📬 Need Help with Licensing?

At NursingManthra, we help you with:

• Data Flow processhttps://nursingmanthra.com/dataflow-verification-guide-healthcare-engineering-education/
• Equivalency application:
• Document attestationhttps://nursingmanthra.com/embassy-attestation/
• Licensing application preparation
• Study materials: https://nursingmanthra.com/product/nursing-manthras-review-material-for-community-development-authority-psychologist/
• https://nursingmanthra.com/product/nursing-manthras-prometric-review-material-for-socialworker/

📩 Contact us at [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.nursingmanthra.com
📱 Follow us on Instagram: @nursingmanthra

🛑 Final Tip

Always ensure your documents are up to date and verified. Failing to follow the proper process may delay or even disqualify your application. For support, don’t hesitate to reach out to experts like us who’ve helped hundreds of professionals just like you.