Are you a psychologist from your home country looking to practise in the UAE? Or perhaps a current professional aiming to obtain a licence in another emirate?

To practise a social care profession in the UAE, you must be licensed by the relevant authority in each emirate.

This guide outlines the necessary documents, conditions and application steps for obtaining a licence in Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

Sharjah

To practise a social care profession in Sharjah, you need to apply for a licence from the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD). Applicants must have at least two years of experience in a social care profession. Practising without a licence in Sharjah could result in a fine of Dh5,000.

Eligible Professionals

* Social workers

* Counselling psychologists

* Psychotherapists

* School psychologists

* Marital-family psychologists

* Criminal psychologists

* Behavioural analysts

* Assistant behavioural analysts

* Behavioural analyst doctors

* Occupational therapists

* Special education teachers

Steps

* Apply online via the UAE Pass or visit a customer happiness centre with your Emirates ID.

* Submit your application along with the required documents.

* The administration will forward the application to a committee within 14 days.

* The committee will issue a decision within 14 days of receiving the application.

Required Documents

* Copy of valid passport, family book, and Emirates ID for Emiratis

* Copy of valid passport, residency proof, and Emirates ID for residents

* Copy of accredited academic qualifications

* Academic transcript

* Equivalency report for degrees obtained outside the UAE

* Certificates of experience from the last two years

* Verification report of qualifications and experience from Dataflow

* Good conduct certificate issued by relevant authorities

* Additional documents may be requested by the department

Further Conditions

* The applicant must have full legal capacity and no criminal record for crimes against honour or honesty.

* Non-citizens must hold a residence permit through their current employer.

* The applicant must pass an evaluation test, and non-citizens must complete a minimum five-hour course on UAE customs, traditions and culture.

Fees

* Licence application: Free

* Evaluation test: Dh1,000

* Social profession licence fee: Dh300

* Issuance of social profession licence card: Dh100

Dubai

To practise a social care profession in Dubai, you must apply for a licence (valid for two years) from the Community Development Authority (CDA). Applicants need at least one year of experience in a social care profession.

Eligible Professionals

* Social workers

* Social counselors

* Social therapists (behavioural analysts, assistant behavioural analysts, psychologists assistant psychologists)

* Special education teachers (including learning support teachers)

Steps

* Submit your application and documents via email to professional.licensing@cda.gov.ae.

* Obtain verification from Dataflow and then submit your application to the CDA.

* Take a professional licensing examination at the British University in Dubai.

* If applicable, complete an intensive training programme and obtain a certificate.

* A committee will review the application and, if approved, issue an initial approval.

* Submit an employment contract.

* Take the oath, and the licence will be sent to you via email.

Required Documents

* Passport copy

* CV

* Copy of highest academic degree

* CDA application form

* Letter of authorization

* Experience letter (last three years)

* Copy of professional licence (if available)

* Additional documents following training (e.g., Good Conduct Certificate, Dataflow report)

Further Conditions

* The applicant must be a UAE resident with full civil capacity.

* The applicant must have a clean criminal record for felonies or misdemeanours involving moral turpitude or dishonesty unless rehabilitated.

* Other requirements may apply as set by the authority.

Fees: The application service is free in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, those wishing to practise a social care profession must apply for a licence (valid for one year) from the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development. The application can be submitted via the TAMM website. The service is free of charge.

Steps

* Log in through UAE Pass.

* Submit the application with the required documents.

* Upon receiving preliminary approval, complete the specified procedures and pass a professional competency test at a certified centre.

* If the application is complete and the test result is favourable, you will be issued the licence.

Required Documents:

* Copy of valid passport (first two pages)

* Passport-sized photo

* Equivalency report for academic certificate from the Ministry of Education

* Attested educational certificate and transcript

* Introduction letter

* CV

* Experience certificate

* Good conduct certificate from the employer

* Police clearance certificate

* Local or international social care professional licences (if available)

* Valid residence permit (for non-citizens)

For any enquiries or information, contact ask@tlr.ae or call us on +971 52 644 3004. Follow The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels.